Joey Lucchesi (SP, SD) - Week 12 Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: San Diego Padres starting pitcher Joey Lucchesi (hip) is nearing his return to the rotation, and it seems that many fantasy owners cut bait with him as he has been sidelined since May 15th with a right hip strain.  Now is absolutely the time to scoop the young pitcher back up, as he just obliterated the opposition in his latest High-A rehab start (four innings pitched, no hits allowed, six strikeouts, hit 96 MPH with his fastball) and looks to be cleared to return sometime this week. Lucchesi holds impressive numbers on the year, sporting a 3-2 record with a nice 3.23 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and a juicy 48/15 K/BB ratio (good for 9.13 K/9). The only blip on his season stats are his eight home runs allowed and above league-average hard contact % (38%), so that is something to keep an eye on with him.  However, he has shown immense strikeout, ERA, and WHIP upside in his brief minor league stint (148/33 K/BB ratio in the minors in 2017) and that has transitioned nicely to the major league level.  He has a locked-in spot in the Padres rotation, pitches in one of the best pitchers park's in the MLB, and has the ability to help your fantasy team out in the aforementioned categories.  If you have a flexible roster spot and/or need starting pitching help, Lucchesi is a player you definitely want to take a hard look at.