Jordan Montgomery (SP, NYY) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: Jordan Montgomery wasn't on the radar for most fantasy owners this spring, but he earned the final spot in the Yankees' rotation and has improved steadily as the season has progressed. Through his first five starts, the 24-year-old rookie held his own, providing serviceable ratios despite an elevated walk rate. In nine turns since, he's chopped that walk rate in half and continued striking out nearly a batter per inning. Issuing fewer free passes has helped him avoid trouble even as he's allowed a few more balls to leave the yard. On the season, Montgomery is 6-4 with a 3.53 ERA and 1.21 WHIP, and he's allowed more than two runs just once since May 18. There may be additional upside here, as well - Montgomery's 13.7% swinging strike rate is seventh in baseball, ahead of such luminaries as Clayton Kershaw, Stephen Strasburg, and Yu Darvish.

Montgomery threw only 140 innings in the minors last year, so he could run into an innings cap later in the season. For now, though, you can start him with confidence.