Jordan Zimmermann (SP, DET) - Week 16 Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann is on a tear right now, going 2-1 with a 2.56 ERA in 31 2/3 since June 15 (five starts). While he allowed four runs (two home runs) in 6 2/3 innings against the Rays on July 11, he had allowed two earned runs in his last three starts (20 innings pitched) and had back-to-back quality starts against the Blue Jays and Rangers to open July.

Most, if not at, of Zimmermann's success begins with the fact that he has walked just two batters (against 29 strikeouts) over his last five starts. While his ground ball rate is not great (35.6%), he has only given up 21.7% hard contact in this time period and has an above average strand rate of 77.5%. What is key to remember is that, when he was a top-10 finisher in the NL Cy Young in 2013 and 2014, Zimmermann walked just 69 batters in 413 innings.

Zimmermann does not have another start before the All-Star break, likely lining him up to start against the Red Sox in Detroit after the All-Star Break. We will never endorse a pitcher to throw against the Red Sox (particularly one that is not an ace), but it is important to see if Zimmermann can maintain his good control. He is a good player to watch in deeper leagues.