Jordan Zimmermann (SP, DET) - Week 17 Waiver Wire Pickups

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OWNED IN: 31% of leagues

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. Another positive sign for Zimmermann is that his O-Swing% is already up this season (36.7%) and it is 37.3% over the last five starts. When combined with a 10.9% swinging strike rate (10.3% for the season would tie a career-high), Zimmermann looks to have reinvented himself as a strikeout pitcher.

Zimmermann was not scheduled to pitch right after the All-Star break, which actually makes his fantasy stock considerably higher. A matchup against the Red Sox would have been perilous for the right-hander, who is now scheduled to pitch in Kansas City against the Royals. Considering his form and the fact that the Royals have one of the worst offenses in baseball, Zimmermann is one of our favorite streamers this week.