Josh James (SP/RP, HOU) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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OWNED IN: 9% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Houston Astros pitcher Josh James is a player so new to fantasy owners that ESPN only JUST got him in their player pool. His MLB debut saw him fan nine Angels over five innings, with the only damage coming on a Kole Calhoun three-run homer.

The three walks point to the 3.9 BB/9 from the minors this season, but the nine punchouts are tethered to an absurd 171 Ks in just 114 ⅓ IP on the farm. He gets a tough test against Boston next, but it’s worth at least stashing him before that in case he causes a FAAB riot by shutting down the best team in baseball. Considering that he was touching triple digits against the Angels, it would not be shocking, and he should be owned in deeper leagues.