Kyle Hendricks (SP, CHC) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 10+ team leagues

OWNED IN: 26% of Fleaflicker Leagues

ANALYSIS: The forgotten man in the Cubs rotation. While Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, and Jason Hammel are the headliners, Kyle Hendricks is fortifying the backend of that rotation. Through 104.2 innings Hendricks has compiled a 3.44 ERA and 1.11 WHIP with a 84/18 K/BB ratio. This is after a 2014 campaign in which Hendricks completed 13 starts with 7-2 record and 2.46 ERA.

So is this legit? The numbers say yes. Hendricks has improved his K rate (7.22 K/9) and lowered his BB rate (1.55 BB/9). He has also limited the use of his cutter which had graded out as his worst pitch, so Hendricks is self-aware of his shortcomings and making the necessary adjustments.

In his last four starts (26 innings) Hendricks has a 0.35 ERA and 0.77 WHIP, with the only earned run coming in his latest start at Atlanta. Those are fantastic numbers for a pitcher who’s unowned in 74% of leagues. Hendricks has earned the right to be owned in shallow leagues, and if he’s a FA in your league I highly recommend you snag a share. I just traded for Hendricks myself, so know if things go wrong I’m going down with you!