Matt Boyd (SP, DET) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 21% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Matt Boyd is a top-50 overall player per Yahoo’s 5x5 system over the last month, which has come by way of a 2.37 ERA/0.89 WHIP and three wins. He has managed to increase his fastball velocity from an early average of 89-90 mph to above 92 mph in August, yet his breaking pitches have stayed roughly the same. His splits are noticeable, with a 2.80 home ERA (4.93 xFIP) and 5.60 road ERA (4.44 xFIP), but, what we are monitoring with care, is the 22.9% K-BB rate in July and an incredible ~4% walk rate between July and August (half of his April-June mark).

Some of this is luck, but he is a fly ball pitcher in Comerica Park who is showing improved control and more life with the heater while maintaining effectiveness with his breaking pitches. It looks like Boyd could be just the addition that you need for the stretch run and should be owned in all leagues.