Mike Montgomery (SP/RP, CHC) - Week 12 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 24% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Chicago Cubs pitcher Mike Montgomery has been very effective for the Cubbies this season, carving out a role for the 2016 World Champions. It is unfortunate for Montgomery that Tyler Chatwood once again skirted huge damage despite walking everyone on the planet because we are really counting on the Cubbies handing Montgomery that rotation spot once Yu Darvish returns.

Regardless, Darvish is still a ways away and Montgomery did his part on Tuesday night by tossing six innings of one-run ball, though he had some Chatwooditis with four walks. The good news is that he mustered five strikeouts and continues to trend upward with whiffs -- he entered the start with a 12.3% SwStr% over the last 30 days, good for 22nd out of 127 qualified starters.

There is likely more here to be unlocked and, even if that day does not come, he is still worth rostering in 12-team formats. The Cubs will continue to win, Montgomery will (at a minimum) fill in as starter depth, and he is a good option.