Mike Soroka (SP, ATL) - Week 5 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 27% of leagues

ANALYSIS: All Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Mike Soroka did to win his Major League debut was toss six innings of one-run ball against the Mets. Ho-hum. He struck out five and walked none, which illustrates his likely strikeout limits (he had 125 K’s in 153 ⅔ IP at Double-A in ‘17) and incredible control (he had a sub-2.0 BB/9 throughout the Minors).

That said, he showed some improved whiffs this season before the promotion so do not rule out some growth there. As hyped as everyone is for Luiz Gohara, Soroka is not to be overlooked and should offer strong ratio relief with the upside for a strikeout per frame. That 95 mph heater with sink was a thing of beauty!

He will likely start on Sunday, the Braves have the 'TBD' for that slot, and has a juicy matchup at home against the Giants. Look for Soroka to follow up his strong first start and add him in deeper formats.