Nathan Eovaldi (SP, TB) - Week 9 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 1% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Those desperate for an AL-only arm may want to see what the once-useful Nathan Eovaldi has left in the tank after two elbow surgeries have sidelined him in recent years. Those who bought Eovaldi for yesterday's start against the Athletics must be happy as well, as he pitched six no-hit innings and struck out four batters while walking one.

His most recent 2016 campaign was marred by homers while pitching at Yankee Stadium, as he suddenly gave up much louder contact and saw his HR/FB rate nearly triple compared to when he compiled a 14-3 record in 2015. While he had an average fastball of 97.9 MPH in 2016, and 94.9 for his career, he has only struck out 17% of batters for his career.

Perhaps this whole "opening pitcher" throwing hitters off balance before Eovaldi steps in with his fastball/splitter/slider combo may work, but we should keep expectations tempered. There will be more that jump on board after his strong start on Wednesday, but he should only be added in deeper leagues.