Roenis Elias (SP, SEA) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in Very Deep Leagues

ANALYSIS: Roenis Elias continued his inconsistent June campaign Saturday, allowing five earned runs on six hits over six innings in a 5-0 loss to the Indians. He has three quality starts in six games started this month, leaving fantasy owners quite confused. Despite being a surprise pick for Seattle's rotation, the 25-year-old rookie has been solid to date, posting a 3.96 ERA and 1.19 WHIP over 104.2 innings pitched. With a 3.61 ERA over his minor league career and 290 strikeouts in 326.2 innings, there are things to like about Elias, mainly his filthy, versatile curveball. When pairing that with his mid-90s fastball, his overall stuff is above-average. That said, he is still a bit wild, and can struggle to keep balls in the zone. You don't know if he will come out with a gem or struggle any given start, so it's tough to know how to play Elias. It could be the case that major league hitters are beginning to figure him out, which could be devastating for a moderately-regarded pitcher without a history of minor league dominance. But given his relative effectiveness thus far, Elias is worthy of a roster spot in an AL-Only league where he will give you innings or the deepest of mixed leagues. However, when you take into account his overall inconsistency, especially as of late, there are likely much better options in any mixed league. I would have advised to sell high in early June, but if you do still own the Cuban lefty now, you may want to dangle him and see what you can get so he doesn't give you any more headaches with his occasional blowup.