Steven Matz (SP, NYM) - Week 9 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 17% of leagues

ANALYSIS: New York Mets starting pitcher Steven Matz has always had a high ceiling. Unfortunately, bad timing of consistent injuries have derailed the southpaw from developing momentum in recent years. However, Matz still possesses ace upside that he still shows flashes of from time to time and he remains on the fantasy baseball radar because of it.

The lefty has been pitching well of late, carrying a 2.57 ERA over the last 30 days while recently shutting out the Brewers over six innings on the road in his last outing. Matz does have his issues, allowing a career high 4.01 BB/9 this season while allowing 1.90 HR/9. That is not an ideal recipe for success at the major league level. Luckily, it looks as though Matz has fell victim to a bit of bad luck in the home run department, owning a 20.9% HR/FB ratio. That is well above the league average while also above his typical mark.

Fantasy owners should expect Matz's numbers to improve as the season goes on, assuming he can stay healthy. Opposing hitters hold a mere 13% line drive rate against the Queens left-hander and more of the fly balls will start to find an outfielder's glove. For these reasons, Steven Matz makes for a smart add in 12-team mixed formats if you are in need of a starting pitcher.