BALLER MOVE: Target ~140
CURRENT ADP: 147.3
ANALYSIS: Debuting with the Mariners in 2011, Michael Pineda posted a 3.74 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP and 173 strikeouts over 171 innings. However, after being traded to the Yankees before the 2012 season, Pineda suffered a shoulder injury and missed two full seasons. Making his return to the mound in 2014, he started 17 games, dominating to the tune of a 1.89 ERA and a 0.83 WHIP. His 0.83 BB/9 rate was otherworldly, and batters hit only .198 against the 6’7" right-hander. Unfortunately, derailed by inconsistency, Pineda finished 2015 with a 4.37 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP, allowing opposing batters hit .273.
Despite the down year, Pineda still maintained a 2.95 xFIP-- a career-low and ninth best among pitchers with at least 150 IP. His Greg Maddux-esque 1.18 BB/9 was third lowest among the same demographic, and his 8.74 K/9 ranked in the top 30. His opposing BABIP was abnormally high (.332), and his above-average fastball was hit abnormally well (.342/.342/.519), so those numbers are likely to come down in 2016. Health is always a concern for Pineda, but he offers good value and high upside as Rotoballer’s 39th ranked starting pitcher.
Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!