Kris Bubic (SP, KC) - Week 9 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12-Team Leagues

ROSTERED IN: 26% of leagues

ANALYSIS: It's been smooth sailing so far for Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Kris Bubic in his second stint in the Royals' rotation. Through two starts, Bubic has pitched 11 innings and allowed seven hits, five walks and two earned runs while striking out seven.

Bubic had an inconsistent rookie year with the Royals in 2020. He made 10 starts and went 1-6 with a 4.32 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 22.1% strikeout rate. He didn't pitch deep into games, but did a decent job of limiting damage, allowing two or fewer earned runs in seven of his 10 starts.

Bubic began the 2021 season in the bullpen and made four relief appearances before the Danny Duffy (forearm) injury and the struggles of prospect Daniel Lynch forced the team to turn to Bubic. Over his six total appearances this year, Bubic has a 1.52 ERA and 1.14 WHIP. He's limited hitters to a 4.7% barrel rate, down from 8.1% last year. His third pitch, his curveball, has been much more effective this year, generating a 29.4% whiff rate, up from 11.6% last year.

Bubic is worth adding for anyone in need of pitching depth in AL-only leagues or leagues of 12 teams or deeper. In more shallow leagues, he can be left on waivers. His upside is pretty minimal due to his low strikeout potential and the fact that he won't go too deep into games. His next start will be against the Minnesota Twins on Friday.

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