Alex Claudio (RP, TEX) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: Alex Claudio has inherited the closer job in Texas by default. The team had about five candidates ahead of him earlier this season, but they've all faltered. Claudio has held his own so far, picking up four saves and seven holds on the season. Here's the disclaimer on this pickup: add him for saves only. Claudio has maintained a decent 2.38 ERA supported by a 2.88 SIERA, but he is only striking out 5.6 batters per nine innings. He's inducing a 9.6% swinging strike rate that has fallen each year since he came up to the majors. To call him a left-handed version of Jeanmar Gomez wouldn't be too far off, and we know how that ended in Philly.

With a fastball that doesn't even touch 90 on the radar gun, Claudio has to locate extremely well to induce groundball outs. He's definitely figured that out, as he holds a 70% GB% this season. Claudio is a crafty pitcher to be sure, but that's not always reassuring to fans and fantasy owners. He hasn't gotten lit up on any occasion yet this year, but a pitcher who can't blow by a hitter to get a strikeout when he's in a jam can be prone to give up big innings. If you're looking for a few saves to pad your lead or catch up to a competitor in a rotisserie league, Claudio might do the trick as long as he keeps tricking hitters.