Caleb Smith (SP, MIA) - Week 2 Waiver Wire Pickups

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Miami Marlins starters may not seem like valuable fantasy assets, but Caleb Smith has become an intriguing option in 2019. In his first start this season against the Mets, Smith did what he does best: get strikeouts. He punched out eight batters over five innings of work as he opened the eyes of many fantasy owners seeking pitching depth for their roster. Taking the hill in the spacious confines of Marlins Park doesn't hurt his cause either as it ranked last in park factor for runs a season ago. After missing the second half of 2018 with a shoulder injury, Smith is locked and loaded as a potential breakout pitcher in 2019.

Tossing 77.1 innings of work a season ago, Smith amassed a stellar 27.0 K%, a number that would have equaled Cy Young candidate Aaron Nola. The southpaw throws a four-seamer clocked in the 93 MPH range but he mixes his changeup and slider efficiently as they accounted for a 33.7% and 37.0% Whiff% respectively last year. Smith has the repertoire to continue to be a strikeout machine and he just needs the opportunity to prove himself. 2018 was his first "full" season in the bigs and with 25-30 starts under his belt in 2019, he may turn into that hidden waiver wire gem. Wins will be scarce, but a mid-three ERA, sub 1.20 WHIP, and well over a K per inning is in the cards for Smith.