Carlos Frias (SP, LAD) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in Deep and NL-Only leagues.

OWNED IN: 8% of Fleaflicker Leagues

ANALYSIS: The Los Angeles Dodgers pitching staff has been decimated by injuries this year. First Hyun-Jin Ryu went down with a shoulder injury and then Brandon McCarthy became the latest victim to Tommy John surgery. The Dodgers searched high and wide within their organization to find anyone who could just eat up innings. After a very short search Carlos Frias appeared and provided them with more than just a stop-gap option.

With a small sample size from last season Frias was merely an option in middle and long relief but has a quality arsenal at his disposal. Frias throws a blistering 95 MPH four and two seamer, along with a filthy 91 MPH cutter. His curve and change are sprinkled in time to time but only account for 3% of his total pitches. The early returns on Frias's ability have been extremely positive. Most recently, he held the Marlins to 3 ER and 7 baserunners over 6 IP while allowing just 3 ER. Not a dominant start, but certainly more serviceable than you would expect from a guy barely owned in fantasy. All signs point toward Frias being a mainstain for the Dodgers and your fantasy team.

All of the major categories that fantasy owners pay close attention to for a SP are trending upward for Carlos Frias. In a short sample size with the Dodgers his BABIP rating is below .300, his WHIP is below 1.20 for the first time in his pitching career and his K% is above 20% for the first time as well. His control is exceptional at 1.93 BB/9. His unique combination of a 95 MPH heater and excellent control are reminiscent of Garret Richards and Michael Pineda.

The Dodgers could really use him to shore up their rotation problems, and with all the pitcher injuries across MLB, you could likely use the boost to your rotation. Make the call and go grab Frias before he gets white hot on your waiver wire.