Joe Jimenez (RP, DET) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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OWNED IN: 23% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Detroit Tigers 23-year-old relief pitcher Joe Jimenez is going to be getting his shot as the team's primary closer, as regular closer Shane Greene was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a right shoulder strain.  The severity of the injury is not yet known, but Jimenez has been tabbed as the "closer of the future" for the Tigers and will have a chance to showcase his skills in the coming weeks. For the season, Jimenez holds an impressive 2.77 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 44/9 K/BB ratio across 39 innings.  In addition the high strikeout rate (10.15 K/9) and low walk rate (2.08 BB/9), he has also only allowed two homers, good for a 0.5 HR/9 mark.  His 2.46 FIP also indicates that his ERA is legitimate, and could even be due to fall as he racks up more innings pitched.  Though Jimenez was very shaky in limited work with Detroit in 2017 (12.32 ERA, 2.11 WHIP across 19 innings), he posted stellar numbers across five prior minor league seasons.  In fact, his worst year (in 2014 in Class A) saw him post a 2.70 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and a 41/6 K/BB ratio.  Jimenez has the experience and skill set necessary to be a productive closer in fantasy baseball.  While he won't get the number of opportunities the average closer typically receives, he will be the Tigers primary closer for the time being and possesses the ERA, WHIP, and strikeout upside fantasy owners are always looking for.  He is a recommended add in all leagues - scoop him up if you're searching for a closer or if you just want to block an opposing leaguemate from getting an advantage.