Kevin Gausman (SP/RP, SF) - Week 6 Waiver Wire Pickups

Andrew Ericksen profiles San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Kevin Gausman as a waiver wire pickup and add in Week 6 of the 2020 MLB season.

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ANALYSIS: San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Kevin Gausman has been pitching well so far in August. He earned his first quality start of the year on August 9 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, pitching 6 1/3 innings, allowing three hits, no walks and just one earned run while striking out six.

Gausman's strikeout rate through six starts this year is 31.6%, well above his career rate of 21.7%. He has an exceptional K/9 of 12.2 on the year. His 4.64 ERA so far this year isn't great, but his xERA of 4.04 suggests there's significant room for improvement there.

Gausman has been a roller coaster for fantasy owners over the years, showing flashes of potential followed by complete breakdowns. Last year, he posted a 6.19 ERA and 1.49 WHIP over 16 starts with the Atlanta Braves before the team placed him on waivers. He was claimed by the Cincinnati Reds, who used him almost exclusively out of the bullpen.

Gausman is a risky add, but he has rare potential on the waiver wire as someone who could offer both length in his starts and strikeout abilities. If you need to take a major flyer to help your pitching staff, Gausman could be the ideal target for you. His next start is slated for Wednesday against the Dodgers.