Zack Burdi (RP, CWS) - Week 5 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in Very Deep Leagues/Saves+Holds Leagues

ROSTERED IN: 0% of leagues

ANALYSIS: It hasn't always been the easiest path to the majors for the Burdi brothers of the University of Louisville, and Nick Burdi saw his season ended almost immediately after being named the interim closer for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Now, Zack Burdi has made his MLB debut in sterling fashion for 2020, and is already achieving a considerable level of responsibility in the White Sox bullpen.

Burdi has already wracked up three innings for the White Sox since his call-up, and so far has produced a 3.00 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with three strikeouts. The hard throwing younger Burdi had his fair share of struggles throughout the minors as he struggled with control of his pitches (which are capable of 100+ MPH speed) and the allowance of home runs, but he found his stride across 49.1 IP at Triple-A with a 3.47 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 0.4 HR/9, 13.3 K/9, and eight saves. Although his BB/9 was rather ugly at 5.1, it was actually an improvement from his mark of 5.6 set at Double-A.

While there are formidable barriers in Zack Burdi's path to high-leverage innings for the White Sox in the form of Jimmy Cordero, Evan Marshall, and Alex Colome, an injury or two in this shortened season could lead to him being quickly thrust into some big time situations, and that will add up to considerable value if he continues performing at this level.