Week 4 and April are behind us, and now as the calendar turns we can all start to feel that progression of the season flowing. While a month isn't a terribly long time, it's still an important benchmark in our minds and game whether we'd like to admit it or not.

Starting pitchers have the most rollover through the season, and the incredible depth of pitchers that are going across the league mean there are almost always candidates to look at with dreams of striking it rich. I’m here to put together some starting pitchers for your waiver considerations.

Protocol dictates sticking to players who are owned in <50% of leagues.

Editor’s Note: RotoBaller’s fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups list is updated every single day. Our awesome writers bring you analysis on hot or emerging starting pitchers, and also all other fantasy positions. You can also download our waiver wire iPhone app for free, and easily stay updated.

 

Starting Pitcher Waiver Wire Targets

Drew Pomeranz (SD, SP) – 49% - Pomeranz is 2-2 with 31 strikeouts in 22 innings thus far with a 2.86 ERA and 1.32 WHIP. He is generating whiffs at a very healthy 15.5%, good for fourth in the league. The 12 walks in the 22 innings aren’t helping him though, as his SIERA sits at 3.37 primarily due to control woes. Injuries and pitching in Coors have bitten Pomeranz in the past, but he’s been plenty good for Oakland these past two seasons so a bit of a breakout is believable.

Luis Severino (NYY, SP) – 47% - Severino is suffering from the same condition as teammate Michael Pineda (but with worse results). He’s relentlessly pounding the zone and not making hitters think enough. He’s only walked three batters in 19.2 inning and is suffering from horrid luck. His .417 BABIP and 62.1% strand rate are way off his expected marks. Even if his swinging strikes have taken a step back, there’s no reason for him to continue to be so snake-bitten.

J.A. Happ (TOR, SP) – 46% - Happ is 3-0 with a 2.76 ERA that is backed by a SIERA around five (it was 4.83 before Saturday's outing where his FIP was 6.88 for his 6.2 innings), and only 20 strikeouts in 32.2 innings. Be careful here. He continues to rely on plus control and nibbling at corners to dance around hard contact and trouble. Pitching for Toronto means he's facing some scary offenses, but he also gets some serious run support.

Juan Nicasio (PIT, SP/RP) – 41% - We meet again Mr. Preseason Darling. His ownership mark fell below 50% so I get to speak on him. He’s 3-2 with 29 strikeouts in 27 innings despite a 6.8% swinging strike rate. His .242 BABIP is quite low and walks can still be an issue. His next start comes at home against the Cubs. I would be stashing him to see how he fares in that one.

Erasmo Ramirez (TB, SP/RP) – 39% - Ramirez has been used primarily out of the bullpen to start the year for the Rays, and yet he has a 4-0 record. I was excited about his prospects as a starter coming into the season, and while he hasn’t gotten that chance (yet), he is still succeeding. He has only walked one batter in his 14 innings of work so far. That’ll help one open with a 1.29 ERA and 0.71 WHIP. Keep an eye on him. He would’ve started on Saturday against the Yankees but had to be used in relief too close to that opening.

Kevin Gausman (BAL, SP) – 39% - He struck out seven Rays in five innings of one-run ball on April 25. His fastball hit the upper 90s. In his rehab assignment he struck out 19 in 11 innings. Buy.

Eduardo Rodriguez (BOS, SP) – 32% - His first rehab start was ugly, but we’re more concerned with him getting the process back rather than results when it comes to rehab assignments. The plan seems to be for 2-3 rehab starts and a mid-May return.

Sean Manaea (OAK, SP) – 32% - Manaea had a 1.50 ERA and 1.11 WHIP with 21 strikeouts in 18 Triple-A innings before being promoted on Friday. He then allowed four runs in five innings against the Houston Astros while walking four and striking out three. He throws a fastball around 93 MPH along with a plus slider and changeup. He’ll get the Mariners at home in his next start.

Josh Tomlin (CLE, SP) – 30% - Tomlin was tagged for five runs (four earned) in 5.1 innings on Wednesday by the Twins. He has now walked 10 batters in his past 82.2 innings since returning from injury last season, while still being capable of average strikeout totals. Be aware that his low BABIP (.231) means he is enjoying some luck, but he’s still plenty intriguing though he looks to get the tough Tigers next.

Steven Wright (BOS, SP/RP) – 25% - This knuckleballer is proving his worth with 25 strikeouts in 26.1 innings so far in 2016. Please be aware that his 1.37 ERA is backed by a 4.09 SIERA. Be careful moving forward. Knuckleballs mean volatility, but the 31-year-old is a solid streamer with the Red Sox supporting him.

Anthony DeSclafani (CIN, SP) – 23% - DeSclafani has now made two rehab starts as he works back towards the major leagues. He showed major improvements in the second half last season as he started to rack up more Ks alongside significantly less walks as his secondary offerings really stepped up. He should be solid in four of five categories, with wins being a tough sell.

Ross Stripling (LAD, SP) – 21% - Stripling has a lot of people still chasing him after a buzzy debut, but the anchoring effect can be an awful thing. His 4.67 SIERA and 6.9% swinging strike rate with 10 walks in 22.1 innings means you’re playing with fire. He showed plus command in the minors and it can help him attack the corners despite not having overwhelming stuff if he could just bring it to this level. For now he’s a decent streamer. This was submitted before his start on Saturday night.

Tyler Glasnow (PIT, SP) – 21% - With all of these pitchers getting called up, Glasnow is sitting there in the minors. He’s definitely a wise stash, but the Pirates are notorious for keeping their prospects in the minors until after the Super Two deadline. He has a 2.57 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 30 strikeouts in 21 Triple-A innings so far.

Trevor Bauer (CLE, SP) – 20% - He’s back in the rotation with the injury to Carlos Carrasco, but you’re going to want to proceed with caution thanks to his command woes. He went four innings against the Phillies on Saturday, allowing three runs on five hits and two walks with four strikeouts.

Bartolo Colon (NYM, SP) – 20% - Colon is currently inducing whiffs at a rate unseen since 2004. His 3.34 SIERA backs the 3.42 ERA. He’s throwing his changeup a little more and his slider a little less, which might be assisting with fastball effectiveness. He isn’t going to twirl a 12 K shutout, but the Mets give him solid chances of picking up the W and his elite control allows him to keep a lid on potential damage.

Nathan Eovaldi (NYY, SP) – 19% - Eovaldi is only 1-2 with a 4.38 ERA, so what’s the big deal? Well, he’s got 28 strikeouts in 24.2 innings, induces grounders as his most frequent outcome (44.8%), and has a 2.88 SIERA. He isn’t rocking a low BABIP or high strand rate either. He’ll face the Red Sox on Sunday.

Adam Conley (MIA, SP) – 18% - Conley allowed four runs in 5.2 innings to the Giants last Sunday, and then followed that up with 7.2 no-hit innings against the Brewers. He has 28 strikeouts in 27 innings so far with a 10.9% swinging strike rate and a 3.92 SIERA. He makes for a very nice back-end upside piece and should draw the Diamondbacks at home next.

Lucas Giolito (WAS, SP) – 17% - Another top pitching prospect who we’re going to be waiting on for a while it seems.

Blake Snell (TB, SP) – 17% - Looked great in his spot start debut against the Yankees, but he just doesn’t have a rotation spot in the foreseeable future.

Michael Fulmer (DET, SP) – 17% - Fulmer got his first win on Friday against the Twins. He has an incredible fastball but he might get sent down very soon as Daniel Norris, Matt Boyd and Shane Greene return.

Jeremy Hellickson (PHI, SP) – 13% - Hellickson has had a strong April on the back of his best swinging strike and walk rates in six years. His 3.30 SIERA points to his 3.81 ERA being quite valid. His .300 BABIP and 72.0% strand rate don’t point to luck. Perhaps there really is something to see here.

Kendall Graveman (OAK, SP) – 11% - Graveman continues to generate grounders at a heavy clip (58.8% thus far). His ratios are his moneymaker, though his latest start was a poor one against the Tigers. This start would not have been advised anyway. He now has a 4.03 ERA with a 3.70 SIERA. His BABIP is .234 so it’ll probably rise a bit, but in deeper leagues he is worth a look. His outrageously high homer rate should come down and help him as well.

Aaron Blair (ATL, SP) – 11% - Blair was one of the pieces that Atlanta scored in the Shelby Miller deal, and so far he has 22 strikeouts in 19 innings with a 1.42 ERA and 0.79 WHIP in three Triple-A starts. Blair was called up to take Williams Perez’s spot in the rotation. He doesn’t project to be a top-flight starter, and his 3.18 ERA in 11 innings overshadows a 6.20 SIERA. Yes, that’s a very small sample but it speaks realistic expectations. Be careful.

Ricky Nolasco (MIN, SP) – 9% - Nolasco’s chipped in two quality starts against the Royals and Brewers (both on the road) and just gave up four runs in 7 1/3 innings against the Indians. He did strikeout nine in the outing though. AL-only owners should take notice. His ERA and SIERA are the exact same at 3.25. While there is some good fortune, he has only walked three in 27.2 innings while striking out 24.

Nick Tropeano (LAA, SP) – 8% - Tropeano has only allowed five runs in 21.1 innings. He has 20 strikeouts and 10 walks, which speaks to how he attacks hitters (and racks up a pitch count). His 13.0% swinging strike rate is nice, but the walks drive up his 4.66 SIERA (well above the 2.11 ERA). He is still an intriguing option for as long as he gets the opportunity to pitch, and hopefully when Andrew Heaney is ready to come back the Angels will have recognized that Tropeano is better than guys like Jered Weaver and Matt Shoemaker.

Nathan Karns (SEA, SP) – 7% - Karns has 24 strikeouts in 22.1 innings, making him worthy of streaming attention. He gets to pitch in spacious Safeco Field. If he reins in the walks then he could be worthy of more than just streaming, but that’ll take some “show me” starts.

Chad Bettis (COL, SP) – 7% - Bettis makes for a good streamer. Bettis has pitched 31 innings thus far and is 2-1 with 22 strikeouts, a 3.77 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. His 4.11 SIERA means “tread carefully”, but he posted a 3.18 ERA in the second half last season and rides plus control to viability.

Tyler Chatwood (COL, SP) – 6% - Chatwood has been a force on the road thus far. He is 3-0 away from Coors with a 0.46 ERA and 14 strikeouts in 19.2 innings. He hasn’t gotten cupcake starts either, taking down the Diamondbacks twice as well as the Cubs. His next start is against the Padres in Petco.

Rubby De La Rosa (ARI, SP) – 5% - De La Rosa has been an enigma, as his stuff is filthy but he hangs far too many pitches and gives up a dangerous amount of home runs. He’s 3-3 and has 28 strikeouts in 23.2 innings (some of that is bullpen work). His 4.18 ERA has a 2.94 SIERA behind it thanks to his whiff-inducing pitches and 58.1% groundball rate. His next start lines up to be at Miami.

Jhoulys Chacin (ATL, SP) – 4% - Chacin has a 1-1 record in four starts (22 innings) thus far. He is getting swinging strikes at a career-high rate and has 23 strikeouts to show for it. His 2.98 SIERA shows the gains in whiffs and reduction in walks. His fastball has some extra giddy-up and he’s using his slider less in favor of it. His next start comes against the Mets in New York on Tuesday.

Jesse Hahn (OAK, SP) – 4% - Hahn looks to take Chris Bassitt’s spot in the rotation. In 17.2 Triple-A innings he has struck out 13 and holds a 2.04 ERA and 1.42 WHIP. Hahn went 6.2 scoreless innings against Houston, scattering three hits and two walks alongside four strikeouts. His next start is a tough draw, against the Orioles in Camden Yards.

Homer Bailey (CIN, SP) – 4% - Bailey makes for a solid stash as he has a few more rehab starts ahead of his activation for Cincinnati. Most struggle with command when they come back from Tommy John surgery, but in deeper leagues he’s certainly worth the speculation.

Jon Gray (COL, SP) – 3% - Gray is unjustly sitting out in way too many free agent pools based on his talent. He only has 8.2 innings this season, but worked on a mechanical adjustment in his rehab assignment to clean up his delivery and he’s struck out 12 so far. His 11.42 ERA will obviously come down, but his 3.03 SIERA in those 8.2 innings points to his potential. Scoop him for peanuts before he takes off, even if you just start him away from Coors.

 

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