Starting Pitcher Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 2

 

Waiver Wire Pickups for Starting Pitchers Week 2

Each week we'll be bringing you some waiver wire starting pitcher targets for your fantasy baseball teams. As Week 1 is now in the books, make sure to check these guys out as possible additions to your team.

Editor's Note: be sure to check out our famous Waiver Wire Pickups List, updated daily with waiver wire options for different positions. Our Waiver Wire Pickups iPhone app is also free, and available for download in the Apple Store.

 

Tim Hudson (SF - 54% Owned)

Hudson is a two-start pitcher this week. In his season opener against the Diamondbacks, Hudson pitched 7.2 shutout innings with no walks and seven strikeouts. He gets to face the same team at home on Tuesday-- he should be an immediate add in all formats for at least Week 2, and probably longer. Hudson is safely the Giants #3 starting pitcher, and he'll look to continue his early success against the Diamondbacks and Rockies this week. Even though Hudson is 38 years old, he's looked like he's still in his prime over the past few years (barring injuries). Hudson has been effective throughout his career, but don't expect the seven strikeouts regularly-- in 131 innings last season, Hudson only had 95 strikeouts.

 

James Paxton (SEA - 45% Owned)

Paxton had a dominant season opener against the Los Angeles Angels, as he pitched seven shutout innings allowing only two hits with nine strikeouts. Paxton is not yet a must-add, but should be monitored very closely and owned in deep leagues. He will get two starts this upcoming week, including another matchup against the Angels. Paxton is off to a scorching start in his time with the Mariners-- including last season, he has now pitched 31 innings while only giving up 4 earned runs. The Mariners starting pitching has been incredibly effective to begin the season, so we will see if Paxton can build off his first start.

 

Michael Pineda (NYY - 62% Owned)

Pineda took the loss in his opening start, but it was due to a lack of run support. He went six strong innings while only giving up one earned run with five strikeouts, but the Yankees failed to score a run for him. The long-awaited debut of Pineda didn’t include the decision his owners had hoped for, but everyone is likely encouraged by his effectiveness throughout the spring and his first turn in the rotation. Pineda's next start will come in the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry on Thursday, and he is worth an add in all deep leagues; monitor him closely in all formats. Owners should be cautious with Pineda due to the serious injury he is coming off of and the fact he pitches in the AL East, but the first start for him in 2014 goes down as a success.

 

Jose Quintana (CHW - 37% Owned)

Though he has a lower ownership percentage than the guys mentioned above, Quintana is also worthy of an add in deep leagues. In his first start, Quintana earned a no-decision, but he did notch a quality start. He went six innings, gave up two runs and struck out an impressive eight batters. Quintana was up-and-down in 2013 with the White Sox, so we will see if he can be more consistent in 2014. If Quintana can pitch well against the Rockies in Coors Field on Tuesday, then he may be worthy of an add in all leagues, as Coors is the toughest environment for pitchers in the MLB. Wins may be rare for Quintana due to the offensive struggles of the White Sox, but expect him to be an efficient middle-of-the-rotation fantasy starter.

 

Nate Eovaldi (MIA - 20% Owned)

Eovaldi has begun the season with back-to-back quality starts. Even though he has pitched well enough to start the season 2-0, the Marlins could not give him run support on Sunday. At 24, many have wondered if Eovaldi could put together a season in which he produced consistent quality starts, and thus far in 2014, he has. Although it is early, Eovaldi is still a must-add in all deep leagues and should be considered in all formats if he can pitch well throughout April. So far in 2014, it looks like he has mastered his control issues, and he's striking people out at a high rate.