Starting Pitcher Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 5

April 28, 2014

Matthew Vazin recommends some MLB starting pitchers (SP) on the fantasy baseball waiver wire for Week 5. You'll want to be looking at these waiver wire sleepers.

Each week we'll be taking a look at some starting pitcher waiver wire options to help bolster your fantasy baseball teams. Some of these SPs can be potential sleepers, depending on your fantasy league format and depth, and also if they are two-start pitchers. If you are dealing with a recent injury to your pitching staff, or are looking to upgrade off the waiver wire, consider the below options.

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

Starting Pitcher Waiver Wire Options

Dan Straily (36% Owned)

Dan Straily has had a quality start in three of his six starts, and has given up more than 3 ER just once thus far. His 5.14 ERA has been largely due to his rough start versus the Angels on April 15th. Other than that, Straily has been sufficient, and even has 13 strikeouts in his last 2 starts, which have spanned 12.1 innings.

Coming off his first full season as a starting pitcher at the major league level, Straily will look to improve on his 10-8 record and lead the Athletics back to the playoffs. Due to having many opportunities to get wins throughout the season, and his nice strikeout upside, Straily is a good pick up in all formats for those who lack pitching depth.

Bartolo Colon (36% Owned)

Bartolo Colon has been a pleasant surprise for fantasy owners. Aside from getting torched by the Angels, Colon has had a quality start every time he has taken the mound. The most surprising start to Colon’s start has been the reemergence of the strikeout. His 7.31 K/9 is a major improvement from last year’s 5.53 K/9. Colon has pitched well enough where he could easily be 4-1 on the season, but due to the lack of run support from the Mets offense, he sits at 2-3. If you are looking for wins, Colon is probably not the best available option, but he should be able to produce many quality starts throughout the season.

Dillon Gee (32% Owned)

Dillon Gee has quickly become a must-add off the waiver wire in all formats. After giving up 11 earned runs in his first 3 starts, Gee has gone 21 innings while only giving up 2 earned runs in his last 2 starts. His 2.88 ERA is elite and he is coming off the best start of the season where he set season highs in both innings pitched and strikeouts.

The most impressive aspect to Gee’s strong start has been his ability to avoid surrendering hits. In his 6 starts, Gee has not given up more than 6 hits. And if the Mets can continue giving him run support, he may be in for the best season of his career.

Ubaldo Jimenez (47% Owned)

Ubaldo Jimenez has been struggling thus far in 2014 as he has posted an 0-4 record with a 6.59 ERA. This has led many to dropping Jimenez in their leagues, which makes it interesting for those in need of pitching. It might be worth grabbing Jimenez if he is available in your league simply because of the upside. Last year, Jimenez was 13-9 with a 3.30 ERA - so it has been night and day these last two years for him. The biggest concerns for Jimenez thus far have been giving up the long ball and walks. His 1.65 HR/9 and 5.60 BB/9 are extremely high, and if he is going to turn his season around these numbers have to be lowered. For fantasy owners, the risk of picking Jimenez may be worth it due to the success he has had in his career. If you have room on your team, pick up Jimenez and stash away at the very least.

Collin McHugh (7% Owned)

Colin McHugh has done more than enough to secure his spot in the Astros rotation just off the two starts he has had. With manager Bo Porter’s announcement that McHugh will remain in the rotation, he has rapidly become an intriguing add in every format. In his two starts, McHugh is 2-0 having gone 15.1 innings while giving up just 1 earned run and striking out an incredible 19 batters. Playing divisional opponents in both starts, McHugh demonstrated tremendous poise and made all of his pitches count. Winning back-to-back starts while playing for the Astros does not happen often, so fantasy owners should quickly go grab McHugh if he is still available.