Fantasy Baseball: Waiver Wire Pitching Pickups, 4/24/13

If you’re searching the waiver wire for starting pitching help, check out Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Wandy Rodriguez (51) and these three other solid options who are widely available and scheduled to start Wedensday. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

If your starting pitching has stumbled out of the gate this week, Wednesday offers 14 games across Major League Baseball with some solid options to grab off the waiver wire if you’re looking to bolster your rotation. Here’s four that are available in over half of ESPN leagues and are in good matchups on Wednesday. Depending on your team needs, I think these guys can help you:

Possible Pickups

Wandy Rodriguez-Pittsburgh Pirates: (43-8%) Rodriguez is known for his hot starts and this year is no exception. Through three starts he’s 2-0 with a 0.56 ERA and a 0.38 WHIP. The only thing that slowed him down was a hamstring injury, but he appears fully recovered from that after throwing seven scoreless, one-hit innings against the Braves. He also is carrying a nifty 11:1 strikeout to walk ratio which is one reason why he’s been so effective. Wednesday he squares off with Roy Halladay and the Phillies in Philadelphia. Phily’s offense hasn’t been exceptional this season so Rodriguez is a top option to consider if he’s available.

Apr 19, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Lucas Harrell (64) throws a pitch against the Cleveland Indians in the first inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Lucas Harrell-Houston Astros: (0.6%) If Wandy is gone, check on Lucas Harrell. Harrell had one horrible outing against Oakland, but has been solid apart from that. Last time out he went 5 2/3 against Cleveland allowing two runs on five hits and getting his first win of the year. He’s in a nice matchup Wednesday at home against the Mariners and Joe Saunders. He missed the M’s on the Astros West Coast swing, but could have another successful day if he can get his control problems under control.

Corey Kluber-Cleveland Indians: (0.7%) Kluber is a little more of a longshot as he makes a spot start, but he pitched very effectively out of the bullpen getting the win when the Tribe clubbed the Astros 19-6. Kluber was the only pitcher who seemed to be able to get anyone out that day going four shutout innings allowing just two hits while striking out four. He’ll be starting against Chris Sale for the White Sox in Chicago on Wednesday afternoon. He’s high-risk, but he could pay off since neither Sale or the White Sox offense have found their stride yet this season. In fact, the Sox rank in the bottom five in the league in runs, batting average, and OBP.

Mar. 27, 2013; Peoria, AZ, USA: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Ted Lilly throws in the fifth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Ted Lilly-LA Dodgers: (0.1%) Another high-risk option is Ted Lilly. Lilly is making his first start coming off of a shoulder injury and will face the Mets at City Field. While he may be able to put up WHIP/ERA numbers to help, expecting a win may be a bit ambitious since he’s matched up against Matt Harvey who has been absolutely lights out for the Mets this season. Still, if you need some help don’t overlook the 14-year veteran as he comes back to the Majors.

Past Performance

Here’s how my picks have fared that past week: