Jered Weaver: Week 8 Waiver Wire Pickup

May 20, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher

(36) delivers a pitch against Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

There have been a lot of players come back from obscurity over the years. One moment the player isn’t worth owning even in the most shallow of leagues and the next you miss out on picking him up in your league. Lucky for you, I’m giving you a head start to pick up Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jered Weaver. If you can, go pick him up now.

Weaver has been with the Angels since 2006 and had some successful seasons, including this past season. However, 2015 looked to be the decline of one of the game’s most consistent pitchers.

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His velocity has dropped greatly and has become extremely hittable. In seven starts this season, Weaver has given up six or more hits. Weaver is making improvements elsewhere, though.

He has three straight wins and quality starts. On May 8, Weaver pitched a complete game shutout against the Houston Astros and gave up six hits and struck out six. His fastball reached 88 MPH, a season high for Weaver. He lowered his ERA from 6.29 to 4.37 after his three most recent starts.

While he isn’t the flashy name he once was, Weaver can still be productive this season. Other fantasy owners seem to think so. His ownership percentage has gone up eight percent over the last week. Even though he won’t strike out 10 batters anytime soon (season high six strikeouts), he can still pitch six good innings and record a win, or at least a quality start.

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Over the last 15 days, Weaver ranks sixth among starting pitchers on ESPN’s Player Rater. He’s ahead of superstar pitchers Clayton Kershaw (122nd) and Madison Bumgarner (4oth).

If you don’t want to get on the Jered Weaver hype train, I don’t blame you. If you want to wait until after his next start, that’s fair. But, don’t you want to own Weaver when he takes on the San Diego Padres on Monday? The Padres offense is struggling this month, ranking 28th in batting average (.230) and 24th in on-base percentage (.295).

Weaver is still available in 34 percent of ESPN.com leagues, so pick him up while you can.