Eduardo Rodriguez: Week 10 Waiver Wire Pick Up

May 28, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher

(52) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

As a New York Yankees fan, I have been programmed to hate all things Boston Red Sox. However, when there is a young, talented pitcher looming on the waiver wire, I can’t help but notice. Eduardo Rodriguez has been dominant in his two starts this season and should be picked up in all leagues.

The Red Sox hesitated to call up Rodriguez late last month, but must be thankful the call was made. He is 2-0 with a 0.61 ERA, 0.61 WHIP and a 14:4 K:BB rate in his first two major-league starts (14.2 innings). He is now a permanent member of the Red Sox rotation.

Manager John Farrell made the announcement Wednesday afternoon that Rodriguez will stay in Boston. “If he goes to Pawtucket, it’s only on the way to Baltimore,” he said. Rodriguez makes his next start on Tuesday against the Baltimore Orioles.

In addition, the Red Sox plan to cut down to a five-man rotation. This puts Rodriguez in line to be a two-start pitcher in Week 10 (vs. Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday). The extra start makes him a must-own in all league formats. There hasn’t been an announcement made about the pitcher losing his rotation spot, but let’s rejoice knowing it is not Rodriguez.

The Orioles batters are hitting .250/.307/.402 line (17th/21st/12th) while the Blue Jays offense is hitting .263/.329/.436 (seventh/fifth/second) this season. If Rodriguez can keep his composure, especially against Toronto, the sky is the limit for him.

Rodriguez is pitching with the control he showed in the minors. In Triple-A this season, he had 44 strikeouts and just seven walks with a 2.98 ERA in 48.1 innings. He could easily finish as a top-20 pitcher. While the ERA and WHIP are expected to rise as a rookie, he has the skills to keep them at superstar levels.

Fantasy owners are already on the Eduardo Rodriguez bandwagon. He has been picked up in 53.3 percent of ESPN.com leagues over the last week. If you haven’t missed out on him yet, go to your waiver wire and pick him up.