Philadelphia Phillies Aaron Nola: Week 2 Waiver Wire Add
By Bill Pivetz
In a year where the Philadelphia Phillies aren’t expected to do much, Aaron Nola looks to be the only bright spot.
The Philadelphia Phillies made a lot of moves in the second half of last season and throughout the offseason. The team is in a bit of a rebuilding phase with a lot of young talent playing on both sides of the ball. That doesn’t translate to good news for fantasy baseball owners. However, the lone fantasy-relevant player is the No. 2 starting pitcher, Aaron Nola. If you need pitching help or want to stream someone next week, he is your guy.
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Nola made his MLB debut on July 21 against the Tampa Bay Rays. He gave up one run on five hits and one walk and struck out six batters in six innings. He finished the season with a 6-2 record, 3.59 ERA, 1.197 WHIP and 7.9 K/9 in 77.2 innings.
After a full Spring Training under his belt, Nola was primed for a breakout season. He made his first start of the 2016 season against the Cincinnati Reds, and pitched a gem of a game. He pitched seven innings and gave up one run on four hits and struck out eight hitters. Closer Dalier Hinojosa blew his chance at the win in the ninth inning.
While Aaron Nola can provide you with a good ERA, WHIP and strikeout total, he will not get you wins. It’s not his fault, though. It’s the offense. They finished 27th in runs scored last season, and have scored just 12 runs in four games so far.
If you play in a quality starts league, and you should, Nola will have even more value. He had a quality start last Wednesday and should have another one in his next start. He faces the San Diego Padres at home, and we all know the struggles the Padres offense faced in their opening series.
Next: Brock Holt Waiver Wire Add
It is still early in the season, but Aaron Nola has been one of the most added pitchers in ESPN leagues. His ownership percentage went up 8.5 percent to 44.7 percent overall. If you are looking for an easy matchup to kick off Week 2, then Nola is the guy to target. I also think he should be owned in more than 45 percent of leagues. So, take advantage of him still being available.