Chicago White Sox Mat Latos: Deep Waiver Wire Add

By Bill Pivetz | Apr 13, 2016

Apr 7, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Mat Latos (38) pitches the ball against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning at the Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kenny Karst-USA TODAY Sports /

After a horrible spring, Mat Latos surprised all by pitching well in his first start this season. If you need pitching help, go add Latos now.

The Chicago White Sox rotation is home to a probable Cy Young award winner and exciting sophomore pitcher. It then rounds out with some average pitchers. One of those pitchers had a horrible spring, but somehow shook it off to pitch an amazing first start. That pitcher is veteran Mat Latos. If you are looking for a spot starter or No. 5 or 6 pitcher to own year round, then target Latos.

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Latos has traveled the country throughout his eight-year career. He has a career 3.51 ERA and 1.183 WHIP with 959 strikeouts in 1068.1 innings (not counting his one start this season). He then signed a one-year deal with the White Sox. It was a low-risk, high-reward deal for Chicago. Unfortunately, things didn’t look good in the spring.

He pitched in 13 innings in the Cactus League and allowed 15 runs in the process. As a result, the leash was definitely shortened for Mat Latos this season. We all remember his first start with the Miami Marlins last season, 0.2 innings pitched with seven runs allowed off of six hits and two walks.

This season started off in a completely different direction. He pitched six shutout innings and gave up six hits and one walk while striking out two against the Oakland Athletics. He earned the win (and quality start), his first since last July.

The White Sox are set atop their rotation with Chris Sale, Jose Quintana and Carlos Rodon. Latos is listed as the No. 4 starting pitcher. He just needs to produce six solid innings, just like he did last Thursday, to have any fantasy value. His next start will come on Thursday against the Minnesota Twins. This is a prime matchup because the Twins have only scored 13 runs in seven games.

Next: Nick Markakis Deep Waiver Claim

If you are looking for a sleeper starting pitcher to add, Mat Latos is a good option. He is widely available, owned in just 7.1 percent of ESPN leagues. I wouldn’t drop anyone valuable because that switch could flip and Latos could allow six runs in his next start. If you are in the streaming market, Latos has a great matchup in his next start.

Either way, Mat Latos is someone that should be owned in more leagues. He has the offense behind him to give him some run support on his way to a win.

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