Brewers Zach Davies: Deep Waiver Wire Add
By Bill Pivetz
Brewers starting pitcher Zach Davies has been amazing over his last two outings. After flirting with a no-hitter on Tuesday, he is worth picking up.
The Milwaukee Brewers don’t have a lot to play for this season, 13.5 games back of the Chicago Cubs in the National League Central. The team does have some players worth owning on both sides of the ball. One of the names recently added to that list is Zach Davies. He’s had back-to-back good starts and is worth adding in most leagues.
Davies’ season got off to a rocky start. He allowed 13 runs on 23 hits and seven walks while striking out 10 in 13.1 innings in April. Things settled down a bit in May. He allowed two earned runs in four out of his five starts.
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June is looking even better. In his start against the St. Louis Cardinals, he pitched eight shutout innings, allowing three hits and striking out nine.
Davies’ last start against the Oakland A’s was more of the same. He gave up two runs on two hits and three walks while striking out five in seven innings.
He has a 2.91 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 33:11 K:BB ratio in his last seven starts. It looks like he’s been able to settle down and relax while pitching. After a horrible April, this is a welcomed sight.
This level of consistency is hard to find on the waiver wire. Two runs over six innings gives you a 3.00 ERA and a quality start every time. He does need to work on his control, though. Allowing three walks in five starts is not going to help anyone.
Zach Davies’ next start will be on June 12 against the New York Mets. As I mentioned in my James Taillon article, the Mets offense is not the same as last season. Injuries and cold streaks have limited the offensive production in May and June.
Next: Pirates Promote Jameson Taillon
Fantasy owners picked up Zach Davies on the heels of his June 1 start. Those owners were rewarded with another great performance. He is currently owned in 13.3 percent of ESPN leagues, up 12.4 percent over the last week. His next start is a favorable one, so if you need a streaming option or looking for a long-term replacement, pick up Davies.