Cardinals: Luke Weaver is a must add off the waiver wire

Luke Weaver is throwing the ball the best of his career for the Cardinals. But, is he worth a waiver wire add moving forward?

The resurgent Cardinals have scratched and clawed their way back in the thick of things in the NL playoff race. While multiple players have rebounded and helped lead the charge, Luke Weaver has excelled as of late. But is he worth a waiver wire add?

Luke Weaver was one of the more refined college pitchers in the 2014 draft. The former Florida State Seminole flew up the minor league ranks for the Cardinals, making his debut in 2016. While he did post a 5.70 ERA over his eight starts last season, the promise and raw talent were clearly there.

He started this season at AAA, where he continued to show promise, posting a 2.55 ERA/76 K line over 15 starts. He was blocked from joining the big league rotation, but the injury to Adam Wainwright opened the door for him to join.

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He was promoted in July, and initially came out of the bullpen. Since July 27, he has made four starts and has notched two wins and a 2.31 ERA. What should be catching fantasy owners eyes though, is how well he has performed over the last two weeks.

After Mike Matheny implored Weaver to attack hitters more, he has taken off, becoming the first Cardinals’ rookie to strike out 10 batters in consecutive starts since 2000. He shut down the Padres’ weak hitting lineup over seven innings while only surrendering three hits. During his next start against the Brewers, the same club he struck out eight times over six innings earlier this month, he was able to navigate his way over five innings of two run ball.

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Fantasy owners looking for a rotation boost, should not look any further than Weaver. The talent is there and now he has altered his approach, which is driving up his K. His next start also happens to come against a terrible Giants’ offense, making him all the more appealing.

Make the move.