Braves: Luiz Gohara one last waiver wire flier

Luiz Gohara is yet another impressive rookie for the Atlanta Braves. But, is the fireballer worth a waiver wire flier during championship week?

The Braves may have had a rough season, but they are one of the few teams in the enviable position because of the plethora of young talent that they have. One of their more intriguing pieces though, is rookie pitcher Luiz Gohara.

Luiz Gohara was acquired by the Braves this offseason from the Mariners. The Brazilian lefty signed with the Mariners as a 16-year-old and methodically moved his way through the minors.

While he was routinely facing competition years older than him, he has found success at every stop. He started the 2017 season at high-A ball, yet spent most of the season at AA, where he posted a 2.60 ERA/60 K line over 11 starts.

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Over the course of his 25 starts in the minors, he held a seasonal line of 2.98 ERA/147 K over 123 innings. The Braves recalled him in Sep., and he made his debut versus the Rangers. He was hit hard, 6 ER over six innings, yet the promise was there and obvious.

Oddly enough, his next two starts came versus the Nationals. He was solid versus them the first time out, 6 IP/1 ER/6 K. But, was hit hard his next time out, 4 ER/11 Hits.

Once he got away from facing a tough Nationals squad, he rebounded very well versus the Phillies, 7 IP/1 ER/9 K. Gohara looks all the part of a big-time arm in the very near future, yet he can help owners during the most important week of the fantasy season?

The simple answer is: yes.

Gohara gets the Marlins for his last start of the season at Miami. Gohara is coming off his best start of the season and is already generating a ton of swings and misses.

His fastball sits in the mid-90s, and his slider has some of the nastiest break in the game. He is already getting young C.C. Sabathia comparisons, and so far it is clear why.

The next part of his development will be him honing his changeup and command. In terms of his command, he has only walked two batters over his last three starts. He sprinkles in his changeup at times but his fastball/slider combo is already enough to get batters out.

Next: White Sox Carlos Rodon undergoes surgery: Fantasy impact?

Luiz Gohara is shaping up to be a name to watch heading into 2018. Yet, for now, fantasy owners in search of a difference maker during the home stretch of the season should give him a closer look.