It’s time to start paying attention to Tampa Bay pitcher Matt Moore again.
The southpaw has been great in four of his last five starts, but is still only owned in 26 percent of leagues at ESPN.com. I know he wasn’t the epitome of consistency in the early going this season, but lately he’s showing why he was once regarded as an up-and-coming star in Major League Baseball.
If we forget about his outing June 24 at Baltimore, he’s been dominant since June 12. Since that time, he’s allowed four total runs in four of his five starts, striking out 24 batters in the process and allowing only eight walks combined in all five of those starts.
He’s eating up innings for fantasy owners, going at least six innings in his six starts.
Trade talk also is heating up for Moore, who is stuck on the floundering Rays. That could push him to keep up this hot streak, which should continue Saturday at Boston.
The Red Sox are one of the most potent offenses in the American League, but if the last matchup is any indication of what will happen this time, then Moore owners are in good shape.
Boston couldn’t find an answer against Moore on June 29, when he went seven innings, struck out six, allowed three hits and gave up no runs.
That’s not the only reason to pick up Moore off the waiver wire for this matchup. The Red Sox statistically have the best offense in MLB. However, against left-handers, the Red Sox are significantly worse, ranking 20th in runs scored.
Pick up Moore now off the waiver wire for not only a back-end start this week, but also for the foreseeable future.
