Getting a back-end start out of a pitcher doesn’t mean that player needs to be the complete package for fantasy baseball owners. Instead, that player should be reliable in at least one area to give a fantasy baseball owner an edge in a particular category.

Don’t expect Atlanta Braves pitcher Matt Wisler to offer incredible statistics in multiple areas this week. Instead, pick him up off the waiver wire (he should be available) for a back-end start because he should deliver in the wins category.

Wisler squares off against Philadelphia, which owns the worst record in Major League Baseball. The Phillies also are in the bottom half of MLB in batting average, on-base percentage and runs scored. That works in Wisler’s favor…obviously.

The rookie pitcher also will pitch at night on July 31, meaning that the numbers are even more in his advantage. Wisler is 4-0 in night games this season. The rookie has only made seven starts this season, but he’s already 5-1. His strikeout numbers aren’t gaudy, with only 26 during those contests, but he does have a respectable ERA at 3.43 with a WHIP of 1.33.

He’s also starting to log more innings after generating no more than 5 2/3 innings during a three-game stretch in starts two, three and four. During his last three outings, he’s thrown six or more innings, and allowed eight combined earned runs.

We’ve been right on Wisler before. During the two starts we recommended to utilize him for, he was 1-0 with 13 strikeouts and allowed five earned runs during 11 2/3 innings.

With a rookie, there always is a danger to the amount of consistency he will provide. However, Wisler should garner a win against the Phillies, giving fantasy baseball owners an opportunity to pick up a statistic in a valuable fantasy baseball category.

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