Chris Tillman: Waiver Wire Pickup

Jul 24, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Chris Tillman (30) throws a pitch during the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Starting pitchers can always be found. Whether it’s with a late-round draft pick or a mid-season wonder off the waiver wire, pitchers are like the spokes of a wheel. One falls down and you immediately replace him with someone else. A pitcher you need to pick up is Baltimore Orioles pitcher Chris Tillman.

Tillman’s career started off rocky. He finished his first three seasons, 2009 to 2011, with an ERA over 5.00. However, things have since calmed down and he’s become a serviceable pitcher. At this point into the 2015 season, he could help your team win a matchup or two in a spot start.

Tillman finished the first two months of the season with a 5.94 ERA. Currently, he’s dropped it to 4.71. After allowing six runs in 1.1 innings to the Toronto Blue Jays on June 21, Tillman has allowed a combined five runs in his last five starts.

He pitched seven innings of one-run ball with two hits, three walks and four strikeouts. It was his third straight quality start, but ultimately did not pick up the win in this outing.

Over the last 15 days, Tillman ranks seventh on the ESPN Player Rater among starting pitchers. He is No. 18 over the past 30 days. He averages just 6.7 strikeouts per nine innings with a 1.40 WHIP. If he allowed fewer hits and struck out one or two more batters per outing, I could see him in the top 10 for the rest of the season.

These recent outings are definitely encouraging, but we’ve seen Tillman have stretches like this before. As long as he can continue to use his secondary pitches effectively, then Tillman can be a dangerous opponent on the mound. Let’s hope this isn’t a fluke and Tillman is worth owning for the reminder of the season.

Fantasy owners, and the Orioles, are hoping this lasts. Tillman has been picked up in 18.1 percent of ESPN.com leagues over the last seven days. His ownership is now at 32.3 percent.

Chris Tillman’s next outing will be on July 29 against the Atlanta Braves. This is good timing for Tillman and the Orioles. The Braves recently traded Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson to division rival New York Mets. With two less power options in the Braves’ lineup, Tillman has a better shot at a quality start and a win.

If you are looking for a streaming option in standard leagues or rest-of-season pickup if you play in a deeper league, ride the hot streak of Chris Tillman.