Pirates Ivan Nova: Deep Waiver Wire Add

By Brad Kelly | Aug 25, 2016

Aug 12, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Ivan Nova (46) in the first inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Ivan Nova has been solid for the Pirates since being acquired by the team at the trade deadline. Should he now be considered a possible waiver wire option?

The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a name for themselves over the last handful of seasons, by salvaging struggling starting pitchers. This season as not gone as planned for the Buccos, but they may have found their next potential cast-off gem in, Ivan Nova.

Ivan Nova debuted with Yankees in 2010, and his tenure with Yanks seemed to be underwhelming. He certainly showed flashes of brilliance in the rotation, but he could never consistently put it together season to season. The talent is there, but now that he is approaching the age 30 mark, it remains to be seen if he will ever harness his skill. But, if there is going to be a team to help him do it, Ray Searage and the Pirates are the most likely candidate.

The Pirates acquired Nova at the trade deadline, and over his first four starts with the team he has notched a 3.20 ERA. It is also important to note, that Nova is now two years removed from TJ surgery, so it is not surprising to see Nova starting to come back into his own.

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Nova’s command has never been an issue, he owns a 2.9 BB/9, but he needs to have his fastball velocity in the 91-94 mph range in order for his pitch mix to work at its best.

In watching Nova’s start with the Pirates, the only real notable improvement, is his command of his secondary pitches. He still features one of the best 12-6 curveballs, and if he can reign in his changeup command like has lately, it would further his career. In terms of fantasy value, Nova’s ceiling is capped as a backend SP4 or SP5, but he can be of value down the stretch.

With the move to PNC Park, and now facing NL opponents, all sings point to Nova’s value being at its highest. His last start was certainly an example of that, as he twirled a CG versus the Astros. He actually had a shut out entering the ninth inning, but he would go on to surrender one run, while striking out six. Therefore, over his last four starts, he has a 18 K/1 BB ratio over 25 innings.

Next: Red Sox Andrew Benintendi: Headed to the D.L.

Ivan Nova’s next start comes against the Brewers, so he definitely has a chance to keep things rolling. The Pirates have their shortcomings on offense, but Nova can provide solid innings in his new digs. He has always had streaming potential, but now in the NL and coming off his first CG since 2013, owners should give him a look off the waiver wire moving forward while he is locked in.

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