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As we proceed into the second half of the MLB season, there have undoubtedly been some surprise performances from players who essentially flew entirely under the radar during fantasy baseball draft season. It is always a pleasant surprise for an organization to have a solid starting pitcher emerge who was not expected to do so.
Perhaps no player better exemplifies that statement in 2014 than Milwaukee Brewers SP Wily Peralta.
Peralta, 25, had a serviceable season in what was his first full MLB campaign in 2013, going 11-15 with a 4.37 ERA and essentially averaging a quality start (six innings, three runs or less) in 32 games. There is no doubt his talent was evident despite the losing record, however, it is unlikely that the Brewers’ front-office folk expected their young right-hander to blossom into the player he has performed as in 2014.
In 20 starts thus far, Peralta has already equaled his win total from last season, going 11-6 with a solid 3.57 ERA and 1.257 WHIP. He profiles more as a pitch-to-contact type hurler but does miss bats at times, striking out 94 batters in 125.2 innings, which is good for an adequate 6.7 K/9 ratio. Perhaps his biggest flaw is his 1.1 HR/9, but his ERA is under control despite that trend.
Currently, Peralta is available in 58.3 percent of leagues on ESPN and 52 percent on Yahoo!. He has given up just one earned run in his last 14 innings and projects to continue that streak on Saturday at home against the New York Mets, a club that is far from offensive juggernauts and set up extremely well to fantasy success for Peralta.
Peralta is an excellent waiver-wire acquisition to stream on Saturday, and he might just land a spot on your roster permanently if he continues his current momentum.
Timothy Downs is a fantasy sports writer for www.RantSports.com. You can add him on Google or follow on Twitter @Tidow1212.
