Each individual pitcher’s career development is unique.
Luke Weaver is another example.
A popular sleeper for the Cardinals entering last season after a great end to his 2017 campaign, Weaver was one 2018’s biggest disappointments. He struggled to maintain a rotation spot in St. Louis, finishing the season with a 4.95 ERA in 136.1 innings. That was especially frustrating given Weaver’s minor league track record, with a glistening career 2.03 ERA.
Arizona acquired Weaver in the
Paul Goldschmidt trade this offseason, and they’re seeing a terrific turnaround for the 25-year-old right-hander. Through nine starts, Weaver has a 3.16 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 4.58 K/BB ratio, again showing the brilliant command that made him such a great prospect. He’s also been very consistent, allowing three or fewer earned runs in eight straight starts after struggling at Dodger Stadium in his first start of the year.
After getting pounded against lefties last season, Weaver is throwing his cutter more often this year (plus-10 percent) and has developed the pitch to be one of the most effective in his arsenal. Left-handed hitters produced an .841 OPS and launched 11 home runs in 324 plate appearances last year, but this year they have a .621 OPS and only two long balls in 116 plate appearances.
We’ve also seeing Weaver’s control nearly match what he did in the minors. He currently has a 2.1 BB/9 after producing a 1.7 BB/9 for his minor league career. Arizona lost
Patrick Corbin in the offseason, but Weaver’s success is lessening the blow of losing their left-handed ace. Weaver is quickly becoming an every-start fantasy option, as is the case next week with a two-start week with visits to roomy San Diego and San Francisco.
