Francisco Liriano has been one inconsistent starter this year but he still has some significant fantasy value.
Analysis: Liriano allowed four or more earned runs in his first six starts of the year but since May 7th he has lowered his ERA by three runs. Liriano’s velocity is fine even though he should be throwing his slider a bit more. He is actually striking out more than one batter per inning but the real problem is his location. He’s walking nearly six batters per nine innings pitched and his HR/FB rate of 14% this year is four percent higher than his career average of 10%.
Liriano still has plenty left in the tank. In fact, his xFIP is just 4.29 compared to his current ERA of 6.45. It does not help that Minnesota does not score much but Liriano isn’t a 1-7 type of pitcher anyway. He’s available in over seventy percent of leagues and his value will be increasing in the near future. Liriano is a free agent next year so a trade deadline move would not be out of the question. Put Liriano on a contender with run support and you have a waiver wire steal.