Fantasy Baseball: Should You Go Bass Fishing in the Waiver Pool?

San Diego Padres pitcher Anthony Bass is 1-2 on the season, but he has been nothing short of outstanding. He has pitched in six games, starting four and has a sparkling 2.30 ERA and a microscopic 1.02 WHIP. He has racked up 27 strikeouts in 27 1/3 innings.

Over is past three starts he’s been particularly nasty, striking out 22 batters in 19 innings of work. In his past two starts he’s allowed two earned runs over 14 innings (1.29 ERA).

After walking three batters on April 17th and five more on April 22nd, he did not issue a free pass in his most recent start. Improving his control will be a key to continued success.

His early success should not come as a surprise. The 24-year-old was solid in 48 1/3 innings of work last year, posting a 1.68 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP.

He was extremely effective at PETCO last year with a 1.04 ERA in 17 1/3 innings, though he got the job done on the road as well (2.03). This year he has had a little more trouble on the road (3.46 ERA), but he’s still been solid. He has been downright dominant at home once again (1.26 ERA).

Bass is owned in only about 10 percent of fantasy leagues. He has both starting pitcher and relief pitcher eligibility, which gives him added flexibility. If you are looking to rack up strikeouts he’s a nice option to plug into your RP slot.

Wins could be hard to come by because the Padres just aren’t very good, but pitching in PETCO should make for nice peripherals. He is a quality streaming option and if he continues to pitch well will make a nice permanent member of your rotation.

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