For a time, Jake Faria was one of the hotter pickups in fantasy baseball last year.
The Tampa Bay Rays rookie had exploded in AAA, striking out 84 batters in 58.2 innings. his command, which had been a problem, had improved, as Faria was walking only 3.4 batters per nine innings. Brought up to make a spot start, Faria never left the Rays, posting a solid 3.43 ERA and a 1.177 WHiP, striking out 84 batters in his 86.2 major league innings.
However, there were a few rough spots. Those command issues began to resurface, as he walked 20 batters in his final 41.2 innings. Although he struck out 43 batters, those walks led to a 4.97 ERA and a 1.392 WHiP in that time, making Faria a risky investment.
Yet, if he can improve his control, Faria could end up as a future fantasy star. His first seven starts were excellent, as he posted a 2.00 ERA and a 0.978 WHiP, striking out 41 batters against ten walks in 45 innings. Even if he does not keep his ERA at that level, that strikeout to walk rate would bode well for his future.
Jake Faria is likely to have a role with the Tampa Bay Rays, remaining in the rotation as the team moves to a four man staff at the start of the year. A strong start to the year could be a great sign moving forward.