PT TOMORROW: NL Central—Archer an ace in PIT?

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates were buyers at the trade deadline? Yes, indeed. And they did something out of character and landed one of the biggest starting pitchers available by getting Chris Archer (RHP, PIT) from The Tampa Bay Rays. The Pirates get a workhorse (200 IP each of the last three seasons) but one who has seen his ERA rise by a run since he tantalized fantasy owners with his dominant season in 2015 (3.12 xERA, 1.14 WHIP, 10.7 Dom). Leaving the AL East should help and the proverbial change of scenery might be a boost as well. However, that hit rate needs to drop from 35%, his strand rate is at 70% (74% and 75% in 2014-15). Nick Kingham (RHP, PIT) (5.02 ERA) is expected to be the odd man out of the rotation.

The trade of

Almost!

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