White Sox starter Jake Peavy was once one of the top starting pitchers in baseball. For the 5 year period 2004-2008, Peavy went 68-44 with a 2.95 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, a K/9 of 9.38 and a K/BB of 3.46. He won the NL Cy Young award in 2007 after going 19-6 with a 2.54 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP.
But since then, he really hasn't been the same pitcher, as he was traded from the Padres to the White Sox in a 4 for 1 deal highlighted by Clayton Richard. He has battled injuries the past few seasons, and had surgery last July to repair a torn lat muscle. He was told by doctors that he would need 12-18 months to fully recover. But Peavy would have none of that, and returned from the DL on May 11th and gave up 4 runs in 6 innings in his first start last week.
Peavy certainly stepped up his game tonight, as he shutout the Indians on a complete game 3 hitter, striking out 8 and walking none in the process. Peavy threw first pitch strikes to 18 of the 29 batters he faced, and induced 14 swinging strikes.
I don't know if Peavy can return to the ace he once was 3 year ago, but I am sure there will be plenty of fantasy owners looking to add him after this gem. I would pick him up and roster him, but would make sure I can bench him should he not pitch well in his next few starts.