ESPN Ownership: 41.5%

Flouting the fantasy instincts that normally make middle relievers all but invisible in standard leagues, sophomore Houston Astros righty Chris Devenski has hovered around 40% ESPN ownership for the bulk of the season despite recording all of three saves across 43 appearances. How can this be?

One look at Devenski's 34.4% strikeout rate should put an end to that mystery. The 26-year-old Astro has been arguably the premier middle-relief roster filler for strikeout-needy owners all season, bolstering ratios with his 2.85 ERA and minuscule 0.85 WHIP across 60 innings pitched.

That innings load is a big part of Devenski's appeal as he leads all relievers in innings despite an appearance total outside of the top 80.

A multi-inning whiff machine (check out that 17.4% swinging-strike rate and mere 64.1% contact rate) who will keep protecting Astros leads as the team looks towards October, Devenski shouldn't be left on the waiver wire in any competitive standard fantasy league.