MLB Grind Down: Friday, August 21st
The RotoGrinders MLB Grind Down article will give you an in-depth analysis into the MLB schedule. This article will break down the numbers for every single game and give you analysis on which trends you can exploit. While matchups are a major factor in daily fantasy baseball, there are plenty of other factors to consider such as injuries, weather, and salaries.
The analysis should point you in the right direction, but it is still up to you to decipher the information and make your own selections. No sport has more variance than baseball. The best choice is not always the right choice but following the trends will win you money over time.
Remember, these writeups are done prior to lineups being released, so make sure to check our Starting Lineups page to ensure the recommended options are playing.
Note: For more info on DFS MLB scoring systems on the two largest sites, check out our DraftKings review and FanDuel review.
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Atlanta at Chicago Cubs – 4:05 PM EST
| Atlanta | Chicago Cubs | ||||||||
 | Shelby Miller |  | Kyle Hendricks | ||||||
| RIGHT | RIGHT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| CHC (-192) | 8.5 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.247 | 0.711 | 0.312 | 16.5% | SP vs. Left | 0.256 | 0.709 | 0.311 | 16.70% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.208 | 0.612 | 0.274 | 20.0% | SP vs. Right | 0.242 | 0.632 | 0.281 | 19.70% |
| Batter Splits | ATL BvP | ATL vs R | Batter Splits | CHC BvP | CHC vs R | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Shelby Miller : FD: $8,300 — DK: $8,700
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 328.0 — SIERA: 4.34 — ERA: 3.18 — K%: 18.0% — BB%: 8.9% — HR/9: 0.8
Last 30 Days: IP: 31.1 — SIERA: 4.55 — ERA: 2.87 — K%: 17.4% — BB%: 9.9% — HR/9: 0.6
Chicago Cubs Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.307 (Rank: 18) — Strikeout Rate: 23.9% (Rank: 29)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.359 (Rank: 3) — Strikeout Rate: 23.6% (Rank: 24)
Pitches per PA: 4.00 (Rank: 1)
Analysis: Miller may have a 2.87 ERA over the last month of play, but his peripheral statistics suggest some regression. During that same time period, he has a 4.55 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 17.4% and a walk rate of 9.9%. He is a huge underdog today against the Cubs with the wind blowing out in Wrigley. Miller should be avoided in the all-day league formats.
Pitcher Rating: 49.0
Kyle Hendricks : FD: $7,700 — DK: $7,100
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 211.2 — SIERA: 3.72 — ERA: 3.40 — K%: 18.3% — BB%: 5.2% — HR/9: 0.7
Last 30 Days: IP: 32.1 — SIERA: 3.58 — ERA: 5.29 — K%: 22.2% — BB%: 9.0% — HR/9: 1.1
Atlanta Braves Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.300 (Rank: 25) — Strikeout Rate: 17.4% (Rank: 3)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.305 (Rank: 20) — Strikeout Rate: 17.6% (Rank: 5)
Pitches per PA: 3.78 (Rank: 21)
Analysis: Hendricks has the exact opposite problem as Miller. His SIERA over the last month of play is nearly two runs lower than his ERA, which suggests that he could have positive regression here shortly. He is a large favorite today at home against a Braves’ team that really lacks power outside of Freddie Freeman. The wind blowing out does concern me though, so I will be avoiding both of these pitchers in the all-day slate of games.
Pitcher Rating: 75.9
Batter Grind Down
Atlanta
The Braves’ offense inspires little confidence, as they are ranked 25th in team wOBA against right-handed pitching this season. While the wind is blowing out today at Wrigley, their matchup against Kyle Hendricks is less than ideal. Since the start of the 2014 season, Hendricks has held both left and right-handed hitters under a .315 wOBA.
Elite Plays:
NONE
Secondary Plays:
Freddie Freeman : FD: $3,300 — DK: $4,400
Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 742 — wOBA: 0.387 — ISO: 0.206 — wRC+: 149
Last 30 Days: PA: 47 — wOBA: 0.276 — ISO: 0.156 — wRC+: 72
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs’ offense has been scoring runs in bunches recently. With all of the powerful left-handed batters in their lineup, they are a tough test for right-handed pitchers. Dexter Fowler offers the best value today against Shelby Miller. Kyle Schwarber, Anthony Rizzo, and Chris Coghlan are also in play as secondary options.
Elite Plays:
Dexter Fowler : FD: $3,400 — DK: $4,300
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 777 — wOBA: 0.329 — ISO: 0.144 — wRC+: 109
Last 30 Days: PA: 125 — wOBA: 0.430 — ISO: 0.277 — wRC+: 178
Secondary Plays:
Kyle Schwarber : FD: $4,500 — DK: $4,800
Position Eligibility: FD: C — DK: C/OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 100 — wOBA: 0.471 — ISO: 0.345 — wRC+: 206
Last 30 Days: PA: 106 — wOBA: 0.437 — ISO: 0.345 — wRC+: 183
Anthony Rizzo : FD: $4,200 — DK: $4,900
Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 813 — wOBA: 0.389 — ISO: 0.255 — wRC+: 150
Last 30 Days: PA: 115 — wOBA: 0.393 — ISO: 0.273 — wRC+: 153
Chris Coghlan : FD: $3,100 — DK: $3,300
Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 2B/OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 666 — wOBA: 0.357 — ISO: 0.198 — wRC+: 128
Last 30 Days: PA: 79 — wOBA: 0.360 — ISO: 0.284 — wRC+: 130
Milwaukee at Washington – 7:05 PM EST
| Milwaukee | Washington | ||||||||
 | Jimmy Nelson |  | Gio Gonzalez | ||||||
| RIGHT | LEFT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| WAS (-160) | 7.5 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.283 | 0.835 | 0.361 | 17.7% | SP vs. Left | 0.240 | 0.643 | 0.285 | 21.80% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.226 | 0.618 | 0.278 | 21.6% | SP vs. Right | 0.250 | 0.699 | 0.309 | 23.20% |
| Batter Splits | MIL BvP | MIL vs L | Batter Splits | WAS BvP | WAS vs R | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Jimmy Nelson : FD: $8,000 — DK: $8,200
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 219.0 — SIERA: 3.82 — ERA: 4.03 — K%: 19.8% — BB%: 7.4% — HR/9: 0.9
Last 30 Days: IP: 40.2 — SIERA: 3.41 — ERA: 1.99 — K%: 23.6% — BB%: 7.3% — HR/9: 0.4
Washington Nationals Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.310 (Rank: 16) — Strikeout Rate: 21.3% (Rank: 24)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.320 (Rank: 15) — Strikeout Rate: 20.7% (Rank: 17)
Pitches per PA: 3.76 (Rank: 23)
Analysis: Nelson has pitched well recently, posting a 1.99 ERA (3.41 SIERA) with a strikeout rate of 23.6% over the last month of play. He has struggled away from Miller Park though, and he draws a difficult matchup against the Nationals, who are finally starting to get healthy. Nelson is a sizable underdog on the road that can safely be avoided in all league formats.
Pitcher Rating: 60.7
Gio Gonzalez : FD: $9,600 — DK: $8,500
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 284.2 — SIERA: 3.60 — ERA: 3.70 — K%: 22.9% — BB%: 8.6% — HR/9: 0.5
Last 30 Days: IP: 31.1 — SIERA: 3.82 — ERA: 3.45 — K%: 20.7% — BB%: 7.9% — HR/9: 0.0
Milwaukee Brewers Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.281 (Rank: 28) — Strikeout Rate: 20.8% (Rank: 13)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.302 (Rank: 21) — Strikeout Rate: 22.2% (Rank: 22)
Pitches per PA: 3.72 (Rank: 26)
Analysis: Gonzalez has also pitched well over the last month of play, posting a 3.82 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 20.7%. He walks too many batters for my liking, but that shouldn’t be an issue tonight against the Brewers, who average the fifth-fewest pitches per plate appearance. Milwaukee is also ranked 28th in team wOBA against left-handed pitching. Gonzalez is economically priced and he’s in a decent matchup at home. He is a viable SP2 on multi-pitcher sites.
Pitcher Rating: 77.3
Batter Grind Down
Milwaukee
The Brewers draw a difficult matchup tonight against Gio Gonzalez, who has held both left and right-handed hitters under a .310 wOBA over the last two seasons. The Brewers have one of the lowest team totals on the board. They are secondary fantasy options at best tonight.
Elite Plays:
NONE
Secondary Plays:
Jean Segura : FD: $2,600 — DK: $3,200
Position Eligibility: FD: SS — DK: SS
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 228 — wOBA: 0.272 — ISO: 0.072 — wRC+: 66
Last 30 Days: PA: 115 — wOBA: 0.213 — ISO: 0.045 — wRC+: 25
Jonathan Lucroy : FD: $2,500 — DK: $2,900
Position Eligibility: FD: C — DK: C
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 228 — wOBA: 0.314 — ISO: 0.134 — wRC+: 95
Last 30 Days: PA: 110 — wOBA: 0.278 — ISO: 0.104 — wRC+: 69
Washington
The Nationals are coming off of a good offensive series against the Rockies, but it was in Coors Field, so we shouldn’t put too much stock into it. They draw a favorable matchup tonight against Jimmy Nelson, who has given up a .378 wOBA to left-handed hitters over the last two seasons. Bryce Harper is an elite play at his somewhat discounted price point.
Elite Plays:
Bryce Harper : FD: $4,900 — DK: $5,200
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 620 — wOBA: 0.411 — ISO: 0.244 — wRC+: 166
Last 30 Days: PA: 119 — wOBA: 0.378 — ISO: 0.143 — wRC+: 143
Secondary Plays:
Anthony Rendon : FD: $3,000 — DK: $2,800
Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 2B/3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 641 — wOBA: 0.344 — ISO: 0.175 — wRC+: 120
Last 30 Days: PA: 87 — wOBA: 0.260 — ISO: 0.078 — wRC+: 62
Minnesota at Baltimore – 7:05 PM EST
| Minnesota | Baltimore | ||||||||
 | Tommy Milone |  | Wei-Yin Chen | ||||||
| LEFT | LEFT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| BAL (-170) | 8.5 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.204 | 0.589 | 0.261 | 15.6% | SP vs. Left | 0.256 | 0.668 | 0.293 | 16.90% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.278 | 0.807 | 0.352 | 15.2% | SP vs. Right | 0.256 | 0.760 | 0.329 | 19.30% |
| Batter Splits | MIN BvP | MIN vs L | Batter Splits | BAL BvP | BAL vs L | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Tommy Milone : FD: $7,000 — DK: $6,300
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 199.1 — SIERA: 4.49 — ERA: 4.02 — K%: 15.3% — BB%: 7.0% — HR/9: 1.4
Last 30 Days: IP: 14.2 — SIERA: 3.64 — ERA: 7.98 — K%: 18.2% — BB%: 1.5% — HR/9: 3.7
Baltimore Orioles Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.315 (Rank: 9) — Strikeout Rate: 21.7% (Rank: 20)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.349 (Rank: 4) — Strikeout Rate: 20.8% (Rank: 18)
Pitches per PA: 3.82 (Rank: 14)
Analysis: Milone has been lit up in his last few starts. While his SIERA suggests that he hasn’t been quite that bad, there is no way that he is coming into tonight’s start with a ton of confidence. Add in a matchup against the Orioles, who are ranked ninth in team wOBA against left-handed pitching and Milone becomes an easy avoid tonight.
Pitcher Rating: 42.5
Wei-Yin Chen : FD: $8,100 — DK: $8,300
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 323.0 — SIERA: 3.88 — ERA: 3.40 — K%: 18.5% — BB%: 5.0% — HR/9: 1.3
Last 30 Days: IP: 27.1 — SIERA: 4.22 — ERA: 4.94 — K%: 17.5% — BB%: 5.8% — HR/9: 2.0
Minnesota Twins Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.307 (Rank: 18) — Strikeout Rate: 20.1% (Rank: 10)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.316 (Rank: 16) — Strikeout Rate: 21.4% (Rank: 20)
Pitches per PA: 3.80 (Rank: 15)
Analysis: Chen has been a serviceable pitcher for the Orioles, but he doesn’t have the upside that we are looking for from a starting pitcher. Since the start of the 2014 season, he has a 3.88 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 18.5%. He draws a mediocre matchup tonight against the Twins, who have hit left-handed pitching very well at times this season. Chen may pick up the win, but he is a bit overpriced for what he brings to the table.
Pitcher Rating: 65.8
Batter Grind Down
Minnesota
The Twins draw a favorable matchup against Wei-Yin Chen in the hitter-friendly Camden Yards. Since the start of the 2014 season, Chen has given up a .329 wOBA to right-handed hitters. Brian Dozier is an elite play at second base. Miguel Sano and Trevor Plouffe are both secondary options at third base.
Elite Plays:
Brian Dozier : FD: $3,400 — DK: $4,700
Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 2B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 362 — wOBA: 0.352 — ISO: 0.216 — wRC+: 125
Last 30 Days: PA: 115 — wOBA: 0.278 — ISO: 0.181 — wRC+: 73
Secondary Plays:
Miguel Sano : FD: $4,000 — DK: $4,700
Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 48 — wOBA: 0.299 — ISO: 0.143 — wRC+: 88
Last 30 Days: PA: 112 — wOBA: 0.396 — ISO: 0.287 — wRC+: 155
Trevor Plouffe : FD: $3,100 — DK: $4,000
Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 311 — wOBA: 0.346 — ISO: 0.185 — wRC+: 121
Last 30 Days: PA: 103 — wOBA: 0.305 — ISO: 0.245 — wRC+: 92
Baltimore
The Orioles are sizable favorites tonight at home in a game that features a total of 8.5 runs. Tommy Milone has been effective against left-handed hitters, but he has given up a .352 wOBA to hitters from the right side of the plate over the last two seasons.
Elite Plays:
Adam Jones : FD: $3,900 — DK: $5,200
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 267 — wOBA: 0.425 — ISO: 0.266 — wRC+: 176
Last 30 Days: PA: 122 — wOBA: 0.348 — ISO: 0.261 — wRC+: 121
Secondary Plays:
Manny Machado : FD: $4,100 — DK: $4,500
Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 215 — wOBA: 0.316 — ISO: 0.146 — wRC+: 100
Last 30 Days: PA: 127 — wOBA: 0.368 — ISO: 0.181 — wRC+: 135
Jonathan Schoop : FD: $2,600 — DK: $3,600
Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 2B/3B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 191 — wOBA: 0.253 — ISO: 0.096 — wRC+: 56
Last 30 Days: PA: 102 — wOBA: 0.337 — ISO: 0.149 — wRC+: 113
Cleveland at NY Yankees – 7:05 PM EST
| Cleveland | NY Yankees | ||||||||
 | Carlos Carrasco |  | Masahiro Tanaka | ||||||
| RIGHT | RIGHT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| NYY (-140) | 7.5 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.201 | 0.564 | 0.251 | 26.8% | SP vs. Left | 0.225 | 0.638 | 0.279 | 24.60% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.236 | 0.634 | 0.278 | 26.8% | SP vs. Right | 0.231 | 0.689 | 0.299 | 25.00% |
| Batter Splits | CLE BvP | CLE vs R | Batter Splits | NYY BvP | NYY vs R | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Carlos Carrasco : FD: $9,600 — DK: $10,100
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 278.1 — SIERA: 2.68 — ERA: 3.14 — K%: 26.9% — BB%: 5.2% — HR/9: 0.7
Last 30 Days: IP: 36.0 — SIERA: 2.54 — ERA: 2.50 — K%: 25.8% — BB%: 3.9% — HR/9: 1.0
New York Yankees Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.324 (Rank: 5) — Strikeout Rate: 19.1% (Rank: 7)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.287 (Rank: 27) — Strikeout Rate: 20.4% (Rank: 16)
Pitches per PA: 3.89 (Rank: 5)
Analysis: Carrasco comes into tonight’s start in elite form, posting a 2.54 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 25.8% over the last month of play. I’d love to continue targeting him tonight, but I just can’t pay that price for a pitcher against the Yankees. On the season, New York is ranked fifth in team wOBA and seventh in strikeout rate against right-handed pitching. There are better options for both cash games and tournaments tonight.
Pitcher Rating: 73.8
Masahiro Tanaka : FD: $8,900 — DK: $9,800
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 245.0 — SIERA: 2.96 — ERA: 3.12 — K%: 24.8% — BB%: 4.4% — HR/9: 1.2
Last 30 Days: IP: 41.2 — SIERA: 3.72 — ERA: 3.46 — K%: 20.4% — BB%: 5.6% — HR/9: 1.7
Cleveland Indians Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.311 (Rank: 15) — Strikeout Rate: 19.0% (Rank: 6)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.342 (Rank: 6) — Strikeout Rate: 17.7% (Rank: 6)
Pitches per PA: 3.91 (Rank: 3)
Analysis: Tanaka hasn’t been in perfect form, but he has pitched well recently, posting a 3.72 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 20.4% over the last month of play. Dollar for dollar, I prefer Tanaka over Carlos Carrasco tonight, but with all of the other aces on the mound, I will likely be avoiding both. The Indians have the sixth-lowest strikeout rate against right-handed pitching this season.
Pitcher Rating: 78.6
Batter Grind Down
Cleveland
The Indians are one of the few teams that I will be completely fading tonight. While they see a nice ballpark boost playing in Yankee Stadium, they draw a tough matchup against Masahiro Tanaka, who has held hitters from both sides of the plate under a .300 wOBA over the last two seasons.
Elite Plays:
NONE
Secondary Plays:
NONE
NY Yankees
The Yankees’ offense can also be avoided tonight, as Carlos Carrasco has held both left and right-handed hitters under a .280 wOBA over the last two seasons. Jacoby Ellsbury and Brett Gardner both have attractive price points, but they are secondary options in the outfield tonight.
Elite Plays:
NONE
Secondary Plays:
Jacoby Ellsbury : FD: $3,400 — DK: $4,000
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 650 — wOBA: 0.317 — ISO: 0.130 — wRC+: 100
Last 30 Days: PA: 126 — wOBA: 0.288 — ISO: 0.174 — wRC+: 79
Brett Gardner : FD: $2,900 — DK: $4,200
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 794 — wOBA: 0.343 — ISO: 0.177 — wRC+: 119
Last 30 Days: PA: 116 — wOBA: 0.270 — ISO: 0.051 — wRC+: 67
San Francisco at Pittsburgh – 7:05 PM EST
| San Francisco | Pittsburgh | ||||||||
 | Madison Bumgarner |  | Jeff Locke | ||||||
| LEFT | LEFT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| SFG (-130) | 7.0 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.225 | 0.564 | 0.251 | 31.2% | SP vs. Left | 0.234 | 0.668 | 0.298 | 10.30% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.235 | 0.664 | 0.291 | 24.5% | SP vs. Right | 0.262 | 0.731 | 0.321 | 18.90% |
| Batter Splits | SFG BvP | SF vs L | Batter Splits | PIT BvP | PIT vs L | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Madison Bumgarner : FD: $12,800 — DK: $12,200
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 371.2 — SIERA: 2.99 — ERA: 3.05 — K%: 25.4% — BB%: 4.6% — HR/9: 0.9
Last 30 Days: IP: 35.1 — SIERA: 2.46 — ERA: 2.55 — K%: 28.5% — BB%: 2.2% — HR/9: 0.5
Pittsburgh Pirates Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.310 (Rank: 14) — Strikeout Rate: 22.7% (Rank: 24)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.365 (Rank: 2) — Strikeout Rate: 20.3% (Rank: 15)
Pitches per PA: 3.79 (Rank: 19)
Analysis: Bumgarner has been terrific in his recent outings, posting a 2.46 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 28.5% over the last month. His command has also been sharp, as he has only walked 2.2% of the batters that he has faced during that time. He draws a mediocre matchup against the Pirates, but they do strikeout at a high rate against southpaws. The good news is that he should get enough run support with Jeff Locke pitching opposite him.
Pitcher Rating: 88.3
Jeff Locke : FD: $6,300 — DK: $5,900
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 255.1 — SIERA: 4.13 — ERA: 4.16 — K%: 16.9% — BB%: 8.1% — HR/9: 0.9
Last 30 Days: IP: 28.0 — SIERA: 4.55 — ERA: 5.79 — K%: 16.5% — BB%: 9.9% — HR/9: 1.0
San Francisco Giants Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.307 (Rank: 18) — Strikeout Rate: 19.0% (Rank: 8)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.306 (Rank: 19) — Strikeout Rate: 20.8% (Rank: 18)
Pitches per PA: 3.74 (Rank: 25)
Analysis: Locke is an easy pitcher to avoid tonight. He is a low strikeout pitcher and he comes into tonight’s form in less than stellar form. He also draws a bad matchup against the Giants, who have the eighth-lowest strikeout rate against left-handed pitching this season. The final nail in the coffin is that Madison Bumgarner is pitching opposite him, which means run support will likely be limited or non-existent.
Pitcher Rating: 49.8
Batter Grind Down
San Francisco
The Giants may not have the highest team total on the board, but they draw a nice matchup against Jeff Locke, who has given up a .321 wOBA to right-handed hitters. Buster Posey deserves consideration as an elite play. Over the last two seasons, he has a .365 wOBA and a .195 ISO against southpaws.
Elite Plays:
Buster Posey : FD: $3,500 — DK: $4,200
Position Eligibility: FD: C — DK: 1B/C
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 281 — wOBA: 0.365 — ISO: 0.195 — wRC+: 141
Last 30 Days: PA: 102 — wOBA: 0.356 — ISO: 0.128 — wRC+: 135
Secondary Plays:
Matt Duffy : FD: $3,100 — DK: $3,800
Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 2B/3B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 133 — wOBA: 0.310 — ISO: 0.106 — wRC+: 103
Last 30 Days: PA: 118 — wOBA: 0.353 — ISO: 0.152 — wRC+: 133
Pittsburgh
The Giants draw one of the worst matchups on the board. In addition to an elite strikeout rate, Madison Bumgarner has held both left and right-handed hitters under a .295 wOBA over the last two seasons. Avoid the Buccos tonight.
Elite Plays:
NONE
Secondary Plays:
NONE