MLB Grind Down: Friday, August 7th - Page Three
Cincinnati at Arizona – 9:40 PM EST
| Cincinnati | Arizona | ||||||||
 | Raisel Iglesias |  | Chase Anderson | ||||||
| RIGHT | RIGHT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.347 | 0.87 | 0.382 | 0.131 | SP vs. Left | 0.235 | 0.706 | 0.311 | 0.175 |
| SP vs. Right | 0.183 | 0.642 | 0.284 | 0.317 | SP vs. Right | 0.288 | 0.809 | 0.352 | 0.195 |
| Batter Splits | CIN BvP | CIN vs R | Batter Splits | ARI vs R | |||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Raisel Iglesias : FD: $6,500 — DK: $5,800
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 47.1 — SIERA: 3.70 — ERA: 5.13 — K%: 22.3% — BB%: 7.1% — HR/9: 1.0
Last 30 Days: IP: 22.2 — SIERA: 3.59 — ERA: 5.16 — K%: 22.0% — BB%: 6.0% — HR/9: 1.6
Arizona Diamondbacks Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.315 (Rank: 12) — Strikeout Rate: 21.1% (Rank: 23)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.318 (Rank: 14) — Strikeout Rate: 25.9% (Rank: 30)
Pitchers per PA: 3.71 (Rank: 28)
Analysis: Iglesias has some electric stuff in his repertoire and may end up being a very good major league pitcher. His SIERA is nearly a full run and a half lower than his ERA and in 47 innings, he has struck out 22.3% of the batters that he has faced. He provides good upside at his price point, but unfortunately, his matchup isn’t one that we want to target. The Diamondbacks are a competent offense and he has to face them in the hitter-friendly Chase Field.
Pitcher Rating:55.2
Chase Anderson : FD: $6,100 — DK: $5,300
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 219.1 — SIERA: 4.04 — ERA: 4.19 — K%: 18.6% — BB%: 7.1% — HR/9: 1.2
Last 30 Days: IP: 8.0 — SIERA: 4.10 — ERA: 12.38 — K%: 15.9% — BB%: 6.8% — HR/9: 2.3
Cincinnati Reds Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.314 (Rank: 13) — Strikeout Rate: 18.7% (Rank: 6)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.337 (Rank: 11) — Strikeout Rate: 20.3% (Rank: 15)
Pitchers per PA: 3.74 (Rank: 24)
Analysis: Anderson will come off of the DL for tonight’s start against the Reds. He has been a serviceable pitcher for Arizona over the last two seasons, posting a 4.04 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 18.6%. He finds himself in a bad matchup tonight, though, as the Reds are ranked 13th in team wOBA and sixth in strikeout rate against right-handed pitching this season.
Pitcher Rating:49.1
Batter Grind Down
Cincinnati
The Reds go from one hitter’s park in Great American to another one in Chase Field. They draw a favorable matchup tonight against Chase Anderson. While he has been a reverse splits pitcher in his career, I don’t mind targeting left-handed hitters against him. Joey Votto is the preferred target here, as he has a .534 wOBA over the last 14 days of play.
Elite Plays
Joey Votto : FD: $3,700 — DK: $5,100
Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 524 — wOBA: 0.388 — ISO: 0.187 — wRC+: 147
Last 14 Days: PA: 50 — wOBA: 0.534 — ISO: 0.273 — wRC+: 248
Secondary Plays
Jay Bruce : FD: $3,400 — DK: $4,700
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 719 — wOBA: 0.323 — ISO: 0.190 — wRC+: 103
Last 14 Days: PA: 50 — wOBA: 0.387 — ISO: 0.295 — wRC+: 146
Todd Frazier : FD: $3,300 — DK: $4,900
Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 1B/3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 852 — wOBA: 0.354 — ISO: 0.212 — wRC+: 124
Last 14 Days: PA: 48 — wOBA: 0.208 — ISO: 0.114 — wRC+: 23
Arizona
The Diamondbacks’ offense has been very hit or miss recently. With a matchup against Raisel Iglesias, this could be a good night to target hitters from the Grand Canyon State (had to Google that nickname and I won’t lie, I’m not too impressed). The left-handed hitters have the edge in this matchup, as Iglesias has given up a .382 wOBA to hitters from that side of the plate.
Elite Plays
David Peralta : FD: $3,700 — DK: $3,400
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 542 — wOBA: 0.370 — ISO: 0.213 — wRC+: 133
Last 14 Days: PA: 36 — wOBA: 0.396 — ISO: 0.176 — wRC+: 151
Ender Inciarte : FD: $2,700 — DK: $3,500
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 553 — wOBA: 0.321 — ISO: 0.110 — wRC+: 100
Last 14 Days: PA: 60 — wOBA: 0.345 — ISO: 0.155 — wRC+: 116
Secondary Plays
Paul Goldschmidt : FD: $4,000 — DK: $5,600
Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 748 — wOBA: 0.400 — ISO: 0.238 — wRC+: 154
Last 14 Days: PA: 58 — wOBA: 0.354 — ISO: 0.109 — wRC+: 122
Welington Castillo : FD: $3,600 — DK: $3,900
Position Eligibility: FD: C — DK: C
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 475 — wOBA: 0.306 — ISO: 0.175 — wRC+: 93
Last 14 Days: PA: 37 — wOBA: 0.612 — ISO: 0.667 — wRC+: 299
Jake Lamb : FD: $2,700 — DK: $3,700
Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 290 — wOBA: 0.327 — ISO: 0.155 — wRC+: 104
Last 14 Days: PA: 45 — wOBA: 0.415 — ISO: 0.268 — wRC+: 164
Houston at Oakland – 10:05 PM EST
| Houston | Oakland | ||||||||
 | Dallas Keuchel |  | Sonny Gray | ||||||
| LEFT | RIGHT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| HOU (-114) | 6 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.195 | 0.505 | 0.227 | 0.257 | SP vs. Left | 0.205 | 0.582 | 0.264 | 0.218 |
| SP vs. Right | 0.24 | 0.635 | 0.283 | 0.185 | SP vs. Right | 0.231 | 0.591 | 0.266 | 0.202 |
| Batter Splits | HOU BvP | HOU vs R | Batter Splits | OAK BvP | OAK vs L | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Dallas Keuchel : FD: $10,700 — DK: $11,900
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 357.0 — SIERA: 2.91 — ERA: 2.67 — K%: 20.2% — BB%: 6.0% — HR/9: 0.5
Last 30 Days: IP: 32.2 — SIERA: 2.10 — ERA: 3.58 — K%: 29.2% — BB%: 4.6% — HR/9: 0.3
Oakland Athletics Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.298 (Rank: 23) — Strikeout Rate: 16.9% (Rank: 3)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.251 (Rank: 29) — Strikeout Rate: 17.9% (Rank: 8)
Pitchers per PA: 3.87 (Rank: 7)
Analysis: Keuchel is looking for a dominant outing, after giving up a combined seven earned runs in his last two starts. A matchup against the A’s may be just what he needs. Oakland is ranked 23rd in team wOBA against left-handed pitching and they have the second-worst team wOBA over the last 14 days of play. The strikeout potential is somewhat limited against the A’s, but Keuchel makes a very sneaky tournament play tonight. He will get overlooked with all of the other aces on the bump.
Pitcher Rating:76.9
Sonny Gray : FD: $10,300 — DK: $11,200
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 371.2 — SIERA: 3.50 — ERA: 2.69 — K%: 21.0% — BB%: 7.6% — HR/9: 0.6
Last 30 Days: IP: 45.0 — SIERA: 3.74 — ERA: 2.20 — K%: 20.0% — BB%: 8.2% — HR/9: 0.6
Houston Astros Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.326 (Rank: 6) — Strikeout Rate: 24.3% (Rank: 29)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.356 (Rank: 5) — Strikeout Rate: 18.5% (Rank: 9)
Pitchers per PA: 3.86 (Rank: 8)
Analysis: Gray has really pitched well for the A’s over the last two seasons, posting a 3.50 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 21.0%. He draws a favorable matchup tonight against the Astros, who have the second-highest strikeout rate of any team against right-handed pitching this season. The Astros do have a lot of power in their lineup, but hopefully the big ballpark in Oakland will help negate some of that. Gray has great upside in this matchup. The only concern here is run support.
Pitcher Rating:65.2
Batter Grind Down
Houston
The Astros can be avoided tonight in what is expected to be a pitcher’s duel. Since the start of the 2014 season, Sonny Gray has held both left and right-handed hitters under a .270 wOBA.
Elite Plays / Secondary Plays
NONE
Oakland
The same goes for the A’s hitters tonight. Oakland does not hit left-handed pitching well as a team and they face one of the best southpaws in baseball. Dallas Keuchel has held both left and right-handed hitters under a .285 wOBA over the last two seasons.
Elite Plays / Secondary Plays
NONE
Baltimore at LA Angels – 10:05 PM EST
| Baltimore | LA Angels | ||||||||
 | Kevin Gausman |  | Andrew Heaney | ||||||
| RIGHT | LEFT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| LAA (-125) | 7 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.249 | 0.703 | 0.311 | 0.183 | SP vs. Left | 0.208 | 0.532 | 0.236 | 0.23 |
| SP vs. Right | 0.243 | 0.658 | 0.289 | 0.2 | SP vs. Right | 0.246 | 0.729 | 0.319 | 0.154 |
| Batter Splits | BAL BvP | BAL vs L | Batter Splits | LAA BvP | ANA vs R | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Kevin Gausman : FD: $6,300 — DK: $5,400
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 161.0 — SIERA: 3.99 — ERA: 3.69 — K%: 19.0% — BB%: 7.4% — HR/9: 0.7
Last 30 Days: IP: 24.1 — SIERA: 3.74 — ERA: 4.81 — K%: 18.8% — BB%: 4.0% — HR/9: 1.5
LA Angels of Anaheim Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.308 (Rank: 16) — Strikeout Rate: 19.5% (Rank: 13)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.271 (Rank: 26) — Strikeout Rate: 19.5% (Rank: 12)
Pitchers per PA: 3.77 (Rank: 21)
Analysis: Gausman has been a nice value play recently, posting a 3.74 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 18.8% over the last month of play. He is still a risky fantasy option though, especially when he is on the road facing a potent offense. He can safely be avoided tonight against the Angels.
Pitcher Rating:47.1
Andrew Heaney : FD: $7,100 — DK: $8,300
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 75.0 — SIERA: 3.85 — ERA: 3.48 — K%: 17.9% — BB%: 4.6% — HR/9: 1.1
Last 30 Days: IP: 32.2 — SIERA: 3.90 — ERA: 2.20 — K%: 17.1% — BB%: 3.1% — HR/9: 0.6
Baltimore Orioles Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.304 (Rank: 16) — Strikeout Rate: 22.1% (Rank: 19)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.307 (Rank: 18) — Strikeout Rate: 21.8% (Rank: 20)
Pitchers per PA: 3.83 (Rank: 12)
Analysis: Heaney is a very interesting play tonight. He has been terrific for the Angels this season, yet his salary has not been reflective of his recent outings. Heaney has a 3.90 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 17.1% over the last month of play. He draws a decent matchup tonight against the Orioles, who are ranked 16th in team wOBA and 19th in strikeout rate against left-handed pitching this season. Heaney may not be the safest cash game play, but you get plenty of bang for your buck at this price point.
Pitcher Rating:61.8
Batter Grind Down
Baltimore
The Orioles draw a difficult matchup tonight against Andrew Heaney. They have one of the lowest team totals on the board, as the Angels are favorites in a game that features a total of only 7.0 runs. The right-handed bats of Manny Machado and Adam Jones are both secondary plays tonight on the road.
Elite Plays
NONE
Secondary Plays
Manny Machado : FD: $4,000 — DK: $4,400
Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 203 — wOBA: 0.313 — ISO: 0.150 — wRC+: 97
Last 14 Days: PA: 62 — wOBA: 0.314 — ISO: 0.158 — wRC+: 98
Adam Jones : FD: $3,000 — DK: $3,900
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 254 — wOBA: 0.416 — ISO: 0.249 — wRC+: 170
Last 14 Days: PA: 62 — wOBA: 0.290 — ISO: 0.153 — wRC+: 81
LA Angels
The Angels draw a favorable matchup tonight against Kevin Gausman, who has been very hit or miss this season. If the Angels can get to him early, they could be a sneaky offense to target. Kole Calhoun is in play for cash games, while Mike Trout is a better tournament play at his price point.
Elite Plays
Kole Calhoun : FD: $3,700 — DK: $3,500
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 738 — wOBA: 0.341 — ISO: 0.175 — wRC+: 124
Last 14 Days: PA: 54 — wOBA: 0.329 — ISO: 0.154 — wRC+: 115
Secondary Plays
Mike Trout : FD: $4,700 — DK: $4,900
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 870 — wOBA: 0.412 — ISO: 0.294 — wRC+: 174
Last 14 Days: PA: 48 — wOBA: 0.434 — ISO: 0.349 — wRC+: 188
Philadelphia at San Diego – 10:10 PM EST
| Philadelphia | San Diego | ||||||||
 | Aaron Nola |  | James Shields | ||||||
| RIGHT | RIGHT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| SDP (-150) | 6.5 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.300 | 0.911 | 0.390 | 0.063 | SP vs. Left | 0.262 | 0.758 | 0.332 | 0.195 |
| SP vs. Right | 0.154 | 0.491 | 0.21 | 0.325 | SP vs. Right | 0.240 | 0.7 | 0.307 | 0.241 |
| Batter Splits | PHI BvP | PHI vs R | Batter Splits | SD vs R | |||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Aaron Nola : FD: $6,100 — DK: $6,000
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 18.2 — SIERA: 3.27 — ERA: 3.38 — K%: 20.8% — BB%: 4.2% — HR/9: 1.9
Last 30 Days: IP: 18.2 — SIERA: 3.27 — ERA: 3.38 — K%: 20.8% — BB%: 4.2% — HR/9: 1.9
San Diego Padres Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.296 (Rank: 26) — Strikeout Rate: 21.8% (Rank: 26)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.307 (Rank: 18) — Strikeout Rate: 22.2% (Rank: 21)
Pitchers per PA: 3.83 (Rank: 13)
Analysis: Nola is making his fourth career major league start tonight. He has fared well in his first three outings, posting a 3.27 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 20.8%. I like what I have seen from the young right-hander and now he gets to face a weak Padres’ offense in the pitcher-friendly Petco Park. We can never truly predict how these young pitchers are going to pitch in their first few starts, but I love the upside that he offers tonight against the Padres.
Pitcher Rating:60.5
James Shields : FD: $8,900 — DK: $8,600
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 366.2 — SIERA: 3.49 — ERA: 3.41 — K%: 21.7% — BB%: 6.1% — HR/9: 1.1
Last 30 Days: IP: 35.1 — SIERA: 4.07 — ERA: 2.55 — K%: 20.0% — BB%: 9.7% — HR/9: 1.0
Philadelphia Phillies Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.293 (Rank: 29) — Strikeout Rate: 19.0% (Rank: 10)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.357 (Rank: 3) — Strikeout Rate: 19.2% (Rank: 11)
Pitchers per PA: 3.70 (Rank: 29)
Analysis: Shields has not been sharp over the last month of play or so. He has walked way too many batters and he has been very hittable during that stretch. He has a good opportunity to right the ship tonight, though, as the Phillies have the second-worst team wOBA against right-handed pitching this season. Shields gets to pitch at home in the pitcher-friendly confines of Petco Park and we get to take him at a hefty discount. Buy your Shields’ shares now.
Pitcher Rating:67.5
Batter Grind Down
Philadelphia
The Phillies’ offense has been better in recent weeks, but they offer very little upside in daily fantasy baseball. They can safely be avoided tonight against James Shields in Petco Park, as they have the fourth-lowest team total on the board.
Elite Plays / Secondary Plays
NONE
San Diego
The Padres’ offense has been an easy one to avoid for the better part of, well, the entire season. Aaron Nola is an impressive, young pitcher, so we should limit our exposure to the Padres. Justin Upton is the only fantasy option on my radar in this one.
Elite Plays
NONE
Secondary Plays
Justin Upton : FD: $2,800 — DK: $4,200
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 838 — wOBA: 0.351 — ISO: 0.204 — wRC+: 126
Last 14 Days: PA: 47 — wOBA: 0.302 — ISO: 0.233 — wRC+: 95
Texas at Seattle – 10:10 PM EST
| Texas | Seattle | ||||||||
 | Cole Hamels |  | Hisashi Iwakuma | ||||||
| LEFT | RIGHT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| SEA (-106) | 6.5 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.211 | 0.627 | 0.286 | 0.206 | SP vs. Left | 0.269 | 0.719 | 0.314 | 0.187 |
| SP vs. Right | 0.237 | 0.654 | 0.288 | 0.255 | SP vs. Right | 0.219 | 0.619 | 0.27 | 0.241 |
| Batter Splits | TEX BvP | TEX vs R | Batter Splits | SEA BvP | SEA vs L | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Cole Hamels : FD: $10,500 — DK: $10,300
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 341.0 — SIERA: 3.26 — ERA: 2.98 — K%: 24.4% — BB%: 7.1% — HR/9: 0.7
Last 30 Days: IP: 23.0 — SIERA: 3.10 — ERA: 7.43 — K%: 24.5% — BB%: 5.1% — HR/9: 1.2
Seattle Mariners Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.300 (Rank: 20) — Strikeout Rate: 20.5% (Rank: 13)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.347 (Rank: 7) — Strikeout Rate: 19.9% (Rank: 14)
Pitchers per PA: 3.86 (Rank: 10)
Analysis: Hamels didn’t have the type of debut that he was looking for the other night. He gave up five earned runs against the Giants in his first start with the Rangers. He will look to have a better outing tonight against the Mariners, who are ranked 20th in team wOBA and 13th in strikeout rate against left-handed pitching this season. Hamels always brings great upside to the table, but he’s a small underdog tonight on the road. At his price point, he is a tournament play at best tonight.
Pitcher Rating:67.8
Hisashi Iwakuma : FD: $8,100 — DK: $7,800
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 235.1 — SIERA: 3.06 — ERA: 3.75 — K%: 21.3% — BB%: 3.2% — HR/9: 1.2
Last 30 Days: IP: 40.0 — SIERA: 3.15 — ERA: 3.60 — K%: 21.8% — BB%: 3.9% — HR/9: 1.6
Texas Rangers Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.326 (Rank: 6) — Strikeout Rate: 19.3% (Rank: 12)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.343 (Rank: 9) — Strikeout Rate: 19.1% (Rank: 10)
Pitchers per PA: 3.79 (Rank: 16)
Analysis: Iwakuma has pitched well over the last month of play and his price tag has yet to reflect it. During that stretch, he has a 3.15 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 21.8%. I have a feeling that his ownership level will be low tonight because he has burned so many of us in the past. He offers great value, though, especially as an SP2 on multi-pitcher sites. When Iwakuma is on his game, there are very few offenses that can get to him.
Pitcher Rating:66.4
Batter Grind Down
Texas
The Rangers have one of the lowest team totals on the board tonight. While they do hit right-handed pitching well as a team, I want no part of them tonight against Hisashi Iwakuma.
Elite Plays / Secondary
NONE
Seattle
Cole Hamels was a little shaky in his first start with the Rangers. While I don’t like any of the Mariners’ bats in cash games, Nelson Cruz and Mark Trumbo both have extensive records against southpaws in their careers. They are both solid tournament plays tonight at home.
Elite Plays
NONE
Secondary Plays
Nelson Cruz : FD: $5,000 — DK: $4,700
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 265 — wOBA: 0.447 — ISO: 0.291 — wRC+: 193
Last 14 Days: PA: 68 — wOBA: 0.556 — ISO: 0.403 — wRC+: 272
Mark Trumbo : FD: $2,300 — DK: $3,000
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: 1B/OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 195 — wOBA: 0.337 — ISO: 0.200 — wRC+: 113
Last 14 Days: PA: 49 — wOBA: 0.382 — ISO: 0.156 — wRC+: 150