MLB Grind Down: Friday, September 4th

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.

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Arizona at Chicago Cubs – 2:20 PM EST

Arizona Chicago Cubs
Article Image Zack Godley Article Image Jon Lester
RIGHT LEFT
Vegas Moneyline Vegas Over/Under
CHC (-220) 8.0
Stats Avg OPS wOBA K% Stats Avg OPS wOBA K%
SP vs. Left 0.176 0.501 0.240 15.4% SP vs. Left 0.258 0.702 0.309 26.40%
SP vs. Right 0.245 0.744 0.325 29.6% SP vs. Right 0.235 0.649 0.286 24.30%
Batter Splits ARI BvP ARI vs L Batter Splits CHC vs R
Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window

Pitcher Grind Down

Zachary Godley : FD: $6,500 — DK: $6,000

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 23.2 — SIERA: 3.43 — ERA: 1.90 — K%: 23.7% — BB%: 8.6% — HR/9: 0.8
Last 30 Days: IP: 11.2 — SIERA: 3.58 — ERA: 1.54 — K%: 23.9% — BB%: 10.9% — HR/9: 0.0

Chicago Cubs Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.312 (Rank: 16) — Strikeout Rate: 24.0% (Rank: 29)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.340 (Rank: 8) — Strikeout Rate: 27.2% (Rank: 30)
Pitches per PA: 3.99 (Rank: 1)

Analysis: Godley has pitched well in his short stint in the majors this season, posting a 3.43 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 23.7%. He draws a difficult matchup today against the Cubs though, and Vegas has him installed as one of the largest underdogs on the board. The Cubs may strikeout at a high rate, but they have been tough on right-handed pitchers, especially recently. If you are playing in the all-day slate, look to the evening games for you starting pitcher(s).

Pitcher Rating: 59.1


Jon Lester : FD: $10,600 — DK: $9,600

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 382.2 — SIERA: 3.15 — ERA: 2.94 — K%: 24.8% — BB%: 5.6% — HR/9: 0.7
Last 30 Days: IP: 30.1 — SIERA: 3.35 — ERA: 5.04 — K%: 23.3% — BB%: 6.2% — HR/9: 0.9

Arizona Diamondbacks Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.317 (Rank: 10) — Strikeout Rate: 21.4% (Rank: 17)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.323 (Rank: 13) — Strikeout Rate: 20.5% (Rank: 18)
Pitches per PA: 3.72 (Rank: 28)

Analysis: Lester has been in good form recently, posting a 3.35 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 23.3%. He draws a mediocre matchup today against the Diamondbacks, who are ranked tenth in team wOBA and 17th in strikeout rate against left-handed pitching this season. Lester wasn’t really on my radar until the Diamondbacks posted their lineup. Paul Goldschmidt will not play today, which gives a big boost to Lester. He is a viable starter in the all-day slate of games.

Pitcher Rating: 95.1

Batter Grind Down

Arizona

The DIamondbacks draw a tough matchup against Jon Lester, who has held both left and right-handed hitters under a .310 wOBA over the last two seasons. While the matchup may not be ideal, Lester does not hold runners well. A.J. Pollock and Ender Inciarte are both in play here.

Elite Plays:

NONE

Secondary Plays:

A.J. Pollock : FD: $4,200 — DK: $4,500

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 174 — wOBA: 0.398 — ISO: 0.238 — wRC+: 151
Last 30 Days: PA: 123 — wOBA: 0.436 — ISO: 0.237 — wRC+: 177

Ender Inciarte : FD: $3,300 — DK: $3,800

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 264 — wOBA: 0.270 — ISO: 0.041 — wRC+: 64
Last 30 Days: PA: 131 — wOBA: 0.351 — ISO: 0.096 — wRC+: 119


Chicago Cubs

The Cubs have a high team total today, as they square off against Zachary Godley at home. While the wind is not blowing out at Wrigley, the Cubs’ offense is still in a good spot against the young right-hander. Hitters from both sides of the plate are in play here.

Elite Plays:

Anthony Rizzo : FD: $4,100 — DK: $4,800

Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 850 — wOBA: 0.387 — ISO: 0.256 — wRC+: 148
Last 30 Days: PA: 118 — wOBA: 0.385 — ISO: 0.267 — wRC+: 145

Secondary Plays:

Kris Bryant : FD: $4,000 — DK: $5,000

Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 401 — wOBA: 0.373 — ISO: 0.210 — wRC+: 137
Last 30 Days: PA: 117 — wOBA: 0.455 — ISO: 0.308 — wRC+: 193

Dexter Fowler : FD: $3,100 — DK: $4,800

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 816 — wOBA: 0.334 — ISO: 0.153 — wRC+: 112
Last 30 Days: PA: 124 — wOBA: 0.422 — ISO: 0.291 — wRC+: 171

Chris Coghlan : FD: $3,000 — DK: $3,200

Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 2B/OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 702 — wOBA: 0.358 — ISO: 0.201 — wRC+: 127
Last 30 Days: PA: 80 — wOBA: 0.347 — ISO: 0.264 — wRC+: 120


Atlanta at Washington – 7:05 PM EST

Atlanta Washington
Article Image Julio Teheran Article Image Tanner Roark
RIGHT RIGHT
Vegas Moneyline Vegas Over/Under
WAS (-190) 8.0
Stats Avg OPS wOBA K% Stats Avg OPS wOBA K%
SP vs. Left 0.264 0.778 0.340 17.8% SP vs. Left 0.247 0.718 0.316 12.30%
SP vs. Right 0.216 0.605 0.269 23.7% SP vs. Right 0.246 0.627 0.275 21.20%
Batter Splits ATL BvP ATL vs R Batter Splits WAS BvP WAS vs R
Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window

Pitcher Grind Down

Julio Teheran : FD: $8,100 — DK: $6,900

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 382.2 — SIERA: 3.87 — ERA: 3.62 — K%: 20.7% — BB%: 6.9% — HR/9: 1.1
Last 30 Days: IP: 37.1 — SIERA: 3.68 — ERA: 4.34 — K%: 21.4% — BB%: 5.2% — HR/9: 1.5

Washington Nationals Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.314 (Rank: 15) — Strikeout Rate: 21.5% (Rank: 24)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.363 (Rank: 3) — Strikeout Rate: 23.2% (Rank: 21)
Pitches per PA: 3.78 (Rank: 22)

Analysis: Teheran is pitching on the road tonight, which basically takes him out of consideration. He has been markedly worse on the road throughout his career and he draws a difficult matchup tonight against the Nationals, who have the third-highest team wOBA over the last two weeks of play.

Pitcher Rating: 58.5


Tanner Roark : FD: $5,400 — DK: $4,200

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 278.0 — SIERA: 3.94 — ERA: 3.33 — K%: 16.8% — BB%: 5.0% — HR/9: 0.9
Last 30 Days: IP: 8.2 — SIERA: 4.20 — ERA: 3.12 — K%: 22.2% — BB%: 13.9% — HR/9: 0.0

Atlanta Braves Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.298 (Rank: 27) — Strikeout Rate: 17.8% (Rank: 3)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.301 (Rank: 25) — Strikeout Rate: 21.3% (Rank: 19)
Pitches per PA: 3.78 (Rank: 21)

Analysis: Roark has done most of his work out of the bullpen this season. While he is a large favorite tonight at home, he hasn’t thrown more than 45 pitches since the start of July. He is going to be on a pitch count tonight and it wouldn’t surprise me if he maxed out at five innings. While the matchup is a favorable one, Roark should be avoided tonight, as his upside is capped by his pitch count.

Pitcher Rating: 60.6

Batter Grind Down

Atlanta

The Braves draw a mediocre matchup tonight against Tanner Roark. While he doesn’t strike batters out at a high rate, he has held both left and right-handed hitters in check over the last two seasons. Freddie Freeman is the only Braves’ hitter on my radar tonight.

Elite Plays:

NONE

Secondary Plays:

Freddie Freeman : FD: $3,400 — DK: $4,300

Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 774 — wOBA: 0.386 — ISO: 0.203 — wRC+: 148
Last 30 Days: PA: 60 — wOBA: 0.352 — ISO: 0.085 — wRC+: 124


Washington

The Nationals’ offense is firing on all cylinders right now. They have a good chance to keep it rolling tonight against Julio Teheran, who has not pitched well away from Turner Field. The left-handed hitters have the edge in this matchup, but hot-hitting Ryan Zimmerman and Anthony Rendon are also in play.

Elite Plays:

Bryce Harper : FD: $4,600 — DK: $5,000

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 657 — wOBA: 0.413 — ISO: 0.244 — wRC+: 166
Last 30 Days: PA: 119 — wOBA: 0.418 — ISO: 0.144 — wRC+: 168

Secondary Plays:

Ryan Zimmerman : FD: $4,200 — DK: $4,200

Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B/3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 456 — wOBA: 0.311 — ISO: 0.173 — wRC+: 96
Last 30 Days: PA: 109 — wOBA: 0.437 — ISO: 0.391 — wRC+: 182

Anthony Rendon : FD: $3,200 — DK: $3,400

Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 2B/3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 683 — wOBA: 0.349 — ISO: 0.176 — wRC+: 122
Last 30 Days: PA: 108 — wOBA: 0.316 — ISO: 0.104 — wRC+: 99

Clint Robinson : FD: $2,200 — DK: $2,200

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: 1B/OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 235 — wOBA: 0.333 — ISO: 0.163 — wRC+: 111
Last 30 Days: PA: 40 — wOBA: 0.396 — ISO: 0.303 — wRC+: 154


Tampa Bay at NY Yankees – 7:05 PM EST

Tampa Bay NY Yankees
Article Image Jake Odorizzi Article Image Luis Severino
RIGHT RIGHT
Vegas Moneyline Vegas Over/Under
NYY (-155) 8.0
Stats Avg OPS wOBA K% Stats Avg OPS wOBA K%
SP vs. Left 0.227 0.635 0.279 27.6% SP vs. Left 0.233 0.700 0.314 20.30%
SP vs. Right 0.244 0.726 0.321 17.6% SP vs. Right 0.156 0.475 0.212 31.30%
Batter Splits TB vs R Batter Splits NYY BvP NYY vs R
Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window

Pitcher Grind Down

Jake Odorizzi : FD: $8,600 — DK: $8,500

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 301.0 — SIERA: 3.70 — ERA: 3.71 — K%: 23.0% — BB%: 7.3% — HR/9: 0.9
Last 30 Days: IP: 35.1 — SIERA: 3.44 — ERA: 4.33 — K%: 23.8% — BB%: 4.8% — HR/9: 0.5

New York Yankees Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.322 (Rank: 3) — Strikeout Rate: 19.6% (Rank: 13)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.319 (Rank: 16) — Strikeout Rate: 23.7% (Rank: 24)
Pitches per PA: 3.89 (Rank: 4)

Analysis: Odorizzi is slowly rounding back into form, but like Julio Teheran, he has been markedly better at home throughout his career than he has been on the road. He draws one of the worst matchups on the board tonight, as he has to face the Yankees in New York. On the season, the Yankees are ranked third in team wOBA against right-handed pitching. The risk outweighs the potential reward for Odorizzi tonight.

Pitcher Rating: 66.7


Luis Severino : FD: $7,200 — DK: $9,400

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 29.0 — SIERA: 3.70 — ERA: 2.17 — K%: 24.8% — BB%: 9.4% — HR/9: 0.9

Tampa Bay Rays Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.298 (Rank: 27) — Strikeout Rate: 21.6% (Rank: 26)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.323 (Rank: 13) — Strikeout Rate: 19.0% (Rank: 10)
Pitches per PA: 3.84 (Rank: 11)

Analysis: Severino has enjoyed a successful rookie season, posting a 3.70 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 24.8%. He is still a bit of a wildcard at this point, but there is no arguing his matchup against the Rays. On the season, Tampa Bay is ranked 27th in team wOBA and 26th in strikeout rate against right-handed pitching. Severino is a sizable underdog tonight and his price is appealing on FanDuel. He makes for a strong tournament play.

Pitcher Rating: 78.0

Batter Grind Down

Tampa Bay

The Rays are one of the worst hitting teams in baseball against right-handed pitching. While they do see a sizable ballpark boost playing in Yankee Stadium, there aren’t any hitters that stand out as elite plays against Luis Severino. John Jaso is a decent punt option at catcher.

Elite Plays:

NONE

Secondary Plays:

John Jaso : FD: $2,200 — DK: $3,000

Position Eligibility: FD: C — DK: C
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 449 — wOBA: 0.350 — ISO: 0.173 — wRC+: 129
Last 30 Days: PA: 80 — wOBA: 0.311 — ISO: 0.134 — wRC+: 101


NY Yankees

The Yankees draw a mediocre matchup tonight against Jake Odorizzi, but as I mentioned above, he has been hittable on the road. Odorizzi has some serious reverse splits, but I’m still siding with the left-handed hitters in this matchup.

Elite Plays:

NONE

Secondary Plays:

Brian McCann : FD: $4,100 — DK: $4,000

Position Eligibility: FD: C — DK: C
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 725 — wOBA: 0.306 — ISO: 0.183 — wRC+: 93
Last 30 Days: PA: 96 — wOBA: 0.339 — ISO: 0.268 — wRC+: 115

Brett Gardner : FD: $3,200 — DK: $4,500

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 836 — wOBA: 0.341 — ISO: 0.178 — wRC+: 118
Last 30 Days: PA: 116 — wOBA: 0.282 — ISO: 0.089 — wRC+: 76

Jacoby Ellsbury : FD: $3,200 — DK: $4,300

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 688 — wOBA: 0.315 — ISO: 0.129 — wRC+: 99
Last 30 Days: PA: 116 — wOBA: 0.290 — ISO: 0.128 — wRC+: 81


Baltimore at Toronto – 7:07 PM EST

Baltimore Toronto
Article Image Ubaldo Jimenez Article Image Drew Hutchison
RIGHT RIGHT
Vegas Moneyline Vegas Over/Under
TOR (-180) 9.5
Stats Avg OPS wOBA K% Stats Avg OPS wOBA K%
SP vs. Left 0.243 0.760 0.338 20.9% SP vs. Left 0.253 0.758 0.332 20.60%
SP vs. Right 0.264 0.728 0.323 21.2% SP vs. Right 0.265 0.722 0.317 23.90%
Batter Splits BAL BvP BAL vs R Batter Splits TOR BvP TOR vs R
Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window

Pitcher Grind Down

Ubaldo Jimenez : FD: $7,800 — DK: $6,500

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 272.2 — SIERA: 4.18 — ERA: 4.56 — K%: 21.0% — BB%: 10.7% — HR/9: 1.1
Last 30 Days: IP: 34.0 — SIERA: 4.10 — ERA: 6.35 — K%: 17.5% — BB%: 8.1% — HR/9: 1.3

Toronto Blue Jays Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.333 (Rank: 2) — Strikeout Rate: 18.8% (Rank: 7)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.394 (Rank: 1) — Strikeout Rate: 15.7% (Rank: 3)
Pitches per PA: 3.83 (Rank: 12)

Analysis: Jimenez has not been in great form recently, posting a 6.35 ERA (4.10 SIERA) with a low strikeout rate of 17.5%. As I always say, it’s never great to target pitchers that are in bad form, especially ones that have command issues. Jimenez is an easy avoid tonight against the Blue Jays, who are ranked second in team wOBA and seventh in strikeout rate against right-handed pitching this season.

Pitcher Rating: 44.1


Drew Hutchison : FD: $8,500 — DK: $7,100

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 323.1 — SIERA: 3.74 — ERA: 4.65 — K%: 22.1% — BB%: 7.2% — HR/9: 1.1
Last 30 Days: IP: 25.2 — SIERA: 3.49 — ERA: 2.45 — K%: 23.2% — BB%: 5.1% — HR/9: 0.7

Baltimore Orioles Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.318 (Rank: 9) — Strikeout Rate: 22.5% (Rank: 28)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.269 (Rank: 29) — Strikeout Rate: 27.0% (Rank: 29)
Pitches per PA: 3.81 (Rank: 15)

Analysis: Hutchison has been sharp in his recent starts, posting a 3.49 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 23.2% over the last month of play. He draws a nice matchup in terms of potential strikeouts tonight against the Orioles, who have the third-highest strikeout rate against right-handed pitching this season. Hutchison is affordable and he should see plenty of run support. He is a viable SP2 on multi-pitcher sites.

Pitcher Rating: 74.5

Batter Grind Down

Baltimore

The Orioles draw an interesting matchup tonight against Drew Hutchison. While he has been pitching well recently, the Orioles see a nice ballpark boost playing in the Rogers Centre. Chris Davis is a borderline elite play, while Manny Machado, Gerardo Parra, and Adam Jones are all viable secondary options.

Elite Plays:

Chris Davis : FD: $4,300 — DK: $4,700

Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B/OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 742 — wOBA: 0.340 — ISO: 0.249 — wRC+: 116
Last 30 Days: PA: 119 — wOBA: 0.436 — ISO: 0.363 — wRC+: 182

Secondary Plays:

Manny Machado : FD: $3,600 — DK: $4,700

Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 696 — wOBA: 0.369 — ISO: 0.202 — wRC+: 136
Last 30 Days: PA: 129 — wOBA: 0.330 — ISO: 0.132 — wRC+: 108

Gerardo Parra : FD: $3,300 — DK: $4,000

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 848 — wOBA: 0.336 — ISO: 0.154 — wRC+: 109
Last 30 Days: PA: 116 — wOBA: 0.296 — ISO: 0.180 — wRC+: 84

Adam Jones : FD: $3,000 — DK: $4,000

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 906 — wOBA: 0.322 — ISO: 0.182 — wRC+: 103
Last 30 Days: PA: 117 — wOBA: 0.302 — ISO: 0.225 — wRC+: 88

Jonathan Schoop : FD: $2,500 — DK: $3,800

Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 2B/3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 485 — wOBA: 0.313 — ISO: 0.195 — wRC+: 97
Last 30 Days: PA: 114 — wOBA: 0.335 — ISO: 0.187 — wRC+: 112


Toronto

The Blue Jays have one of the highest team totals on the board once again tonight, as they square off against Ubaldo Jimenez at home. This is one of those matchups where I could see the Blue Jays scoring seven or eight runs in the first few innings. A Blue Jays’ stack is in order tonight and individually they are playable in cash games.

Elite Plays:

Jose Bautista : FD: $5,100 — DK: $5,000

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 965 — wOBA: 0.383 — ISO: 0.254 — wRC+: 146
Last 30 Days: PA: 115 — wOBA: 0.404 — ISO: 0.306 — wRC+: 160

Edwin Encarnacion : FD: $5,000 — DK: $5,400

Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 840 — wOBA: 0.389 — ISO: 0.291 — wRC+: 150
Last 30 Days: PA: 96 — wOBA: 0.542 — ISO: 0.543 — wRC+: 256

Ben Revere : FD: $2,700 — DK: $3,900

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 810 — wOBA: 0.307 — ISO: 0.061 — wRC+: 93
Last 30 Days: PA: 107 — wOBA: 0.353 — ISO: 0.031 — wRC+: 124

Secondary Plays:

Josh Donaldson : FD: $6,100 — DK: $5,500

Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 981 — wOBA: 0.353 — ISO: 0.201 — wRC+: 127
Last 30 Days: PA: 119 — wOBA: 0.471 — ISO: 0.370 — wRC+: 206

Troy Tulowitzki : FD: $3,700 — DK: $4,100

Position Eligibility: FD: SS — DK: SS
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 661 — wOBA: 0.357 — ISO: 0.176 — wRC+: 114
Last 30 Days: PA: 118 — wOBA: 0.287 — ISO: 0.125 — wRC+: 78


Cleveland at Detroit – 7:08 PM EST

Cleveland Detroit
Article Image Josh Tomlin Article Image Kyle Lobstein
RIGHT LEFT
Vegas Moneyline Vegas Over/Under
CLE (-145) 8.5
Stats Avg OPS wOBA K% Stats Avg OPS wOBA K%
SP vs. Left 0.225 0.658 0.282 21.8% SP vs. Left 0.229 0.612 0.273 19.20%
SP vs. Right 0.304 0.870 0.376 22.4% SP vs. Right 0.275 0.752 0.328 9.70%
Batter Splits CLE BvP CLE vs L Batter Splits DET BvP DET vs R
Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window

Pitcher Grind Down

Josh Tomlin : FD: $5,900 — DK: $12,000

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 130.1 — SIERA: 3.20 — ERA: 4.42 — K%: 22.1% — BB%: 2.9% — HR/9: 1.7
Last 30 Days: IP: 26.1 — SIERA: 2.85 — ERA: 3.08 — K%: 26.5% — BB%: 2.0% — HR/9: 2.4

Detroit Tigers Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.320 (Rank: 6) — Strikeout Rate: 19.8% (Rank: 14)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.331 (Rank: 10) — Strikeout Rate: 16.5% (Rank: 5)
Pitches per PA: 3.84 (Rank: 10)

Analysis: Corey Kluber was scratched from his start tonight, so Josh Tomlin will be on the bump for the Indians. He has been terrific over the last month of play, but I don’t think that recent stretch warrants his $12,000 price tag on DraftKings. He is an intriguing tournament play tonight on FanDuel, but he is a very risky cash game option against a talented Tigers’ offense.

Pitcher Rating: 71.5


Kyle Lobstein : FD: $6,300 — DK: $5,500

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 87.0 — SIERA: 4.66 — ERA: 4.34 — K%: 12.8% — BB%: 8.2% — HR/9: 0.6

Cleveland Indians Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.310 (Rank: 17) — Strikeout Rate: 18.9% (Rank: 6)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.346 (Rank: 5) — Strikeout Rate: 17.6% (Rank: 8)
Pitches per PA: 3.91 (Rank: 3)

Analysis: Lobstein is an easy pitcher to avoid in all league formats. Over the last two seasons, he has a 4.66 SIERA with a low strikeout rate of 12.8%. Throw in a tough matchup against the Indians and that’s more than enough to avoid him tonight.

Pitcher Rating: 41.1

Batter Grind Down

Cleveland

The Indians draw a favorable matchup tonight against Kyle Lobstein, who has given up a .328 wOBA to right-handed hitters over the last two seasons. While I do like the matchup, there aren’t any Indians’ hitters that really stand out tonight. They should be considered secondary options.

Elite Plays:

NONE

Secondary Plays:

Francisco Lindor : FD: $3,300 — DK: $4,500

Position Eligibility: FD: SS — DK: SS
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 110 — wOBA: 0.330 — ISO: 0.082 — wRC+: 111
Last 30 Days: PA: 126 — wOBA: 0.424 — ISO: 0.152 — wRC+: 176

Carlos Santana : FD: $3,200 — DK: $4,400

Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 401 — wOBA: 0.344 — ISO: 0.132 — wRC+: 121
Last 30 Days: PA: 122 — wOBA: 0.317 — ISO: 0.144 — wRC+: 101

Ryan Raburn : FD: $2,600 — DK: $2,500

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 288 — wOBA: 0.332 — ISO: 0.188 — wRC+: 114
Last 30 Days: PA: 22 — wOBA: 0.521 — ISO: 0.316 — wRC+: 244


Detroit

The Tigers draw a difficult matchup tonight against Josh Tomlin, who has pitched very well recently. he Tigers can safely be avoided in cash games, but hot-hitting Miguel Cabrera is worth a look in tournaments.

Elite Plays:

NONE

Secondary Plays:

Miguel Cabrera : FD: $4,800 — DK: $4,600

Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B/3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 826 — wOBA: 0.403 — ISO: 0.208 — wRC+: 161
Last 30 Days: PA: 78 — wOBA: 0.464 — ISO: 0.221 — wRC+: 202


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About the Author

Notorious
Derek Farnsworth (Notorious)

Derek Farnsworth (aka Notorious) is a lead RotoGrinders Expert and one of the most recognizable names and faces in all of DFS. Before joining the RotoGrinders team, Derek received a Master’s Degree from the University of Utah. When he’s not busy providing content, he’s dominating the DFS industry as evidenced by his consistent top rankings in several sports and multiple Live Final appearances. Noto provides expert NBA, NFL, MLB, and PGA analysis for RotoGrinders Premium members on a daily basis and has also been nominated for five different Fantasy Sports Writer’s Association (FSWA) awards. Follow Noto on Twitter – @RG_Notorious