MLB Grind Down: Monday, June 8th
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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Milwaukee at Pittsburgh – 7:05 PM EST
| Milwaukee | Pittsburgh | ||||||||
 | Jimmy Nelson |  | A.J. Burnett | ||||||
| RIGHT | RIGHT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| PIT (-159) | 7.5 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.261 | 0.797 | 0.347 | 18.6% | SP vs. Left | 0.232 | 0.736 | 0.331 | 19.00% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.255 | 0.677 | 0.305 | 20.0% | SP vs. Right | 0.254 | 0.688 | 0.306 | 22.60% |
| Batter Splits | MIL BvP | MIL vs R | Batter Splits | PIT BvP | PIT vs R | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Jimmy Nelson (FD: $6500, DK: $6700)
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 136.2 — SIERA: 3.79 — K%: 19.8% — BB%: 7.5% — FB Rate: 31.5% — HR/FB: 10.9%
Last 30 Days: IP: 31.1 — SIERA: 4.20 — K%: 18.1% — BB%: 9.4% — FB Rate: 26.0% — HR/FB: 16.0%
Pittsburgh Pirates Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.308 (Rank: 18) — Strikeout Rate: 19.9% (Rank: 15)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.335 (Rank: 7) — Strikeout Rate: 20.1% (Rank: 13)
Pitches per PA: 3.79 (Rank: 15)
Analysis: Nelson takes the mound tonight for the Brewers, as the team heads to Pittsburgh to take on the red-hot Pirates. Nelson has been a serviceable starter for the Brewers, posting a 3.79 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 19.8% since the start of 2014. He has had much better success at home (3.03 xFIP) than he has on the road (4.76 xFIP) this season. Given his matchup against the Pirates, who have been very good offensively over the last three weeks, Nelson is an easy pitcher to avoid tonight.
Pitcher Rating:55.3
A.J. Burnett (FD: $9200, DK: $9500)
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 283.1 — SIERA: 3.85 — K%: 20.9% — BB%: 9.7% — FB Rate: 27.6% — HR/FB: 10.3%
Last 30 Days: IP: 31.2 — SIERA: 3.17 — K%: 25.2% — BB%: 7.6% — FB Rate: 24.1% — HR/FB: 4.8%
Milwaukee Brewers Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.297 (Rank: 22) — Strikeout Rate: 21.6% (Rank: 25)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.295 (Rank: 20) — Strikeout Rate: 18.6% (Rank: 9)
Pitches per PA: 3.75 (Rank: 20)
Analysis: Burnett may not be pitching as well as his 2.20 ERA would suggest, but he’s still having a very good season. He owns a 3.35 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 22.7%. He is always a strong play at PNC Park, where he has been dominant in his time with the Pirates. In his four starts at home this season, Burnett has a 3.02 xFIP with a K/9 of 7.8. He draws a favorable matchup tonight against the Brewers, who are ranked 22nd in wOBA (.297) and 25th in strikeout rate (21.6%) against right-handed pitching this season. Burnett is a viable alternative to Chris Sale if you are looking for more offensive firepower in your lineups.
Pitcher Rating:76.3
Batter Grind Down
Milwaukee
NONE – A.J. Burnett does give up a .331 wOBA to left-handed hitters, but he has pitched well at PNC Park throughout his career and he’s having a very good season for Pittsburgh. The Brewers have one of the lowest team totals on the board tonight. Their offense can safely be avoided in all league formats.
Pittsburgh
Gregory Polanco (FD: $3300, DK: $4400)
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 405 — wOBA: 0.326 — ISO: 0.125 — wRC+: 109
Last 14 Days: PA: 48 — wOBA: 0.418 — ISO: 0.182 — wRC+: 170
Analysis: Polanco is one of my favorite outfielders to target when he is seeing the ball well. He’s a dual threat with decent power and good speed and he draws a favorable matchup against Jimmy Nelson, who has given up a .347 wOBA to left-handed hitters. If he can get on base, he has a decent chance to steal, as Nelson isn’t particularly good at holding runners.
Secondary Plays:
Andrew McCutchen (FD: $4900, DK: $5100)
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 727 — wOBA: 0.406 — ISO: 0.225 — wRC+: 164
Neil Walker (FD: $2800, DK: $4000)
Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 2B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 639 — wOBA: 0.354 — ISO: 0.201 — wRC+: 128
Miami at Toronto – 7:07 PM EST
| Miami | Toronto | ||||||||
 | Brad Hand |  | Marco Estrada | ||||||
| LEFT | RIGHT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| TOR (-162) | 9.0 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.216 | 0.572 | 0.257 | 17.1% | SP vs. Left | 0.231 | 0.714 | 0.314 | 19.00% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.279 | 0.780 | 0.342 | 13.7% | SP vs. Right | 0.239 | 0.767 | 0.336 | 21.40% |
| Batter Splits | MIA BvP | MIA vs R | Batter Splits | TOR BvP | TOR vs L | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Brad Hand (FD: $5200, DK: $4000)
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 145.0 — SIERA: 4.26 — K%: 14.5% — BB%: 7.6% — FB Rate: 30.2% — HR/FB: 7.2%
Last 30 Days: IP: 18.0 — SIERA: 4.00 — K%: 13.5% — BB%: 5.4% — FB Rate: 23.3% — HR/FB: 0.0%
Toronto Blue Jays Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.370 (Rank: 1) — Strikeout Rate: 17.7% (Rank: 5)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.365 (Rank: 1) — Strikeout Rate: 15.8% (Rank: 3)
Pitches per PA: 3.80 (Rank: 14)
Analysis: Hand has been a serviceable pitchers for the Marlins over the last two seasons, posting a 4.26 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 14.5%. That’s where the analysis in his favor ends. He draws one of the worst pitching matchups on the board tonight. The Blue Jays are ranked 1st in wOBA (.370) and 5th in strikeout rate (17.7%) against left-handed pitching this season. Not only does Hand have an awful matchup, but he has to face this Toronto lineup in the hitter-friendly Rogers Centre.
Pitcher Rating:27.8
Marco Estrada (FD: $6800, DK: $5500)
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 196.0 — SIERA: 3.95 — K%: 20.2% — BB%: 7.3% — FB Rate: 48.1% — HR/FB: 12.5%
Last 30 Days: IP: 30.0 — SIERA: 4.46 — K%: 18.5% — BB%: 8.5% — FB Rate: 46.2% — HR/FB: 9.3%
Miami Marlins Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.292 (Rank: 27) — Strikeout Rate: 20.5% (Rank: 20)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.313 (Rank: 14) — Strikeout Rate: 20.5% (Rank: 14)
Pitches per PA: 3.71 (Rank: 25)
Analysis: Estrada is quietly having a very nice season for the Blue Jays. He owns a 4.13 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 19.7%. He is an extreme fly-ball pitcher with an above average HR/FB rate though, which will likely cause some problems for him in the near future. Estrada is an intriguing tournament play tonight though, especially since there is a game in Coors Field. To load up on the hitters in that game, you are going to have to save some salary cap on pitching. Estrada is cheap, he has decent strikeout potential, and he should get plenty of run support tonight with Brad Hand on the mound for the Marlins.
Pitcher Rating:58.0
Batter Grind Down
Miami
Giancarlo Stanton (FD: $4900, DK: $5600)
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 711 — wOBA: 0.376 — ISO: 0.261 — wRC+: 140
Last 14 Days: PA: 51 — wOBA: 0.416 — ISO: 0.435 — wRC+: 165
Analysis: Stanton had a disappointing series in Coors Field, but he goes from one hitter’s park to the next. The Rogers Centre may not be Coors Field, but it’s still one of the best hitter’s venues in baseball. Stanton has a great chance to homer tonight, as he faces fly-ball pitcher Marco Estrada, who has given up just over 1.4 home runs per nine innings over the last three seasons.
Additional Plays:
Dee Gordon (FD: $3500, DK: $4600)
Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 2B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 697 — wOBA: 0.328 — ISO: 0.086 — wRC+: 110
Justin Bour (FD: $3100, DK: $3100)
Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 157 — wOBA: 0.376 — ISO: 0.163 — wRC+: 139
Toronto
Jose Bautista (FD: $4900, DK: $5400)
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 182 — wOBA: 0.451 — ISO: 0.289 — wRC+: 194
Last 14 Days: PA: 50 — wOBA: 0.543 — ISO: 0.405 — wRC+: 260
Analysis: Donaldson is the obvious play here, but don’t overlook Bautista tonight. He has been red hot over the last 14 days, posting a .543 wOBA with a .405 ISO. He has also been very good against left-handed pitching, posting a .451 wOBA and a .289 ISO since the start of 2014. Bautista should be considered one of the top outfield options on the board and one of the hitters at any position tonight.
Additional Plays:
Josh Donaldson (FD: $4800, DK: $5300)
Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 226 — wOBA: 0.448 — ISO: 0.359 — wRC+: 195
Jose Reyes (FD: $3900, DK: $4900)
Position Eligibility: FD: SS — DK: SS
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 206 — wOBA: 0.297 — ISO: 0.090 — wRC+: 85
Editor’s Note: Encarnacion is not in the lineup tonight.
Edwin Encarnacion (FD: $3800, DK: $4900)
Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 155 — wOBA: 0.367 — ISO: 0.198 — wRC+: 135
Russell Martin (FD: $3000, DK: $4300)
Position Eligibility: FD: C — DK: C
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 137 — wOBA: 0.361 — ISO: 0.075 — wRC+: 133
Chris Colabello (FD: $2900, DK: $3600)
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 105 — wOBA: 0.329 — ISO: 0.186 — wRC+: 110
Danny Valencia (FD: $2300, DK: $3200)
Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B/OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 163 — wOBA: 0.375 — ISO: 0.132 — wRC+: 141
San Diego at Atlanta – 7:10 PM EST
| San Diego | Atlanta | ||||||||
 | Ian Kennedy |  | Shelby Miller | ||||||
| RIGHT | RIGHT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| ATL (-133) | 7.5 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.251 | 0.762 | 0.332 | 23.3% | SP vs. Left | 0.228 | 0.671 | 0.296 | 16.50% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.246 | 0.699 | 0.310 | 24.6% | SP vs. Right | 0.209 | 0.635 | 0.285 | 18.50% |
| Batter Splits | SDP BvP | SD vs R | Batter Splits | ATL BvP | ATL vs R | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Ian Kennedy (FD: $7300, DK: $7700)
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 246.0 — SIERA: 3.53 — K%: 24.1% — BB%: 8.2% — FB Rate: 37.4% — HR/FB: 11.1%
Last 30 Days: IP: 25.1 — SIERA: 3.61 — K%: 25.9% — BB%: 9.5% — FB Rate: 40.3% — HR/FB: 24.1%
Atlanta Braves Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.314 (Rank: 12) — Strikeout Rate: 16.9% (Rank: 3)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.305 (Rank: 16) — Strikeout Rate: 20.8% (Rank: 17)
Pitches per PA: 3.77 (Rank: 18)
Analysis: Kennedy is coming off of his best start in the better part of a month. He struck out eight batters over six innings of work in a win over the Mets last week. Kennedy has arguably been the most unlucky starter in all of baseball this season, as there is nearly a three-run differential between his SIERA (3.75) and his ERA (6.60). The difference between the two has kept his salary at a very playable level on both FanDuel and DraftKings. He draws a bad matchup against the Braves tonight, but keep your eye on Kennedy in his next start or two.
Pitcher Rating:62.7
Shelby Miller (FD: $8700, DK: $8400)
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 254.1 — SIERA: 4.50 — K%: 17.0% — BB%: 9.3% — FB Rate: 38.6% — HR/FB: 9.1%
Last 30 Days: IP: 33.1 — SIERA: 4.49 — K%: 15.2% — BB%: 8.3% — FB Rate: 34.7% — HR/FB: 2.9%
San Diego Padres Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.295 (Rank: 25) — Strikeout Rate: 21.8% (Rank: 26)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.288 (Rank: 22) — Strikeout Rate: 24.0% (Rank: 26)
Pitches per PA: 3.80 (Rank: 13)
Analysis: Ian Kennedy and Shelby Miller have had polar opposite seasons. Kennedy has been very unlucky, while Miller has been extremely lucky. He has not pitched nearly as well as his 1.89 ERA would suggest. In fact, Miller’s 4.17 SIERA is mediocre at best. He also has a low strikeout rate of 18.1%, which caps his upside. The Padres present one of the better pitching matchups on the board tonight, but I expect regression to hit Miller hard here shortly. I’m not paying a premium for him tonight, as I’d much rather target Chris Sale or A.J. Burnett.
Pitcher Rating:63.3
Batter Grind Down
San Diego
NONE – Even though Shelby Miller doesn’t strike many batters out, he’s still an efficient pitcher. Since the start of 2014, he has held both left and right-handed hitters under a .300 wOBA. With a game in Coors Field, there is no need to target the Padres’ offense tonight against Miller.
Atlanta
Freddie Freeman (FD: $3900, DK: $4800)
Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 671 — wOBA: 0.392 — ISO: 0.204 — wRC+: 152
Last 14 Days: PA: 53 — wOBA: 0.425 — ISO: 0.333 — wRC+: 172
Analysis: Freeman has a lot going for him tonight. Let’s start with the matchup. Since the start of 2014, Ian Kennedy has given up a .332 wOBA to left-handed hitters. Meanwhile, Freeman has posted a .392 wOBA and a .204 ISO during that same time period. For those of you that love Batter vs. Pitcher stats, Freeman has that going for him as well. He is 6-for-10 lifetime against Kennedy with three extra-base hits.
Secondary Plays:
Cameron Maybin (FD: $3200, DK: $3300)
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 309 — wOBA: 0.320 — ISO: 0.100 — wRC+: 105
Nick Markakis (FD: $2500, DK: $3400)
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 686 — wOBA: 0.336 — ISO: 0.120 — wRC+: 113
Philadelphia at Cincinnati – 7:10 PM EST
| Philadelphia | Cincinnati | ||||||||
 | Cole Hamels |  | Mike Leake | ||||||
| LEFT | RIGHT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| CIN (-116) | 7.0 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.188 | 0.573 | 0.268 | 20.8% | SP vs. Left | 0.288 | 0.821 | 0.358 | 13.50% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.235 | 0.658 | 0.290 | 25.0% | SP vs. Right | 0.231 | 0.661 | 0.290 | 19.90% |
| Batter Splits | PHI BvP | PHI vs R | Batter Splits | CIN BvP | CIN vs L | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Cole Hamels (FD: $9900, DK: $10400)
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 286.0 — SIERA: 3.33 — K%: 24.3% — BB%: 7.5% — FB Rate: 32.1% — HR/FB: 9.8%
Last 30 Days: IP: 37.1 — SIERA: 2.91 — K%: 26.0% — BB%: 4.8% — FB Rate: 31.3% — HR/FB: 6.7%
Cincinnati Reds Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.327 (Rank: 5) — Strikeout Rate: 20.6% (Rank: 14)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.337 (Rank: 6) — Strikeout Rate: 14.0% (Rank: 1)
Pitches per PA: 3.69 (Rank: 28)
Analysis: Hamels will face the Reds for the second time in as many starts. He struck out eight batters in seven innings of work last week against the Reds, while giving up two earned runs. Hamels has pitched well over the last two seasons, posting a 3.33 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 24.3%. He’ll likely get overlooked tonight for two reasons. 1. He plays for the Phillies, who are the worst offense in baseball and 2. He is facing the Reds in Cincinnati, which has led to him being a small underdog. Hamels isn’t my favorite cash game play tonight, but the upside is there for tournaments.
Pitcher Rating:72.4
Mike Leake (FD: $6900, DK: $6200)
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 286.0 — SIERA: 3.70 — K%: 17.3% — BB%: 6.0% — FB Rate: 26.7% — HR/FB: 14.7%
Last 30 Days: IP: 28.0 — SIERA: 4.79 — K%: 12.2% — BB%: 9.2% — FB Rate: 25.7% — HR/FB: 26.9%
Philadelphia Phillies Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.271 (Rank: 30) — Strikeout Rate: 19.8% (Rank: 14)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.264 (Rank: 29) — Strikeout Rate: 22.8% (Rank: 24)
Pitches per PA: 3.70 (Rank: 26)
Analysis: I have a feeling that Leake is going to be a very popular target on multi-pitcher sites tonight. He dominated this Phillies’ lineup last week, striking out nine batters in eight innings of work, while giving up two earned runs. The strikeouts haven’t been there for Leake this season, but everything else lines up for a quality start tonight. The Phillies are ranked dead last in wOBA against right-handed pitching and they average the 5th-fewest pitches per plate appearance. Take advantage of Leake’s discounted price tag while you still can, as it will likely skyrocket after tonight’s outing against the hapless Phillies.
Pitcher Rating:67.3
Batter Grind Down
Philadelphia
NONE – While it’s tough for a pitcher to dominate the same opponent in consecutive starts, I’m not expecting a lot from the Phillies’ offense tonight. They are ranked dead last in wOBA against right-handed pitching this season and are ranked 29th in wOBA over the last 14 days of play.
Cincinnati
NO ELITE PLAYS
Secondary Plays:
Todd Frazier (FD: $4200, DK: $4500)
Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 1B/3B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 202 — wOBA: 0.350 — ISO: 0.217 — wRC+: 121
Kansas City at Minnesota – 8:10 PM EST
| Kansas City | Minnesota | ||||||||
 | Jason Vargas |  | Phil Hughes | ||||||
| LEFT | RIGHT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| MIN (-108) | 8.5 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.267 | 0.685 | 0.305 | 15.2% | SP vs. Left | 0.252 | 0.649 | 0.284 | 20.20% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.265 | 0.733 | 0.322 | 16.4% | SP vs. Right | 0.290 | 0.767 | 0.333 | 20.20% |
| Batter Splits | KCR BvP | KC vs R | Batter Splits | MIN BvP | MIN vs L | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Jason Vargas (FD: $6300, DK: $5900)
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 222.2 — SIERA: 4.22 — K%: 16.0% — BB%: 5.5% — FB Rate: 39.2% — HR/FB: 8.5%
Last 30 Days: IP: 10.0 — SIERA: 3.33 — K%: 21.4% — BB%: 2.4% — FB Rate: 37.5% — HR/FB: 8.3%
Minnesota Twins Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.317 (Rank: 14) — Strikeout Rate: 18.8% (Rank: 8)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.291 (Rank: 21) — Strikeout Rate: 16.6% (Rank: 4)
Pitches per PA: 3.79 (Rank: 16)
Analysis: Vargas is a better pitcher in the majors than he is in daily fantasy baseball. He has a low strikeout rate, which magnifies the few mistakes that he makes each game. Without a high strikeout rate, a pitcher can’t give up many runs if he wants to have any chance of paying off his salary. Vargas can safely be avoided tonight against the Twins, who are ranked 14th in wOBA (.317) and 8th in strikeout rate (18.8%) against left-handed pitching this season.
Pitcher Rating:41.9
Phil Hughes (FD: $7500, DK: $7200)
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 278.2 — SIERA: 3.42 — K%: 20.1% — BB%: 2.0% — FB Rate: 40.3% — HR/FB: 7.9%
Last 30 Days: IP: 31.1 — SIERA: 4.50 — K%: 12.6% — BB%: 2.2% — FB Rate: 39.3% — HR/FB: 9.1%
Kansas City Royals Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.314 (Rank: 12) — Strikeout Rate: 16.8% (Rank: 2)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.254 (Rank: 30) — Strikeout Rate: 22.0% (Rank: 22)
Pitches per PA: 3.64 (Rank: 30)
Analysis: After having a terrific 2014 campaign, Hughes has struggled to get it going here this season. He has a 4.20 SIERA with a very low strikeout rate of 15.2%. He has given up at least two earned runs in each of his 11 starts this season, a streak that will likely continue tonight against the Royals, who are ranked 12th in wOBA against right-handed pitching. The Royals also have the 2nd-lowest strikeout rate against right-handed pitching, which only hurts Hughes’ cause even more.
Pitcher Rating:60.8
Batter Grind Down
Kansas City
Alcides Escobar (FD: $2300, DK: $3700)
Position Eligibility: FD: SS — DK: SS
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 614 — wOBA: 0.298 — ISO: 0.086 — wRC+: 88
Last 14 Days: PA: 49 — wOBA: 0.253 — ISO: 0.106 — wRC+: 58
Analysis: Escobar and the Royals have been ice cold offensively lately, ranking dead last in wOBA over the last 14 days. They should be able to get it going tonight against Phil Hughes, who has given up .325+ wOBA to batters from both sides of the plate this season. Escobar is cheap, he’ll be batting leadoff, and he has a decent chance to steal a base tonight.
Secondary Plays:
Eric Hosmer (FD: $3300, DK: $3900)
Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 533 — wOBA: 0.342 — ISO: 0.155 — wRC+: 120
Lorenzo Cain (FD: $2700, DK: $4100)
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 500 — wOBA: 0.309 — ISO: 0.094 — wRC+: 97
Minnesota
Brian Dozier (FD: $4300, DK: $4600)
Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 2B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 287 — wOBA: 0.365 — ISO: 0.236 — wRC+: 136
Last 14 Days: PA: 55 — wOBA: 0.413 — ISO: 0.294 — wRC+: 171
Analysis: Dozier is always in play when the Twins are facing a left-handed pitcher. Since the start of 2014, he has a .365 wOBA and a .236 ISO against southpaws. There aren’t many leadoff hitters with that type of power in their bats. Dozier also draws a favorable matchup against Jason Vargas, who has given up a .322 wOBA to right-handed hitters.
Secondary Plays:
Trevor Plouffe (FD: $2600, DK: $3700)
Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 247 — wOBA: 0.353 — ISO: 0.171 — wRC+: 128
Eddie Rosario (FD: $2600, DK: $3000)
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 21 — wOBA: 0.311 — ISO: 0.150 — wRC+: 99