MLB Grind Down: Saturday, August 15 - Page Two

by Ryan138 Last Updated 2015-08-15 16:31:49

Cleveland at Minnesota – 7:10 PM EST

Cleveland					Minnesota
			Josh Tomlin					Tyler Duffey
			RIGHT					RIGHT
			Vegas Moneyline					Vegas Over/Under
			MIN (-106)					9
Stats	Avg	OPS	wOBA	K%	Stats	Avg	OPS	wOBA	K%
SP vs. Left	0.248	0.718	0.307	0.215	SP vs. Left	0.5	2	0.882	0
SP vs. Right	0.313	0.848	0.37	0.207	SP vs. Right	0.444	0	0.664	0.091
Batter Splits			CLE vs R		Batter Splits	MIN BvP		MIN vs R
Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window

Pitcher Grind Down

Josh Tomlin

Minnesota Twins vs. RH Pitching: (2015)
wOBA: 0.302 (Rank: 24)
Strikeout Rate: 20.7% (Rank: 23)

Tomlin will be making his first start of the year after spending some time in the minors after having surgery last year. While Tomlin had a solid 2014 season, he is not an option tonight as this game has a total of nine and we don’t know what type of pitcher we are going to see after having a shoulder surgery. Avoid him tonight. Rating = 3

Salaries: $5,400 FD, $4,800 DK

Tyler Duffey

Cleveland Indians vs. RH Pitching: (2015)
wOBA: 0.311 (Rank: 14)
Strikeout Rate: 18.9% (Rank: 6)

Duffey made his first appearance in the major last week and allowed six earned runs, two home runs in just two innings pitched. He will look to pitch better tonight against the Indians. Duffey is an easy avoid in this game that features the highest total away from the Coors game. Rating = 3

Salaries: $5,400 FD, $4,500 DK

Batter Grind Down

Cleveland

The Indians get to tee off against the youngster tonight and should get their offense going. The Indians are only slight underdogs in this matchup and their main bats are in play tonight, while taking looks at cheap options hitting higher in the order due to Brantley being out is not a bad idea (Almonte, Johnson, Gomes).

Elite Plays:

Carlos Santana
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.346 — ISO: 0.215 — OBP: 0.359

Francisco Lindor
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.299 — ISO: 0.119 — OBP: 0.299

Secondary Plays:

Jose Ramirez
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.267 — ISO: 0.084 — OBP: 0.290

Minnesota

This Twins squad should be able to put up a number of runs against Tomlin tonight as they have a team total of 4.77, the fourth highest of the night slate. Sano is mashing over the last week with a .316 average and seven runs batted in. The Twins’ offense is clearly in play tonight.

Elite Plays:

Miguel Sano
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.457 — ISO: 0.346 — OBP: 0.430

Brian Dozier
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.336— ISO: 0.246 — OBP: 0.303

Joe Mauer
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.304 — ISO: 0.100 — OBP: 0.343

Secondary Plays:

Eddie Rosario
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.331 — ISO: 0.182 — OBP: 0.307

Trevor Plouffe
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.322— ISO: 0.201 — OBP: 0.297

Aaron Hicks
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.285— ISO: 0.102 — OBP: 0.302

Arizona at Atlanta – 7:10 PM EST

Arizona					Atlanta
			Patrick Corbin					Mike Foltynewicz
			LEFT					RIGHT
			Vegas Moneyline					Vegas Over/Under
			ARI (-142)					7.5
Stats	Avg	OPS	wOBA	K%	Stats	Avg	OPS	wOBA	K%
SP vs. Left	0.269	0.867	0.375	0.2	SP vs. Left	0.324	0.967	0.414	0.15
SP vs. Right	0.257	0.77	0.332	0.244	SP vs. Right	0.279	0	0.351	0.224
Batter Splits			ARI vs R		Batter Splits	ATL BvP		ATL vs L
Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window

Pitcher Grind Down

Patrick Corbin

Atlanta Braves vs. LH Pitching: (2015)
wOBA: 0.281 (Rank: 28)
Strikeout Rate: 21.1% (Rank: 23)

Corbin has been a bit up and down since returning from the DL in July. He currently holds a 3.20 SIERA, which is very solid to go along with a high 23.5% strikeout rate. Corbin’s main problem has been his ability to pitch deep into games. He has yet to pitch more than six innings or 89 pitches. Until we see him go past this point, his upside is limited even against this Braves squad. With that said, this Braves offense is a different team without Freeman, which does put Corbin into play on SP2 sites. Rating = 6

Salaries: $6,700 FD, $7,300 DK

Mike Foltynewicz

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. RH Pitching: (2015)
wOBA: 0.320 (Rank: 9)
Strikeout Rate: 20.6% (Rank: 21)

Folty is a young pitcher that has come into the league with a strikeout rate of over 10 K/9 in AAA. That has not translated to the majors yet and he has struggled a bit posting a 4.29 SIERA in his first twelve starts. His matchup against the Diamondbacks is tougher, as they have been rolling lately coming off a high scoring home series. The upside is there, but he should be a tournament play only. Rating = 5

Salaries: $6,000 FD, $5,300 DK

Batter Grind Down

Arizona

This Diamondbacks offense has come to life a bit recently after that big series at home. They have a decent matchup against Foltynewicz who has allowed a wOBA of over .364+ from both sides of the plate. Goldy is always in play, while Pollock and Peralta make solid secondary plays tonight.

Elite Plays:

Paul Goldschmidt
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.417 — ISO: 0.227 — OBP: 0.450

Secondary Plays:

David Peralta
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.388 — ISO: 0.239— OBP: 0.368

A.J. Pollock
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.362 — ISO: 0.160 — OBP: 0.368

Atlanta

This Braves offense is tough to consider in any situations right now. They do face off against a lefty and have a few very cheap options that could be good tournament plays and save some cap tonight, but Corbin should pitch well tonight.

Elite Plays:

None

Secondary Plays:

Adonis Garcia
2015 vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.421 — ISO: 0.500 — OBP: 0.250

Jonny Gomes
2015 vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.367 — ISO: 0.169 — OBP: 0.413

LA Angels at Kansas City – 7:10 PM EST

LA Angels					Kansas City
			Matt Shoemaker					Johnny Cueto
			RIGHT					RIGHT
			Vegas Moneyline					Vegas Over/Under
			KCR (-167)					7.5
Stats	Avg	OPS	wOBA	K%	Stats	Avg	OPS	wOBA	K%
SP vs. Left	0.246	0.712	0.311	0.203	SP vs. Left	0.183	0.534	0.243	0.248
SP vs. Right	0.246	0.696	0.303	0.245	SP vs. Right	0.201	0.607	0.268	0.238
Batter Splits	LAA BvP		ANA vs R		Batter Splits	KCR BvP		KC vs R
Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window

Pitcher Grind Down

Matt Shoemaker

Kansas City Royals vs. RH Pitching: (2015)
wOBA: 0.319 (Rank: 10)
Strikeout Rate: 15.9% (Rank: 1)

Shoemaker is coming off one of his worst outings of the year as he was lit up for seven earned runs (three home runs) to the White Sox. He will look to bounce back against a tough Royals squad that continues to strikeout at the lowest rate in the league (15.9%). Shoemaker has had major issues with the long ball as he has a 1.56 HR/9 rate on the year (20 allowed in 21 starts). The upside is limited by the matchup today, which takes Shoemaker out of play. Rating = 5.5

Salaries: $7,600 FD, $7,100 DK

Johnny Cueto

Los Angeles Angels vs. RH Pitching: (2015)
wOBA: 0.308 (Rank: 17)
Strikeout Rate: 19.5% (Rank: 13)

Cueto was superb in his recent and only home start for the Royals as he had a complete game shutout of the Tigers. Cueto has big time upside tonight at home against this Angels squad that has been better recently, but still a middle of the league offense in both wOBA and strikeout rate against righties. His 22.8% strikeout rate is solid and if he can get around Pujols and Trout, should be in line for a very good outing tonight. Cueto and the Royals are big favorites in this matchup and he is a top pitching option for the night slate. Rating = 8.5

Salaries: $11,000 FD, $10,800 DK

Batter Grind Down

LA Angels

It is tough to pay up for any of the Angels’ offense against Cueto who looked absolutely locked in during his first home start for the Royals. I expect him to pitch very well tonight and there are much safer/better routes to take with offense tonight.

Elite Plays:

None

Secondary Plays:

None

Kansas City

The Royals have a solid matchup against Shoemaker who has allowed a wOBA of .314+ from both sides of the plate. Look for the big names to play well, especially Hosmer who has three home runs and ten runs batted in, in the last week.

Elite Plays:

Eric Hosmer
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.397 — ISO: 0.205 — OBP: 0.400

Secondary Plays:

Mike Moustakas
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.359— ISO: 0.160 — OBP: 0.364

Ben Zobrist
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.343— ISO: 0.207 — OBP: 0.343

Lorenzo Cain
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.347— ISO: 0.170 — OBP: 0.340

Detroit at Houston – 7:10 PM EST

Detroit					Houston
			Justin Verlander					Collin McHugh
			RIGHT					RIGHT
			Vegas Moneyline					Vegas Over/Under
			HOU (-145)					8
Stats	Avg	OPS	wOBA	K%	Stats	Avg	OPS	wOBA	K%
SP vs. Left	0.238	0.691	0.305	0.185	SP vs. Left	0.224	0.625	0.277	0.207
SP vs. Right	0.304	0	0.36	0.169	SP vs. Right	0.251	0.708	0.311	0.236
Batter Splits	DET BvP		DET vs R		Batter Splits	HOU BvP		HOU vs R
Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window

Pitcher Grind Down

Justin Verlander

Houston Astros vs. RH Pitching: (2015)
wOBA: 0.321 (Rank: 8)
Strikeout Rate: 24.0% (Rank: 29)

Verlander is learning to pitch with his lack of power and has been better recently. Over his last four starts, Verlander has had a SIERA of 3.61 and has some upside as he has had a 22.1% strikeout rate during that span as well. He faces off against an Astros offense that is a high risk-high reward offense as they strikeout a ton, but are also capable of big outings. Verlander is a tournament play only. Rating = 5

Salaries: $7,700 FD, $7,200 DK

Collin McHugh

Detroit Tigers vs. RH Pitching: (2015)
wOBA: 0.324 (Rank: 6)
Strikeout Rate: 19.7% (Rank: 14)

McHugh has been a serviceable starter for the Astros this year. He has a SIERA of 3.93 this season while striking guys out at a below average, 18.8% rate. This Tigers offense is still dangerous, but far from what they were to start the season making him a decent SP2 or tournament play tonight. Rating = 6.5

Salaries: $8,600 FD, $7,800 DK

Batter Grind Down

Detroit

McHugh has been pretty good this year, yet has really struggled against right-handed bats. McHugh has allowed a wOBA of .357 to righties on the year, which means targeting J.D. Martinez and Kinsler is not out of the question tonight.

Elite Plays:

J.D. Martinez
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.390 — ISO: 0.280— OBP: 0.343

Secondary Plays:

Victor Martinez
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.271 — ISO: 0.139— OBP: 0.278

Ian Kinsler
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.339 — ISO: 0.121— OBP: 0.356

Houston

This is an interesting matchup tonight as Verlander has been tough to predict and this Astros offense either strikes out, or crushes the ball. They are good plays for tournaments tonight as the Astros are big favorites in this matchup with a total of eight.

Elite Plays:

Preston Tucker
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.380 — ISO: 0.264— OBP: 0.342

Carlos Correa
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.368 — ISO: 0.247 — OBP: 0.335

Secondary Plays:

Colby Rasmus
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.332 — ISO: 0.246— OBP: 0.291

Luis Valbuena
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.339 — ISO: 0.239 — OBP: 0.311

Jose Altuve
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.296 — ISO: 0.098 — OBP: 0.308

Chicago Cubs at Chicago White Sox – 7:10 PM EST

Chicago Cubs					Chicago White Sox
			Jake Arrieta					Jose Quintana
			RIGHT					LEFT
			Vegas Moneyline					Vegas Over/Under
			CHC (-130)					7.5
Stats	Avg	OPS	wOBA	K%	Stats	Avg	OPS	wOBA	K%
SP vs. Left	0.186	0.538	0.244	0.294	SP vs. Left	0.245	0.656	0.289	0.213
SP vs. Right	0.216	0.572	0.253	0.244	SP vs. Right	0.269	0.712	0.312	0.21
Batter Splits	CHC BvP		CHC vs L		Batter Splits	CHW BvP		CWS vs R
Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window

Pitcher Grind Down

Jake Arrieta

Chicago White Sox RH Pitching: (2015)
wOBA: 0.305 (Rank: 21)
Strikeout Rate: 20.4% (Rank: 18)

Arrieta has continued his stellar play for the Cubs. He comes into this cross-town rivalry with a solid 26.2% strikeout rate. Over the last month of play, Arrieta has a 3.28 SIERA (1.46 ERA). He now has a good matchup against the White Sox who are ranked 21st in team wOBA against righties. Arrieta and the Cubs are small favorites in a game with a 7.5 total. He makes a solid pitching option on the night slate and is in the top tier, while a bit cheaper than Archer and Cueto who both have tough matchups/park factors. Rating = 8.5

Salaries: $10,500 FD, $11,600 DK

Jose Quintana

Chicago Cubs vs. LH Pitching: (2015)
wOBA: 0.313 (Rank: 10)
Strikeout Rate: 23.1% (Rank: 12)

Quintana is a solid starter for the White Sox and has pitched well all year long. He comes into this game with a 3.50 SIERA and a 20.6% strikeout rate. This Cubs squad is always tough to pick on as they have a huge strikeout rate, yet can also put up a number of runs in a hurry. This game should look a bit different than yesterday’s slugfest as both pitchers are projected to pitch well tonight. Quintana should find run support difficult, making him a SP2 or tournament play. Rating = 6.5

Salaries: $8,200 FD, $8,000 DK

Batter Grind Down

Chicago Cubs

This Cubs offense strikes out a lot, but is also able to hit 4-5 home runs in any given matchup. Tonight is no different against Quintana as targeting the right-handed bats is the way to go as Quintana has allowed a wOBA of .339 to righties on the season. They are a decent contrarian stack tonight.

Elite Plays:

Kris Bryant
2015 vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.337 — ISO: 0.214 — OBP: 0.330

Dexter Fowler
2015 vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.351 — ISO: 0.109 — OBP: 0.381

Jorge Soler
2015 vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.295— ISO: 0.049 — OBP: 0.365

Secondary Plays:

Anthony Rizzo
2015 vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.442 — ISO: 0.212 — OBP: 0.466

Kyle Schwarber
2015 vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.380— ISO: 0.269 — OBP: 0.345

Chicago White Sox

Arrieta is one of the best pitchers going on the night slate tonight. He has allowed a wOBA of under .271 to hitters from both sides of the plate and hitters should be avoided against him tonight.

Elite Plays:

None

Secondary Plays:

None

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