MLB Grind Down: Saturday, July 18th
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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Seattle at NY Yankees – 1:05 PM EST
| Seattle | NY Yankees | ||||||||
 | Hisashi Iwakuma |  | Michael Pineda | ||||||
| RIGHT | RIGHT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| NYY (-145) | 8.0 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.275 | 0.734 | 0.321 | 18.8% | SP vs. Left | 0.231 | 0.636 | 0.277 | 21.90% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.224 | 0.639 | 0.278 | 23.5% | SP vs. Right | 0.251 | 0.661 | 0.287 | 24.60% |
| Batter Splits | SEA BvP | SEA vs R | Batter Splits | NYY BvP | NYY vs R | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Hisashi Iwakuma : FD: $7,500 — DK: $7,700
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 208.1 — SIERA: 3.08 — K%: 21.0% — BB%: 3.1% — FB Rate: 29.8% — HR/FB: 15.6%
Last 30 Days: IP: 13.0 — SIERA: 3.78 — K%: 18.0% — BB%: 4.0% — FB Rate: 41.0% — HR/FB: 25.0%
New York Yankees Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.329 (Rank: 4) — Strikeout Rate: 18.9% (Rank: 7)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.306 (Rank: 17) — Strikeout Rate: 19.9% (Rank: 14)
Pitchers per PA: 3.89 (Rank: 5)
Analysis: Iwakuma hasn’t been as sharp since coming back from injury, posting a 3.78 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 18.0%. His recent struggles will likely continue today against the Yankees, who are ranked fourth in wOBA (.329) and seventh in strikeout rate (18.9%) against right-handed pitching this season. He can be avoided in early and all-day slates.
Pitcher Rating:50.8
Michael Pineda : FD: $9,700 — DK: $8,800
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 182.2 — SIERA: 2.98 — K%: 23.3% — BB%: 2.7% — FB Rate: 35.0% — HR/FB: 8.1%
Last 30 Days: IP: 31.2 — SIERA: 2.73 — K%: 26.2% — BB%: 3.2% — FB Rate: 34.5% — HR/FB: 10.3%
Seattle Mariners Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.296 (Rank: 24) — Strikeout Rate: 22.1% (Rank: 26)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.325 (Rank: 7) — Strikeout Rate: 19.5% (Rank: 11)
Pitchers per PA: 3.87 (Rank: 7)
Analysis: Pineda has been terrific over the last two seasons, posting a 2.98 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 23.3%. While the Mariners’ offense has been better in recent weeks, they are still ranked 24th in wOBA (.296) and 26th in strikeout rate (22.1%) against right-handed pitching this season. Pineda is a big favorite and he has great strikeout potential. He is a viable target in both cash games and tournaments.
Pitcher Rating:79.4
Batter Grind Down
Seattle
The Mariners draw a tough matchup against Michael Pineda. Robinson Cano is the only hitter that stands out here, as he is back in his old stomping grounds in New York.
Elite Plays:
NONE
Secondary Plays:
Robinson Cano : FD: $3,000 — DK: $3,900
Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 2B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 680 — wOBA: 0.354 — ISO: 0.156 — wRC+: 131
Last 14 Days: PA: 59 — wOBA: 0.358 — ISO: 0.179 — wRC+: 133
NY Yankees
The Yankees should be able to put up some runs against Hisashi Iwakuma, but none of the individual hitters stand out as must plays. Brett Gardner and Jacoby Ellsbury are both solid options, but at their price points, they are secondary options in the outfield.
Elite Plays:
NONE
Secondary Plays:
Brett Gardner : FD: $4,300 — DK: $4,700
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 706 — wOBA: 0.353 — ISO: 0.191 — wRC+: 125
Last 14 Days: PA: 56 — wOBA: 0.365 — ISO: 0.125 — wRC+: 133
Jacoby Ellsbury : FD: $4,200 — DK: $4,800
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 563 — wOBA: 0.322 — ISO: 0.119 — wRC+: 103
Last 14 Days: PA: 23 — wOBA: 0.313 — ISO: 0.136 — wRC+: 97
Tampa Bay at Toronto – 1:07 PM EST
| Tampa Bay | Toronto | ||||||||
 | Erasmo Ramirez |  | R.A. Dickey | ||||||
| RIGHT | RIGHT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| TOR (-133) | 8.5 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.234 | 0.682 | 0.307 | 19.4% | SP vs. Left | 0.226 | 0.700 | 0.311 | 16.00% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.261 | 0.000 | 0.346 | 18.6% | SP vs. Right | 0.249 | 0.755 | 0.331 | 18.30% |
| Batter Splits | TBR BvP | TB vs R | Batter Splits | TOR BvP | TOR vs R | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Erasmo Ramirez : FD: $6,700 — DK: $6,100
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 154.2 — SIERA: 4.18 — K%: 19.1% — BB%: 9.1% — FB Rate: 37.8% — HR/FB: 11.6%
Last 30 Days: IP: 26.2 — SIERA: 3.81 — K%: 21.4% — BB%: 7.8% — FB Rate: 38.0% — HR/FB: 11.1%
Toronto Blue Jays Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.327 (Rank: 5) — Strikeout Rate: 19.4% (Rank: 12)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.324 (Rank: 10) — Strikeout Rate: 16.9% (Rank: 4)
Pitchers per PA: 3.80 (Rank: 14)
Analysis: Ramirez has turned his season around with a 3.81 SIERA and a strikeout rate of 21.4% over the last month of play. He still struggles with his command at times though, and he draws one of the worst pitching matchups in all of baseball. The Blue Jays are ranked fifth in wOBA (.327) against right-handed pitching this season and they are one of the best hitting teams at home.
Pitcher Rating:40.4
R.A. Dickey : FD: $7,400 — DK: $6,400
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 330.1 — SIERA: 4.34 — K%: 17.3% — BB%: 8.4% — FB Rate: 36.7% — HR/FB: 11.6%
Last 30 Days: IP: 39.0 — SIERA: 4.88 — K%: 14.3% — BB%: 9.5% — FB Rate: 35.5% — HR/FB: 9.1%
Tampa Bay Rays Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.294 (Rank: 26) — Strikeout Rate: 22.1% (Rank: 26)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.261 (Rank: 29) — Strikeout Rate: 24.1% (Rank: 29)
Pitchers per PA: 3.85 (Rank: 10)
Analysis: Dickey has not pitched well recently, posting a 4.88 SIERA with an unusually low strikeout rate of 14.3%. If he’s not striking batters out, opponents are likely going to make some great contact against him. Even though the Rays are one of the worst offenses in baseball against right-handed pitching, Dickey is still a very risky fantasy option today.
Pitcher Rating:51.0
Batter Grind Down
Tampa Bay
The Rays draw a favorable matchup against R.A. Dickey and they get to face him in the hitter-friendly Rogers Centre. Dickey has given up a .311+ wOBA to left and right-handed hitters, so bats from both sides of the plate are in play here.
Elite Plays:
John Jaso : FD: $3,000 — DK: $3,900
Position Eligibility: FD: C — DK: C
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 338 — wOBA: 0.360 — ISO: 0.183 — wRC+: 135
Last 14 Days: PA: 27 — wOBA: 0.469 — ISO: 0.227 — wRC+: 214
Secondary Plays:
Evan Longoria : FD: $2,900 — DK: $4,100
Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 802 — wOBA: 0.309 — ISO: 0.142 — wRC+: 102
Last 14 Days: PA: 57 — wOBA: 0.288 — ISO: 0.093 — wRC+: 87
James Loney : FD: $2,400 — DK: $3,500
Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 597 — wOBA: 0.335 — ISO: 0.101 — wRC+: 120
Last 14 Days: PA: 42 — wOBA: 0.330 — ISO: 0.111 — wRC+: 116
Toronto
The Blue Jays have one of the highest team totals on the board today, as they square off against Erasmo Ramirez at home. Ramirez has been a reverse-splits pitcher over the last two seasons, which gives an edge to the right-handed bats in this lineup.
Elite Plays:
Jose Bautista : FD: $4,800 — DK: $5,000
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 813 — wOBA: 0.382 — ISO: 0.241 — wRC+: 145
Last 14 Days: PA: 60 — wOBA: 0.331 — ISO: 0.200 — wRC+: 109
Edwin Encarnacion : FD: $4,400 — DK: $4,700
Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 710 — wOBA: 0.370 — ISO: 0.272 — wRC+: 136
Last 14 Days: PA: 57 — wOBA: 0.295 — ISO: 0.152 — wRC+: 84
Secondary Plays:
Josh Donaldson : FD: $4,700 — DK: $5,000
Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 825 — wOBA: 0.338 — ISO: 0.174 — wRC+: 118
Last 14 Days: PA: 57 — wOBA: 0.341 — ISO: 0.245 — wRC+: 116
Jose Reyes : FD: $3,800 — DK: $4,700
Position Eligibility: FD: SS — DK: SS
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 670 — wOBA: 0.323 — ISO: 0.113 — wRC+: 104
Last 14 Days: PA: 61 — wOBA: 0.340 — ISO: 0.100 — wRC+: 115
Kansas City at Chicago White Sox – 2:10 PM EST
| Kansas City | Chicago White Sox | ||||||||
 | Jeremy Guthrie |  | Jose Quintana | ||||||
| RIGHT | LEFT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| CHW (-121) | 8.5 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.306 | 0.861 | 0.376 | 14.4% | SP vs. Left | 0.240 | 0.652 | 0.287 | 22.50% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.241 | 0.621 | 0.277 | 12.5% | SP vs. Right | 0.266 | 0.699 | 0.308 | 20.60% |
| Batter Splits | KCR BvP | KC vs L | Batter Splits | CHW BvP | CWS vs R | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Jeremy Guthrie : FD: $5,800 — DK: $5,400
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 298.1 — SIERA: 4.55 — K%: 13.5% — BB%: 6.0% — FB Rate: 37.2% — HR/FB: 9.7%
Last 30 Days: IP: 35.1 — SIERA: 4.30 — K%: 15.8% — BB%: 5.7% — FB Rate: 34.1% — HR/FB: 7.1%
Chicago White Sox Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.295 (Rank: 25) — Strikeout Rate: 19.6% (Rank: 15)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.281 (Rank: 25) — Strikeout Rate: 22.2% (Rank: 23)
Pitchers per PA: 3.75 (Rank: 21)
Analysis: Guthrie may have a lower ERA this season, but he’s still the same pitcher that we have seen in year’s past. Since the start of the 2014 season, he has a 4.55 SIERA with a low strikeout rate of 13.5%. There isn’t enough upside to justify targeting Guthrie in cash games or tournaments. Avoid him today against the White Sox.
Pitcher Rating:34.4
Jose Quintana : FD: $8,200 — DK: $7,700
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 315.0 — SIERA: 3.49 — K%: 21.3% — BB%: 6.0% — FB Rate: 32.3% — HR/FB: 6.6%
Last 30 Days: IP: 40.1 — SIERA: 2.81 — K%: 23.8% — BB%: 1.8% — FB Rate: 29.4% — HR/FB: 17.1%
Kansas City Royals Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.311 (Rank: 12) — Strikeout Rate: 15.0% (Rank: 1)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.325 (Rank: 7) — Strikeout Rate: 15.8% (Rank: 1)
Pitchers per PA: 3.66 (Rank: 30)
Analysis: Quintana had a great month before the All-Star break, posting a 2.81 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 23.8%. When he is in good form, he is typically one of the best sleepers at the pitcher position. The issue here is his matchup. The Royals have the lowest strikeout rate of any team against left-handed pitching this season. Quintana is a better tournament play than a cash game target.
Pitcher Rating:67.6
Batter Grind Down
Kansas City
The Royals hit left-handed pitching well as a team and they lead the majors in making contact. Even though their matchup against Jose Quintana may not be ideal, the right-handed hitters in this lineup are still in play, especially in the early only slate.
Elite Plays:
Lorenzo Cain : FD: $4,000 — DK: $5,000
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 251 — wOBA: 0.391 — ISO: 0.170 — wRC+: 153
Last 14 Days: PA: 46 — wOBA: 0.544 — ISO: 0.333 — wRC+: 260
Secondary Plays:
Alcides Escobar : FD: $2,500 — DK: $4,200
Position Eligibility: FD: SS — DK: SS
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 256 — wOBA: 0.322 — ISO: 0.105 — wRC+: 105
Last 14 Days: PA: 59 — wOBA: 0.335 — ISO: 0.056 — wRC+: 114
Salvador Perez : FD: $2,400 — DK: $3,900
Position Eligibility: FD: C — DK: C
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 236 — wOBA: 0.268 — ISO: 0.135 — wRC+: 67
Last 14 Days: PA: 44 — wOBA: 0.279 — ISO: 0.209 — wRC+: 75
Chicago White Sox
The White Sox draw a favorable matchup against Jeremy Guthrie, who has given up a .376 wOBA to left-handed hitters over the last two seasons. Adam Eaton, Melky Cabrera, Adam LaRoche, and Conor Gillaspie have the splits in their favor, while Jose Abreu is also worth a look.
Elite Plays:
Adam Eaton : FD: $3,000 — DK: $3,700
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 654 — wOBA: 0.338 — ISO: 0.136 — wRC+: 113
Last 14 Days: PA: 53 — wOBA: 0.268 — ISO: 0.146 — wRC+: 64
Secondary Plays:
Melky Cabrera : FD: $2,900 — DK: $3,800
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 728 — wOBA: 0.335 — ISO: 0.125 — wRC+: 112
Last 14 Days: PA: 49 — wOBA: 0.363 — ISO: 0.209 — wRC+: 131
Adam LaRoche : FD: $2,200 — DK: $3,700
Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 673 — wOBA: 0.370 — ISO: 0.209 — wRC+: 136
Last 14 Days: PA: 34 — wOBA: 0.197 — ISO: 0.033 — wRC+: 15
Conor Gillaspie : FD: $2,200 — DK: $2,900
Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 575 — wOBA: 0.329 — ISO: 0.140 — wRC+: 107
Last 14 Days: PA: 21 — wOBA: 0.219 — ISO: 0.050 — wRC+: 30
LA Dodgers at Washington – 4:05 PM EST
| LA Dodgers | Washington | ||||||||
 | Clayton Kershaw |  | Doug Fister | ||||||
| LEFT | RIGHT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| LAD (-171) | 7.0 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.205 | 0.538 | 0.240 | 33.3% | SP vs. Left | 0.254 | 0.686 | 0.303 | 13.50% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.202 | 0.557 | 0.248 | 31.9% | SP vs. Right | 0.254 | 0.693 | 0.304 | 13.90% |
| Batter Splits | LAD BvP | LA vs R | Batter Splits | WAS BvP | WAS vs L | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Clayton Kershaw : FD: $12,800 — DK: $13,600
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 321.1 — SIERA: 2.14 — K%: 32.2% — BB%: 4.7% — FB Rate: 27.8% — HR/FB: 9.5%
Last 30 Days: IP: 36.0 — SIERA: 1.97 — K%: 34.0% — BB%: 3.6% — FB Rate: 30.6% — HR/FB: 11.5%
Washington Nationals Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.311 (Rank: 12) — Strikeout Rate: 20.4% (Rank: 12)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.283 (Rank: 23) — Strikeout Rate: 24.6% (Rank: 30)
Pitchers per PA: 3.73 (Rank: 23)
Analysis: Kershaw is the top pitching option on the board today. He has been terrific over the last month of play, posting a 1.97 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 34.0%. He draws a favorable matchup against a Nationals’ offense that has been ice cold in recent weeks. He should pitch deep into this game and rack up the strikeouts. He should also see plenty of run support with Doug Fister on the bump for Washington.
Pitcher Rating:99.3
Doug Fister : FD: $6,700 — DK: $6,200
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 228.0 — SIERA: 4.18 — K%: 13.7% — BB%: 4.0% — FB Rate: 34.4% — HR/FB: 10.2%
Last 30 Days: IP: 24.1 — SIERA: 4.51 — K%: 12.5% — BB%: 3.9% — FB Rate: 36.9% — HR/FB: 9.7%
Los Angeles Dodgers Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.336 (Rank: 2) — Strikeout Rate: 19.8% (Rank: 16)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.320 (Rank: 12) — Strikeout Rate: 22.2% (Rank: 23)
Pitchers per PA: 3.89 (Rank: 4)
Analysis: Fister has one of the lowest strikeout rates of any qualified pitcher this season. When you are only striking out around 13% of the batters that you are facing, it really limits your upside. Fister should be avoided against the Dodgers, who are ranked second in wOBA (.336) against right-handed pitching this season.
Pitcher Rating:31.1
Batter Grind Down
LA Dodgers
The Dodgers draw a favorable matchup against low-strikeout pitcher Doug Fister. The left-handed bats are obviously in play against the right-handed, but don’t rule out the Dodgers’ bats that hit from the right side. Fister has had some serious reverse-splits this season.
Elite Plays:
Joc Pederson : FD: $3,200 — DK: $3,600
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 326 — wOBA: 0.369 — ISO: 0.253 — wRC+: 141
Last 14 Days: PA: 52 — wOBA: 0.248 — ISO: 0.128 — wRC+: 57
Secondary Plays:
Adrian Gonzalez : FD: $3,500 — DK: $4,300
Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 769 — wOBA: 0.384 — ISO: 0.241 — wRC+: 150
Last 14 Days: PA: 49 — wOBA: 0.313 — ISO: 0.341 — wRC+: 102
Justin Turner : FD: $3,100 — DK: $3,400
Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 2B/3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 408 — wOBA: 0.422 — ISO: 0.204 — wRC+: 176
Last 14 Days: PA: 48 — wOBA: 0.293 — ISO: 0.093 — wRC+: 88
Washington
Clayton Kershaw has held left and right-handed hitters under a .250 wOBA over the last two seasons. Unless the site that you are playing on awards points for swings and misses, we should avoid the Nationals in all league formats.
Elite Plays:
NONE
Secondary Plays:
NONE
Miami at Philadelphia – 7:05 PM EST
| Miami | Philadelphia | ||||||||
 | Tom Koehler |  | Chad Billingsley | ||||||
| RIGHT | RIGHT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| MIA (-119) | 8.0 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.238 | 0.686 | 0.306 | 19.2% | SP vs. Left | 0.434 | 1.210 | 0.517 | 14.00% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.247 | 0.701 | 0.312 | 17.3% | SP vs. Right | 0.254 | 0.591 | 0.266 | 4.50% |
| Batter Splits | MIA BvP | MIA vs R | Batter Splits | PHI BvP | PHI vs R | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Tom Koehler : FD: $7,000 — DK: $6,600
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 289.1 — SIERA: 4.24 — K%: 18.3% — BB%: 8.6% — FB Rate: 38.2% — HR/FB: 8.9%
Last 30 Days: IP: 26.0 — SIERA: 4.08 — K%: 15.7% — BB%: 4.9% — FB Rate: 34.2% — HR/FB: 11.1%
Philadelphia Phillies Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.284 (Rank: 30) — Strikeout Rate: 19.2% (Rank: 11)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.315 (Rank: 13) — Strikeout Rate: 22.2% (Rank: 23)
Pitchers per PA: 3.72 (Rank: 26)
Analysis: Koehler has been a serviceable starter for the Marlins. He is coming off of a decent month of play, posting a 4.08 SIERA with a 15.7% strikeout rate. While his upside is somewhat limited, he draws a terrific matchup against a Phillies’ offense that is ranked dead last in wOBA (.284) against right-handed pitching this season. Koehler is a viable SP2 if you need to save some cap room.
Pitcher Rating:54.2
Chad Billingsley : FD: $5,000 — DK: $4,800
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 32.0 — SIERA: 4.90 — K%: 8.8% — BB%: 4.8% — FB Rate: 32.0% — HR/FB: 12.8%
Last 30 Days: IP: 16.0 — SIERA: 4.89 — K%: 8.1% — BB%: 5.4% — FB Rate: 26.2% — HR/FB: 12.5%
Miami Marlins Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.291 (Rank: 27) — Strikeout Rate: 20.4% (Rank: 21)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.315 (Rank: 13) — Strikeout Rate: 18.6% (Rank: 8)
Pitchers per PA: 3.70 (Rank: 28)
Analysis: Billingsley has not pitched well this season. He owns a 4.90 SIERA with a strikeout rate under 9%. There is a better chance that he scores negative fantasy points than positive fantasy points today against the Marlins. He should be avoided in all league formats, as there is more risk than potential reward.
Pitcher Rating:25.1
Batter Grind Down
Miami
The Marlins may not have a ton of power in their lineup at the moment, but they do draw a favorable matchup against Chad Billingsley. Hitters from both sides of the plate are strong plays here, but give the advantage to those that can hit from the left side, as Billingsley has given up a ridiculous .517 wOBA to left-handed hitters this season.
Elite Plays:
NONE
Secondary Plays:
Christian Yelich : FD: $3,200 — DK: $3,800
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 710 — wOBA: 0.331 — ISO: 0.114 — wRC+: 109
Last 14 Days: PA: 50 — wOBA: 0.432 — ISO: 0.150 — wRC+: 179
Justin Bour : FD: $2,900 — DK: $2,800
Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 246 — wOBA: 0.365 — ISO: 0.196 — wRC+: 133
Last 14 Days: PA: 47 — wOBA: 0.448 — ISO: 0.381 — wRC+: 190
Philadelphia
The Phillies have one of the worst offenses in all of baseball, especially when they are facing a right-handed pitcher. Tom Koehler gives up fairly similar splits to left and right-handed hitters, but none of the Phillies’ bats stand out as elite plays.
Elite Plays:
NONE
Secondary Plays:
Maikel Franco : FD: $3,200 — DK: $3,900
Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 205 — wOBA: 0.338 — ISO: 0.182 — wRC+: 115
Last 14 Days: PA: 64 — wOBA: 0.285 — ISO: 0.088 — wRC+: 79
Cesar Hernandez : FD: $2,900 — DK: $2,900
Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 2B/SS
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 255 — wOBA: 0.287 — ISO: 0.071 — wRC+: 80
Last 14 Days: PA: 62 — wOBA: 0.320 — ISO: 0.036 — wRC+: 103