MLB Grind Down: Saturday, June 21st
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.
Note: Any Fantasy Point Average Listed Uses FanDuel Scoring. For more info on FanDuel’s MLB Scoring System,check out the scoring systems section of our FanDuel Review
Baltimore at NY Yankees
| Baltimore | NY Yankees | ||||||||
| Bud Norris | Vegas Moneyline | Vidal Nuno | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||
| RIGHT | NYY (-115) | LEFT | 9.0 | ||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.293 | 0.825 | 0.366 | 15.6% | SP vs. Left | 0.270 | 0.791 | 0.352 | 20.0% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.239 | 0.628 | 0.292 | 21.7% | SP vs. Right | 0.275 | 0.797 | 0.345 | 14.7% |
| Batter Splits | BAL BvP  | BAL vs L | Batter Splits | NYY BvP | NYY vs R | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
- Bud Norris – Norris has been excellent in his last two starts and has now lowered his ERA to a very respectable 3.74 on the season. He’ll do battle with a Yankees team that ranks in the bottom third of MLB in OPS versus right-handed pitching and whos lineup is not nearly as intimidating as it’s been in the past. With that said, Norris has struggled away from Baltimore this season, posting a 5.23 ERA on the road. His recent performances are enough to warrant consideration today, and make him a viable GPP option, but there are safer options for cash games. Rating = 5
Salaries: $6800 FD, $11105 DS, $11900 DD, $6600 DK, $94100 FF, $17700 SS, $11900 FTD
- Vidal Nuno – Nuno was absolutely blasted in his last start, giving up eight runs in just three innings against Oakland. His ERA has ballooned to 5.90 on the season and he’ll be tasked with trying to slow down a very dangerous Baltimore lineup. Nuno has been dreadful at Yankee Stadium this season, posting a 7.36 ERA and he was lit up by the Orioles the only other time they met this season. There are definitely better options. Rating = 3
Salaries: $5000 FD, $8115 DS, $8300 DD, $5700 DK, $44000 FF, $13000 SS, $8300 FTD
Batter Grind Down
Baltimore
Nelson Cruz – Nelson Cruz has slowed down a bit lately, but he’s absolutely smashed left-handed pitching this season, posting a .513 wOBA against southpaws. He’s also posted a 1.080 OPS on the road this season and has reached base in all three prior plate appearances against Nuno.
Additional Plays: Adam Jones, Manny Machado
NY Yankees
Brian McCann – It’s been a slow start to his Yankee career for McCann, but he’s seems to be finally showing life at the plate. McCann has reached base seven times and knocked in six runs over the last three games and lefties posted a .889 OPS against Bud Norris last season.
Additional Plays: Jacoby Ellsbury, Brett Gardner, Carlos Beltran
Chicago White Sox at Minnesota
| Chicago White Sox | Minnesota | ||||||||
| Andre Rienzo | Vegas Moneyline | Kevin Correia | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||
| RIGHT | MIN (-125) | RIGHT | 9.0 | ||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.253 | 0.794 | 0.353 | 16.1% | SP vs. Left | 0.297 | 0.801 | 0.351 | 12.3% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.270 | 0.783 | 0.353 | 15.7% | SP vs. Right | 0.305 | 0.794 | 0.348 | 12.6% |
| Batter Splits | CHW BvP | CHW vs R | Batter Splits | MIN BvP | MIN vs R | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
- Andre Rienzo – After surrendering 13 earned runs in his last two starts (9.2 innings), it’s safe to say that Rienzo is struggling. After 11 starts he sits with a 4-4 record and a less than impressive 5.67 ERA. The matchup (against the struggling Twins offense in Target Field) is solid, but his recent struggles make him a hard recommendation. Rating = 3.5
Salaries: $5000 FD, $9120 DS, $9050 DD, $5200 DK, $40000 FF, $13000 SS, $9050 FTD
- Kevin Correia – Correia has somewhat inexplicably pitched quite well in each of his last two outings, but even when he’s on his game his fantasy lines leave a lot to be desired. Despite his recent success, he’ll bring a 3-8 record and a 5.29 ERA into this afternoons game. He’s been horrible at Target Field this year as well (1-5 with a 7.34 ERA in 7 starts) and is less than a desirable option even against this strikeout happy White Sox team who he had success against last season. Rating = 4
Salaries: $5000 FD, $7822 DS, $9350 DD, $5800 DK, $53400 FF, $13600 SS, $9350 FTD
Batter Grind Down
Chicago White Sox
Jose Abreu – Abreu enters today’s game with a .407 wOBA against right-handed pitching. He homered again last night and is now riding a nice five game hitting streak. Kevin Correia is very hittable and is allowing right-handed batters to his .319 off of him this season, making Abreu a solid bet to knock his 22nd homerun of the season today.
Additional Plays: Dayan Viciedo, Adam Eaton
Minnesota
Joe Mauer – The one time batting champ has been eerily quiet this season, but he’s a career .319 hitter so you gotta think he’ll break out at any minute. Lefties have posted a .369 wOBA against Rienzo this season and Mauer is hitting a respectable .277 against righties which makes him a solid punt option.
Additional Plays: Brian Dozier
Seattle at Kansas City
| Seattle | Kansas City | ||||||||
| Chris Young | Vegas Moneyline | Jason Vargas | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||
| RIGHT | KCR (-150) | LEFT | 8.5 | ||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.217 | 0.656 | 0.297 | 13.9% | SP vs. Left | 0.304 | 0.741 | 0.331 | 15.2% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.224 | 0.718 | 0.315 | 10.5% | SP vs. Right | 0.253 | 0.718 | 0.324 | 17.6% |
| Batter Splits | SEA BvP | SEA vs L | Batter Splits | KCR BvP | KCR vs R | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
- Chris Young – While he’s not the most exciting pitcher in the game, Young has been rather effective this season and now sports a 6-4 record and 3.40 ERA through 13 starts. He pitched remarkably well his only other meeting against Kansas City this season, allowing just one run one three hits over eight innings back in early May. With that said, this Kansas City team is rolling right now and Young has struggled a bit away from Safeco Field. Rating = 4.5
Salaries: $5700 FD, $10647 DS, $11700 DD, $5900 DK, $73300 FF, $16000 SS, $11700 FTD
- Jason Vargas – Vargas has somewhat quietly put together a very strong first half. Through his first 15 starts he owns a 7-2 record and 3.25 ERA. He mowed down this Seattle lineup earlier this season, allowing just three hits while tossing seven shutout innings. Seattle is loaded with left-handed bats in their lineup so it’s no suprise that they rank 29th in MLB in wOBA against left-handed pitching this season (.285 wOBA). If the price is right he’s certainly worth consideration. Rating = 6.5
Salaries: $6500 FD, $14565 DS, $13100 DD, $8300 DK, $99200 FF, $22800 SS, $13100 FTD
Batter Grind Down
Seattle
Robinson Cano – While I usually avoid lefty vs lefty matchups, it’s hard to ignore the success Cano has had against Vargas in the past (10 for 23). He’s the most dangerous hitter in this left-handed loaded Seattle lineup and is never a terrible option.
Additional Plays: Mike Zunino
Kansas City
Alex Gordon – Gordon has really heated up lately and now owns a 1.014 OPS during the month of June. He’s posted a .375 wOBA against right-handed pitching so far this season and is in a nice spot to extend his current hitting streak to five games.
Additional Plays: Billy Butler, Eric Hosmer
Boston at Oakland
| Boston | Oakland | ||||||||
| Rubby De La Rosa | Vegas Moneyline | Jesse Chavez | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||
| RIGHT | OAK (-146) | RIGHT | 8.0 | ||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.196 | 0.528 | 0.246 | 17.7% | SP vs. Left | 0.269 | 0.677 | 0.314 | 18.7% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.301 | 0.827 | 0.372 | 20.0% | SP vs. Right | 0.202 | 0.575 | 0.258 | 26.5% |
| Batter Splits | BOS BvP | BOS vs R | Batter Splits | OAK BvP | OAK vs R | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
- Rubby De La Rosa – Rubby baffled the Minnesota Twins in his last start, but things will be much tough for him tonight against a very potent Oakland lineup. Through four starts this season, De La Rosa owns an impressive 2.84 ERA but he’s struggled in both road starts. He seems to have recovered well from Tommy John surgery and can still reach the mid 90’s with his fastball, but Oakland can light up the scoreboard so I’ll be passing today. Rating = 4
Salaries: $6700 FD, $12616 DS, $13650 DD, $NA DK, $58000 FF, $19900 SS, $NA FTD
- Jesse Chavez – Chavez cruised to an easy win against the Yankees in his last start and his ERA now stands at just 2.93 on the season. The converted reliever has made a smooth transition into a starters role and is rather routinely pitching six quality innings per start. The Red Sox own just a .306 wOBA against right-handed pitching this season and have really struggled at the plate away from Fenway. Chavez is averaging nearly a strikeout per inning this season which is a nice boost to his fantasy value. Rating = 5.5
Salaries: $7700 FD, $15603 DS, $14500 DD, $ DK, $85100 FF, $24000 SS, $14500 FTD
Batter Grind Down
Boston
David Ortiz – Jesse Chavez has been very tough on right-handed batters this season, but lefties have posted a .326 wOBA against him. Ortiz posted a 1.092 OPS against right-handed pitching last season and homered in one of his two prior battles with Chavez.
Additional Plays: Mike Napoli
Oakland
Coco Crisp – Crisp brings a six game hitting streak into today’s game and is now hitting .337 at the Oakland Coliseum. He’s locked in at the plate right now (1.029 OPS in June) and should have plenty of chances to do damage hitting leadoff for this dangerous Oakland lineup.
Additional Plays: Yoenis Cespedes, Brandon Moss
Pittsburgh at Chicago Cubs
| Pittsburgh | Chicago Cubs | ||||||||
| Vance Worley | Vegas Moneyline | Travis Wood | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||
| RIGHT | PIT (-110) | LEFT | |||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.358 | 0.965 | 0.428 | 13.5% | SP vs. Left | 0.191 | 0.528 | 0.250 | 20.8% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.364 | 0.898 | 0.396 | 9.4% | SP vs. Right | 0.244 | 0.689 | 0.312 | 17.0% |
| Batter Splits | PIT BvP | PIT vs L | Batter Splits | CHC BvP | CHC vs R | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
- Vance Worley – Worley was sensational in his season debut last week, holding the Marlins to just five hits over seven shutout innings. Prior to that he had been having an up-and-down season at AAA Indianapolis where he tallied a 3-2 record and 4.30 ERA in 46 innings. Worley is only a few years removed from being a very capable pitcher for the Phillies and a matchup against the Cubbies (29th in MLB in OPS versus righties) is certainly favorable, but there is still too much risk here for my liking. Rating = 4.5
Salaries: $5000 FD, $12136 DS, $8200 DD, $7200 DK, $40000 FF, $21000 SS, $12550 FTD
- Travis Wood – After bring blasted by the Brewers to close out of the month of May, Wood has bounced back nicely posting a 2.29 ERA in his three starts this month. He sports dramatic home/road splits this season, and luckily for him this game is at Wrigley where he’s posted a 3-1 record to go along with a very strong 2.58 ERA. He’s pitched quite well in both starts against Pittsburgh this season and dominated them in all three starts last season as well. He’s not the most exciting pitcher on the board, but he’s certainly in a nice spot. Rating = 6
Salaries: $7300 FD, $12603 DS, $11250 DD, $6800 DK, $82600 FF, $18400 SS, $11250 FTD
Batter Grind Down
Pittsburgh
Andrew McCutchen – McCutchen hasn’t had too many opportunities to face left-handed pitching this season, but he’s sure taken advantage of the times he has, posting a .495 wOBA. He owns a .351 career batting average at Wrigley Field, and with a light breeze blowing out to center today, he’s an elite option in the outfield.
Additional Plays: Starling Marte, Jordy Mercer
Chicago Cubs
Anthony Rizzo – Rizzo has doubled in consecutive games and has posted a 1.001 OPS so far during the month of June. He owns a .327 batting average at Wrigley Field this season and Worley allowed lefties to post a 1.013 OPS off of him last season.
Additional Plays: Luis Valbuena, Starlin Castro