MLB Grind Down: Sunday, August 23rd Page Two
Kansas City at Boston – 1:35 PM EST
| Kansas City | Boston | ||||||||
 | Edinson Volquez |  | Eduardo Rodriguez | ||||||
| RIGHT | LEFT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| BOS (-107) | 9 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.223 | 0.678 | 0.3 | 0.179 | SP vs. Left | 0.26 | 0.863 | 0.364 | 0.2 |
| SP vs. Right | 0.238 | 0.657 | 0.295 | 0.172 | SP vs. Right | 0.234 | 0.651 | 0.289 | 0.184 |
| Batter Splits | KCR BvP | KC vs L | Batter Splits | BOS BvP | BOS vs R | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Edinson Volquez : FD: $8,500 — DK: $7,300
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 344.2 — SIERA: 4.27 — ERA: 3.11 — K%: 17.6% — BB%: 8.9% — HR/9: 0.7
Last 30 Days: IP: 39.2 — SIERA: 4.40 — ERA: 2.95 — K%: 18.9% — BB%: 9.8% — HR/9: 0.7
Boston Red Sox Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.315 (Rank: 12) — Strikeout Rate: 16.8% (Rank: 2)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.402 (Rank: 1) — Strikeout Rate: 15.6% (Rank: 2)
Pitches per PA: 3.96 (Rank: 2)
Analysis: Volquez has a 2.95 ERA over the last month of play, but regression may set in soon. During that same time period, he has a 4.40 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 18.9%. He draws one of the toughest matchups on the board, as the Red Sox are ranked first in team wOBA over the last 14 days of play. The Red Sox also have the second-lowest strikeout rate against right-handed pitching this season.
Pitcher Rating: 45.5
Eduardo Rodriguez : FD: $7,600 — DK: $6,900
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 86.1 — SIERA: 4.10 — ERA: 4.48 — K%: 18.7% — BB%: 7.4% — HR/9: 1.2
Last 30 Days: IP: 32.0 — SIERA: 3.97 — ERA: 4.22 — K%: 16.2% — BB%: 5.9% — HR/9: 1.1
Kansas City Royals Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.309 (Rank: 15) — Strikeout Rate: 15.1% (Rank: 1)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.323 (Rank: 13) — Strikeout Rate: 14.7% (Rank: 1)
Pitches per PA: 3.68 (Rank: 30)
Analysis: Rodriguez has had a nice rookie season, posting a 4.10 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 18.7%. The issue here is his matchup. The Royals have the lowest strikeout rate of any team this season and they are tough on both left and right-handed hitters. There are better pitching options at his price point.
Pitcher Rating: 56.5
Batter Grind Down
Kansas City
The Royals draw a decent matchup today against Eduardo Rodriguez in the hitter-friendly Fenway Park. Rodriguez is a reverse-splits pitcher, which brings Eric Hosmer into play. The right-handed bats of Lorenzo Cain and Alcides Escobar are also in play.
Elite Plays:
Eric Hosmer : FD: $3,600 — DK: $4,900
Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 354 — wOBA: 0.311 — ISO: 0.113 — wRC+: 97
Last 30 Days: PA: 117 — wOBA: 0.431 — ISO: 0.223 — wRC+: 180
Secondary Plays:
Lorenzo Cain : FD: $3,700 — DK: $5,200
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 298 — wOBA: 0.397 — ISO: 0.197 — wRC+: 157
Last 30 Days: PA: 104 — wOBA: 0.338 — ISO: 0.175 — wRC+: 116
Alcides Escobar : FD: $2,600 — DK: $3,900
Position Eligibility: FD: SS — DK: SS
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 307 — wOBA: 0.321 — ISO: 0.095 — wRC+: 104
Last 30 Days: PA: 128 — wOBA: 0.228 — ISO: 0.050 — wRC+: 39
Boston
The Red Sox may not have the most favorable matchup on the board, but they do get to face Edinson Volquez at home. They have a high team total. Hot-hitting David Ortiz is the top play here, while Mookie Betts and Travis Shaw are also worth a look.
Elite Plays:
David Ortiz : FD: $4,300 — DK: $4,600
Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 736 — wOBA: 0.381 — ISO: 0.267 — wRC+: 142
Last 30 Days: PA: 116 — wOBA: 0.486 — ISO: 0.398 — wRC+: 215
Secondary Plays:
Mookie Betts : FD: $3,600 — DK: $4,600
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 502 — wOBA: 0.340 — ISO: 0.167 — wRC+: 114
Last 30 Days: PA: 74 — wOBA: 0.346 — ISO: 0.101 — wRC+: 118
Travis Shaw : FD: $2,900 — DK: $3,900
Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 1B/3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 50 — wOBA: 0.409 — ISO: 0.200 — wRC+: 161
Last 30 Days: PA: 63 — wOBA: 0.528 — ISO: 0.386 — wRC+: 245
Milwaukee at Washington – 1:35 PM EST
| Milwaukee | Washington | ||||||||
 | Matt Garza |  | Jordan Zimmermann | ||||||
| RIGHT | RIGHT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| WAS (-155) | 7.5 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.254 | 0.728 | 0.322 | 0.162 | SP vs. Left | 0.268 | 0.702 | 0.308 | 0.198 |
| SP vs. Right | 0.247 | 0.699 | 0.306 | 0.181 | SP vs. Right | 0.234 | 0.602 | 0.267 | 0.223 |
| Batter Splits | MIL BvP | MIL vs R | Batter Splits | WAS BvP | WAS vs R | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Matt Garza : FD: $6,200 — DK: $5,700
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 299.0 — SIERA: 4.24 — ERA: 4.24 — K%: 17.2% — BB%: 7.5% — HR/9: 1.0
Last 30 Days: IP: 30.2 — SIERA: 4.58 — ERA: 4.11 — K%: 16.7% — BB%: 8.7% — HR/9: 1.2
Washington Nationals Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.310 (Rank: 15) — Strikeout Rate: 21.3% (Rank: 24)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.307 (Rank: 18) — Strikeout Rate: 21.8% (Rank: 19)
Pitches per PA: 3.76 (Rank: 23)
Analysis: Garza has been an easy pitcher to avoid this season. His strikeouts are down and he walks a few too many batters. His matchup against the Nationals is a little misleading, as they have been missing some of their key players for a big part of the season. Now that they are healthy, they are a formidable offense. Garza can safely be avoided today on the road.
Pitcher Rating: 47.0
Jordan Zimmermann : FD: $8,700 — DK: $8,900
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 354.0 — SIERA: 3.45 — ERA: 3.00 — K%: 21.0% — BB%: 3.9% — HR/9: 0.7
Last 30 Days: IP: 38.2 — SIERA: 3.27 — ERA: 3.96 — K%: 23.1% — BB%: 3.9% — HR/9: 1.4
Milwaukee Brewers Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.308 (Rank: 17) — Strikeout Rate: 20.5% (Rank: 18)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.288 (Rank: 25) — Strikeout Rate: 23.1% (Rank: 23)
Pitches per PA: 3.72 (Rank: 26)
Analysis: ZImmermann has pitched well recently, posting a 3.27 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 23.1% over the last month of play. He draws a favorable matchup against the Brewers, who are ranked below the major league average in both team wOBA and strikeout rate against right-handed pitching this season. Zimmermann is affordable, he has a nice matchup, and he gets to play in the pitcher-friendly Nationals Park.
Pitcher Rating: 85.9
Batter Grind Down
Milwaukee
The Brewers draw a difficult matchup against Jordan Zimmermann, who has been tough on both left and right-handed hitters over the last two seasons. The Brewers’ offense can safely be avoided in all league formats.
Elite Plays:
NONE
Secondary Plays:
NONE
Washington
The Nationals draw a mediocre matchup against Matt Garza, who is having a subpar season. Anthony Rendon is coming off of a huge game last night. This could be a great time to buy low on Rendon, as he is priced under $3,000 on both FanDuel and DraftKings. Bryce Harper is also worth a look in tournaments.
Elite Plays:
Anthony Rendon : FD: $2,800 — DK: $2,700
Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 2B/3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 642 — wOBA: 0.344 — ISO: 0.175 — wRC+: 119
Last 30 Days: PA: 95 — wOBA: 0.247 — ISO: 0.071 — wRC+: 53
Secondary Plays:
Bryce Harper : FD: $5,000 — DK: $5,400
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 621 — wOBA: 0.412 — ISO: 0.244 — wRC+: 166
Last 30 Days: PA: 118 — wOBA: 0.405 — ISO: 0.186 — wRC+: 161
LA Dodgers at Houston – 2:10 PM EST
| LA Dodgers | Houston | ||||||||
 | Clayton Kershaw |  | Lance McCullers | ||||||
| LEFT | RIGHT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| LAD (-175) | 6.5 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.202 | 0.531 | 0.236 | 0.327 | SP vs. Left | 0.211 | 0.59 | 0.265 | 0.287 |
| SP vs. Right | 0.196 | 0.532 | 0.237 | 0.32 | SP vs. Right | 0.241 | 0.722 | 0.315 | 0.201 |
| Batter Splits | LA vs R | Batter Splits | HOU BvP | HOU vs L | |||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Clayton Kershaw : FD: $13,000 — DK: $14,800
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 367.1 — SIERA: 2.17 — ERA: 2.03 — K%: 32.1% — BB%: 4.5% — HR/9: 0.5
Last 30 Days: IP: 38.0 — SIERA: 2.53 — ERA: 1.18 — K%: 27.3% — BB%: 3.6% — HR/9: 0.2
Houston Astros Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.314 (Rank: 11) — Strikeout Rate: 23.0% (Rank: 26)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.264 (Rank: 30) — Strikeout Rate: 25.7% (Rank: 29)
Pitches per PA: 3.88 (Rank: 7)
Analysis: Kershaw is the top pitching option on the board again. He has been absolutely dominant over the last month of play, posting a 1.18 ERA (2.53 SIERA) with a strikeout rate of 27.3%. While the Astros have decent numbers against southpaws, they strikeout at one of the highest rates of any team in baseball. The Astros are also ranked dead last in team wOBA over the last 14 days of play. Fade Kershaw at your own risk today in cash games.
Pitcher Rating: 97.5
Lance McCullers : FD: $6,700 — DK: $7,500
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 76.2 — SIERA: 3.54 — ERA: 3.17 — K%: 24.6% — BB%: 8.7% — HR/9: 0.5
Last 30 Days: IP: 12.1 — SIERA: 4.29 — ERA: 6.57 — K%: 13.6% — BB%: 6.8% — HR/9: 1.5
Los Angeles Dodgers Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.331 (Rank: 2) — Strikeout Rate: 20.1% (Rank: 15)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.332 (Rank: 10) — Strikeout Rate: 20.0% (Rank: 13)
Pitches per PA: 3.88 (Rank: 6)
Analysis: McCullers was called up to make the start today against the Dodgers. He has had an excellent rookie season, posting a 3.54 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 24.6%. The issue today is his matchup against the Dodgers. Not only is Clayton Kershaw pitching opposite him, but the Dodgers are ranked second in team wOBA against right-handed pitching. There is more risk than potential reward with McCullers in this matchup.
Pitcher Rating: 63.7
Batter Grind Down
LA Dodgers
Even though I won’t be targeting Lance McCullers, I’m not going to heavily target the Dodgers’ offense either. McCullers has been effective against hitters from both sides of the plate this season. Adrian Gonzalez is the only fantasy option on my radar.
Elite Plays:
NONE
Secondary Plays:
Adrian Gonzalez : FD: $3,200 — DK: $4,000
Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 858 — wOBA: 0.383 — ISO: 0.240 — wRC+: 149
Last 30 Days: PA: 100 — wOBA: 0.332 — ISO: 0.138 — wRC+: 114
Houston
The Astros have the worst matchup on the board and the worst matchup possible in all of baseball. Clayton Kershaw should dominate once again, which means we should stay far away from the Astros’ offense in all league formats.
Elite Plays:
NONE
Secondary Plays:
NONE
Atlanta at Chicago Cubs – 2:20 PM EST
| Atlanta | Chicago Cubs | ||||||||
 | Matt Wisler |  | Jason Hammel | ||||||
| RIGHT | RIGHT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| CHC (-200) | 9.0 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | SP vs. Left | 0.23 | 0.683 | 0.299 | 0.213 | ||||
| SP vs. Right | SP vs. Right | 0.232 | 0.686 | 0.298 | 0.246 | ||||
| Batter Splits | ATL BvP | ATL vs R | Batter Splits | CHC BvP | CHC vs R | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Matthew Wisler : FD: $6,000 — DK: $5,200
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 62.0 — SIERA: 4.82 — ERA: 4.65 — K%: 14.3% — BB%: 7.4% — HR/9: 1.2
Last 30 Days: IP: 27.0 — SIERA: 5.11 — ERA: 6.00 — K%: 12.9% — BB%: 8.9% — HR/9: 1.3
Chicago Cubs Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.308 (Rank: 17) — Strikeout Rate: 24.0% (Rank: 29)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.363 (Rank: 2) — Strikeout Rate: 24.5% (Rank: 27)
Pitches per PA: 4.00 (Rank: 1)
Analysis: Wisler has nto pitched well recently, posting a 5.11 SIERA with a strikeout rate of only 12.9% over the last month of play. To make matters worse, the wind is blowing out to right field at a very healthy clip. We all know what can happen when the wind is blowing out in Wrigley Field. Both pitchers in this matchup should be avoided.
Pitcher Rating: 30.5
Jason Hammel : FD: $7,900 — DK: $8,200
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 307.0 — SIERA: 3.42 — ERA: 3.43 — K%: 23.2% — BB%: 5.8% — HR/9: 1.2
Last 30 Days: IP: 22.0 — SIERA: 3.80 — ERA: 6.14 — K%: 22.0% — BB%: 7.0% — HR/9: 2.9
Atlanta Braves Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.299 (Rank: 25) — Strikeout Rate: 17.5% (Rank: 3)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.288 (Rank: 25) — Strikeout Rate: 20.0% (Rank: 13)
Pitches per PA: 3.78 (Rank: 21)
Analysis: Even though Hammel draws a favorable matchup against the Braves, he is not on my radar today at home. The wind is blowing out to right-center at a rate of around 15 MPH, which could make a huge difference for both offenses. The Braves don’t hit very many home runs, but it doesn’t take much when there is such a strong wind in Wrigley Field.
Pitcher Rating: 72.8
Batter Grind Down
Atlanta
The Braves’ matchup against Jason Hammel may not appear great on paper, but with the wind blowing out, they deserve consideration today. Freddie Freeman is cheap and has good power against right-handed pitching. Cameron Maybin is also worth a look in the outfield.
Elite Plays:
Freddie Freeman : FD: $3,200 — DK: $4,400
Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 745 — wOBA: 0.386 — ISO: 0.206 — wRC+: 149
Last 30 Days: PA: 52 — wOBA: 0.266 — ISO: 0.140 — wRC+: 66
Secondary Plays:
Cameron Maybin : FD: $3,400 — DK: $4,200
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 525 — wOBA: 0.305 — ISO: 0.101 — wRC+: 94
Last 30 Days: PA: 115 — wOBA: 0.317 — ISO: 0.131 — wRC+: 100
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs have one of the highest team totals on the board today. They are one of my favorite offenses to target for both cash games and tournaments. Left and right-handed hitters are in play against Matthew Wisler.
Elite Plays:
Anthony Rizzo : FD: $4,400 — DK: $5,200
Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 816 — wOBA: 0.391 — ISO: 0.259 — wRC+: 151
Last 30 Days: PA: 107 — wOBA: 0.433 — ISO: 0.319 — wRC+: 179
Kris Bryant : FD: $3,600 — DK: $4,700
Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 365 — wOBA: 0.357 — ISO: 0.193 — wRC+: 128
Last 30 Days: PA: 106 — wOBA: 0.360 — ISO: 0.233 — wRC+: 129
Dexter Fowler : FD: $3,300 — DK: $4,400
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 780 — wOBA: 0.329 — ISO: 0.143 — wRC+: 109
Last 30 Days: PA: 121 — wOBA: 0.432 — ISO: 0.281 — wRC+: 179
Secondary Plays:
Kyle Schwarber : FD: $4,200 — DK: $4,700
Position Eligibility: FD: C — DK: C/OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 103 — wOBA: 0.464 — ISO: 0.337 — wRC+: 201
Last 30 Days: PA: 101 — wOBA: 0.379 — ISO: 0.280 — wRC+: 143
Chris Coghlan : FD: $3,400 — DK: $3,400
Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 2B/OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 669 — wOBA: 0.359 — ISO: 0.200 — wRC+: 129
Last 30 Days: PA: 75 — wOBA: 0.377 — ISO: 0.329 — wRC+: 141
Miguel Montero : FD: $2,300 — DK: $3,200
Position Eligibility: FD: C — DK: C
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 692 — wOBA: 0.319 — ISO: 0.139 — wRC+: 99
Last 30 Days: PA: 36 — wOBA: 0.337 — ISO: 0.188 — wRC+: 114