MLB Grind Down: Sunday, June 14th
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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Cleveland at Detroit – 1:08 PM EST
| Cleveland | Detroit | ||||||||
 | Corey Kluber |  | Alfredo Simon | ||||||
| RIGHT | RIGHT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| CLE (-134) | 7.0 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.253 | 0.706 | 0.312 | 27.6% | SP vs. Left | 0.250 | 0.718 | 0.315 | 15.90% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.220 | 0.557 | 0.246 | 30.4% | SP vs. Right | 0.225 | 0.644 | 0.286 | 16.10% |
| Batter Splits | CLE BvP | CLE vs R | Batter Splits | DET BvP | DET vs R | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Corey Kluber – The reigning AL Cy Young winner’s early season struggles are clearly well in the rear-view mirror at this point as Kluber has posted a 2.11 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and racked up 63 strikeouts over 47 innings of work during his last six starts. Kluber’s 2.53 SIERA suggests another tremendous season can be expected from the right-hander and his MLB-best 38.6 O-Swing % has led to an impressive 29.2 K%. Today, he’ll square off against a very dangerous Detroit lineup who actually managed to give him some trouble last season (1-2 record with a 4.26 ERA in four meetings), but Kluber is still a solid option in all formats. Rating = 8.5
Salaries: $10,900 FD, $10,300 DK
Alfredo Simon – The well rested Simon was terrific in his last start and will take the mound today sporting a 6-3 record and a 2.76 ERA. He’s thrived at the spacious Comerica Park this season where he owns a 3-1 record with a 1.80 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in five home starts. With that said, there are a some concerns here; 1) he’s struggled a bit with left-handed batters (.317 wOBA against) and this Indians lineup rather lefty-heavy, 2) His 6.40 K/9 may be better than we saw from Simon last year, but it’s still not a fantasy asset, and 3) His fastball velocity appears to be on a rather rapid decline (92.5 this season versus 94.0 in 2014) and is the likely reason we’ve seen him rely much more heavily on his splitter. He’s in play as a secondary arm on multi-pitcher sites, but run support will be an issue thanks to Mr. Kluber on the mound for the tribe. Rating = 5
Salaries: $7,700 FD, $6,800 DK
Batter Grind Down
Cleveland
Jason Kipnis – (LHB) – Kipnis extended his current hitting streak to nine games yesterday and is one of my favorite plays at 2B today. Kipnis is hitting .383 with a 1.034 OPS against right-handed pitching this season and Alfredo Simon has struggled against lefties (.317 wOBA against).
2015 vs RH Pitching: 0.442 wOBA: 0.184 ISO: 195 wRC+
Secondary Plays:
Michael Brantley – (LHB) – 2015 vs RH Pitching: 0.353 wOBA: 0.144 ISO: 132 wRC+
Brandon Moss – (LHB) – 2015 vs RH Pitching: 0.32 wOBA: 0.25 ISO: 108 wRC+
Carlos Santana – (Switch) – 2015 vs RH Pitching: 0.376 wOBA: 0.252 ISO: 148 wRC+
Detroit
No Elite Plays
Secondary Plays:
Miguel Cabrera – (RHB) – 2015 vs RH Pitching: 0.413 wOBA: 0.226 ISO: 169 wRC+
Yoenis Cespedes – (RHB) – 2015 vs RH Pitching: 0.381 wOBA: 0.198 ISO: 147 wRC+
Chicago White Sox at Tampa Bay – 1:10 PM EST
| Chicago White Sox | Tampa Bay | ||||||||
 | Chris Sale |  | Nate Karns | ||||||
| LEFT | RIGHT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| CHW (-130) | 6.5 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.182 | 0.450 | 0.211 | 34.7% | SP vs. Left | 0.188 | 0.574 | 0.271 | 28.50% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.212 | 0.609 | 0.271 | 29.3% | SP vs. Right | 0.197 | 0.688 | 0.300 | 16.30% |
| Batter Splits | CHW BvP | CWS vs R | Batter Splits | TBR BvP | TB vs L | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Chris Sale – Sale’s impressive 6-2 record with a 3.05 ERA and 1.01 WHIP on the season doesn’t really even do the White Sox left-hander justice, as he’s been flat-out dominant lately. Over his last six starts (dating back to May 12th), Sale has posted a 4-1 record with a 1.36 ERA, 0.67 WHIP and an insane 13.05 K/9.His 31.7 K% and 2.53 SIERA rank him among the game’s elite pitchers and today’s matchup against a Rays team that owns just a .301 team wOBA this season is a nice one. Sale is a top-notch option in all formats. Rating = 9.5
Salaries: $11,100 FD, $11,400 DK
Nate Karns – Karns was a somewhat surprising bright spot in the Rays’ rotation to begin the season, but after consecutive uninspiring outings in his last two starts, he’s seen his ERA spiked to 3.86. Today’s matchup against the White Sox is not overly threatening, but there are a few things that give me reasons for concern with Karns; 1) His velocity was down in his last start and that could be a signal of some underlying health concerns, 2) his current .242 BABIP seems unsustainable and his 4.44 FIP signals that a regression is imminent, 3) he’s been much less effective at Tropicana Field this season, and 4) He’s opposed by Chris Sale. Rating = 5
Salaries: $6,400 FD, $6,300 DK
Batter Grind Down
Chicago White Sox
No Elite Plays
Secondary Plays:
Jose Abreu – (RHB) – 2015 vs RH Pitching: 0.38 wOBA: 0.228 ISO: 145 wRC+
Adam LaRoche – (LHB) – 2015 vs RH Pitching: 0.365 wOBA: 0.2 ISO: 134 wRC+
Avisail Garcia – (RHB) – 2015 vs RH Pitching: 0.341 wOBA: 0.135 ISO: 117 wRC+
Tampa Bay
No Elite Plays
Secondary Plays:
Evan Longoria – (RHB) – 2015 vs LH Pitching: 0.383 wOBA: 0.135 ISO: 155 wRC+
Colorado at Miami – 1:10 PM EST
| Colorado | Miami | ||||||||
 | Jorge De La Rosa |  | Dan Haren | ||||||
| LEFT | RIGHT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| MIA (-127) | 7.5 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.210 | 0.614 | 0.273 | 24.5% | SP vs. Left | 0.233 | 0.698 | 0.303 | 21.60% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.245 | 0.754 | 0.333 | 17.6% | SP vs. Right | 0.254 | 0.725 | 0.314 | 14.90% |
| Batter Splits | COL BvP | COL vs R | Batter Splits | MIA BvP | MIA vs L | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Jorge De La Rosa – De La Rosa was destroyed in his 2015 debut, but he’s pitched fairly well (considering the home park) in the seven starts since; going 3-1 with a 4.19 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and racking up 42 strikeouts in 38.2 innings. He’ll head to sea level today and benefit from a rather dramatic park shift, but this Marlins team does own an impressive .339 team wOBA against left-handed pitching this season. De La Rosa’s 3.51 xFIP and 9.96 K/9 make him a nice GPP target, but he was knocked around by the Marlins in their only meeting last season and still comes with a bit more risk than I’m comfortable with for cash game use. Rating = 5
Salaries: $6,400 FD, $7,000 DK
Dan Haren – White his 6-2 record and 3.12 ERA through his first 12 starts this season are encouraging, Haren’s .236 BABIP and 4.26 xFIP suggest that he’s no different than the average pitcher he’s been in each of the last three seasons. Haren can no longer sniff the upper 80’s with his fastball and has become very reliant on his off-speed pitches to keep hitters off balance. He has excellent command for a guy who throws so many breaking balls and has the ability to pitch a gem anytime he takes the mound, but his 6.36 K/9 is not ideal and his struggles with left-handed batters (.335 wOBA against) could be on display against this rather left-handed heavy Rockies lineup. Rating = 5
Salaries: $8,000 FD, $7,100 DK
Batter Grind Down
Colorado
Corey Dickerson – (LHB) – Double check his status as he left yesterday’s game early, but if he’s back in the lineup he’s a terrific option in the OF. Left-handers own a .335 wOBA off of Haren this season and Dickerson has punished him in their previous meetings; going 5 for 7 with three doubles and two home runs.
2015 vs RH Pitching: 0.373 wOBA: 0.253 ISO: 121 wRC+
Secondary Plays:
Troy Tulowitzki – (RHB) – 2015 vs RH Pitching: 0.319 wOBA: 0.159 ISO: 85 wRC+
Charlie Blackmon – (LHB) – 2015 vs RH Pitching: 0.371 wOBA: 0.157 ISO: 119 wRC+
Carlos Gonzalez – (LHB) – 2015 vs RH Pitching: 0.343 wOBA: 0.19 ISO: 101 wRC+
Miami
Giancarlo Stanton – (RHB) – Stanton hit his league leading 23rd home run of the season and the Marlins slugger is clearly locked in at the plate right now as it was his 7th home run over the last 10 games. He has a long track record of destruction against left-handed pitching and things have been no different this season as he’s posted a 1.237 OPS against southpaws.
2015 vs LH Pitching: 0.495 wOBA: 0.568 ISO: 218 wRC+
Secondary Plays:
Martin Prado – (RHB) – 2015 vs LH Pitching: 0.355 wOBA: 0.164 ISO: 124 wRC+
Jeff Baker – (RHB) – 2015 vs LH Pitching: 0.385 wOBA: 0.333 ISO: 144 wRC+
Atlanta at NY Mets – 1:10 PM EST
| Atlanta | NY Mets | ||||||||
 | Mike Foltynewicz |  | Dillon Gee | ||||||
| Right | RIGHT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| NYM (-120) | 7.5 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.304 | 0.909 | 0.392 | 15.9% | SP vs. Left | 0.269 | 0.754 | 0.332 | 12.30% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.235 | 0.650 | 0.290 | 26.9% | SP vs. Right | 0.239 | 0.702 | 0.311 | 19.80% |
| Batter Splits | ATL BvP | ATL vs R | Batter Splits | NYM vs R | |||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Mike Foltynewicz – Mike Foltynewicz will make his ninth career start against the Mets this afternoon. The 23-year-old had really struggled in his last two starts and those subpar performances have pushed his ERA all the way up to 4.72. The former first round pick can throw gas (94.7 vFB) and has racked up solid strikeout numbers both at AAA to start the season and thus far at the MLB level (8.50 K/9). He’s been much more successful away from Turner Field (3.79 road ERA) and this Mets lineup owns just a .298 team wOBA this season. He’s too risky for my liking in cash games, but he’s worth a look as a likely very low owned GPP-flier. Rating = 5
Salaries: $7,000 FD, $6,500 DK
Dillon Gee – Gee will come off the bereavement list and grab the start today against the Braves. He pitched very well against Atlanta in their last visit to the Big Apple (two earned runs in 7 innings of work) and has thrived in at Citi Field during his career where he owns 3.38 ERA and 1.26 WHIP over 365.0 innings. He’s an acceptable option as a secondary arm on multi-pitcher sites, but his lack of strikeout potential (just 5.25 K/9) makes him a “meh” option for GPP’s. Rating = 4.5
Salaries: $5,800 FD, $5,700 DK
Batter Grind Down
Atlanta
Freddie Freeman – (LHB) – Freeman hit his 12th home run of the season in last night’s game and now owns a .375 average and 1.196 OPS during the month of May. Freeman owns a .409 wOBA against right-handed pitching and is rock solid cash game option at 1B.
2015 vs RH Pitching: 0.409 wOBA: 0.263 ISO: 162 wRC+
Secondary Plays:
Cameron Maybin – (RHB) – 2015 vs RH Pitching: 0.356 wOBA: 0.098 ISO: 126 wRC+
NY Mets
Lucas Duda – (LHB) – There are tons of nice options at 1B today, but don’t overlook Duda. With left-handed batters owning a .383 wOBA off of Foltynewicz this season, the Mets first baseman should be well worth his value price-tag. Hedoubled twice in yesterday’s game and owns a .357 average and 1.072 OPS against right-handed pitching this season.
2015 vs RH Pitching: 0.354 wOBA: 0.194 ISO: 129 wRC+
Secondary Plays:
Daniel Murphy – (LHB) – 2015 vs RH Pitching: 0.348 wOBA: 0.157 ISO: 125 wRC+
Curtis Granderson – (LHB) – 2015 vs RH Pitching: 0.355 wOBA: 0.16 ISO: 130 wRC+
Toronto at Boston – 1:35 PM EST
| Toronto | Boston | ||||||||
 | Marco Estrada |  | Eduardo Rodriguez | ||||||
| RIGHT | Left | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| BOS (-112) | 8.5 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.233 | 0.713 | 0.314 | 18.4% | SP vs. Left | 0.167 | 0.417 | 0.179 | 33.30% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.238 | 0.763 | 0.333 | 21.8% | SP vs. Right | 0.081 | 0.333 | 0.161 | 24.40% |
| Batter Splits | TOR BvP | TOR vs L | Batter Splits | BOS BvP | BOS vs R | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Marco Estrada – Estrada has proven to be a very serviceable starter for the Blue Jays this season and the 31-year-old will take the mound in Beantown with a 3-3 record and 3.78 ERA on the young season. He tossed three shutout innings against the Red Sox in a relief role earlier this season, but Boston owns an impressive .329 team wOBA at home this season. Estrada gives up a ton of fly balls, and subsequently home runs (his 1.73 HR/9 was the highest among pitchers with 100+ innings last season) which makes him a dangerous cash game option at the rather hitter friendly Fenway Park. However, his recent production and acceptable strikeout abilities make him a nice GPP target. Rating = 5
Salaries: $7,100 FD, $5,500 DK
Eduardo Rodriguez – Since being summoned from AAA, Rodriguez has been just what this Boston pitching staff needed; an ace. The 22-year-old has only allowed one run over his first three career starts and has racked up seven strikeouts in each outing,.While it’s only a matter of time until he these big league hitters start to get a read on him, his 3.25 xFIP and fairly dominating numbers AAA Pawtucket are definite reasons for optimism. Today’s matchup against a Blue Jays team that terrorizes left-handed pitching (.373 team wOBA) is clearly the toughest test of his young MLB career and is threatening enough to shift him onto my GPP only list. Rating = 6
Salaries: $8,400 FD, $7,300 DK
Batter Grind Down
Toronto
The Blue Jays crush lefties, but MLB hitters are still trying to build a “book” on Rodriguez and he’s looked awfully tough in his first three starts.
Secondary Plays:
Edwin Encarnacion – (RHB) – 2015 vs LH Pitching: 0.339 wOBA: 0.111 ISO: 116 wRC+
Jose Bautista – (RHB) – 2015 vs LH Pitching: 0.434 wOBA: 0.297 ISO: 183 wRC+
Josh Donaldson – (RHB) – 2015 vs LH Pitching: 0.508 wOBA: 0.372 ISO: 235 wRC+
Boston
David Ortiz – (LHB) – After a very slow start to the season, Ortiz’s bat finally looks to be coming alive. He launched his 8th home run of the season last night and has hits in each of the last four games. Marco Estrada has a reputation for serving up long balls at an alarming rate so be sure to give him a look.
2015 vs RH Pitching: 0.385 wOBA: 0.241 ISO: 147 wRC+
Secondary Plays:
Brock Holt – (LHB) – 2015 vs RH Pitching: 0.334 wOBA: 0.094 ISO: 111 wRC+
Hanley Ramirez – (RHB) – 2015 vs RH Pitching: 0.33 wOBA: 0.188 ISO: 109 wRC+
Dustin Pedroia – (RHB) – 2015 vs RH Pitching: 0.351 wOBA: 0.13 ISO: 124 wRC+