MLB Grind Down: Tuesday, August 25th - Page Three

by Derek Farnsworth (Notorious) Last Updated 2015-08-25 19:41:51

Baltimore at Kansas City – 8:10 PM EST

Stats	Avg	OPS	wOBA	K%	Stats	Avg	OPS	wOBA	K%
Baltimore					Kansas City
			Miguel Gonzalez					Danny Duffy
			RIGHT					LEFT
			Vegas Moneyline					Vegas Over/Under
			KCR (-133)					8
SP vs. Left	0.262	0.793	0.346	0.165	SP vs. Left	0.189	0.505	0.233	0.171
SP vs. Right	0.254	0.745	0.328	0.183	SP vs. Right	0.242	0.718	0.317	0.164
Batter Splits	BAL BvP		BAL vs L		Batter Splits	KCR BvP		KC vs R
Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window

Pitcher Grind Down

Miguel Gonzalez : FD: $6,900 — DK: $5,900

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 290.1 — SIERA: 4.34 — ERA: 3.91 — K%: 17.4% — BB%: 7.7% — HR/9: 1.5
Last 30 Days: IP: 33.0 — SIERA: 4.19 — ERA: 6.27 — K%: 18.5% — BB%: 7.5% — HR/9: 1.6

Kansas City Royals Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.321 (Rank: 6) — Strikeout Rate: 15.6% (Rank: 1)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.324 (Rank: 11) — Strikeout Rate: 13.9% (Rank: 1)
Pitches per PA: 3.69 (Rank: 30)

Analysis: Gonzalez has not been sharp in his recent starts, posting a 6.27 ERA (4.19 SIERA) with a strikeout rate of 18.5% over the last month of play. He draws one of the worst matchups on the board tonight, as the Royals are ranked sixth in team wOBA and first in strikeout rate against right-handed pitching this season. Gonzalez should be avoided in all league formats tonight.

Pitcher Rating: 45.9

Danny Duffy : FD: $6,400 — DK: $5,000

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 252.2 — SIERA: 4.61 — ERA: 3.21 — K%: 16.6% — BB%: 8.9% — HR/9: 0.8
Last 30 Days: IP: 33.1 — SIERA: 5.39 — ERA: 4.05 — K%: 11.3% — BB%: 8.5% — HR/9: 0.8

Baltimore Orioles Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.312 (Rank: 11) — Strikeout Rate: 21.7% (Rank: 19)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.320 (Rank: 13) — Strikeout Rate: 20.6% (Rank: 13)
Pitches per PA: 3.82 (Rank: 14)

Analysis: Duffy has not pitched well recently, posting a 5.39 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 11.3% over the last month of play. While the Orioles are a strikeout-happy bunch, they still have plenty of power in their lineup. There are better pitching options at this price point, namely Josh Tomlin of the Indians.

Pitcher Rating: 48.0

Batter Grind Down

Baltimore

The Orioles see a negative ballpark shift playing in Kaufmann Stadium, but they do draw a nice matchup against Danny Duffy, who has struggled in his last few starts. Adam Jones is a borderline elite play in the outfield. Manny Machado and Matt Weiters are both secondary options at their respective positions.

Elite Plays:

Adam Jones : FD: $3,600 — DK: $4,400

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 271 — wOBA: 0.422 — ISO: 0.262 — wRC+: 174
Last 30 Days: PA: 123 — wOBA: 0.366 — ISO: 0.259 — wRC+: 134

Secondary Plays:

Manny Machado : FD: $3,700 — DK: $4,600

Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 220 — wOBA: 0.316 — ISO: 0.144 — wRC+: 100
Last 30 Days: PA: 129 — wOBA: 0.327 — ISO: 0.140 — wRC+: 107

Matt Wieters : FD: $2,200 — DK: $2,900

Position Eligibility: FD: C — DK: C
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 73 — wOBA: 0.350 — ISO: 0.254 — wRC+: 123
Last 30 Days: PA: 70 — wOBA: 0.352 — ISO: 0.147 — wRC+: 124

Kansas City

The Royals are sizable favorite tonight in a game that features a total of 8.0 runs. Once again, we can expect a quality outing from their offense, the hard part is predicting where the production will come from. Eric Hosmer is the top target of the bunch, as he has a .425 wOBA and a .217 ISO over the last month of play.

Elite Plays:

Eric Hosmer : FD: $3,700 — DK: $4,500

Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 692 — wOBA: 0.358 — ISO: 0.163 — wRC+: 130
Last 30 Days: PA: 119 — wOBA: 0.425 — ISO: 0.217 — wRC+: 176

Secondary Plays:

Lorenzo Cain : FD: $3,700 — DK: $4,800

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 665 — wOBA: 0.327 — ISO: 0.122 — wRC+: 108
Last 30 Days: PA: 106 — wOBA: 0.355 — ISO: 0.173 — wRC+: 127

Ben Zobrist : FD: $3,500 — DK: $4,400

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: 2B/OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 724 — wOBA: 0.325 — ISO: 0.142 — wRC+: 111
Last 30 Days: PA: 105 — wOBA: 0.431 — ISO: 0.231 — wRC+: 181

Boston at Chicago White Sox – 8:10 PM EST

Stats	Avg	OPS	wOBA	K%	Stats	Avg	OPS	wOBA	K%
Boston					Chicago White Sox
			Wade Miley					Jose Quintana
			LEFT					LEFT
			Vegas Moneyline					Vegas Over/Under
			CHW (-119)					8.5
SP vs. Left	0.240	0.679	0.302	0.183	SP vs. Left	0.25	0.666	0.292	0.211
SP vs. Right	0.266	0.76	0.333	0.202	SP vs. Right	0.269	0.711	0.311	0.207
Batter Splits	BOS BvP		BOS vs L		Batter Splits	CHW BvP		CWS vs L
Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window

Pitcher Grind Down

Wade Miley : FD: $7,400 — DK: $6,800

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 348.1 — SIERA: 3.90 — ERA: 4.37 — K%: 19.8% — BB%: 8.5% — HR/9: 1.0
Last 30 Days: IP: 38.2 — SIERA: 3.74 — ERA: 4.19 — K%: 20.3% — BB%: 8.0% — HR/9: 1.2

Chicago White Sox Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.275 (Rank: 30) — Strikeout Rate: 21.6% (Rank: 17)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.312 (Rank: 17) — Strikeout Rate: 19.6% (Rank: 11)
Pitches per PA: 3.80 (Rank: 18)

Analysis: Miley is one of those pitchers that is hard to trust, even when he gives us reason to do so. He has too many of those bad outings where he gives up the big inning. Even though he draws a nice matchup against the White Sox, Miley is not on my radar tonight for cash games or tournaments.

Pitcher Rating: 57.9

Jose Quintana : FD: $8,300 — DK: $7,400

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 360.1 — SIERA: 3.55 — ERA: 3.45 — K%: 20.8% — BB%: 5.7% — HR/9: 0.6
Last 30 Days: IP: 40.0 — SIERA: 3.67 — ERA: 2.93 — K%: 17.8% — BB%: 4.3% — HR/9: 0.5

Boston Red Sox Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.330 (Rank: 4) — Strikeout Rate: 19.0% (Rank: 8)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.410 (Rank: 1) — Strikeout Rate: 15.9% (Rank: 2)
Pitches per PA: 3.96 (Rank: 2)

Analysis: Quintana has been sharp in his recent outings, posting a 3.67 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 17.8% over the last month of play. The issue here is his matchup. On the season, the Red Sox are ranked fourth in team wOBA and eighth in strikeout rate against left-handed pitching. The risk outweighs the potential reward for Quintana tonight.

Pitcher Rating: 64.8

Batter Grind Down

Boston

Even though the Red Sox are one of the best hitting teams in baseball against left-handed pitching, I’m still not enamored with their matchup against Jose Quintana. Since the start of the 2014 season, Quintana has held both left and right-handed hitters under a .315 wOBA. The Red Sox are secondary fantasy options tonight.

Elite Plays:

NONE

Secondary Plays:

Mookie Betts : FD: $3,500 — DK: $4,500

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 180 — wOBA: 0.327 — ISO: 0.150 — wRC+: 104
Last 30 Days: PA: 74 — wOBA: 0.327 — ISO: 0.127 — wRC+: 104

Hanley Ramirez : FD: $3,100 — DK: $3,800

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF/SS
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 238 — wOBA: 0.351 — ISO: 0.206 — wRC+: 124
Last 30 Days: PA: 72 — wOBA: 0.219 — ISO: 0.071 — wRC+: 29

Chicago White Sox

The White Sox draw a favorable matchup against Wade Miley, who has given up a .333 wOBA to right-handed hitters over the last two seasons. All of the right-handed bats in this lineup are in play tonight at home, but Jose Abreu and Melky Cabrera are the two that stand out as elite plays.

Elite Plays:

Jose Abreu : FD: $4,100 — DK: $4,800

Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 268 — wOBA: 0.396 — ISO: 0.237 — wRC+: 157
Last 30 Days: PA: 123 — wOBA: 0.433 — ISO: 0.315 — wRC+: 181

Melky Cabrera : FD: $3,400 — DK: $3,400

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 295 — wOBA: 0.303 — ISO: 0.142 — wRC+: 91
Last 30 Days: PA: 120 — wOBA: 0.338 — ISO: 0.173 — wRC+: 115

Secondary Plays:

Avisail Garcia : FD: $2,900 — DK: $3,900

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 150 — wOBA: 0.356 — ISO: 0.164 — wRC+: 128
Last 30 Days: PA: 118 — wOBA: 0.309 — ISO: 0.156 — wRC+: 94

Tyler Saladino : FD: $2,600 — DK: $3,400

Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B/SS
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 35 — wOBA: 0.267 — ISO: 0.172 — wRC+: 66
Last 30 Days: PA: 122 — wOBA: 0.267 — ISO: 0.071 — wRC+: 66

St. Louis at Arizona – 9:40 PM EST

Stats	Avg	OPS	wOBA	K%	Stats	Avg	OPS	wOBA	K%
St. Louis					Arizona
			Jaime Garcia					Robbie Ray
			LEFT					LEFT
			Vegas Moneyline					Vegas Over/Under
			STL (-108)					8
SP vs. Left	0.273	0.729	0.324	0.246	SP vs. Left	0.272	0.756	0.325	0.199
SP vs. Right	0.191	0.541	0.242	0.185	SP vs. Right	0.275	0.817	0.354	0.187
Batter Splits	STL BvP		STL vs L		Batter Splits	ARI BvP		ARI vs L
Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window

Pitcher Grind Down

Jaime Garcia : FD: $8,800 — DK: $9,500

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 124.1 — SIERA: 3.03 — ERA: 2.61 — K%: 20.0% — BB%: 5.4% — HR/9: 0.7
Last 30 Days: IP: 32.2 — SIERA: 3.53 — ERA: 1.93 — K%: 19.7% — BB%: 9.5% — HR/9: 0.3

Arizona Diamondbacks Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.321 (Rank: 9) — Strikeout Rate: 20.7% (Rank: 12)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.348 (Rank: 4) — Strikeout Rate: 20.6% (Rank: 13)
Pitches per PA: 3.72 (Rank: 28)

Analysis: Garcia has pitched very well over the last two seasons, posting a 3.03 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 20.0%. He always seems to be able to pitch out of trouble, which helps his fantasy value tremendously. The issue here is that he may have to pitch his way out of a lot of trouble tonight. The Diamondbacks are ranked ninth in team wOBA against left-handed pitching this season and they are ranked fourth in team wOBA over the last two weeks of play. Garcia is a bit overpriced for tonight’s matchup.

Pitcher Rating: 75.5

Robbie Ray : FD: $6,600 — DK: $6,700

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 116.2 — SIERA: 4.17 — ERA: 4.55 — K%: 19.0% — BB%: 7.6% — HR/9: 0.9
Last 30 Days: IP: 33.0 — SIERA: 4.20 — ERA: 5.18 — K%: 20.8% — BB%: 10.4% — HR/9: 1.1

St. Louis Cardinals Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.298 (Rank: 22) — Strikeout Rate: 22.8% (Rank: 25)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.309 (Rank: 19) — Strikeout Rate: 22.1% (Rank: 20)
Pitches per PA: 3.81 (Rank: 15)

Analysis: Ray was scheduled to start last night, but the Diamondbacks wanted to give him an extra day of rest, so he will start tonight’s game instead. He has had a nice season, but he comes into this start in less than stellar form. Over the last month of play, he has a 4.20 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 20.8%. Ray isn’t the worst pitching option on the board tonight, but once again, if you are going cheap, I recommend Josh Tomlin.

Pitcher Rating: 60.9

Batter Grind Down

St. Louis

The Cardinals draw a favorable matchup tonight against Robbie Ray, who has given up a .325+ wOBA to both left and right-handed hitters this season. The Cardinals also see a nice ballpark boost playing in the hitter-friendly Chase Field.

Elite Plays:

Yadier Molina : FD: $2,500 — DK: $3,600

Position Eligibility: FD: C — DK: C
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 228 — wOBA: 0.304 — ISO: 0.094 — wRC+: 93
Last 30 Days: PA: 91 — wOBA: 0.278 — ISO: 0.133 — wRC+: 75

Jhonny Peralta : FD: $2,400 — DK: $4,100

Position Eligibility: FD: SS — DK: SS
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 281 — wOBA: 0.367 — ISO: 0.233 — wRC+: 137
Last 30 Days: PA: 102 — wOBA: 0.288 — ISO: 0.096 — wRC+: 82

Secondary Plays:

Matt Carpenter : FD: $3,300 — DK: $4,200

Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 374 — wOBA: 0.326 — ISO: 0.134 — wRC+: 109
Last 30 Days: PA: 115 — wOBA: 0.394 — ISO: 0.310 — wRC+: 154

Stephen Piscotty : FD: $3,300 — DK: $4,400

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 29 — wOBA: 0.458 — ISO: 0.250 — wRC+: 198
Last 30 Days: PA: 104 — wOBA: 0.397 — ISO: 0.250 — wRC+: 156

Arizona

Jaime Garcia has pitched very well this season, but the Diamondbacks are a very good offense against left-handed pitching a and they get to face him at home in the hitter-friendly Chase Field. They will likely get overlooked by the masses tonight, making them an interesting offense to target in tournaments.

Elite Plays:

Welington Castillo : FD: $3,500 — DK: $3,600

Position Eligibility: FD: C — DK: C
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 177 — wOBA: 0.372 — ISO: 0.226 — wRC+: 137
Last 30 Days: PA: 87 — wOBA: 0.431 — ISO: 0.419 — wRC+: 174

Secondary Plays:

Paul Goldschmidt : FD: $4,700 — DK: $5,500

Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 214 — wOBA: 0.458 — ISO: 0.241 — wRC+: 193
Last 30 Days: PA: 121 — wOBA: 0.355 — ISO: 0.158 — wRC+: 122

A.J. Pollock : FD: $4,900 — DK: $5,800

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 167 — wOBA: 0.406 — ISO: 0.247 — wRC+: 157
Last 30 Days: PA: 110 — wOBA: 0.435 — ISO: 0.184 — wRC+: 177

Yasmany Tomas : FD: $2,400 — DK: $3,500

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: 3B/OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 95 — wOBA: 0.344 — ISO: 0.193 — wRC+: 114
Last 30 Days: PA: 72 — wOBA: 0.288 — ISO: 0.129 — wRC+: 76

Oakland at Seattle – 10:10 PM EST

Stats	Avg	OPS	wOBA	K%	Stats	Avg	OPS	wOBA	K%
Oakland					Seattle
			Jesse Chavez					Mike Montgomery
			RIGHT					LEFT
			Vegas Moneyline					Vegas Over/Under
			SEA (-125)					7.5
SP vs. Left	0.258	0.715	0.315	0.190	SP vs. Left	0.295	0.817	0.359	0.192
SP vs. Right	0.242	0.664	0.293	0.239	SP vs. Right	0.231	0.689	0.304	0.159
Batter Splits	OAK BvP		OAK vs L		Batter Splits	SEA BvP		SEA vs R
Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window

Pitcher Grind Down

Jesse Chavez : FD: $7,600 — DK: $7,500

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 285.1 — SIERA: 3.75 — ERA: 3.60 — K%: 21.2% — BB%: 7.3% — HR/9: 1.0
Last 30 Days: IP: 32.2 — SIERA: 4.34 — ERA: 5.51 — K%: 18.2% — BB%: 8.4% — HR/9: 1.7

Seattle Mariners Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.306 (Rank: 21) — Strikeout Rate: 21.8% (Rank: 26)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.330 (Rank: 8) — Strikeout Rate: 26.0% (Rank: 29)
Pitches per PA: 3.87 (Rank: 8)

Analysis: Chavez has been a serviceable pitcher for the A’s this season, but he is rarely on anyone’s radar in daily fantasy. He comes into tonight’s start in less than ideal form, posting a 4.34 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 18.2% over the last month of play. He can safely be avoided against the Mariners, who are ranked eighth in team wOBA over the last two weeks of play.

Pitcher Rating: 59.0

Michael Montgomery : FD: $7,300 — DK: $5,300

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 88.2 — SIERA: 4.41 — ERA: 4.16 — K%: 16.7% — BB%: 9.4% — HR/9: 1.0
Last 30 Days: IP: 27.2 — SIERA: 4.77 — ERA: 7.81 — K%: 15.2% — BB%: 14.5% — HR/9: 1.6

Oakland Athletics Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.295 (Rank: 24) — Strikeout Rate: 17.0% (Rank: 2)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.308 (Rank: 21) — Strikeout Rate: 19.1% (Rank: 8)
Pitches per PA: 3.85 (Rank: 9)

Analysis: Speaking of bad form, Mongomery has a 7.81 ERA (4.77 SIERA) with a walk rate that is nearly as high as his strikeout rate over the last month of play. While the A’s may not hit left-handed pitching well, they are one of the toughest teams to strikeout in all of baseball. Montgomery should be avoided in all league formats tonight.

Pitcher Rating: 51.6

Batter Grind Down

Oakland

The A’s draw a decent matchup tonight against Mike Mongomery, but they have one of the lowest team totals on the board. Danny Valencia is a borderline elite play at his discounted price point, while the rest of the hitters in this lineup are secondary options tonight in Seattle.

Elite Plays:

Danny Valencia : FD: $3,100 — DK: $3,300

Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B/OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 232 — wOBA: 0.352 — ISO: 0.142 — wRC+: 125
Last 30 Days: PA: 76 — wOBA: 0.339 — ISO: 0.211 — wRC+: 119

Secondary Plays:

Brett Lawrie : FD: $2,900 — DK: $3,500

Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 192 — wOBA: 0.321 — ISO: 0.190 — wRC+: 106
Last 30 Days: PA: 94 — wOBA: 0.302 — ISO: 0.180 — wRC+: 94

Billy Butler : FD: $2,200 — DK: $3,000

Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 288 — wOBA: 0.330 — ISO: 0.150 — wRC+: 112
Last 30 Days: PA: 82 — wOBA: 0.214 — ISO: 0.054 — wRC+: 33

Seattle

The Mariners draw a mediocre matchup tonight against Jesse Chavez. He has not been in great form recently, but he has held both left and right-handed hitters under a .315 wOBA over the last two seasons. The Mariners should be considered secondary options tonight at home.

Elite Plays:

NONE

Secondary Plays:

Nelson Cruz : FD: $5,000 — DK: $5,200

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 889 — wOBA: 0.374 — ISO: 0.260 — wRC+: 142
Last 30 Days: PA: 120 — wOBA: 0.504 — ISO: 0.426 — wRC+: 236

Robinson Cano : FD: $3,700 — DK: $3,700

Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 2B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 752 — wOBA: 0.363 — ISO: 0.171 — wRC+: 138
Last 30 Days: PA: 108 — wOBA: 0.384 — ISO: 0.204 — wRC+: 152

Kyle Seager : FD: $3,300 — DK: $3,300

Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 764 — wOBA: 0.350 — ISO: 0.198 — wRC+: 129
Last 30 Days: PA: 124 — wOBA: 0.267 — ISO: 0.097 — wRC+: 71

Chicago Cubs at San Francisco – 10:15 PM EST

Stats	Avg	OPS	wOBA	K%	Stats	Avg	OPS	wOBA	K%
Chicago Cubs					San Francisco
			Jake Arrieta					Matt Cain
			RIGHT					RIGHT
			Vegas Moneyline					Vegas Over/Under
			CHC (-134)					6.5
SP vs. Left	0.187	0.537	0.244	0.287	SP vs. Left	0.279	0.837	0.365	0.166
SP vs. Right	0.214	0.57	0.252	0.247	SP vs. Right	0.242	0.759	0.327	0.189
Batter Splits	CHC BvP		CHC vs R		Batter Splits	SFG BvP		SF vs R
Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window

Pitcher Grind Down

Jake Arrieta : FD: $11,200 — DK: $12,500

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 324.2 — SIERA: 2.90 — ERA: 2.41 — K%: 26.5% — BB%: 6.5% — HR/9: 0.4
Last 30 Days: IP: 39.1 — SIERA: 3.22 — ERA: 1.60 — K%: 23.4% — BB%: 8.9% — HR/9: 0.2

San Francisco Giants Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.322 (Rank: 5) — Strikeout Rate: 18.4% (Rank: 5)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.302 (Rank: 24) — Strikeout Rate: 21.3% (Rank: 17)
Pitches per PA: 3.74 (Rank: 25)

Analysis: Arrieta would typically be the highest rated pitcher on the board, but he draws a tough matchup tonight against the Giants, who are ranked fifth in both team wOBA and strikeout rate against right-handed pitching this season. That’s not to say that Arrieta has to be avoided, but it’s tough to justify his price tag in a difficult matchup. The good news is that he gets to face them in the pitcher-friendly AT&T Park. Dollar for dollar, I prefer Noah Syndergaard and Stephen Strasburg over Arrieta.

Pitcher Rating: 90.9

Matt Cain : FD: $6,500 — DK: $5,100

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 138.0 — SIERA: 4.26 — ERA: 4.70 — K%: 17.8% — BB%: 8.0% — HR/9: 1.4
Last 30 Days: IP: 31.2 — SIERA: 4.70 — ERA: 5.97 — K%: 14.4% — BB%: 6.2% — HR/9: 1.7

Chicago Cubs Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.312 (Rank: 16) — Strikeout Rate: 23.9% (Rank: 29)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.382 (Rank: 2) — Strikeout Rate: 24.2% (Rank: 27)
Pitches per PA: 3.99 (Rank: 1)

Analysis: Cain can’t seem to turn the corner this season. He has not pitched well in his recent starts, posting a 4.70 SIERA with a low strikeout rate of 14.4%. He should be avoided tonight against the Cubs, who have the second-highest team wOBA over the last two weeks of play. The Cubs also average the most pitches per plate appearance, which makes it tough for the opposing pitcher to pitch deep into the game.

Pitcher Rating: 49.9

Batter Grind Down

Chicago Cubs

Even though the Cubs’ offense has been on fire recently, they see a negative ballpark tonight in the pitcher-friendly AT&T Park. While I don’t mind the matchup against Matt Cain, the Cubs’ hitters seem a bit overpriced for this matchup. For that reason, they are better targets for tournaments than they are for cash games.

Elite Plays:

NONE

Secondary Plays:

Anthony Rizzo : FD: $4,500 — DK: $4,600

Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 825 — wOBA: 0.392 — ISO: 0.261 — wRC+: 152
Last 30 Days: PA: 111 — wOBA: 0.435 — ISO: 0.337 — wRC+: 181

Dexter Fowler : FD: $3,600 — DK: $4,000

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 791 — wOBA: 0.332 — ISO: 0.149 — wRC+: 112
Last 30 Days: PA: 126 — wOBA: 0.463 — ISO: 0.320 — wRC+: 200

Miguel Montero : FD: $2,800 — DK: $3,100

Position Eligibility: FD: C — DK: C
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 703 — wOBA: 0.326 — ISO: 0.151 — wRC+: 104
Last 30 Days: PA: 45 — wOBA: 0.435 — ISO: 0.342 — wRC+: 180

San Francisco

The Giants draw one of the worst matchups on the board tonight, as they square off against Jake Arrieta, who has held both left and right-handed hitters under a .255 wOBA over the last two seasons. The Giants’ offense should be avoided tonight at home.