MLB Grind Down: Tuesday, July 7th - Page Two
Houston at Cleveland – 7:10 PM EST
| Houston | Cleveland | ||||||||
 | Vincent Velasquez |  | Corey Kluber | ||||||
| RIGHT | RIGHT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| CLE (-170) | 7.0 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.207 | 0.692 | 0.309 | 20.9% | SP vs. Left | 0.257 | 0.715 | 0.316 | 27.30% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.278 | 0.000 | 0.326 | 30.8% | SP vs. Right | 0.215 | 0.555 | 0.245 | 30.30% |
| Batter Splits | HOU BvP | HOU vs R | Batter Splits | CLE vs R | |||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Vincent Velasquez : FD: $6,600 — DK: $5,500
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 25.2 — SIERA: 4.28 — K%: 24.5% — BB%: 11.3% — FB Rate: 55.9% — HR/FB: 5.3%
Last 30 Days: IP: 25.2 — SIERA: 4.29 — K%: 24.5% — BB%: 11.3% — FB Rate: 55.9% — HR/FB: 5.3%
Cleveland Indians Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.308 (Rank: 18) — Strikeout Rate: 18.9% (Rank: 8)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.304 (Rank: 20) — Strikeout Rate: 20.8% (Rank: 19)
Pitchers per PA: 3.93 (Rank: 3)
Analysis: Velasquez has all the talent in the world, but he has yet to turn that into success at the major league level. His biggest issue thus far has been his command. He has walked 11.3% of the batters that he has faced. The strikeouts have been there, but a fly-ball rate of 55.9% could spell trouble against some of the more powerful American League lineups. He draws a mediocre matchup against the Indians, whose offense has been hibernating for the last few weeks. Velasquez is a deep tournament play at best tonight.
Pitcher Rating:53.9
Corey Kluber : FD: $11,000 — DK: $11,200
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 354.1 — SIERA: 2.60 — K%: 28.7% — BB%: 5.2% — FB Rate: 30.9% — HR/FB: 8.1%
Last 30 Days: IP: 34.0 — SIERA: 3.20 — K%: 26.5% — BB%: 7.4% — FB Rate: 34.5% — HR/FB: 10.0%
Houston Astros Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.323 (Rank: 7) — Strikeout Rate: 25.9% (Rank: 30)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.319 (Rank: 14) — Strikeout Rate: 24.0% (Rank: 28)
Pitchers per PA: 3.84 (Rank: 10)
Analysis: Kluber may actually have a higher ceiling than Max Scherzer tonight, yet he is considerably cheaper on both FanDuel and DraftKings. He has been terrific over the last two seasons, posting a 2.60 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 28.7%. The Astros do have some pop in their lineup, but they also own the highest strikeout rate (25.9%) of any team against right-handed pitching this season. Even if he gives up a couple of runs, his double-digit strikeout potential should more than make up for it. Dollar for dollar, he may be a slightly better play than Scherzer tonight.
Pitcher Rating:97.0
Batter Grind Down
Houston
The Astros had a big offensive outing against Carlos Carrasco last night, but they should have a tough time against Corey Kluber, who is dominant against right-handed hitters. The Astros will likely have more strikeouts than baserunners tonight.
Elite Plays:
NONE
Secondary Plays:
NONE
Cleveland
The Indians draw an intriguing matchup against the rookie Vincent Velasquez. He has not lived up to his hype yet and he’s still a young pitcher making a start on the road. Even though Vasquez has had reverse-splits thus far, the left-handed bats are still the preferred targets tonight.
Elite Plays:
Michael Brantley : FD: $3,100 — DK: $4,800
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 622 — wOBA: 0.385 — ISO: 0.179 — wRC+: 153
Last 14 Days: PA: 58 — wOBA: 0.267 — ISO: 0.038 — wRC+: 70
Secondary Plays:
Jason Kipnis : FD: $4,300 — DK: $5,100
Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 2B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 596 — wOBA: 0.363 — ISO: 0.141 — wRC+: 138
Last 14 Days: PA: 60 — wOBA: 0.384 — ISO: 0.170 — wRC+: 152
David Murphy : FD: $2,200 — DK: $3,100
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 548 — wOBA: 0.334 — ISO: 0.138 — wRC+: 117
Last 14 Days: PA: 33 — wOBA: 0.416 — ISO: 0.214 — wRC+: 174
Miami at Boston – 7:10 PM EST
| Miami | Boston | ||||||||
 | Dan Haren |  | Wade Miley | ||||||
| RIGHT | LEFT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| BOS (-159) | 9.0 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.238 | 0.706 | 0.307 | 21.8% | SP vs. Left | 0.246 | 0.678 | 0.304 | 18.20% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.246 | 0.711 | 0.307 | 15.2% | SP vs. Right | 0.270 | 0.767 | 0.337 | 19.90% |
| Batter Splits | MIA BvP | MIA vs L | Batter Splits | BOS BvP | BOS vs R | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Dan Haren : FD: $7,400 — DK: $6,200
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 285.0 — SIERA: 3.86 — K%: 18.4% — BB%: 4.6% — FB Rate: 42.2% — HR/FB: 11.4%
Last 30 Days: IP: 31.0 — SIERA: 3.98 — K%: 20.2% — BB%: 3.2% — FB Rate: 53.9% — HR/FB: 8.3%
Boston Red Sox Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.322 (Rank: 8) — Strikeout Rate: 16.2% (Rank: 1)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.323 (Rank: 11) — Strikeout Rate: 18.5% (Rank: 7)
Pitchers per PA: 3.97 (Rank: 2)
Analysis: Haren goes from a tough ballpark to hit home runs in (Marlins Park) to an easy ballpark to hit home runs in (Fenway Park). He also has to face an American League lineup with the use of the DH. Haren is an extreme fly-ball pitcher with an above-average HR/FB rate. He is one of my least favorite pitching options tonight, as the Red Sox are ranked eighth in wOBA (.322) and first in strikeout rate (16.2%) against right-handed pitching this season.
Pitcher Rating:48.1
Wade Miley : FD: $7,800 — DK: $6,200
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 290.2 — SIERA: 3.93 — K%: 19.5% — BB%: 8.8% — FB Rate: 30.1% — HR/FB: 11.7%
Last 30 Days: IP: 35.0 — SIERA: 4.13 — K%: 19.1% — BB%: 9.9% — FB Rate: 29.2% — HR/FB: 16.1%
Miami Marlins Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.324 (Rank: 4) — Strikeout Rate: 22.0% (Rank: 19)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.277 (Rank: 23) — Strikeout Rate: 22.8% (Rank: 25)
Pitchers per PA: 3.71 (Rank: 28)
Analysis: Miley is an intriguing tournament play tonight at home against the Marlins. He hasn’t been terrific this season, but he is an average pitcher with decent strikeout potential. He draws a favorable matchup tonight against the Marlins, who are missing their best hitter in Giancarlo Stanton. The Marlins strike out at a high rate and they average the third-fewest pitches per plate appearance. It’s tough to take very few pitches and still have a high strikeout rate, but the Marlins have managed to accomplish that feat. Miley should see plenty of run support with Dan Haren pitching opposite him.
Pitcher Rating:64.4
Batter Grind Down
Miami
The Marlins are an interesting team to target tonight. They get to play under American League rules and they get a sizable ballpark boost playing in Fenway Park. They draw a decent matchup against Wade Miley, who has given up a .337 wOBA to right-handed hitters. Adeiny Hechavarria and Jeff Baker will likely see a bump in the batting order tonight against the southpaw.
Elite Plays:
Adeiny Hechavarria : FD: $2,400 — DK: $3,500
Position Eligibility: FD: SS — DK: 3B/SS
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 176 — wOBA: 0.357 — ISO: 0.120 — wRC+: 127
Last 14 Days: PA: 49 — wOBA: 0.314 — ISO: 0.085 — wRC+: 98
Secondary Plays:
Jeff Baker : FD: $2,200 — DK: $2,600
Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 1B/2B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 188 — wOBA: 0.346 — ISO: 0.170 — wRC+: 120
Last 14 Days: PA: 16 — wOBA: 0.098 — ISO: 0.000 — wRC+: -50
Boston
The Red Sox draw a favorable matchup against the fly-ball pitcher Dan Haren. Haren gives up equal splits to left and right-handed hitters, so batters from both sides of the plate are in play here. The Red Sox will likely get overlooked tonight with a game in Coors Field, but there are some great plays in this lineup.
Elite Plays:
Hanley Ramirez : FD: $4,200 — DK: $4,800
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF/SS
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 603 — wOBA: 0.347 — ISO: 0.171 — wRC+: 123
Last 14 Days: PA: 28 — wOBA: 0.458 — ISO: 0.423 — wRC+: 197
David Ortiz : FD: $3,200 — DK: $4,200
Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 638 — wOBA: 0.373 — ISO: 0.250 — wRC+: 138
Last 14 Days: PA: 57 — wOBA: 0.334 — ISO: 0.271 — wRC+: 110
Secondary Plays:
Mookie Betts : FD: $3,900 — DK: $4,500
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 424 — wOBA: 0.352 — ISO: 0.172 — wRC+: 123
Last 14 Days: PA: 62 — wOBA: 0.372 — ISO: 0.200 — wRC+: 137
Pablo Sandoval : FD: $2,500 — DK: $3,500
Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 643 — wOBA: 0.359 — ISO: 0.153 — wRC+: 133
Last 14 Days: PA: 54 — wOBA: 0.288 — ISO: 0.077 — wRC+: 78
St. Louis at Chicago Cubs – 8:05 PM EST
| St. Louis | Chicago Cubs | ||||||||
 | Tim Cooney |  | Dallas Beeler | ||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| CHC (-105) | 7.0 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.6 | 0 | 0.607 | 0 | SP vs. Left | 0.294 | 0.949 | 0.411 | 0.087 |
| SP vs. Right | 0.267 | 0.9 | 0.378 | 0.273 | SP vs. Right | 0.227 | 0.559 | 0.252 | 0.174 |
| Batter Splits | STL BvP | Batter Splits | CHC BvP | ||||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Tim Cooney : FD: $5,900 — DK: $4,400
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 8.1 — SIERA: 3.60 — K%: 23.7% — BB%: 7.9% — FB Rate: 42.3% — HR/FB: 27.3%
Last 30 Days: IP: 6.0 — SIERA: 3.59 — K%: 26.1% — BB%: 8.7% — FB Rate: 53.3% — HR/FB: 25.0%
Chicago Cubs Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.325 (Rank: 3) — Strikeout Rate: 21.9% (Rank: 17)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.261 (Rank: 29) — Strikeout Rate: 21.5% (Rank: 21)
Pitchers per PA: 3.98 (Rank: 1)
Analysis: Cooney had a much better outing in his second start of the season, striking out six batters over six innings of work, while giving up two earned runs. He didn’t strike many batters out in the minor leagues though, so don’t put much stock into his 23.7% strikeout rate. While the wind is blowing in from center field tonight in Wrigley, Cooney is still in a tough spot against the Cubs. Chicago is ranked third in wOBA (.325) and 17th in strikeout rate (21.9%) against left-handed pitching this season.
Pitcher Rating:62.4
Dallas Beeler : FD: $4,600 — DK: $6,700
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 11.0 — SIERA: 5.51 — K%: 13.0% — BB%: 15.2% — FB Rate: 29.0% — HR/FB: 0.0%
St. Louis Cardinals Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.319 (Rank: 12) — Strikeout Rate: 19.0% (Rank: 10)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.282 (Rank: 22) — Strikeout Rate: 21.8% (Rank: 22)
Pitchers per PA: 3.77 (Rank: 20)
Analysis: Beeler is making his first start of the season. In 13 minor league outings this season, he posted a 4.56 FIP with a strikeout rate of 18.1%. Those numbers certainly don’t jump off the page. He should be avoided tonight against the Cardinals, who are ranked 12th in wOBA (.319) and tenth in strikeout rate (19.0%) against right-handed pitching this season.
Pitcher Rating:45.0
Batter Grind Down
St. Louis
The sample size is too small to trust Dallas Beeler splits, but he’s basically an average right-handed pitcher with a below-average strikeout rate. Even with the wind blowing in from center field, this could be a nice spot to target the affordably-priced bats of the Cardinals.
Elite Plays:
Jason Heyward : FD: $3,400 — DK: $3,500
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 717 — wOBA: 0.348 — ISO: 0.146 — wRC+: 123
Last 14 Days: PA: 56 — wOBA: 0.349 — ISO: 0.184 — wRC+: 124
Jhonny Peralta : FD: $3,000 — DK: $3,900
Position Eligibility: FD: SS — DK: SS
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 740 — wOBA: 0.341 — ISO: 0.161 — wRC+: 118
Last 14 Days: PA: 53 — wOBA: 0.237 — ISO: 0.041 — wRC+: 47
Secondary Plays:
Thomas Pham : FD: $2,500 — DK: $3,000
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 8 — wOBA: 0.158 — ISO: 0.125 — wRC+: -5
Last 14 Days: PA: 11 — wOBA: 0.421 — ISO: 0.455 — wRC+: 174
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs draw a favorable matchup against the southpaw Tim Cooney. The sample size is still small, but Cooney has struggled with right-handed hitters. Kris Bryant, Dexter Fowler, and Starlin Castro are all in play.
Elite Plays:
Kris Bryant : FD: $3,500 — DK: $4,900
Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 50 — wOBA: 0.460 — ISO: 0.357 — wRC+: 196
Last 14 Days: PA: 47 — wOBA: 0.443 — ISO: 0.368 — wRC+: 185
Secondary Plays:
Dexter Fowler : FD: $2,500 — DK: $3,900
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 179 — wOBA: 0.384 — ISO: 0.123 — wRC+: 148
Last 14 Days: PA: 40 — wOBA: 0.213 — ISO: 0.081 — wRC+: 27
Starlin Castro : FD: $2,200 — DK: $3,700
Position Eligibility: FD: SS — DK: SS
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 178 — wOBA: 0.327 — ISO: 0.093 — wRC+: 105
Last 14 Days: PA: 49 — wOBA: 0.202 — ISO: 0.043 — wRC+: 20
Arizona at Texas – 8:05 PM EST
| Arizona | Texas | ||||||||
 | Robbie Ray |  | Yovani Gallardo | ||||||
| LEFT | RIGHT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| TEX (-141) | 8.5 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.318 | 0.837 | 0.363 | 0.174 | SP vs. Left | 0.225 | 0.628 | 0.281 | 0.17 |
| SP vs. Right | 0.264 | 0.791 | 0.345 | 0.174 | SP vs. Right | 0.261 | 0.691 | 0.306 | 0.183 |
| Batter Splits | ARI BvP | ARI vs R | Batter Splits | TEX BvP | TEX vs L | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Robbie Ray : FD: $6,800 — DK: $5,300
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 71.0 — SIERA: 4.33 — K%: 17.4% — BB%: 7.2% — FB Rate: 43.7% — HR/FB: 7.2%
Last 30 Days: IP: 31.1 — SIERA: 4.24 — K%: 20.0% — BB%: 8.0% — FB Rate: 50.0% — HR/FB: 4.8%
Texas Rangers Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.296 (Rank: 23) — Strikeout Rate: 23.5% (Rank: 25)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.321 (Rank: 13) — Strikeout Rate: 19.6% (Rank: 15)
Pitchers per PA: 3.79 (Rank: 15)
Analysis: Ray is not a pitcher that inspires a ton of confidence. He has pitched a little better recently, but he is still a below-average southpaw pitching in a hitter-friendly ballpark tonight. The Rangers have not hit left-handed pitching all that well this season, but they have two of their best right-handed hitters back in their lineup now (Adrian Beltre and Delino Deshields). Ray should be avoided in what is expected to be a high-scoring affair in Texas.
Pitcher Rating:48.5
Yovani Gallardo : FD: $8,000 — DK: $7,200
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 294.1 — SIERA: 3.85 — K%: 17.7% — BB%: 6.9% — FB Rate: 29.1% — HR/FB: 10.6%
Last 30 Days: IP: 33.1 — SIERA: 3.96 — K%: 18.9% — BB%: 8.2% — FB Rate: 29.2% — HR/FB: 0.0%
Arizona Diamondbacks Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.315 (Rank: 15) — Strikeout Rate: 19.8% (Rank: 16)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.342 (Rank: 3) — Strikeout Rate: 19.7% (Rank: 16)
Pitchers per PA: 3.68 (Rank: 29)
Analysis: Gallardo has now pitched 29 and one-third innings without giving up a run. Don’t believe me? “Check it out”: https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=gallardo+scoreless+streak for yourself. Granted, his peripheral statistics don’t exactly match the scoreless streak, but he’s caught some big breaks along the way. I’m going to go out on a limb and make a not-so-bold prediction that his streak will end tonight. The Diamondbacks are too good of an offense not to score at least one run against Gallardo.
Pitcher Rating:66.3
Batter Grind Down
Arizona
While I do think the Diamondbacks will score at least one run tonight, this isn’t as good of a matchup as some of the other ones on the schedule. Yovani Gallardo is efficient against hitters from both sides of the plate and the Diamondbacks have an average offense against right-handed pitching. I see their hitters as secondary options tonight.
Elite Plays:
NONE
Secondary Plays:
A.J. Pollock : FD: $3,800 — DK: $4,900
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 495 — wOBA: 0.351 — ISO: 0.158 — wRC+: 119
Last 14 Days: PA: 58 — wOBA: 0.353 — ISO: 0.167 — wRC+: 121
David Peralta : FD: $3,900 — DK: $3,600
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 474 — wOBA: 0.362 — ISO: 0.196 — wRC+: 127
Last 14 Days: PA: 56 — wOBA: 0.453 — ISO: 0.277 — wRC+: 190
Texas
The Rangers are in a great spot tonight at home against Robbie Ray, who has given up a .345+ wOBA to left and right-handed hitters in the past two seasons. The right-handed bats of Delino Deshields and Adrian Beltre are both elite plays, while the left-handed bats of Prince Fielder and Shin-Soo Choo are better used as secondary options.
Elite Plays:
Delino Deshields Jr. : FD: $3,100 — DK: $3,800
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 54 — wOBA: 0.359 — ISO: 0.163 — wRC+: 126
Last 14 Days: PA: 5 — wOBA: 0.636 — ISO: 0.500 — wRC+: 320
Adrian Beltre : FD: $2,600 — DK: $4,100
Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 244 — wOBA: 0.381 — ISO: 0.187 — wRC+: 142
Last 14 Days: PA: 55 — wOBA: 0.216 — ISO: 0.038 — wRC+: 26
Secondary Plays:
Prince Fielder : FD: $3,600 — DK: $4,900
Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 202 — wOBA: 0.331 — ISO: 0.174 — wRC+: 107
Last 14 Days: PA: 57 — wOBA: 0.440 — ISO: 0.192 — wRC+: 182
Shin-Soo Choo : FD: $2,700 — DK: $4,300
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 281 — wOBA: 0.268 — ISO: 0.104 — wRC+: 63
Last 14 Days: PA: 45 — wOBA: 0.327 — ISO: 0.244 — wRC+: 104
Tampa Bay at Kansas City – 8:10 PM EST
| Tampa Bay | Kansas City | ||||||||
 | Matt Andriese |  | Edinson Volquez | ||||||
| RIGHT | RIGHT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| KCR (-135) | 7.5 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.286 | 0.798 | 0.344 | 0.148 | SP vs. Left | 0.221 | 0.673 | 0.299 | 0.186 |
| SP vs. Right | 0.213 | 0.583 | 0.249 | 0.167 | SP vs. Right | 0.234 | 0.653 | 0.294 | 0.167 |
| Batter Splits | TBR BvP | Batter Splits | KCR BvP | ||||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Matt Andriese : FD: $5,300 — DK: $4,500
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 41.2 — SIERA: 3.79 — K%: 15.7% — BB%: 4.1% — FB Rate: 33.3% — HR/FB: 13.3%
Last 30 Days: IP: 21.0 — SIERA: 3.67 — K%: 18.0% — BB%: 2.6% — FB Rate: 42.6% — HR/FB: 11.5%
Kansas City Royals Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.317 (Rank: 14) — Strikeout Rate: 16.2% (Rank: 1)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.276 (Rank: 24) — Strikeout Rate: 19.3% (Rank: 13)
Pitchers per PA: 3.67 (Rank: 30)
Analysis: Andriese will start the second-half of the double-header for the Rays. He has been a serviceable starter for Tampa this season, but he lacks the strikeout upside that we are looking for from a starting pitcher. The Royals are also a bad strikeout matchup, as they have the lowest whiff rate (16.2%) of any team against right-handed pitching this season. Andriese is an easy avoid in all league formats.
Pitcher Rating:54.6
Edinson Volquez : FD: $8,400 — DK: $6,700
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 288.1 — SIERA: 4.19 — K%: 17.6% — BB%: 8.6% — FB Rate: 32.8% — HR/FB: 8.6%
Last 30 Days: IP: 34.2 — SIERA: 4.22 — K%: 16.5% — BB%: 7.9% — FB Rate: 29.7% — HR/FB: 12.1%
Tampa Bay Rays Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.292 (Rank: 26) — Strikeout Rate: 22.3% (Rank: 26)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.265 (Rank: 29) — Strikeout Rate: 28.6% (Rank: 30)
Pitchers per PA: 3.86 (Rank: 9)
Analysis: Volquez has been a serviceable starter for the Royals. He doesn’t have overwhelming stuff, but he has a decent SIERA with a mediocre strikeout rate. He is a sizable favorite tonight against the Rays, who are ranked 26th in wOBA (.292) and 26th in strikeout rate (22.3%) against right-handed-pitching this season. Volquez will fly under the radar tonight, but with the expected run support, he could be a very cheap source for a win.
Pitcher Rating:64.2
Batter Grind Down
Tampa Bay
The Rays are one of the worst hitting teams against right-handed pitching this season. They draw an average matchup tonight against Edinson Volquez, who has held left and right-handed hitters under a .300 wOBA over the last two seasons. The Rays can be avoided tonight in the pitcher-friendly Kauffman Stadium.
Elite Plays
NONE
Secondary Plays:
NONE
Kansas City
The sample size is small, but Matt Andriese has given up a .344 wOBA to left-handed hitters. That’s not to say that the right-handed bats in this lineup can’t be targeted, but the lefties do have a distinct advantage. Eric Hosmer is a steal on FanDuel, while Kendrys Morales and Alex Gordon are also worth a look.
Elite Plays
Eric Hosmer : FD: $2,700 — DK: $4,000
Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 582 — wOBA: 0.335 — ISO: 0.144 — wRC+: 114
Last 14 Days: PA: 41 — wOBA: 0.232 — ISO: 0.026 — wRC+: 42
Secondary Plays:
Kendrys Morales : FD: $2,700 — DK: $3,900
Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 446 — wOBA: 0.306 — ISO: 0.163 — wRC+: 95
Last 14 Days: PA: 53 — wOBA: 0.316 — ISO: 0.188 — wRC+: 101
Alex Gordon : FD: $2,500 — DK: $3,700
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 644 — wOBA: 0.348 — ISO: 0.158 — wRC+: 123
Last 14 Days: PA: 47 — wOBA: 0.307 — ISO: 0.150 — wRC+: 94