MLB Grind Down: Tuesday, September 1st

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.

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Arizona at Colorado – 8:40 PM EST

Arizona Colorado
arizonamlb Patrick Corbin coloradomlb Yohan Flande
LEFT LEFT
Vegas Moneyline Vegas Over/Under
COL (-140) 11.0
Stats Avg OPS wOBA K% Stats Avg OPS wOBA K%
SP vs. Left 0.200 0.651 0.281 0.265 SP vs. Left 0.191 0.6 0.269 0.142
SP vs. Right 0.273 0.802 0.346 0.242 SP vs. Right 0.272 0.809 0.346 0.147
Batter Splits ARI BvP Batter Splits COL BvP
Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window

Pitcher Grind Down

Patrick Corbin : FD: $6,400 — DK: $7,500

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 50.0 — SIERA: 3.21 — ERA: 3.78 — K%: 24.8% — BB%: 6.2% — HR/9: 1.3
Last 30 Days: IP: 22.0 — SIERA: 3.53 — ERA: 4.50 — K%: 23.5% — BB%: 8.2% — HR/9: 0.8

Colorado Rockies Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.288 (Rank: 28) — Strikeout Rate: 23.1% (Rank: 26)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.305 (Rank: 21) — Strikeout Rate: 19.2% (Rank: 11)
Pitches per PA: 3.74 (Rank: 25)

Analysis: Corbin has had a nice season for the Diamondbacks, but he will take his turn in the rotation in Coors Field. The total for this game is set at 11 runs, which is the highest total on the schedule today. Even though the Rockies haven’t fared well against southpaws this season, Corbin is an easy avoid in all league formats.

Pitcher Rating: 52.3


Yohan Flande : FD: $5,000 — DK: $4,500

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 109.2 — SIERA: 3.83 — ERA: 4.68 — K%: 14.6% — BB%: 7.3% — HR/9: 1.2
Last 30 Days: IP: 28.2 — SIERA: 4.06 — ERA: 4.40 — K%: 15.1% — BB%: 8.4% — HR/9: 2.8

Arizona Diamondbacks Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.315 (Rank: 9) — Strikeout Rate: 21.4% (Rank: 17)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.307 (Rank: 20) — Strikeout Rate: 21.3% (Rank: 17)
Pitches per PA: 3.72 (Rank: 28)

Analysis: Flande has been in decent form recently, but the Diamondbacks have the highest team total on the board today. On the season, Arizona is ranked ninth in team wOBA against left-handed pitching and Flande has to face them at home in the hitter’s dream that is Coors Field. Avoid Flande in what is expected to be a shootout.

Pitcher Rating: 46.4

Batter Grind Down

Arizona

The Diamondbacks draw a terrific matchup today against Yohan Flande in the hitter-friendly Coors Field. If you are playing in the all-day slate of games, you should try to get as much exposure to the Diamondbacks as possible. Since the start of last season, Flande has given up a .346 wOBA to right-handed hitters.

Paul Goldschmidt : FD: $5,600 — DK: $6,400

Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 218 — wOBA: 0.467 — ISO: 0.243 — wRC+: 199
Last 30 Days: PA: 123 — wOBA: 0.343 — ISO: 0.184 — wRC+: 113

Welington Castillo : FD: $4,000 — DK: $4,400

Position Eligibility: FD: C — DK: C
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 180 — wOBA: 0.366 — ISO: 0.222 — wRC+: 132
Last 30 Days: PA: 89 — wOBA: 0.342 — ISO: 0.275 — wRC+: 112

Elite Plays:

A.J. Pollock : FD: $5,100 — DK: $6,100

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 172 — wOBA: 0.399 — ISO: 0.239 — wRC+: 152
Last 30 Days: PA: 110 — wOBA: 0.410 — ISO: 0.176 — wRC+: 160

Aaron Hill : FD: $3,000 — DK: $2,900

Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 2B/3B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 234 — wOBA: 0.279 — ISO: 0.101 — wRC+: 70
Last 30 Days: PA: 87 — wOBA: 0.289 — ISO: 0.093 — wRC+: 76

Secondary Plays:


Colorado

The Rockies find themselves in a fairly difficult matchup in the first game of this doubleheader. Patrick Corbin has really pitched well this season, but he has given up a .346 wOBA to right-handed hitters over the last two seasons.

Elite Plays:

Nolan Arenado : FD: $4,500 — DK: $5,300

Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 238 — wOBA: 0.350 — ISO: 0.208 — wRC+: 105
Last 30 Days: PA: 110 — wOBA: 0.333 — ISO: 0.204 — wRC+: 94

Secondary Plays:

Charlie Blackmon : FD: $4,500 — DK: $5,000

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 294 — wOBA: 0.298 — ISO: 0.128 — wRC+: 70
Last 30 Days: PA: 113 — wOBA: 0.336 — ISO: 0.178 — wRC+: 96

Jose Reyes : FD: $4,400 — DK: $4,600

Position Eligibility: FD: SS — DK: SS
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 297 — wOBA: 0.309 — ISO: 0.119 — wRC+: 92
Last 30 Days: PA: 101 — wOBA: 0.312 — ISO: 0.170 — wRC+: 79


Tampa Bay at Baltimore – 7:05 PM EST

Tampa Bay Baltimore
tampabaymlb Drew Smyly baltimoremlb Chris Tillman
LEFT RIGHT
Vegas Moneyline Vegas Over/Under
BAL (-125) 8.0
Stats Avg OPS wOBA K% Stats Avg OPS wOBA K%
SP vs. Left 0.176 0.496 0.219 28.7% SP vs. Left 0.250 0.670 0.299 17.10%
SP vs. Right 0.261 0.775 0.338 19.8% SP vs. Right 0.237 0.733 0.320 16.40%
Batter Splits TBR BvP TB vs R Batter Splits BAL BvP BAL vs L
Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window

Pitcher Grind Down

Drew Smyly : FD: $7,400 — DK: $6,900

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 183.2 — SIERA: 3.64 — ERA: 3.33 — K%: 22.0% — BB%: 6.5% — HR/9: 1.2
Last 30 Days: IP: 14.0 — SIERA: 4.65 — ERA: 5.14 — K%: 16.2% — BB%: 5.9% — HR/9: 1.9

Baltimore Orioles Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.301 (Rank: 21) — Strikeout Rate: 22.1% (Rank: 22)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.269 (Rank: 29) — Strikeout Rate: 25.0% (Rank: 26)
Pitches per PA: 3.81 (Rank: 15)

Analysis: Smyly has not pitched well since coming back from injury, posting a 4.65 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 16.2% over the last month of play. He draws a decent matchup tonight against the Orioles, but unfortunately, he has to face them on the road in the hitter-friendly Camden Yards. At this point, we should continue to avoid Smyly until he shows us better form.

Pitcher Rating: 62.9


Chris Tillman : FD: $6,800 — DK: $5,300

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 343.0 — SIERA: 4.41 — ERA: 3.83 — K%: 16.8% — BB%: 7.9% — HR/9: 0.9
Last 30 Days: IP: 22.0 — SIERA: 4.74 — ERA: 5.73 — K%: 12.6% — BB%: 6.3% — HR/9: 2.1

Tampa Bay Rays Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.297 (Rank: 29) — Strikeout Rate: 21.6% (Rank: 25)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.311 (Rank: 19) — Strikeout Rate: 19.1% (Rank: 10)
Pitches per PA: 3.84 (Rank: 11)

Analysis: Tillman has not pitched well over the last month of play, posting a 4.74 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 12.6%. While he does draw a favorable matchup against the Rays, his upside is somewhat limited thanks to his low strikeout rate. The good news is that he is cheap and that he is a small favorite at home. Tillman makes a decent SP2 on multi-pitcher sites, but with a full slate of games tonight, I will likely be looking elsewhere.

Pitcher Rating: 56.3

Batter Grind Down

Tampa Bay

The Rays have not hit right-handed pitching well this season, but they do draw a decent matchup tonight against Chris Tillman in the hitter-friendly Camden Yards. I hesitate to list any Rays’ hitters as elite plays, but Logan Forsythe and John Jaso are both viable secondary options.

Elite Plays:

NONE

Secondary Plays:

Logan Forsythe : FD: $3,200 — DK: $4,000

Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 1B/2B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 541 — wOBA: 0.295 — ISO: 0.079 — wRC+: 89
Last 30 Days: PA: 110 — wOBA: 0.317 — ISO: 0.158 — wRC+: 105

John Jaso : FD: $2,200 — DK: $2,500

Position Eligibility: FD: C — DK: C
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 446 — wOBA: 0.350 — ISO: 0.172 — wRC+: 128
Last 30 Days: PA: 79 — wOBA: 0.347 — ISO: 0.138 — wRC+: 125


Baltimore

The Orioles are small favorites tonight at home against Drew Smyly, who has given up a .338 wOBA to right-handed hitters. Adam Jones is currently discounted and makes for a nice play in the outfield. Since the start of last season, he has a .409 wOBA and a .252 ISO.

Elite Plays:

Adam Jones : FD: $3,200 — DK: $3,800

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 285 — wOBA: 0.409 — ISO: 0.252 — wRC+: 164
Last 30 Days: PA: 117 — wOBA: 0.314 — ISO: 0.232 — wRC+: 97

Secondary Plays:

Manny Machado : FD: $3,600 — DK: $4,300

Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 234 — wOBA: 0.307 — ISO: 0.136 — wRC+: 93
Last 30 Days: PA: 129 — wOBA: 0.328 — ISO: 0.150 — wRC+: 107

Steve Pearce : FD: $2,200 — DK: $2,800

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: 2B/OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 195 — wOBA: 0.403 — ISO: 0.287 — wRC+: 160
Last 30 Days: PA: 25 — wOBA: 0.355 — ISO: 0.273 — wRC+: 126


Cleveland at Toronto – 7:07 PM EST

Cleveland Toronto
clevelandmlb Cody Anderson torontomlb Marco Estrada
RIGHT RIGHT
Vegas Moneyline Vegas Over/Under
TOR (-202) 9.0
Stats Avg OPS wOBA K% Stats Avg OPS wOBA K%
SP vs. Left 0.256 0.766 0.327 10.4% SP vs. Left 0.215 0.676 0.297 19.00%
SP vs. Right 0.229 0.626 0.274 12.3% SP vs. Right 0.233 0.723 0.317 20.50%
Batter Splits CLE BvP CLE vs R Batter Splits TOR vs R
Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window

Pitcher Grind Down

Cody Anderson : FD: $6,300 — DK: $4,700

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 52.1 — SIERA: 4.71 — ERA: 4.30 — K%: 11.4% — BB%: 4.8% — HR/9: 1.2
Last 30 Days: IP: 13.2 — SIERA: 4.57 — ERA: 7.24 — K%: 17.5% — BB%: 8.8% — HR/9: 1.3

Toronto Blue Jays Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.335 (Rank: 1) — Strikeout Rate: 18.7% (Rank: 6)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.412 (Rank: 1) — Strikeout Rate: 15.2% (Rank: 2)
Pitches per PA: 3.83 (Rank: 12)

Analysis: Anderson may have a 4.30 ERA on the season, but that’s about all that he has going in his favor. He has one of the lowest strikeout rates (11.4%) of starting pitcher and he has struggled to keep the ball in the park. In case you haven’t noticed, the Blue Jays have been hitting home runs left and right recently. Anderson should not be on anyone’s radar tonight.

Pitcher Rating: 28.8


Marco Estrada : FD: $8,800 — DK: $7,000

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 286.0 — SIERA: 4.16 — ERA: 3.81 — K%: 19.7% — BB%: 7.4% — HR/9: 1.4
Last 30 Days: IP: 30.2 — SIERA: 4.69 — ERA: 2.05 — K%: 20.2% — BB%: 9.2% — HR/9: 1.2

Cleveland Indians Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.315 (Rank: 13) — Strikeout Rate: 18.9% (Rank: 7)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.347 (Rank: 4) — Strikeout Rate: 18.2% (Rank: 8)
Pitches per PA: 3.91 (Rank: 3)

Analysis: Estrada may have a 2.05 ERA over the last month of play, but during that same stretch, he has a 4.69 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 20.2%. He draws a difficult matchup tonight against the Indians, who are ranked 13th in team wOBA and seventh in strikeout rate against right-handed pitching this season. There are better pitching options at his price point.

Pitcher Rating: 61.4

Batter Grind Down

Cleveland

The Indians picked up a rare win in Toronto last night. They will look for two in a row tonight against Marco Estrada, who hasn’t been particularly effective against hitters from either side of the plate. With a sizable ballpark boost, the left and right-handed hitters in this lineup are in play tonight.

Elite Plays:

Michael Brantley : FD: $4,600 — DK: $5,400

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 756 — wOBA: 0.398 — ISO: 0.187 — wRC+: 159
Last 30 Days: PA: 104 — wOBA: 0.468 — ISO: 0.207 — wRC+: 207

Secondary Plays:

Jason Kipnis : FD: $3,600 — DK: $5,000

Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 2B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 704 — wOBA: 0.361 — ISO: 0.138 — wRC+: 133
Last 30 Days: PA: 54 — wOBA: 0.296 — ISO: 0.160 — wRC+: 88

Francisco Lindor : FD: $3,500 — DK: $4,500

Position Eligibility: FD: SS — DK: SS
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 196 — wOBA: 0.348 — ISO: 0.156 — wRC+: 123
Last 30 Days: PA: 126 — wOBA: 0.406 — ISO: 0.135 — wRC+: 164

Lonnie Chisenhall : FD: $3,000 — DK: $3,400

Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 628 — wOBA: 0.333 — ISO: 0.165 — wRC+: 114
Last 30 Days: PA: 75 — wOBA: 0.433 — ISO: 0.152 — wRC+: 183


Toronto

The Blue Jays don’t have the highest team total on the board (that honor goes to the Diamondbacks), but they are close. They draw a terrific matchup against Cody Anderson at home. After only scoring two runs last night, they should be able to bounce back in a big way tonight.

Elite Plays:

Edwin Encarnacion : FD: $5,300 — DK: $5,600

Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 832 — wOBA: 0.389 — ISO: 0.292 — wRC+: 150
Last 30 Days: PA: 96 — wOBA: 0.557 — ISO: 0.524 — wRC+: 266

Ben Revere : FD: $2,700 — DK: $4,100

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 801 — wOBA: 0.307 — ISO: 0.062 — wRC+: 93
Last 30 Days: PA: 107 — wOBA: 0.321 — ISO: 0.032 — wRC+: 102

Secondary Plays:

Josh Donaldson : FD: $6,000 — DK: $5,500

Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 972 — wOBA: 0.352 — ISO: 0.200 — wRC+: 127
Last 30 Days: PA: 120 — wOBA: 0.465 — ISO: 0.396 — wRC+: 202

Jose Bautista : FD: $5,500 — DK: $5,300

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 957 — wOBA: 0.385 — ISO: 0.256 — wRC+: 147
Last 30 Days: PA: 115 — wOBA: 0.432 — ISO: 0.366 — wRC+: 179

Troy Tulowitzki : FD: $3,800 — DK: $4,200

Position Eligibility: FD: SS — DK: SS
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 653 — wOBA: 0.358 — ISO: 0.176 — wRC+: 114
Last 30 Days: PA: 116 — wOBA: 0.295 — ISO: 0.120 — wRC+: 84


Philadelphia at NY Mets – 7:10 PM EST

Philadelphia NY Mets
philadelphiamlb Aaron Harang nymetsmlb Jonathon Niese
RIGHT LEFT
Vegas Moneyline Vegas Over/Under
NYM (-210) 8.0
Stats Avg OPS wOBA K% Stats Avg OPS wOBA K%
SP vs. Left 0.284 0.775 0.341 14.0% SP vs. Left 0.261 0.715 0.313 18.80%
SP vs. Right 0.256 0.726 0.317 19.0% SP vs. Right 0.265 0.745 0.328 16.10%
Batter Splits PHI vs L Batter Splits NYM BvP NYM vs R
Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window

Pitcher Grind Down

Aaron Harang : FD: $5,100 — DK: $5,100

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 343.1 — SIERA: 4.44 — ERA: 4.06 — K%: 16.7% — BB%: 7.7% — HR/9: 0.9
Last 30 Days: IP: 28.0 — SIERA: 6.20 — ERA: 8.04 — K%: 7.6% — BB%: 10.6% — HR/9: 2.3

New York Mets Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.304 (Rank: 24) — Strikeout Rate: 20.2% (Rank: 16)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.392 (Rank: 2) — Strikeout Rate: 16.3% (Rank: 4)
Pitches per PA: 3.87 (Rank: 8)

Analysis: Harang may be in the worst form of any pitcher in baseball. Over the last month of play, he has a 6.20 SIERA (8.04 ERA) with a strikeout rate of only 7.6%. To make matters worse, he has to face a red-hot Mets’ offense that is ranked second in team wOBA over the last two weeks of play. Harang is an easy avoid in all league formats tonight.

Pitcher Rating: 33.1


Jon Niese : FD: $7,800 — DK: $6,500

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 340.1 — SIERA: 3.94 — ERA: 3.65 — K%: 16.7% — BB%: 6.3% — HR/9: 0.9
Last 30 Days: IP: 31.1 — SIERA: 4.01 — ERA: 5.17 — K%: 18.1% — BB%: 7.5% — HR/9: 1.4

Philadelphia Phillies Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.309 (Rank: 16) — Strikeout Rate: 20.8% (Rank: 14)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.337 (Rank: 9) — Strikeout Rate: 23.3% (Rank: 23)
Pitches per PA: 3.73 (Rank: 27)

Analysis: Niese has been a serviceable starter for the Mets over the last two seasons, posting a 3.94 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 16.7%. He has had his struggles on the road, but he has been a nice value play at home in the pitcher-friendly Citi Field. He is a monster favorite tonight at home against the Phillies, who are an average offense against left-handed pitching. Niese is cheap and he should be able to pick up a win.

Pitcher Rating: 73.7

Batter Grind Down

Philadelphia

The Phillies draw a tough matchup tonight against Jon Niese in the pitcher-friendly Citi Field. Andres Blanco and Darin Ruf have both hit left-handed pitching well this season and both are viable punt plays at their respective positions. The rest of the Phillies can be avoided.

Elite Plays:

NONE

Secondary Plays:

Andres Blanco : FD: $2,900 — DK: $2,300

Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B/SS
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 96 — wOBA: 0.411 — ISO: 0.188 — wRC+: 163
Last 30 Days: PA: 70 — wOBA: 0.434 — ISO: 0.254 — wRC+: 179

Darin Ruf : FD: $2,300 — DK: $2,000

Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B/OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 161 — wOBA: 0.415 — ISO: 0.222 — wRC+: 167
Last 30 Days: PA: 46 — wOBA: 0.270 — ISO: 0.186 — wRC+: 67


NY Mets

The Mets are large favorites tonight at home against Aaron Harang, who has been giving up runs in bunches recently. Harang hasn’t been particularly effective against left or right-handed hitters, which puts bats from both sides of the plate in play tonight.

Elite Plays:

Curtis Granderson : FD: $3,400 — DK: $4,500

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 913 — wOBA: 0.352 — ISO: 0.194 — wRC+: 129
Last 30 Days: PA: 126 — wOBA: 0.387 — ISO: 0.252 — wRC+: 152

Secondary Plays:

Yoenis Cespedes : FD: $4,300 — DK: $4,800

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 912 — wOBA: 0.359 — ISO: 0.212 — wRC+: 131
Last 30 Days: PA: 126 — wOBA: 0.380 — ISO: 0.276 — wRC+: 148

Daniel Murphy : FD: $4,100 — DK: $3,700

Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 2B/3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 806 — wOBA: 0.334 — ISO: 0.141 — wRC+: 117
Last 30 Days: PA: 111 — wOBA: 0.373 — ISO: 0.223 — wRC+: 143

Kelly Johnson : FD: $2,300 — DK: $2,900

Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 3B/OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 500 — wOBA: 0.306 — ISO: 0.160 — wRC+: 93
Last 30 Days: PA: 67 — wOBA: 0.296 — ISO: 0.159 — wRC+: 90


Miami at Atlanta – 7:10 PM EST

Miami Atlanta
miamimlb Justin Nicolino atlantamlb Manny Banuelos
LEFT LEFT
Vegas Moneyline Vegas Over/Under
ATL (-105) 8.0
Stats Avg OPS wOBA K% Stats Avg OPS wOBA K%
SP vs. Left 0.242 0.700 0.306 16.7% SP vs. Left 0.250 0.700 0.330 20.00%
SP vs. Right 0.267 0.769 0.330 5.3% SP vs. Right 0.230 0.686 0.304 16.20%
Batter Splits MIA BvP MIA vs L Batter Splits ATL BvP ATL vs L
Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window

Pitcher Grind Down

Justin Nicolino : FD: $5,400 — DK: $4,500

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 37.0 — SIERA: 5.42 — ERA: 3.65 — K%: 8.0% — BB%: 7.3% — HR/9: 0.7
Last 30 Days: IP: 26.0 — SIERA: 5.40 — ERA: 3.46 — K%: 7.5% — BB%: 7.5% — HR/9: 0.7

Atlanta Braves Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.295 (Rank: 25) — Strikeout Rate: 20.5% (Rank: 11)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.305 (Rank: 21) — Strikeout Rate: 22.8% (Rank: 22)
Pitches per PA: 3.78 (Rank: 21)

Analysis: Nicolino has not pitched well in his first 37 innings of major league action. He owns a 5.42 SIERA with a strikeout rate of only 8.0%. When a pitcher has such a low strikeout rate, he needs a near perfect outing to pay off his salary in daily fantasy. While the Braves do struggle against left-handed pitching, the risk greatly outweighs the potential reward with Nicolino tonight.

Pitcher Rating: 36.7


Manuel Banuelos : FD: $5,700 — DK: $5,400

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 21.2 — SIERA: 4.82 — ERA: 2.49 — K%: 17.2% — BB%: 10.8% — HR/9: 0.8

Miami Marlins Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.318 (Rank: 8) — Strikeout Rate: 21.3% (Rank: 15)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.302 (Rank: 25) — Strikeout Rate: 17.1% (Rank: 7)
Pitches per PA: 3.72 (Rank: 29)

Analysis: Banuelos has had a decent stint in the majors this season, posting a 4.82 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 17.2%. He draws a difficult matchup tonight against the Marlins, who are ranked eighth in team wOBA and 15th in strikeout rate against left-handed pitching this season. Banuelos is cheap, but he’s not on my radar tonight.

Pitcher Rating: 48.9

Batter Grind Down

Miami

The Marlins may not have a ton of power in their lineup, but they are still one of the best hitting teams against left-handed pitching this season. The right-handed bats of Martin Prado and Cole Gillespie are both in play against Manny Banuelos.

Elite Plays:

Martin Prado : FD: $2,900 — DK: $3,500

Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 2B/3B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 220 — wOBA: 0.379 — ISO: 0.182 — wRC+: 141
Last 30 Days: PA: 117 — wOBA: 0.311 — ISO: 0.119 — wRC+: 95

Secondary Plays:

Cole Gillespie : FD: $2,300 — DK: $2,700

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 94 — wOBA: 0.341 — ISO: 0.060 — wRC+: 120
Last 30 Days: PA: 64 — wOBA: 0.358 — ISO: 0.085 — wRC+: 127


Atlanta

The Braves were a big disappointment last night, but they draw an equally favorable matchup tonight against Justin Nicolino, who is a low-strikeout pitcher that has given up a .330 wOBA to right-handed hitters. Adonis Garcia and Pedro Ciriaco are both viable punt plays at their respective positions.

Elite Plays:

NONE

Secondary Plays:

Adonis Garcia : FD: $2,400 — DK: $3,400

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: 3B/OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 28 — wOBA: 0.499 — ISO: 0.464 — wRC+: 224
Last 30 Days: PA: 100 — wOBA: 0.320 — ISO: 0.212 — wRC+: 102

Pedro Ciriaco : FD: $2,200 — DK: $2,000

Position Eligibility: FD: SS — DK: 2B/3B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 47 — wOBA: 0.185 — ISO: 0.044 — wRC+: 10
Last 30 Days: PA: 32 — wOBA: 0.278 — ISO: 0.133 — wRC+: 73


NY Yankees at Boston – 7:10 PM EST

NY Yankees Boston
nyyankeesmlb Michael Pineda bostonmlb Rick Porcello
RIGHT RIGHT
Vegas Moneyline Vegas Over/Under
NYY (-120) 9.0
Stats Avg OPS wOBA K% Stats Avg OPS wOBA K%
SP vs. Left 0.234 0.650 0.281 21.0% SP vs. Left 0.280 0.781 0.339 15.60%
SP vs. Right 0.259 0.685 0.296 23.8% SP vs. Right 0.269 0.709 0.311 17.70%
Batter Splits NYY BvP NYY vs R Batter Splits BOS BvP BOS vs R
Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window

Pitcher Grind Down

Michael Pineda : FD: $8,600 — DK: $8,300

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 198.2 — SIERA: 3.14 — ERA: 3.31 — K%: 22.4% — BB%: 2.9% — HR/9: 0.9
Last 30 Days: IP: 4.1 — SIERA: 3.72 — ERA: 10.38 — K%: 15.8% — BB%: 5.3% — HR/9: 2.1

Boston Red Sox Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.317 (Rank: 10) — Strikeout Rate: 17.2% (Rank: 2)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.328 (Rank: 12) — Strikeout Rate: 22.1% (Rank: 21)
Pitches per PA: 3.97 (Rank: 2)

Analysis: Pineda did not fare well in his first start back from injury and he will likely be in for another rough outing tonight. When the Yankees and Red Sox meet up, there are usually a lot of runs scored. On the season, Boston is ranked tenth in team wOBA and second in strikeout rate against right-handed pitching. Pineda is overpriced for tonight’s game in Fenway.

Pitcher Rating: 71.1


Rick Porcello : FD: $7,000 — DK: $5,700

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 326.1 — SIERA: 3.93 — ERA: 4.19 — K%: 16.5% — BB%: 5.0% — HR/9: 1.1
Last 30 Days: IP: 7.0 — SIERA: 3.34 — ERA: 0.00 — K%: 19.2% — BB%: 0.0% — HR/9: 0.0

New York Yankees Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.323 (Rank: 3) — Strikeout Rate: 19.4% (Rank: 11)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.333 (Rank: 10) — Strikeout Rate: 21.7% (Rank: 19)
Pitches per PA: 3.89 (Rank: 4)

Analysis: Porcello pitched well in his first start back from injury, but overall, he has had a disappointing season for the Red Sox. He draws a tough matchup tonight against the Yankees, who are ranked third in team wOBA and 11th in strikeout rate against right-handed pitching this season. Even at his discounted price point, Porcello can be avoided in both cash games and tournaments.

Pitcher Rating: 55.4

Batter Grind Down

NY Yankees

The Yankees are small favorites tonight against the Red Sox in a game that features a total of 9.0 runs. They draw a favorable matchup against Rick Porcello, who has given up a .339 wOBA to left-handed hitters over the last two seasons.

Elite Plays:

Brian McCann : FD: $4,300 — DK: $4,100

Position Eligibility: FD: C — DK: C
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 720 — wOBA: 0.308 — ISO: 0.184 — wRC+: 94
Last 30 Days: PA: 94 — wOBA: 0.356 — ISO: 0.301 — wRC+: 127

Jacoby Ellsbury : FD: $3,400 — DK: $4,500

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 683 — wOBA: 0.317 — ISO: 0.130 — wRC+: 101
Last 30 Days: PA: 116 — wOBA: 0.317 — ISO: 0.159 — wRC+: 100

Secondary Plays:

Chase Headley : FD: $3,700 — DK: $3,800

Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 753 — wOBA: 0.317 — ISO: 0.122 — wRC+: 102
Last 30 Days: PA: 106 — wOBA: 0.373 — ISO: 0.154 — wRC+: 139

Brett Gardner : FD: $3,200 — DK: $4,600

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 831 — wOBA: 0.340 — ISO: 0.175 — wRC+: 117
Last 30 Days: PA: 115 — wOBA: 0.256 — ISO: 0.050 — wRC+: 57


Boston

The Red Sox may not have the best matchup on paper, but Michael Pineda is only making his second start back from injury and Vegas is projecting Boston’s offense to have some success in this one. David Ortiz remains an elite play at first base, while Travis Shaw is an interesting tournament play at third base.

Elite Plays:

David Ortiz : FD: $4,300 — DK: $4,400

Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 759 — wOBA: 0.384 — ISO: 0.270 — wRC+: 144
Last 30 Days: PA: 107 — wOBA: 0.448 — ISO: 0.352 — wRC+: 188

Secondary Plays:

Travis Shaw : FD: $2,900 — DK: $2,900

Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 1B/3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 72 — wOBA: 0.367 — ISO: 0.215 — wRC+: 131
Last 30 Days: PA: 92 — wOBA: 0.426 — ISO: 0.321 — wRC+: 173


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About the Author

Notorious
Derek Farnsworth (Notorious)

Derek Farnsworth (aka Notorious) is a lead RotoGrinders Expert and one of the most recognizable names and faces in all of DFS. Before joining the RotoGrinders team, Derek received a Master’s Degree from the University of Utah. When he’s not busy providing content, he’s dominating the DFS industry as evidenced by his consistent top rankings in several sports and multiple Live Final appearances. Noto provides expert NBA, NFL, MLB, and PGA analysis for RotoGrinders Premium members on a daily basis and has also been nominated for five different Fantasy Sports Writer’s Association (FSWA) awards. Follow Noto on X – @RG_Notorious