MLB Grind Down: Wednesday, July 8th
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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Baltimore at Minnesota – 1:10 PM EST
| Baltimore | Minnesota | ||||||||
 | Ubaldo Jimenez |  | Tommy Milone | ||||||
| RIGHT | LEFT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| BAL (-127) | 8.0 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.232 | 0.722 | 0.327 | 20.8% | SP vs. Left | 0.210 | 0.609 | 0.273 | 12.20% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.249 | 0.673 | 0.302 | 23.7% | SP vs. Right | 0.276 | 0.783 | 0.344 | 15.80% |
| Batter Splits | BAL BvP | BAL vs L | Batter Splits | MIN BvP | MIN vs R | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Ubaldo Jimenez : FD: $8,400 — DK: $8,300
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 219.2 — SIERA: 4.09 — K%: 22.1% — BB%: 11.2% — FB Rate: 32.9% — HR/FB: 10.9%
Last 30 Days: IP: 36.2 — SIERA: 3.53 — K%: 24.2% — BB%: 8.3% — FB Rate: 30.1% — HR/FB: 9.7%
Minnesota Twins Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.298 (Rank: 23) — Strikeout Rate: 20.0% (Rank: 20)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.313 (Rank: 12) — Strikeout Rate: 19.4% (Rank: 13)
Pitchers per PA: 3.78 (Rank: 18)
Analysis: Jimenez has pitched well in his recent starts, posting a 3.53 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 24.2% over the last month. He has slightly improved his command this season, which has led to a lower walk rate. He draws a favorable matchup today against the Twins, who are ranked 23rd in wOBA (.298) and 20th in strikeout rate (20.0%) against right-handed pitching this season. Jacob deGrom is the clear number one option in the early slate, but the argument can be made for Jimenez as the number two option.
Pitcher Rating:66.1
Tommy Milone : FD: $6,700 — DK: $6,800
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 177.2 — SIERA: 4.56 — K%: 15.0% — BB%: 7.4% — FB Rate: 39.0% — HR/FB: 10.6%
Last 30 Days: IP: 32.0 — SIERA: 3.64 — K%: 21.6% — BB%: 6.4% — FB Rate: 35.2% — HR/FB: 3.2%
Baltimore Orioles Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.315 (Rank: 10) — Strikeout Rate: 21.1% (Rank: 14)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.309 (Rank: 17) — Strikeout Rate: 23.8% (Rank: 28)
Pitchers per PA: 3.81 (Rank: 12)
Analysis: Milone has pitched well recently, posting a 3.64 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 21.6%. He draws a difficult matchup today against the Orioles though, as they are ranked tenth in wOBA (.315) and 14th in strikeout rate (21.1%) against left-handed pitching this season. Milone has never been a high-strikeout pitcher and he’s listed as a small underdog, even at home. Jimenez provides a little more upside in this matchup.
Pitcher Rating:44.5
Batter Grind Down
Baltimore
Tommy Milone has been very hittable over the last two seasons. During that stretch, he has given up a .344 wOBA to right-handed hitters. The Orioles have quite a few power right-handed bats in their lineup that are all in play against Milone.
Elite Plays:
Adam Jones : FD: $3,300 — DK: $4,400
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 226 — wOBA: 0.427 — ISO: 0.252 — wRC+: 177
Last 14 Days: PA: 42 — wOBA: 0.297 — ISO: 0.200 — wRC+: 86
Steve Pearce : FD: $2,500 — DK: $3,700
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: 2B/OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 167 — wOBA: 0.421 — ISO: 0.302 — wRC+: 173
Last 14 Days: PA: 21 — wOBA: 0.458 — ISO: 0.158 — wRC+: 198
Secondary Plays:
Manny Machado : FD: $4,200 — DK: $4,800
Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 177 — wOBA: 0.324 — ISO: 0.152 — wRC+: 105
Last 14 Days: PA: 60 — wOBA: 0.391 — ISO: 0.283 — wRC+: 152
J.J. Hardy : FD: $2,300 — DK: $3,300
Position Eligibility: FD: SS — DK: SS
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 195 — wOBA: 0.263 — ISO: 0.098 — wRC+: 63
Last 14 Days: PA: 55 — wOBA: 0.287 — ISO: 0.224 — wRC+: 79
Minnesota
The Twins draw a mediocre matchup against Ubaldo Jimenez. He’s not a pitcher that we have to avoid taking hitters against, but he’s not one that we want to heavily target hitters against either. Miguel Sano remains an elite play at his price point, while the other Twins’ bats are secondary options in the early slate.
Elite Plays:
Miguel Sano : FD: $2,400 — DK: $3,800
Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 9 — wOBA: 0.435 — ISO: 0.111 — wRC+: 184
Last 14 Days: PA: 24 — wOBA: 0.528 — ISO: 0.250 — wRC+: 249
Secondary Plays:
Brian Dozier : FD: $3,800 — DK: $4,900
Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 2B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 751 — wOBA: 0.341 — ISO: 0.191 — wRC+: 118
Last 14 Days: PA: 59 — wOBA: 0.344 — ISO: 0.241 — wRC+: 120
Eddie Rosario : FD: $2,600 — DK: $3,000
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 132 — wOBA: 0.316 — ISO: 0.157 — wRC+: 101
Last 14 Days: PA: 49 — wOBA: 0.243 — ISO: 0.044 — wRC+: 50
Joe Mauer : FD: $2,400 — DK: $3,700
Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 552 — wOBA: 0.323 — ISO: 0.112 — wRC+: 106
Last 14 Days: PA: 53 — wOBA: 0.376 — ISO: 0.083 — wRC+: 143
Atlanta at Milwaukee – 2:10 PM EST
| Atlanta | Milwaukee | ||||||||
 | Julio Teheran |  | Mike Fiers | ||||||
| RIGHT | RIGHT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| MIL (-159) | 7.5 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.258 | 0.749 | 0.328 | 17.9% | SP vs. Left | 0.236 | 0.684 | 0.299 | 24.00% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.225 | 0.630 | 0.280 | 22.1% | SP vs. Right | 0.224 | 0.651 | 0.286 | 26.00% |
| Batter Splits | ATL vs R | Batter Splits | MIL BvP | MIL vs R | |||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Julio Teheran : FD: $8,200 — DK: $8,500
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 322.2 — SIERA: 3.87 — K%: 20.0% — BB%: 6.6% — FB Rate: 40.6% — HR/FB: 9.5%
Last 30 Days: IP: 40.2 — SIERA: 4.03 — K%: 17.5% — BB%: 6.0% — FB Rate: 31.1% — HR/FB: 5.3%
Milwaukee Brewers Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.311 (Rank: 16) — Strikeout Rate: 20.1% (Rank: 21)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.364 (Rank: 2) — Strikeout Rate: 14.8% (Rank: 1)
Pitchers per PA: 3.71 (Rank: 27)
Analysis: Teheran is coming off of a strong outing against the Phillies, but that game was played at Turner Field. He has some glaring home/road splits in his career. He should be avoided today against the Brewers, who just so happen to be one of the hottest offenses in all of baseball. Over the last 14 days, Milwaukee is ranked second in wOBA (.364) and first in strikeout rate (14.8%).
Pitcher Rating:51.5
Mike Fiers : FD: $7,700 — DK: $9,100
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 165.2 — SIERA: 3.41 — K%: 25.0% — BB%: 7.6% — FB Rate: 42.7% — HR/FB: 8.9%
Last 30 Days: IP: 36.1 — SIERA: 4.70 — K%: 17.3% — BB%: 10.7% — FB Rate: 39.8% — HR/FB: 7.0%
Atlanta Braves Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.309 (Rank: 18) — Strikeout Rate: 17.0% (Rank: 3)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.286 (Rank: 23) — Strikeout Rate: 18.8% (Rank: 9)
Pitchers per PA: 3.78 (Rank: 16)
Analysis: Fiers has not pitched well over the last month of play, posting a 4.70 SIERA with an uncharacteristically low strikeout rate of 17.3%. He is walking more batters while striking out fewer, which is not a great combination for a pitcher. However, he does draws an intriguing matchup against a depleted Braves’ offense. Atlanta is ranked 23rd in wOBA (.286) over the last 14 days and Fiers is a sizable favorite in a game that features a low run total.
Pitcher Rating:68.9
Batter Grind Down
Atlanta
The Braves have managed to score runs in this series without Freddie Freeman, but they are still an offense that lacks power. They draw a decent matchup against the struggling Mike Fiers, who has given up a much higher wOBA to left-handed hitters this season. Kelly Johnson, and Nick Markakis are viable secondary options.
Elite Plays:
NONE
Secondary Plays:
Kelly Johnson : FD: $2,500 — DK: $2,900
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: 3B/OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 395 — wOBA: 0.302 — ISO: 0.147 — wRC+: 90
Last 14 Days: PA: 39 — wOBA: 0.328 — ISO: 0.088 — wRC+: 109
Nick Markakis : FD: $2,300 — DK: $3,400
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 764 — wOBA: 0.339 — ISO: 0.112 — wRC+: 116
Last 14 Days: PA: 54 — wOBA: 0.301 — ISO: 0.060 — wRC+: 90
Milwaukee
The Brewers have been red-hot over the last couple of weeks. They should be able to keep it going today against a pitcher that has not fared well on the road in his career. Teheran has given up a higher wOBA to left-handed hitters, but the right-handed bats in this lineup are also in play.
Elite Plays:
Adam Lind : FD: $4,100 — DK: $4,300
Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 537 — wOBA: 0.403 — ISO: 0.204 — wRC+: 158
Last 14 Days: PA: 59 — wOBA: 0.505 — ISO: 0.347 — wRC+: 227
Gerardo Parra : FD: $3,400 — DK: $3,600
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 693 — wOBA: 0.323 — ISO: 0.136 — wRC+: 101
Last 14 Days: PA: 60 — wOBA: 0.475 — ISO: 0.308 — wRC+: 206
Secondary Plays:
Jonathan Lucroy : FD: $3,200 — DK: $3,700
Position Eligibility: FD: C — DK: C
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 650 — wOBA: 0.356 — ISO: 0.145 — wRC+: 124
Last 14 Days: PA: 59 — wOBA: 0.384 — ISO: 0.120 — wRC+: 144
Scooter Gennett : FD: $3,100 — DK: $3,400
Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 2B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 558 — wOBA: 0.335 — ISO: 0.158 — wRC+: 110
Last 14 Days: PA: 51 — wOBA: 0.398 — ISO: 0.250 — wRC+: 154
Detroit at Seattle – 3:40 PM EST
| Detroit | Seattle | ||||||||
 | Anibal Sanchez |  | J.A. Happ | ||||||
| RIGHT | LEFT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| SEA (-114) | 7.5 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.213 | 0.603 | 0.267 | 22.4% | SP vs. Left | 0.273 | 0.807 | 0.352 | 25.00% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.246 | 0.000 | 0.309 | 18.7% | SP vs. Right | 0.262 | 0.736 | 0.322 | 17.70% |
| Batter Splits | DET BvP | DET vs L | Batter Splits | SEA BvP | SEA vs R | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Anibal Sanchez : FD: $8,700 — DK: $9,500
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 238.1 — SIERA: 3.67 — K%: 20.8% — BB%: 6.4% — FB Rate: 36.3% — HR/FB: 8.8%
Last 30 Days: IP: 38.0 — SIERA: 3.46 — K%: 21.5% — BB%: 6.3% — FB Rate: 32.0% — HR/FB: 15.2%
Seattle Mariners Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.291 (Rank: 26) — Strikeout Rate: 22.3% (Rank: 27)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.288 (Rank: 22) — Strikeout Rate: 18.8% (Rank: 9)
Pitchers per PA: 3.89 (Rank: 6)
Analysis: Sanchez has given up at least three earned runs in four of his last six starts, but his peripheral statistics suggest that he is slowly rounding into form. Over the last month of play, he has a 3.46 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 21.5%. He draws a favorable matchup against the Mariners, who are ranked 26th in wOBA (.291) and 27th in strikeout rate (22.3%) against right-handed pitching. Sanchez should also have the splits in his favor, as he is one of the best righties at holding left-handed hitters in check (.267 wOBA).
Pitcher Rating:61.5
J.A. Happ : FD: $6,600 — DK: $7,200
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 249.2 — SIERA: 3.92 — K%: 19.4% — BB%: 6.9% — FB Rate: 37.4% — HR/FB: 10.4%
Last 30 Days: IP: 33.1 — SIERA: 3.65 — K%: 20.6% — BB%: 6.4% — FB Rate: 32.0% — HR/FB: 6.1%
Detroit Tigers Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.344 (Rank: 2) — Strikeout Rate: 22.8% (Rank: 22)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.376 (Rank: 1) — Strikeout Rate: 19.3% (Rank: 12)
Pitchers per PA: 3.83 (Rank: 11)
Analysis: Happ has been a good starter for the Mariners, but he runs into the buzz saw that is the Tigers’ offense. I took my chances with Taijuan Walker last night and unfortunately, the Tigers had other plans. Detroit is ranked first in wOBA (.376) over the last 14 days and they have the second-highest wOBA (.344) of any team against left-handed pitching this season. Happ is not on my radar in the early set of games.
Pitcher Rating:55.8
Batter Grind Down
Detroit
As mentioned above, the Tigers hit left-handed pitching well and they are coming into tonight’s game in great form. They draw a favorable matchup against J.A. Happ, who has given up a .322 wOBA to left and right-handed hitters. Happ is a fly-ball pitcher, which could mean bombs away for this Tigers’ offense.
Elite Plays:
J.D. Martinez : FD: $4,600 — DK: $4,800
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 199 — wOBA: 0.401 — ISO: 0.299 — wRC+: 159
Last 14 Days: PA: 52 — wOBA: 0.562 — ISO: 0.531 — wRC+: 271
Rajai Davis : FD: $2,700 — DK: $3,600
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 230 — wOBA: 0.399 — ISO: 0.205 — wRC+: 158
Last 14 Days: PA: 27 — wOBA: 0.301 — ISO: 0.185 — wRC+: 89
Secondary Plays:
Victor Martinez : FD: $3,600 — DK: $3,900
Position Eligibility: FD: C — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 205 — wOBA: 0.467 — ISO: 0.283 — wRC+: 205
Last 14 Days: PA: 58 — wOBA: 0.387 — ISO: 0.164 — wRC+: 149
Yoenis Cespedes : FD: $3,500 — DK: $4,100
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 224 — wOBA: 0.283 — ISO: 0.196 — wRC+: 79
Last 14 Days: PA: 55 — wOBA: 0.278 — ISO: 0.218 — wRC+: 73
Nick Castellanos : FD: $2,600 — DK: $3,300
Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 221 — wOBA: 0.311 — ISO: 0.114 — wRC+: 96
Last 14 Days: PA: 50 — wOBA: 0.424 — ISO: 0.208 — wRC+: 175
Seattle
The Mariners draw a difficult matchup today against Anibal Sanchez, who is extremely tough on left-handed hitters. Sanchez has had trouble keeping it in the park this season though, which brings the discounted Nelson Cruz into play. Austin Jackson and Robinson Cano are secondary options.
Elite Plays:
Nelson Cruz : FD: $3,200 — DK: $4,600
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 780 — wOBA: 0.357 — ISO: 0.236 — wRC+: 130
Last 14 Days: PA: 50 — wOBA: 0.344 — ISO: 0.229 — wRC+: 124
Secondary Plays:
Austin Jackson : FD: $2,300 — DK: $3,500
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 653 — wOBA: 0.274 — ISO: 0.088 — wRC+: 73
Last 14 Days: PA: 45 — wOBA: 0.288 — ISO: 0.098 — wRC+: 85
Robinson Cano : FD: $2,900 — DK: $3,600
Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 2B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 659 — wOBA: 0.353 — ISO: 0.154 — wRC+: 131
Last 14 Days: PA: 51 — wOBA: 0.370 — ISO: 0.229 — wRC+: 142
NY Mets at San Francisco – 3:45 PM EST
| NY Mets | San Francisco | ||||||||
 | Jacob Degrom |  | Jake Peavy | ||||||
| RIGHT | RIGHT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| NYM (-105) | 6.5 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.232 | 0.634 | 0.284 | 23.8% | SP vs. Left | 0.243 | 0.764 | 0.333 | 17.60% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.206 | 0.546 | 0.242 | 26.2% | SP vs. Right | 0.262 | 0.729 | 0.322 | 19.30% |
| Batter Splits | NYM BvP | NYM vs R | Batter Splits | SFG BvP | SF vs R | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Jacob deGrom : FD: $10,800 — DK: $10,700
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 246.0 — SIERA: 3.16 — K%: 25.1% — BB%: 6.4% — FB Rate: 33.3% — HR/FB: 7.0%
Last 30 Days: IP: 34.2 — SIERA: 3.41 — K%: 22.8% — BB%: 5.2% — FB Rate: 41.9% — HR/FB: 5.1%
San Francisco Giants Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.323 (Rank: 7) — Strikeout Rate: 17.8% (Rank: 5)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.311 (Rank: 15) — Strikeout Rate: 21.6% (Rank: 21)
Pitchers per PA: 3.72 (Rank: 25)
Analysis: deGrom is looking to bounce back after a poor performance against the Cubs. They were able to foul a ton of pitches off and then they had a few big hits along the way. deGrom may not have his usual strikeout potential against the Giants, but he is still the top-ranked pitcher in the early slate of games.
Pitcher Rating:76.9
Jake Peavy : FD: $6,600 — DK: $8,100
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 216.2 — SIERA: 4.17 — K%: 18.5% — BB%: 7.8% — FB Rate: 42.3% — HR/FB: 9.1%
Last 30 Days: IP: 6.1 — SIERA: 6.15 — K%: 16.0% — BB%: 16.0% — FB Rate: 64.7% — HR/FB: 9.1%
New York Mets Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.286 (Rank: 29) — Strikeout Rate: 20.5% (Rank: 22)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.252 (Rank: 30) — Strikeout Rate: 21.6% (Rank: 21)
Pitchers per PA: 3.85 (Rank: 9)
Analysis: Peavy gave up two earned runs while striking out four batters in just over six innings of work in his first start back from injury. He threw 94 pitches in that outing, so a pitch count is not a concern heading into today’s start. He draws a favorable matchup against the Mets, who are ranked 29th in wOBA (.286) and 22nd in strikeout rate (20.5%) against right-handed pitching. He’s playable in this favorable matchup, but I may wait another start or two before targeting him in daily leagues.
Pitcher Rating:50.5
Batter Grind Down
NY Mets
The Mets’ offense is uninspiring to say the least. They are one of the worst hitting teams against right-handed pitching and they strike out at a very high rate. They draw a decent matchup against Jake Peavy, but they are secondary options at best.
Elite Plays:
NONE
Secondary Plays:
Curtis Granderson : FD: $3,200 — DK: $3,500
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 760 — wOBA: 0.339 — ISO: 0.174 — wRC+: 120
Last 14 Days: PA: 62 — wOBA: 0.412 — ISO: 0.278 — wRC+: 171
Daniel Murphy : FD: $2,900 — DK: $3,300
Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 2B/3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 666 — wOBA: 0.332 — ISO: 0.130 — wRC+: 116
Last 14 Days: PA: 35 — wOBA: 0.252 — ISO: 0.061 — wRC+: 60
San Francisco
The Giants draw an extremely difficult matchup against Jacob deGrom, who has held left and right-handed hitters under a .285 wOBA over the last two seasons. They can safely be avoided in all league formats.
Elite Plays:
NONE
Secondary Plays:
NONE
Cincinnati at Washington – 7:05 PM EST
Editor’s Note: This game has been postponed due to rain.
| Cincinnati | Washington | ||||||||
 | Michael Lorenzen |  | Gio Gonzalez | ||||||
| RIGHT | LEFT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| WAS (-165) | 7.5 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.298 | 0.964 | 0.413 | 15.5% | SP vs. Left | 0.233 | 0.635 | 0.283 | 22.10% |
| SP vs. Right | 0.219 | 0.709 | 0.309 | 14.5% | SP vs. Right | 0.247 | 0.698 | 0.310 | 23.60% |
| Batter Splits | CIN BvP | CIN vs L | Batter Splits | WAS BvP | WAS vs R | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Michael Lorenzen : FD: $5,300 — DK: $4,800
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 65.1 — SIERA: 5.21 — K%: 14.9% — BB%: 12.4% — FB Rate: 33.5% — HR/FB: 17.9%
Last 30 Days: IP: 33.0 — SIERA: 4.83 — K%: 16.3% — BB%: 10.9% — FB Rate: 35.6% — HR/FB: 18.9%
Washington Nationals Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.317 (Rank: 13) — Strikeout Rate: 20.6% (Rank: 23)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.305 (Rank: 20) — Strikeout Rate: 20.7% (Rank: 20)
Pitchers per PA: 3.73 (Rank: 24)
Analysis: Lorenzen is not a pitcher that we should be targeting in our daily fantasy leagues. He has an above-average SIERA with a below-average strikeout rate. He does get to face a depleted Nationals’ offense, but that’s not enough to warrant fantasy consideration. He should be avoided in all league formats.
Pitcher Rating:38.1
Gio Gonzalez : FD: $9,400 — DK: $8,700
Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 247.1 — SIERA: 3.54 — K%: 23.2% — BB%: 8.6% — FB Rate: 31.0% — HR/FB: 6.7%
Last 30 Days: IP: 23.2 — SIERA: 4.08 — K%: 16.0% — BB%: 8.0% — FB Rate: 27.4% — HR/FB: 5.0%
Cincinnati Reds Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.319 (Rank: 7) — Strikeout Rate: 20.4% (Rank: 11)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.308 (Rank: 19) — Strikeout Rate: 16.0% (Rank: 2)
Pitchers per PA: 3.73 (Rank: 23)
Analysis: Gonzalez hasn’t been very sharp recently, posting a 4.08 SIERA with a low strikeout rate of 16.0% over the last month of play. Even though he is a sizable favorite tonight, we typically don’t like to target pitchers that are in bad form. The matchup is also less than ideal, as the Reds are ranked seventh in wOBA (.319) and 11th in strikeout rate (20.4%) against left-handed pitching this season. Gonzalez is in play, but he’s not a top-three pitching option tonight.
Pitcher Rating:69.5
Batter Grind Down
Cincinnati
Since the start of the 2014 season, Gio Gonzalez has held left and right-handed hitters under a .315 wOBA. The Reds have one of the lowest team totals on the board, which takes them out of the elite play consideration. Todd Frazier and Ivan De Jesus are both secondary options.
Elite Plays:
NONE
Secondary Plays:
Todd Frazier : FD: $4,000 — DK: $4,300
Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 1B/3B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 232 — wOBA: 0.368 — ISO: 0.250 — wRC+: 134
Last 14 Days: PA: 61 — wOBA: 0.272 — ISO: 0.169 — wRC+: 69
Ivan De Jesus : FD: $2,400 — DK: $2,400
Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 2B/SS
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 20 — wOBA: 0.212 — ISO: 0.200 — wRC+: 27
Last 14 Days: PA: 34 — wOBA: 0.362 — ISO: 0.133 — wRC+: 130
Washington
The Nationals draw a favorable matchup against Michael Lorenzen. His biggest weakness this season has been left-handed hitters. He has given up a .413 wOBA to batters that hit from the left side of the plate. Bryce Harper is an elite play tonight, while Danny Espinosa and Clint Robinson are also worth a look.
Elite Plays:
Bryce Harper : FD: $4,900 — DK: $5,800
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 509 — wOBA: 0.409 — ISO: 0.251 — wRC+: 164
Last 14 Days: PA: 44 — wOBA: 0.476 — ISO: 0.257 — wRC+: 210
Secondary Plays:
Danny Espinosa : FD: $2,600 — DK: $3,900
Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 2B/3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 457 — wOBA: 0.271 — ISO: 0.136 — wRC+: 69
Last 14 Days: PA: 54 — wOBA: 0.282 — ISO: 0.133 — wRC+: 76
Clint Robinson : FD: $2,500 — DK: $2,900
Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 139 — wOBA: 0.335 — ISO: 0.159 — wRC+: 112
Last 14 Days: PA: 48 — wOBA: 0.331 — ISO: 0.175 — wRC+: 110