MLB Grind Down: Wednesday, September 9th

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.

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Chicago Cubs at St. Louis – 1:45 PM EST

Chicago Cubs St. Louis
cubsmlb Jon Lester stlouismlb Carlos Martinez
LEFT RIGHT
Vegas Moneyline Vegas Over/Under
STL (-125) 7.0
Stats Avg OPS wOBA K% Stats Avg OPS wOBA K%
SP vs. Left 0.257 0.698 0.307 26.0% SP vs. Left 0.270 0.802 0.346 17.70%
SP vs. Right 0.235 0.652 0.287 24.2% SP vs. Right 0.235 0.616 0.275 27.80%
Batter Splits CHC BvP CHC vs R Batter Splits STL BvP STL vs L
Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window

Pitcher Grind Down

Jon Lester : FD: $10,400 — DK: $10,600

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 387.2 — SIERA: 3.18 — ERA: 2.95 — K%: 24.6% — BB%: 5.7% — HR/9: 0.7
Last 30 Days: IP: 28.1 — SIERA: 3.41 — ERA: 5.40 — K%: 24.0% — BB%: 6.4% — HR/9: 1.0

St. Louis Cardinals Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.296 (Rank: 23) — Strikeout Rate: 22.6% (Rank: 24)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.330 (Rank: 12) — Strikeout Rate: 18.9% (Rank: 14)
Pitches per PA: 3.81 (Rank: 16)

Analysis: Lester has a 5.40 ERA over the last month of play, but his SIERA of 3.41 tells another story. His strikeout rate has been consistent throughout the season and he draws a favorable matchup the Cardinals, who are ranked 23rd in team wOBA and 24th in strikeout rate against left-handed pitching this season. Lester is a small underdog today on the road, but he provides good upside at his price point and elite pitching options are scarce this evening.

Pitcher Rating: 84.4


Carlos Martinez : FD: $9,400 — DK: $10,300

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 249.0 — SIERA: 3.45 — ERA: 3.40 — K%: 23.2% — BB%: 8.8% — HR/9: 0.6
Last 30 Days: IP: 30.1 — SIERA: 3.01 — ERA: 5.04 — K%: 23.1% — BB%: 4.6% — HR/9: 0.3

Chicago Cubs Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.314 (Rank: 15) — Strikeout Rate: 24.0% (Rank: 29)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.319 (Rank: 16) — Strikeout Rate: 29.6% (Rank: 30)
Pitches per PA: 4.00 (Rank: 1)

Analysis: Martinez is similar to Jon Lester in that he has been pitching better than his recent ERA would suggest. Over the last month of play, he has a 3.01 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 23.1%. He draws a favorable matchup against the Cubs on paper, but Chicago has made quick work of the Cardinals’ pitching staff in this series. However, Vegas likes Martinez and the Cardinals and his price point is more than reasonable.

Pitcher Rating: 86.5

Batter Grind Down

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs’ offense has been terrific in this series, but they draw a difficult matchup today against Carlos Martinez. The one plus is that Martinez has given up a .346 wOBA to left-handed hitters over the last two seasons.

Elite Plays:

NONE

Secondary Plays:

Anthony Rizzo : FD: $4,200 — DK: $4,700

Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 863 — wOBA: 0.390 — ISO: 0.260 — wRC+: 149
Last 30 Days: PA: 113 — wOBA: 0.367 — ISO: 0.268 — wRC+: 132

Chris Coghlan : FD: $3,100 — DK: $3,100

Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 2B/OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 714 — wOBA: 0.357 — ISO: 0.198 — wRC+: 126
Last 30 Days: PA: 83 — wOBA: 0.362 — ISO: 0.260 — wRC+: 129


St. Louis

The Cardinals are one of the worst hitting teams in baseball against left-handed pitching and they draw a difficult matchup today against Jon Lester, who has been tough on both left and right-handed hitters. Jhonny Peralta is a viable punt option at shortstop, but the rest of the Cardinals can safely be avoided in all league formats.

Elite Plays:

NONE

Secondary Plays:

Jhonny Peralta : FD: $2,200 — DK: $3,100

Position Eligibility: FD: SS — DK: SS
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 295 — wOBA: 0.359 — ISO: 0.222 — wRC+: 130
Last 30 Days: PA: 107 — wOBA: 0.283 — ISO: 0.032 — wRC+: 78


Atlanta at Philadelphia – 7:05 PM EST

Atlanta Philadelphia
atlantamlb Julio Teheran philadelphiamlb David Buchanan
RIGHT RIGHT
Vegas Moneyline Vegas Over/Under
ATL (-125) 8.5
Stats Avg OPS wOBA K% Stats Avg OPS wOBA K%
SP vs. Left 0.264 0.784 0.342 17.6% SP vs. Left 0.263 0.732 0.325 11.00%
SP vs. Right 0.215 0.602 0.267 23.7% SP vs. Right 0.308 0.870 0.377 14.90%
Batter Splits ATL BvP ATL vs R Batter Splits PHI BvP PHI vs R
Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window

Pitcher Grind Down

Julio Teheran : FD: $8,000 — DK: $8,500

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 388.2 — SIERA: 3.90 — ERA: 3.59 — K%: 20.6% — BB%: 7.0% — HR/9: 1.1
Last 30 Days: IP: 29.2 — SIERA: 4.11 — ERA: 4.25 — K%: 22.0% — BB%: 8.9% — HR/9: 2.1

Philadelphia Phillies Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.298 (Rank: 28) — Strikeout Rate: 20.2% (Rank: 18)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.306 (Rank: 24) — Strikeout Rate: 25.5% (Rank: 27)
Pitches per PA: 3.73 (Rank: 27)

Analysis: Teheran has vastly different numbers on the road than he does at home. While the matchup against the Phillies is a favorable one, I have a hard time trusting a pitcher who continuously struggles on the road. The Phillies’ lineup is also one that can take advantage of Teheran’s splits, as he has given up a .342 wOBA to left-handed hitters over the last two seasons.

Pitcher Rating: 68.3


David Buchanan : FD: $4,300 — DK: $5,100

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 166.2 — SIERA: 4.56 — ERA: 5.29 — K%: 13.1% — BB%: 7.2% — HR/9: 1.0
Last 30 Days: IP: 1.2 — SIERA: 6.95 — ERA: 59.40 — K%: 5.6% — BB%: 11.1% — HR/9: 10.8

Atlanta Braves Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.297 (Rank: 29) — Strikeout Rate: 17.7% (Rank: 3)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.285 (Rank: 29) — Strikeout Rate: 20.2% (Rank: 18)
Pitches per PA: 3.79 (Rank: 21)

Analysis: Buchanan is a below-average major league starter. Since the start of last season, he owns a 4.56 SIERA with a low strikeout rate of 13.1%. While he does draw a favorable matchup against the Braves, he is a small underdog tonight at home, which is very telling. He can safely be avoided in all league formats tonight.

Pitcher Rating: 33.6

Batter Grind Down

Atlanta

The Braves draw a favorable matchup tonight against David Buchanan, who has given up a .325+ wOBA to both left and right-handed hitters. Freddie Freeman and Hector Olivera are both elite options at their respective positions, while A.J. Pierzynski and Nick Swisher provide good value.

Elite Plays:

Freddie Freeman : FD: $3,700 — DK: $4,700

Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 786 — wOBA: 0.389 — ISO: 0.204 — wRC+: 150
Last 30 Days: PA: 85 — wOBA: 0.376 — ISO: 0.138 — wRC+: 140

Hector Olivera : FD: $2,500 — DK: $2,000

Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 2B/3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 8 — wOBA: 0.196 — ISO: 0.000 — wRC+: 17
Last 30 Days: PA: 25 — wOBA: 0.294 — ISO: 0.174 — wRC+: 83

Secondary Plays:

A.J. Pierzynski : FD: $2,500 — DK: $3,500

Position Eligibility: FD: C — DK: C
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 559 — wOBA: 0.322 — ISO: 0.124 — wRC+: 103
Last 30 Days: PA: 71 — wOBA: 0.288 — ISO: 0.045 — wRC+: 79

Nick Swisher : FD: $2,400 — DK: $2,900

Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B/OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 403 — wOBA: 0.297 — ISO: 0.143 — wRC+: 88
Last 30 Days: PA: 80 — wOBA: 0.379 — ISO: 0.177 — wRC+: 141


Philadelphia

The Phillies may not have the most potent offense in baseball, but they have been a great source of value over the last month of play. The left-handed hitters have the edge in this matchup, as Julio Teheran has given up a .342 wOBA to hitters from that side of the plate.

Elite Plays:

Cesar Hernandez : FD: $2,600 — DK: $2,900

Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 2B/SS
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 392 — wOBA: 0.282 — ISO: 0.069 — wRC+: 75
Last 30 Days: PA: 117 — wOBA: 0.267 — ISO: 0.047 — wRC+: 64

Secondary Plays:

Odubel Herrera : FD: $3,100 — DK: $3,200

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: 2B/OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 338 — wOBA: 0.336 — ISO: 0.135 — wRC+: 112
Last 30 Days: PA: 108 — wOBA: 0.363 — ISO: 0.101 — wRC+: 130

Andres Blanco : FD: $3,500 — DK: $2,100

Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B/SS
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 141 — wOBA: 0.358 — ISO: 0.224 — wRC+: 127
Last 30 Days: PA: 81 — wOBA: 0.410 — ISO: 0.233 — wRC+: 162


Baltimore at NY Yankees – 7:05 PM EST

Baltimore NY Yankees
baltimoremlb Ubaldo Jimenez nyyankeesmlb CC Sabathia
RIGHT LEFT
Vegas Moneyline Vegas Over/Under
NYY (-133) 8.5
Stats Avg OPS wOBA K% Stats Avg OPS wOBA K%
SP vs. Left 0.242 0.757 0.337 20.7% SP vs. Left 0.175 0.515 0.229 29.50%
SP vs. Right 0.264 0.726 0.322 21.2% SP vs. Right 0.319 0.910 0.391 17.70%
Batter Splits BAL BvP BAL vs L Batter Splits NYY BvP NYY vs R
Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window

Pitcher Grind Down

Ubaldo Jimenez : FD: $7,900 — DK: $7,500

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 278.1 — SIERA: 4.24 — ERA: 4.49 — K%: 20.9% — BB%: 11.0% — HR/9: 1.0
Last 30 Days: IP: 35.0 — SIERA: 4.43 — ERA: 4.89 — K%: 18.2% — BB%: 11.0% — HR/9: 1.0

New York Yankees Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.323 (Rank: 3) — Strikeout Rate: 19.6% (Rank: 13)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.345 (Rank: 9) — Strikeout Rate: 21.0% (Rank: 23)
Pitches per PA: 3.89 (Rank: 4)

Analysis: Jimenez comes into tonight’s start in less than stellar form, posting a 4.43 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 18.2% and a walk rate of 11.0%. He draws one of the worst matchups on the schedule tonight. The Yankees are ranked third in team wOBA against right-handed pitching this season and they also average the fourth-most pitches per plate appearance.

Pitcher Rating: 53.1


CC Sabathia : FD: $7,200 — DK: $5,800

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 184.1 — SIERA: 3.75 — ERA: 5.27 — K%: 19.8% — BB%: 5.8% — HR/9: 1.8
Last 30 Days: IP: 15.1 — SIERA: 5.89 — ERA: 4.70 — K%: 11.8% — BB%: 13.2% — HR/9: 1.2

Baltimore Orioles Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.295 (Rank: 24) — Strikeout Rate: 22.6% (Rank: 24)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.285 (Rank: 29) — Strikeout Rate: 25.6% (Rank: 28)
Pitches per PA: 3.81 (Rank: 17)

Analysis: Sabathia will be making his first start in a couple of weeks, after being place on the DL with a knee injury. He had not pitched well prior to the injury and while he draws a favorable matchup against the Orioles on paper, he is not a recommended fantasy option. The Orioles have some talented right-handed hitters in their lineup and Sabathia has to face them in the hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium.

Pitcher Rating: 62.7

Batter Grind Down

Baltimore

The Orioles draw a favorable matchup tonight against CC Sabathia, who has given up a .391 wOBA to right-handed hitters over the last two seasons. All of the right-handed bats in this lineup are in play. Adam Jones is included in that, but he has been dealing with a shoulder injury.

Elite Plays:

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

Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 240 — wOBA: 0.307 — ISO: 0.137 — wRC+: 93
Last 30 Days: PA: 129 — wOBA: 0.311 — ISO: 0.137 — wRC+: 95

Matt Wieters : FD: $2,400 — DK: $2,700

Position Eligibility: FD: C — DK: C
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 87 — wOBA: 0.340 — ISO: 0.217 — wRC+: 115
Last 30 Days: PA: 67 — wOBA: 0.282 — ISO: 0.066 — wRC+: 74

Secondary Plays:

Jonathan Schoop : FD: $2,500 — DK: $3,800

Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 2B/3B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 216 — wOBA: 0.240 — ISO: 0.090 — wRC+: 47
Last 30 Days: PA: 115 — wOBA: 0.305 — ISO: 0.173 — wRC+: 91

Nolan Reimold : FD: $2,500 — DK: $2,000

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 95 — wOBA: 0.347 — ISO: 0.181 — wRC+: 120
Last 30 Days: PA: 26 — wOBA: 0.329 — ISO: 0.130 — wRC+: 107

Jimmy Paredes : FD: $2,300 — DK: $3,400

Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 1B/2B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 68 — wOBA: 0.310 — ISO: 0.123 — wRC+: 95
Last 30 Days: PA: 33 — wOBA: 0.251 — ISO: 0.065 — wRC+: 53


NY Yankees

The Yankees draw a favorable matchup tonight against Ubaldo Jimenez, who has given up a .322+ wOBA to both left and right-handed hitters over the last two seasons. Brian McCann is an elite catching option, as he has been red-hot over the last month of play, posting a .401 wOBA and a .333 ISO.

Elite Plays:

Brian McCann : FD: $4,500 — DK: $5,000

Position Eligibility: FD: C — DK: C
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 733 — wOBA: 0.312 — ISO: 0.191 — wRC+: 97
Last 30 Days: PA: 90 — wOBA: 0.401 — ISO: 0.333 — wRC+: 158

Secondary Plays:

Alex Rodriguez : FD: $3,500 — DK: $4,600

Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 370 — wOBA: 0.344 — ISO: 0.207 — wRC+: 118
Last 30 Days: PA: 95 — wOBA: 0.252 — ISO: 0.186 — wRC+: 54

Jacoby Ellsbury : FD: $2,900 — DK: $4,200

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 696 — wOBA: 0.314 — ISO: 0.127 — wRC+: 99
Last 30 Days: PA: 108 — wOBA: 0.300 — ISO: 0.109 — wRC+: 88

Brett Gardner : FD: $2,900 — DK: $4,000

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 845 — wOBA: 0.338 — ISO: 0.176 — wRC+: 115
Last 30 Days: PA: 116 — wOBA: 0.259 — ISO: 0.087 — wRC+: 59


NY Mets at Washington – 7:05 PM EST

NY Mets Washington
nymetsmlb Jacob Degrom washingtonmlb Stephen Strasburg
RIGHT RIGHT
Vegas Moneyline Vegas Over/Under
WAS (-115) 7.5
Stats Avg OPS wOBA K% Stats Avg OPS wOBA K%
SP vs. Left 0.227 0.634 0.282 25.0% SP vs. Left 0.235 0.666 0.293 23.80%
SP vs. Right 0.203 0.543 0.240 26.8% SP vs. Right 0.255 0.707 0.309 29.70%
Batter Splits NYM BvP NYM vs R Batter Splits WAS BvP WAS vs R
Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window

Pitcher Grind Down

Jacob deGrom : FD: $10,900 — DK: $11,800

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 309.1 — SIERA: 3.13 — ERA: 2.53 — K%: 25.9% — BB%: 6.3% — HR/9: 0.6
Last 30 Days: IP: 29.1 — SIERA: 3.33 — ERA: 3.68 — K%: 26.2% — BB%: 7.9% — HR/9: 1.2

Washington Nationals Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.316 (Rank: 12) — Strikeout Rate: 21.4% (Rank: 23)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.386 (Rank: 1) — Strikeout Rate: 20.7% (Rank: 20)
Pitches per PA: 3.79 (Rank: 19)

Analysis: deGrom has had a couple of subpar outings recently, but his numbers over the last month of play are still elite. During that stretch, he has a 3.33 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 26.2%. While there is certainly strikeout potential in tonight’s matchup against the Nationals, they have had the best offense in baseball over the last two weeks. It’s a hard night for starting pitching, as there aren’t any clear plays at the position, but deGrom should certainly be considered one of the top options.

Pitcher Rating: 86.7


Stephen Strasburg : FD: $9,900 — DK: $10,100

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 306.0 — SIERA: 2.83 — ERA: 3.50 — K%: 27.0% — BB%: 5.1% — HR/9: 1.0
Last 30 Days: IP: 30.0 — SIERA: 2.45 — ERA: 2.70 — K%: 31.0% — BB%: 2.7% — HR/9: 1.2

New York Mets Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.306 (Rank: 23) — Strikeout Rate: 19.9% (Rank: 14)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.381 (Rank: 3) — Strikeout Rate: 15.1% (Rank: 2)
Pitches per PA: 3.87 (Rank: 8)

Analysis: Is it just me, or does Strasburg get injured every time he gives up a few runs? It’s really strange. In fact, in games that he hasn’t been injured, I don’t think he has ever given up a run. I try not to have biases in daily fantasy, but Strasburg is my arch nemesis. I will write him off, then he will start to pitch well again and I decide to give him another chance, and then boom, he gives up five earned runs in three innings and is injured. The good news is that I will not be targeting him tonight, so if you are thinking about using him, he will likely be in for a complete game shutout.

Pitcher Rating: 86.5

Batter Grind Down

NY Mets

Even though I won’t be targeting Stephen Strasburg tonight, I will have very limited exposure to the Mets’ offense. Since the start of last season, Strasburg has held both left and right-handed hitters under a .310 wOBA.

Elite Plays:

NONE

Secondary Plays:

Yoenis Cespedes : FD: $5,200 — DK: $4,800

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 935 — wOBA: 0.362 — ISO: 0.221 — wRC+: 133
Last 30 Days: PA: 128 — wOBA: 0.459 — ISO: 0.424 — wRC+: 200


Washington

The Nationals draw one of the worst matchups on the board tonight, as they square off against Jacob deGrom, who has held both left and right-handed hitters under a .285 wOBA over the last two season. Bryce Harper makes a nice contrarian play for tournaments, but the rest of the Nationals’ hitters should be avoided.

Elite Plays:

NONE

Secondary Plays:

Bryce Harper : FD: $5,000 — DK: $5,500

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 669 — wOBA: 0.420 — ISO: 0.254 — wRC+: 170
Last 30 Days: PA: 120 — wOBA: 0.443 — ISO: 0.253 — wRC+: 185


Tampa Bay at Detroit – 7:08 PM EST

Tampa Bay Detroit
tampabaymlb Jake Odorizzi detroitmlb Kyle Lobstein
RIGHT LEFT
Vegas Moneyline Vegas Over/Under
TBR (-145) 8.5
Stats Avg OPS wOBA K% Stats Avg OPS wOBA K%
SP vs. Left 0.224 0.634 0.279 27.8% SP vs. Left 0.226 0.607 0.270 19.10%
SP vs. Right 0.244 0.731 0.322 17.6% SP vs. Right 0.288 0.796 0.344 9.50%
Batter Splits TBR BvP TB vs L Batter Splits DET BvP DET vs R
Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window

Pitcher Grind Down

Jake Odorizzi : FD: $8,600 — DK: $9,100

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 307.2 — SIERA: 3.70 — ERA: 3.77 — K%: 23.2% — BB%: 7.3% — HR/9: 1.0
Last 30 Days: IP: 29.1 — SIERA: 3.36 — ERA: 5.52 — K%: 26.5% — BB%: 5.8% — HR/9: 1.2

Detroit Tigers Offense (2015)
vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.319 (Rank: 8) — Strikeout Rate: 19.9% (Rank: 14)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.291 (Rank: 28) — Strikeout Rate: 17.6% (Rank: 8)
Pitches per PA: 3.84 (Rank: 9)

Analysis: Odorizzi may have a 5.52 ERA over the last month of play, but his indicators suggest that he is slowly rounding back into form. During that stretch, he has a 3.36 SIERA with a strikeout rate of 26.5%. The issue tonight is his matchup. On the season, the Tigers are ranked eighth in team wOBA against right-handed pitching. The time to deploy Odorizzi is coming, it’s just not tonight against the Tigers in Comerica.

Pitcher Rating: 78.6


Kyle Lobstein : FD: $6,300 — DK: $4,300

Pitching Stats:
2014 – 2015: IP: 91.1 — SIERA: 4.75 — ERA: 4.73 — K%: 12.6% — BB%: 8.2% — HR/9: 0.7
Last 30 Days: IP: 4.1 — SIERA: 5.77 — ERA: 12.46 — K%: 9.1% — BB%: 9.1% — HR/9: 2.1

Tampa Bay Rays Offense (2015)
vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.331 (Rank: 5) — Strikeout Rate: 21.7% (Rank: 19)
Last 14 Days: wOBA: 0.351 (Rank: 7) — Strikeout Rate: 19.4% (Rank: 15)
Pitches per PA: 3.83 (Rank: 13)

Analysis: Lobstein has an awesome last night. I’m thinking about changing my name to Derek Lobstein. It would be a perfect nickname for basketball, as I could be the guy that lobs alley-oops all day. Anyway, the other Lobstein has been in as bad of form as you could possibly imagine. He has a 12.46 ERA over the last month of play and he draws a difficult matchup against the Rays. It should come as no surprise that he is one of the lowest rated pitchers on the board tonight.

Pitcher Rating: 30.3

Batter Grind Down

Tampa Bay

The Rays have had quite a bit of success against the left-handed pitchers of the Tigers in this series. That should continue tonight against Kyle Lobstein, who has given up a .344 wOBA to right-handed hitters over the last two seasons. The usual right-handed suspects are in play here.

Elite Plays:

Evan Longoria : FD: $3,300 — DK: $4,000

Position Eligibility: FD: 3B — DK: 3B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 312 — wOBA: 0.375 — ISO: 0.188 — wRC+: 145
Last 30 Days: PA: 116 — wOBA: 0.299 — ISO: 0.185 — wRC+: 92

Logan Forsythe : FD: $3,300 — DK: $3,700

Position Eligibility: FD: 2B — DK: 1B/2B
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 309 — wOBA: 0.368 — ISO: 0.245 — wRC+: 141
Last 30 Days: PA: 106 — wOBA: 0.359 — ISO: 0.152 — wRC+: 133

Secondary Plays:

Asdrubal Cabrera : FD: $3,400 — DK: $3,700

Position Eligibility: FD: SS — DK: SS
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 302 — wOBA: 0.312 — ISO: 0.161 — wRC+: 100
Last 30 Days: PA: 105 — wOBA: 0.363 — ISO: 0.183 — wRC+: 136

Brandon Guyer : FD: $2,400 — DK: $2,900

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 303 — wOBA: 0.356 — ISO: 0.132 — wRC+: 132
Last 30 Days: PA: 62 — wOBA: 0.388 — ISO: 0.153 — wRC+: 153

Mikie Mahtook : FD: $2,400 — DK: $2,200

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. LH Pitching: PA: 34 — wOBA: 0.390 — ISO: 0.345 — wRC+: 155
Last 30 Days: PA: 7 — wOBA: 0.529 — ISO: 0.167 — wRC+: 252


Detroit

The Tigers draw a mediocre matchup tonight against Jake Odorizzi. While they do get to face him at home, he is an above-average pitcher. Odorizzi does have reverse-splits though, so if you are targeting any hitters in this matchup, give the edge to the right-handed bats.

Elite Plays:

NONE

Secondary Plays:

Miguel Cabrera : FD: $4,300 — DK: $4,700

Position Eligibility: FD: 1B — DK: 1B/3B
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 844 — wOBA: 0.400 — ISO: 0.205 — wRC+: 159
Last 30 Days: PA: 98 — wOBA: 0.411 — ISO: 0.186 — wRC+: 164

J.D. Martinez : FD: $3,400 — DK: $4,700

Position Eligibility: FD: OF — DK: OF
2014-15 vs. RH Pitching: PA: 781 — wOBA: 0.381 — ISO: 0.242 — wRC+: 145
Last 30 Days: PA: 107 — wOBA: 0.342 — ISO: 0.229 — wRC+: 116


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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