DFS MLB Pitching Coach: June 10

When I sit down and build the spreadsheet each day, I write in the pitchers according to the schedule. I don’t look at their DFS prices, though I have a pretty good idea about most, so that I am not influenced by what the sites are saying about each guy. I fill in all the data and look at recent performances and how each guy matches up with his opponent for the day. Then I go through and I highlight which ones I like and plan to use. It is only then that I do the prices and organize my spreadsheet by cost (on FanDuel). Usually that helps me avoid preconceived notions and I’m not always smiling about the high-cost studs.

Well, today, of course, is one of those days where I do the highlights, enter the prices, organize by cost and…BAM!! Almost all of my highlighted pitchers are right there at the top. Again, just one of those days, but who can question it with some of the names from which we have to choose here. I do have a few lower-tiered guys to consider for GPP fun, though, so all is not lost.

Here’s the data and my selections…

Clayton Kershaw, LAD – He’s got a 2.40 ERA with an 11:1 K:BB over 15 innings (two starts) against the Giants this season. In his previous 14 starts against them, he’s got a 1.73 ERA with a 116:12 K:BB over 109.1 innings. Over his last eight starts at AT&T Park he has a 1.73 ERA with a 58:11 K:BB over 62.1 innings. Need I go on?

Stephen Strasburg, WAS – The Phillies rank just 28^th in the league with a .288 wOBA against right-handed pitching this season. They’re also sporting a strikeout rate close to 22-percent. He hasn’t faced them this year yet, but he does have a 1.52 ERA with a 115:13 K:BB over his last 13 starts (88.2 innings) against them.

Chris Sale, CHW – He’s faced the Royals once this year and held them to two runs in seven innings with a 7:2 K:BB, but have you seen what their bats are doing lately? We’re talking about a .222 wOBA with a 25.4-percent strikeout rate. The White Sox offense is weak too but this is downright pathetic.

Johnny Cueto, SF – Battling Kershaw means it’s tough to grab the win, but many pitchers throw at a higher level when they know they have to face him. The Dodgers have just a .305 wOBA against righties this season and their numbers both on the road and over the last seven days are hovering around there as well. What is interesting to note is that their strikeout rate does go up when they’re away from Chavez Ravine.

Jason Hammel, CHC – It’s the Braves, people. What more do I need to say?

Steven Wright, BOS – The Twins bats have woken up against some mediocre pitching as of late, but they’re still whiffing at a 24.2-percent rate over the last seven days. They’ve got just a .307 wOBA against righties this season but now have the knuckleball with which to contend. Advantage: Wright

Lance McCullers, HOU – I’m not totally in love with this match-up as the Rays have been swinging the sticks pretty well all year. However, for a GPP, I don’t think I can pass up McCullers’ 12.03 K/9 facing the Rays’ 25.1-percent strikeout rate against right-handers this year.

Ian Kennedy, KC – Wrestling away the win from Sale is going to be tough, especially with the lack of run production from the Royals lately, but the Pale Hose aren’t much better with their .279 wOBA and 22.8-percent strikeout rate over the past week.

Hector Santiago, LAA – The Indians are sitting on a .303 wOBA with a 21.2-percent strikeout rate against southpaws this season and on the road, those numbers drop to .287 and 23.6-percent. As a second pitcher on Draft Kings or Aces, I’m loving his upside here.