It’s a full slate today. Judging by the average pitcher cost on draftkings.com, there should be a fair amount of runs scored today. Between the daytime and nighttime slates, I counted six pitchers that are priced below $5,000.
You could theoretically throw out several different starting lineups where the average position player costs more than the average pitcher. I’m not suggesting this, I’m just saying it’s a possibility.
Because of the high number of inexpensive pitchers, I broke this article down into three categories: pricey but effective, mid-level hurlers and cheap gambles.
Enjoy!
Pricey but Effective
Clayton Kershaw ($12,300) at Miami
According to ESPN.com’s batter vs. pitching data, the Marlins have reached base just 25 percent of the time against the reigning Cy Young Award winner. He’s also struck out 23 men in just 103 plate appearances.
Despite his lofty 3.33 ERA and brutal 5-5 record, Kershaw is still in the conversation for best pitcher in the world. Per draftkings.com, Kershaw hasn’t dropped below 23 fantasy points per game in his past six starts.
Tonight, the league leader in strikeouts takes his talents to South Beach. Thus far this season, per ESPN’s “park factor” data, Marlins Park is the seventh-most pitcher-friendly park in the league.
With so many inexpensive options, I’ll be filling out one pitcher spot with the most reliable ace from the past five seasons.
Mid-Level Hurlers
Chris Young ($5,300) at Oakland
Young is really cheap for someone with, per DraftKings, a 2.83 ERA and 1.01 WHIP. It might have something to do with his disastrous last start (4.2 innings pitched, seven earned runs.)
Part of the reason Young’s season ERA is so low is that he’s backed by a speedy Kansas City defense. They should travel well to O.co Coliseum in Oakland. It’s a big, relatively pitcher-friendly yard with a ton of foul territory.
Cheap Gambles
Speed round!
Adam Morgan ($4,600) vs. Washington
Morgan dazzled in his first start. The kid tossed 5.2 innings of one-run ball. He struck out six and scored 22 fantasy points.
Matt Andriese ($4,400) vs. Boston
Andriese has never pitched against the BoSox. Hopefully it takes them at least one time through the order to adapt to his stuff.
Chris Rusin ($4,300) at San Francisco
Until the past few games, the Giants had been struggling mightily to put up runs at home. They’re without Hunter Pence and Nori Aoki. Rusin is dirt-cheap and is moving from the worst pitcher’s park to the best. If you’re ever going to gamble on a Colorado starter, this is the time.
Kyle Ryan ($4,100) vs. Chicago White Sox
The White Sox can’t hit, and the Tigers can. If Ryan lasts five innings, he should be a lock for that four-point win bonus.
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