PITCHING
Barrios – he’s an animal at home. Over 30% k rate and a .178 average. Little bit risky, and lefties in Minnesota have been crushing so this is “safe”. But, the k upside is there, especially in the bottom half of the order. (Risk factor 6)
Snell – he’s been run through the gauntlet his last 3 starts. 2 against a hot Seattle team and one against the Yankees but he’s performed well. His strikeout rate is up on the road at 32%. Again, another risky spot on paper, with strikeout upside. (Risk factor 5)
Velasquez – We saw what Pivetta did against this team last night, why not go here again. VV has been striking out a ton at home (30%) but what had gotten him in trouble is the inability the strand runners. Over the past week St. Louis has struck out 3rd most in the league at 29.2%. Could we see another double digit strikeout game? (Risk factor 5)
Dereck Rodriguez – salary saver here as “little pudge” was great in his only home start and he just saw this lineup a few days ago. I don’t think he’ll kill you, but does have limited upside. He’s more so to fit the expensive bats tonight without taking a negative. ( Risk factor 5)
Garcia – Stricly Revenge narrative here. He’s been much better at home. 3.00 era, .232 avg and 22% k rate. (Risk factor 7)
STACKS
Philly lefties – Weaver struggles getting lefties out, especially on the road (.304 avg) 10.8% HR/FB don’t be surprised to see Cesar yoke one in his first AB. Odubel (or as Renner calls him Wills Mays Hays) is heating up as well. (Cesar Odubel Slam-tana Crawford)
Seattle – German has struggled with giving up home runs early in the game. 1st time through the order, he’s given up 5 home runs and a 7.04 era. Haniger has been punishing rhp over the past week with a .429 avg and 3 HR. Expect one to come off his bat tonight. (Haniger Seager Cruz Segura)
Texas lefty’s – Back to the disappointing well again tonight. Lefties hitting .324 off Hammel. Ball should be flying out of KC tonight. (Choo Mazara Profar Guzman Odor)
Angels – Koch gets his heat mashed by righties. Against a team full of RHB this won’t go well for him. .310 and 8 home runs given up to righties, good luck tonight pal. (Kinsler Trout Upton Pujols Simmons)
Oakland – Will go extremely under the radar tonight in a great matchup vs Lauer. He sucks at home 6.89 avg along with a .331 average and 8 HR to righties. Canha and Krush dong. (Krush lowrie Pinder Canha Piscotty)
