This article will give you an early look at the top pitchers and hitters on the slate geared for cash and single entry contests.
Listed will be my favorite pitchers, bats and team/s to target on the slate in additional to a value arm or dark horse and a few value bats.
11game slate. Det/Min game PPD
*Utilize this article along with The Donger’s Club & Cycle articles by Steve Renner and Chris Rose
PITCHERS
Jake Arrieta
Arrieta pitched 13 innings over the first 2 games allowing 4 runs. He gets an very good matchup tonight vs the Marlins who are batting .188 and striking out at a 33% clip and walk at the 3rd lowest rate vs RHP. The game is in Miami which is a park that favors pitchers. I can see Arrieta going 6-7 innings allowing 2 runs and striking out 6-7 batters.
Brad Keller
Keller as gone 6 plus innings in all 3 game this year striking out 5 in 2 of those games. He faces an Indians team that has struggled this year due to a few injuries batting .203 with a 27% K rate so far this year. The Royals are at home tonight where Keller has pitched a bit better. I can see him going 6 innings with 7Ks and 1-2 ERs.
DARK HORSE
TBD- check back around 5pm
TEAM/S
Oakland As
The As get another good matchup in a hitter friendly park tonight vs Drew Smiley in Texas. Smiley has not made it past the 3rd inning in 2 starts this year allowing a 5 runs over 6.1 innings and a HR in each game. The Rangers bullpen has not been much better posting a 4.5 ERA and close to 2 HRs/9. Khris Davis is on an absolute tear right now. Marcus Semien is on Fire. Mark Canha crushes LHP and so does Chad Pinder. Also Josh Phegley has hit HRs in 3 of his last 4 games.
San Diego Padres
The Padres put up 7 runs(including HRs) last night against Godley and the Diamonbacks awful bullpen (7.07 ERA and 2.5 HRs/9 so far this year). Tonight they face off against Luke Weaver who has allowed 7 ERs over 9.1 innings so far this year. Weaver struggles a bit more vs LHHs putting Eric Hosmer in play and ther power right handed hitters – Hunter Renfroe(.265 ISO, 46% HC), Manny Machado(.242 ISO 40% HC), Franmil Reyes(.202 ISO, 402% HC) and Austin Hedges (.201 ISO, 38% HC) all have over a .200 ISO vs RHP. The roof is expected to open again tonight at Chase Field which will help the ball fly.
BATS
Andrew Benintendi
Benintendi bats lead off and will get things started tonight for the Red Sox vs David Hess. He is starting to heat up and is swinging the bat well with hits in 6 of his last 7 games with 4 of those multi-hit games. The Red Sox are at home tonight where Benintendi has a .38 average differential ans strikes out 40% less vs RHP. Add in that Hess has allowed a .352 wOBA , 2.5 HRs/9 , and 45% FB rate to RHHs in 2018. Also, the Os bullpen has been a disaster so far this year posting a 7.88 ERA and 3 HRs/9. Mitch Moreland has been on fire as of late and can be considered as well. Rafael Devers has multiple hits in 2 straight games. Betts and JD Martinez also hit RHP well.
Marcus Semien
Semien has been hitting the ball well as of late with a 5 game hit streak and 3 multi hit games with 2 HRs in that time frame. The As are one of my favorite teams tonight vs Drew Smiley who has been awful to start the season. Semien along with Davis, Canha and Pinder are my favorite As.
George Springer
The Astros head to Seattle and face off against Wade LeBlanc tonight. He has allowed 12 hits and 6 runs over 11.1 innings. LeBlanc has a low K rate and a 45% FB ratio which stands out especially the way the ball has been carrying at AT T park with the roof open. Springer matches up well against LeBlancs pitching arsenal and he also hits well vs LHP (.358 wOBA and 40% HC rate). I like the bottom of the Astros order White and hopefully Marisnick as well as the top Springer and Altuve.
VALUE BATS
Jake Marisnick-check lineups to make sure he is starting. Changed his batting stance- working out well . Went 3-3 last game and batting .389 on the year. Speed and power upside. LeBlanc low K rate vs RHHs.
Tyler White- power upside vs LHP. Bottom of Astros order in play. The ball is flying out of T-Mobile Park with the roof open. Will have to check status on roof.
JT Riddle
James McCannon
Rougned Odor
