This artilce will cover the 6 game early slate starting at 12;10 Today. Few games with some heavy wind blowing out (PHI/CHC- 12 MPH out), (MIA/DET-17 MPH out), (NYY/BAL- 8MPH out). Looks like some rain a bit later in the day in Baltimore (game looks like it should get in) and some rain in Pittsburgh may be late start.
PITCHERS
Stephen Strasburg
In a good spot vs the Mets lineup without Conforto, Nimmo and possibly Cano. Alonso is the main bat to worry about. High K rate with a high price tag, so you have to decide whether you want to pay up for pitching or bats.
Masahiro Tanaka
Tanaka has pitched well in back to back games now going 13 innings allowing 8 hits and only 1 run a HR while striking out 13 batters and walking none. In this time frame his hit distance is down along with his exit velocity. Today he is going against a mediocre Orioles team with a .280 wOBA and .145 ISO vs RHP this year. He is in a good spot today aand even better spot if he gets Austin Romine behind the plate catching for him (This year 1.01 ERA with Romine and 4 ERA with Sanchez). Tanaka throws mostly sliders and splitters and most of the Os have trouble with these 2 pitches. Looking at 6 innings 7 Ks and 1 ER.
Jordan Lyles
Lyles has pitched well in all but 2 games this year posting a 1.97 ERA with a 27% K rate. He does a good job on keeping the ball on the ground vs RHHs with close to a 50% GB rate and limited them to a .147 average with a minimal .63 HR/9. High K rate vs LHHs with over 30% while limited them to a 25% HC. The Rockies have hit well over the past few days, but I see Lyles limiting them today to 2 runs, Looking at 6 innings 7 K and 2 ERs (HR to Murphy).
TEAM/S
Red Sox
The bottom line is that Clayton Richard is not a good pitcher. The Red Sox have not hit very well vs LHP in the past, but they will today. This year Bogaerts, Chavis, Vasquez and Martinez all have over a .300 ISO vs LHP, while Betts & Pearce has crushed them in the past.
Betts, Bogaerts, Chavis are my favorites with Vasquez and Pearce in play as well.
JBJ is a sneaky play and cheap option today. He has 1-2 hot streaks a year and they usually last a few weeks. This in one of his hot streaks. Ride him.
Pirates- potential weather(Watch weather prior to lock).
Sentzetla has not pitched well this year giving up 2 HR/9 to RHHs and a .295 average, .371 wOBA to LHHS.
Josh Bell is crushingthe ball right now.
–Bell, Frazier, Polanco and Morin are all in play and in order of preference.
Sneaky team- Tigers
A lot of wind in this game and Richards can struggle vs RHHs – 40% FB rate, 46% HC and close to 2 HRs/9. FB+ HC + wind…..boom.
Castellanos, Jones, Rodriquez and Lugo my favorites. Goodrum is a good play as well.
CATCHER
Christian Vasquez
Chad Wallachian or Alfolo
FIRST BASE
Josh Bell- on fire.
Niko Goodrum
Steve Pearce- value batting 5th- lock-in him in at 1B or Of. Hcoming today.
SECOND BASE
Adam Frazier
Ronny Rodriquez
Gordon Beckham- value
THIRD BASE
Anthony Rendon
Brian Anderson
Colin Morin
SHORTSTOP
Xander Bogaerts
Freddie Galvis
Scott Kingery
OUTFIELD
Mookie Betts
Juan Soto
Nick Castellanos
Aaron Hicks
Gregory Polanco
VALUE
Jacoby Jones- hits well be RHP. Going yard today.
Jackie Bradley Jr.- cheap option and hitting well as of late.
Garrett Cooper
