In the following MLB weekly preview, we have a game breakdown for all 30 teams, pitching rankings and latest IL info to dominate Fantasy Baseball…
In memory of John Cannella Sr.
They say the third go-around is usually when one hits their stride. You know, they. Them. The people who know. Now entering my third season of providing the MLB Weekly Preview, I have never felt more confident in my data collection systems and resulting analysis. All of which are extremely time-consuming, but I could give a rat’s ass when I see our subscribers posting league-winning celebrations. Never was I more proud than what we accomplished together in the pandemic shortened season of 2020. With a tear in my eye…
While I had a disappointing fourth-place finish in my Roto OC, every other league was first or second. The league which ground my gears the most was my championship loss in Fantrax Dynasty, a league I’ve now belonged to for well over 11 years (aka my old ass can’t remember when I joined) and haven’t won. However, I learned something crucial that will benefit me this season: using bulk relievers with elite ratios whose value is non-contingent upon role.
That’s what this game is, a constant learning curve, and I don’t mean Jesús Luzardo’s turkey sub! Am I the greatest fantasy baseball player who has ever walked God’s green earth? No, I am not. But I outwork my opponents, and this work ethic is what got me to where I am today. Some of you reading this may be more successful, and I applaud you for that, although I’ve been crushing fantasy baseball since 1997. So, I got veteran experience going for me, which is nice. But this doesn’t mean we don’t learn from each other to be the very best at what we do. I subscribe to symbiotic relationships. With this in mind, let’s go crush it!!!
In the following weekly preview, you will find a game breakdown for all 30 MLB teams (including Interleague play), two-start and overall pitching rankings and the latest IL information to help you dominate this week’s matchup and through the entirety of your seasonal league. Plus, new this season: Stolen Base Targets!
Scroll right to the part of the MLB Weekly Preview you need in just one click!
Below, you will find an interactive table of contents. Simply click on the section of the article you wanna read and boom.. presto… alakazam.
A Quick Peek at the Runner
At this point in the 2020 season, teams had roughly 12-15 games left and were fighting for playoff positioning. Crazy, right? In 2021, we may have gone all the way into the jacuzzi but are just getting used to the soak. But with the return to normalcy comes a new normal as baseball attempts to tinker with the game to get it just where they like it. One of the emphasis, based on the rules experiment in the minor leagues, is on the revitalization of the stolen base. Triple-A is using larger bases. High-A pitchers are required to disengage from the rubber before pick-off attempts. And Low-A pitchers are limited to a total of two “step offs” or “pickoffs” per plate appearance while there is at least one runner on base. Whether these new rules are on the horizon, only time will tell.
As fantasy players who struggle to find multiple sources of swipes regularly, bring it on! The game needs its Lou Brocks and Ricky Hendersons… its Rock Raines and Vince Colemans. Ok, maybe I need it. Stolen bases (and activity on the basepaths, in general) are a big part of what makes the game exciting. Without this excitement, the game we love is dying.
I get jacked for stolen bases. Think it’s because my job was to throw them out, and the runner breaking gets the ole’ competitive juices flowing. I watch a crapton (scientific term) of baseball. When scientists finally develop the technology that allows us to download games a la The Matrix, I will be a happy man. Between the massive amount of innings viewed and utilizing our stolen base target tool below, it seems the swipes are up already, even though the new rules are merely theoretical at this juncture. But I’m seeing it in my team’s stats, as well. So, let’s do a quick study to see. We’ll compare the stolen base numbers this season (as of 5/20) to those from the almost complete 2020 season.
ATT | SB | SB% | ATT/PA | SB/PA | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2020 | 731 | 549 | 75.1% | 0.015 | 0.011 |
2021 | 789 | 605 | 76.7% | 0.016 | 0.013 |
Each team’s Speed Score (Spd) and Ultimate Base Running (UBR)… Full disclosure, I made this table AFTER making the above claims to either prove myself right or wrong. Whew!
Steals and attempts are indeed slightly up from 2020. Yet, the rules to encourage more swipes are not in place yet. Speed through osmosis? Feeling the mojo?? Whatever the reason, players always want to stay ahead of the curve. I’d be curious to see where the ATT/PA and SP/PA are when the hot summer months come about. Briefly, let’s take a look at the top base stealers this season.
Whit Merrifield leads the league with 12 stolen bases, four more than the next group of pilferers. He’s matched his 2020 season total in 18 fewer games, so he is above pace. His career-high is 45 SB. His teammate Adalberto Mondesí would have been in this spot or darn near close if not for a bum oblique.
Next, we have a group of eight players at eight swipes. No surprises with Trea Turner, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Garrett Hampson being among them. Dylan Moore (10-day IL; left calf strain) was showing off the wheels before getting hurt. He too had 12 stolen bases in 2020 as well as 11 in his rookie season of 2019. Tommy Edman returns to his running ways of 2019, where he swiped 15 bags, and is halfway to topping his rookie mark. Isiah Kiner-Falefa is getting an opportunity to flex his speed and has already matched his career-high. Young Jazz Chisholm has been taking the world by storm and sporting a sweet 8.0 Spd with his eight bags. Ramon Laureano is my lone surprise here, but that is my mistake. His 7.4 Spd is 20th behind IKF (7.5) and equal with Trent Grisham (7 SB).
Speaking of seven stolen bases, nine men have that total this season: Tim Anderson, Grisham, Bo Bichette, Marcus Semien, Trevor Story, Javier Baez, Robbie Grossman, Niko Goodrum and Austin Slater. Couple of teammates here, with Bo and Marcus setting the table for a fierce Toronto lineup. Robbie and Niko have to run if the Tigers are gonna do anything offensively. It’s good seeing Anderson getting back to his running ways, where he’s most productive all-around. His career-high is 26 steals in 2018.
Finally, I grew up rooting for the 30/30 and 40/40 clubs. Ronald Acuna Jr. and Shohei Ohtani are doing their best to accommodate. Both players have six stolen bags and are tied for the league lead with 14 home runs. Somewhere out there, Jose Canseco and Barry Bonds are giving each other a forearm smash.
As always, if there are any requests for information I can provide or a player/team you would like me to cover in this section of the MLB Weekly Preview, drop a line in our VIP Chat Room or hit me up on Twitter, @Rob_Povia.
MLB GAME BREAKDOWN GRID
A Few Areas to Target
Home Away From Home
Cincinnati is middle of the pack for games scheduled this week. However, they won’t be able to enjoy the hitting haven of Great American Ball Park since all six games are on the road (3 @WSH, 3 @CHC). That being said, Nationals Park comes in fourth for park factor runs (1.101) and second for home runs (1.267; ahead of Coors Field & below Dunedin), according to EliteData. Plus, the winds have been gusting out at Wrigley Field lately, which enhances the offensive outlook. I’ll ride or die with my Reds hitters this week.
Anybody up for a Disco Demolition Night?
Playing at home all week, the Pale Hose will enjoy the homer-producing dimensions of Guaranteed Rate Field (1.238 HR Park Factor; fifth). Their pitching matchups aren’t especially imposing, either. The bombs on display will remind those who were unfortunate to witness Disco Demolition Night in person! Author’s note: I know what you’re thinking, but this does NOT include me. I wasn’t even a year old in 1979. So, I’m old, but not THAT old!
Land of the Brave
The Braves are one of three teams with five games on the docket this week. It’s very difficult to sit red-hot players such as Ronald Acuña Jr., Freddie Freeman and Austin Riley. But there is a feather in the cap for those brave enough to pull the trigger. See what I did there? I like puns. They’ll get a park-factor bump playing two at hitter-friendly Fenway Park, which ranks ninth for runs. The pitching matchups for the week aren’t pushovers, but I would still start the above-mentioned names over lesser quality choices.
Ray Platoon
Tampa Bay will face at least five right-handed pitchers this week. For a team that practically invented analytics and the platoon roster, this means more at-bats for Brandon Lowe, Joey Wendle, Ji-Man Choi and possibly the tenacious Brett Phillips. The first two are undoubtedly owned in your league (if not, place that bid/waiver claim!). But the latter two could be available. Phillips is a little light-hitting for my taste, but he does take walks and has chipped in for two long balls this season. On the other hand, Choi is a big target of mine for this week. Despite the delayed season debut, he has a seven-game hitting streak to begin his year and has contributed two home runs and eight RBI.
WEEKLY INTERLEAGUE OUTLOOK
With the lack of a universal DH in 2021, American League teams will once again lose their designated hitter when traveling to National League parks. Thankfully, we don’t have to worry about this issue for our week! Furthermore, our NL players will gain some more potential at-bats. Short and sweet, you can see who I suspect to gain more ABs above.
*Rivalry Series: None, but Dodgers/Stros is always bound to light some fireworks and kick some cans. STL @ CWC = La Russa Classic???
TOP TWO-START PITCHERS
IN ORDER OF PREFERENCE
- Jacob deGrom1 (COL, ATL) ← Due to 5/28 PPD (no makeup date announced, but mgr Rojas indicated there will be a DH during their 7/26-29 series), it looks like Mets/Braves will be a two-game series, weather permitting. Taijuan Walker’s start shifts to 5/29, and New York has confirmed deGrom will pitch as scheduled on Sunday Night Baseball. Saturday’s original starter, David Peterson, will be pushed to 5/31 (@ARI, @SD).
- Clayton Kershaw5 (@HOU, SF)
- Corbin Burnes7 (SD,
@WSH) ← Second start officially pushed to 5/31 (DET) with Eric Lauer making the 5/26 spot start to give rotation a breather with 12 straight days of games ::sad face emoji:: - Brandon Woodruff8 (SD, @WSH)
- Jack Flaherty12 (@CHW,
@ARI) - Lance Lynn13 (STL, BAL)
- Max Scherzer14 (CIN, MIL)
- Lucas Giolito16 (STL, BAL)
- Joe Musgrove19 (@MIL, @HOU)
- John Means20 (@MIN, @CHW)
- Kevin Gausman21 (@ARI, @LAD)
- Sandy Alcantara24 (PHI, @BOS)
- Zach Eflin26 (@MIA, @TB)
- Aaron Civale32 (@DET, TOR)
- Trevor Rogers33 (PHI, @BOS)
- Tyler Mahle38 (@WSH, @CHC)
- Blake Snell39 (@MIL, @HOU)
- Corey Kluber52 (TOR, @DET)
Other Options: Frankie Montas62 (SEA, LAA), Yusei Kikuchi68 (@OAK, TEX), Ryan Yarbrough69 (@TOR, PHI), Spencer Turnbull71 (CLE, NYY), Steven Matz77 (@NYY, @CLE), Kwang Hyun Kim87 (@CHW, @ARI), Austin Gomber97 (@NYM, @PIT), Jake Arrieta99 (@PIT, CIN), David Peterson110 (COL, ATL)
Danger Zone: Brad Keller122 (@TB, @MIN), Tarik Skubal130 (CLE, NYY), Dean Kremer149 (@MIN, @CHW), Chi Chi GonzálezNR (@NYM, @PIT), Matt ShoemakerNR (BAL, KC), Ross StriplingNR (TB, @CLE), Sam HentgesNR (@DET, TOR), Hyeon-Jong YangNR (@LAA, @SEA), Corbin MartinNR (SF, STL) *UPDATE: Kyle Freeland147, who has been sidelined by a shoulder strain since Spring Training, will come off the IL to start 5/25. He takes González’ spot in the rotation for the two-start week.
NOTE: Zack Greinke COULD get two starts (LAD, SD), but based on what I’ve read, I believe Jake Odorizzi will return from IL to pitch 5/30 vs. SD. It’s an ugly two starts anyhow! *UPDATE: Had this kind of right, but due to large fluctuations in the rotation, Odorizzi will return on 5/29 and Greinke will get his second start on 5/30!
For a detailed breakdown of two-start pitchers who may be available on your waiver wire, check out Vlad’s FAAB Values!
STARTING PITCHER RANKINGS FOR MAY 24 – 30
Pitcher Spotlight: Max Scherzer
Last season was odd on so many levels. No need to review the trials and tribulations. When it came to pitching, the veterans who are creatures of habit suffered the most. This leads us to the oddest of oddities.
For the first time since 2013, Max Scherzer didn’t finish among the top five in his league’s Cy Young voting. Not one single vote, which was slightly harsh but understandable for the standards he has set for himself. Most noteworthy, his 7.8% walk rate was his highest mark in ten years. He allowed 114 total bases (TB) in 67.1 innings (64 TB in 56.1 IP this season), equating to 2.04 average bases allowed (ABA), and his WHIP was a career-high at 1.38. The elevated baserunners came around to score too, as Scherzer’s 3.74 ERA was the highest it has been since 2012, and the expected ERA (xERA) was 4.36. Previously, the highest xERA mark the right-hander tallied in the Statcast era (since 2015) was 2.81.
Was this the beginning of the end for Scherzer in his journey to Cooperstown? Or were we looking at an outlier due to the heterochromatic creature’s routine disruption? At age 36, I won’t blame those who chose the prior rationale. My opinions began to travel down that road too. However, those arms who are in the conversation for best pitcher in the game don’t just fade away. Not this starkly. As with all athletes during this pandemic era, I ultimately opted to reserve judgment till a more regular regime of 162 was in play. Lo and behold, here we are in 2021, and Scherzer has rediscovered his vintage form.
Over his first nine starts this season, Scherzer has recorded a 2.24 ERA (172 ERA+) with a 0.85 WHIP, 76 strikeouts and 12 walks. The home-run ball has always been his Achillies heel, as reflected by his lifetime below league average 10.5% home run to fly ball ratio (HR/FB). More of the same came in his first start of the year, serving up four homers to Atlanta. This had to have many owners regretting the chance they took on draft day. Much to the appeasement of their blood pressure, Scherzer has allowed only four homers in 50.1 innings (0.70 HR/9) over his past eight games since. His xERA on the year is 2.79, which ranks in the 88th percentile. The ABA is back to elite levels (1.35).
Scherzer continues to get punchouts, posting a good rate of 32.4% called strikes + whiffs (CSW) in 2021 compared to his passable 29.6% in 2020 (career 30.3%). On 5/19, he passed Hall of Famer Jim Bunning for 19th place in MLB’s all-time strikeout leaderboard. He doesn’t do it for the accolades, however. “It’s cool, don’t get me wrong, to continue to move up those leaderboards, but that’s not what I play the game for,” Scherzer said. “I want to come to the park and win.”
Based on this “renaissance,” teams will be looking to acquire Max as he heads into free agency this offseason and while his team lies in the cellar. Besides the above-mentioned 2021 results, here’s why you should be looking to buy too!
- Improved four-seamer location
- Limiting hitters to a .156 BA and a .325 SLG% with 28 strikeouts in 77 at-bats (2020: .264 BA / .509 SLG%)
- Four-seamer whiff rate up nearly six percentage points from 2020 (34.3%). Only one other starting pitcher has posted a higher rate on the pitch – Jacob deGrom: 36.6%.
- Average velocity (93.9 mph) is close to league average (93.6), so the location has made a massive difference. Doing a much better job elevating his four-seamer and pitching to the edges of the strike zone.
- Pitch is getting weak contact, as well (37.5% poor/under contact).
- Changeup once again dominant vs. lefties
- Left-handed hitters put a hurting on Scherzer’s changeup in 2020 (.362 BA, 17-for-47), but they are down to .087 (2-for-23) in 2021.
- His improved four-seam location is correlative to his rediscovered success of the change; one hand washes the other.
- Max is getting more spin (1483 rpm) this year on the change, resulting in more downward and horizontal movement.
- Elevated Whiff rate overall
- I mentioned the tidy 32.4% CSW, but Max is taking the bat-missing to another level this season. His 35.9% whiff rate is a personal best, topping his previous high of 33.8% in 2019. He ranks in the 91st percentile after placing in the 81st percentile a year ago.
- Pitches in the zone: 28.8% Whiff rate (t-3rd highest MLB, behind deGrom, Corbin Burnes and Shohei Ohtani)… another personal best.
- Scherzer is the only pitcher in baseball to have four pitches warrant a >30% Whiff rate (min. 50 swings per pitch type – four-seamer, cutter, changeup, slider).
MLB WEEKLY PREVIEW | INJURED LIST REPORT
Besides names that may already be listed, here is the latest injury news on a few of your fantasy studs. I will update you early in the week.
Franmil Reyes (left oblique strain) – After roping his 11th HR of the season earlier in the contest, Reyes exited Cleveland’s game on 5/22 during the middle of an at-bat. This one was scary, as Reyes yelled out in pain when hitting a foul ball. So much so, you could hear it on the broadcast. MRI results revealed the strain is a severe one, necessitating an injured list designation. Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports the 25-year-old outfielder will miss 5-to-7 weeks. Reyes’ 11 round-trippers and 29 runs batted in will be sorely missed for a Cleveland lineup that lacks punch. Prospect Owen Miller was summoned from Triple-A Columbus in a corresponding move. Noteworthy, Miller was in the starting lineup at DH in his first game.
Kenta Maeda (groin) – Twins place Maeda on the 10-day IL (5/23) after he had the issue surface in his 5/16 start against Oakland. He made his next start, but the discomfort was still present. Manager Rocco Baldelli (conveniently) revealed it is a strain, and the 33-year-old pitcher will need at least the minimum to recover. As a result, the darling of 2019, Randy Dobnak, will hold down a rotation spot.
It has been confirmed. Mets ace Jacob deGrom will return from the IL to start 5/25 against the Rockies at Citi Field, according to Mets manager Luis Rojas. As you can see above, deGrom thus lines up for a two-start week (in question now due to 5/28 rainout). There IS joy in Mudville despite 16 men on the IL, including seven of nine opening-day starters. Adding on, Noah Syndergaard continues to make progress. Next step, he now joins Triple-A Syracuse, working his way back to the big club. However, J.D. Davis (bruised left hand) had a minor setback in his rehab, sitting out the Syracuse Mets game on 5/23 due to a stiff neck.
Miles Mikolas (right forearm tightness) was placed on the 10-day IL after making his first appearance since 2019. Mikolas only lasted four innings before leaving the contest. A sad development, considering he missed all of last season due to forearm surgery. The team is awaiting results of his MRI, but the fact he was placed on the IL beforehand is particularly worrisome. *UPDATE: MRI results were clean, but Mikolas is getting a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews. TJS is not a foregone conclusion.
Toronto officially placed Cavan Biggio (cervical spine ligament sprain) on the 10-day IL this weekend. Despite trying to tough it out, he was held out of the lineup on 5/21 and later hit the shelf. The injury sounds pretty serious, although the Blue Jays seem confident their third baseman will return from the IL when first eligible.
Victor Robles (right ankle sprain) – Nats are hoping more treatment will help Robles avoid missing significant time from the sprain he suffered running the bases. The team placed him on the 10-day IL (retro to 5/20) so that he can be activated once first eligible. The initial plan was to wait till 5/25 when they play next, but this way, he can be activated sooner since backdate only goes for three calendar days. Andrew Stevenson will occupy center field in his stead.
Lastly, Kohei Arihara “has an aneurysm in his right shoulder and will undergo surgery,” general manager Chris Young said. His season is likely over.
POV SPECIAL – SP STREAM OF THE WEEK
→ Cole Irvin100, LH OAK (SEA, LAA; <50% owned) – Irvin’s numbers on the year are better than you would expect. They would be even better had it not been for the destruction the Astros have inflicted upon Irvin (13 earned runs in 14.2 innings this year). Against the rest of the league (DET, @BAL, @TB, TOR, TB, @MIN), his ERA is a sparkling 1.89. These matchups are tasty, considering Seattle strikes out at the fifth-highest rate (26.8%). Against lefties, this number is even higher – 29.5%, fourth-highest. Seattle’s offense has been very boom or bust, and the last week to 10 days have been crap. As for the second start, the Halos are much more pedestrian minus Mike Trout, who is on the shelf for the next 6-to-8 weeks.
Honorable Mention: None
For more streaming options on the mound AND at the plate, visit Vlad’s FAAB Values!
PITCHING MATCHUPS
Sunday, May 30, 2021
W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | |||||||||
Kyle Freeland (LHP, COL) | 0-0 | 2.25 | 4.47 | 4.65 | 3.06 | 27.8% | 16.7% | 33.3% | 22.2% | ||||||||
Chad Kuhl* (RHP, PIT) | 0-1 | 6.32 | 6.64 | 6.68 | 5.78 | 18.4% | 21.1% | 36.4% | 39.5% |
W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | |||||||||
Brandon Woodruff (RHP, MIL) | 3-2 | 1.41 | 2.81 | 2.99 | 2.35 | 30.8% | 5.9% | 32.0% | 30.8% | ||||||||
Max Scherzer (RHP, WSH) | 4-3 | 2.27 | 3.06 | 2.68 | 2.77 | 35.6% | 5.4% | 36.2% | 50.7% |
GM 1 | W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | ||||||||
Ross Stripling (RHP, TOR) | 0-3 | 5.63 | 4.04 | 3.73 | 5.25 | 25.4% | 7.0% | 43.2% | 43.0% | ||||||||
Sam Hentges (LHP, CLE) | 1-1 | 6.20 | 4.75 | 4.56 | 6.36 | 22.4% | 12.2% | 40.6% | 37.5% |
GM 2* | W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | ||||||||
Steven Matz (LHP, TOR) | 6-2 | 4.28 | 3.38 | 3.54 | 3.64 | 25.6% | 6.4% | 39.7% | 30.3% | ||||||||
Aaron Civale (RHP, CLE) | 7-1 | 3.04 | 4.04 | 4.20 | 3.98 | 20.0% | 6.4% | 38.9% | 34.2% |
W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | |||||||||
Zach Eflin (RHP, PHI) | 2-4 | 3.84 | 3.19 | 3.37 | 3.17 | 24.4% | 2.7% | 43.1% | 34.2% | ||||||||
Collin McHugh* (RHP, TB) | 0-1 | 4.02 | 2.84 | 2.77 | 3.19 | 34.3% | 9.0% | 32.4% | 33.3% |
W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | |||||||||
Sandy Alcantara (RHP, MIA) | 2-4 | 3.46 | 3.56 | 3.73 | 2.86 | 24.7% | 7.7% | 40.1% | 30.0% | ||||||||
Eduardo Rodriguez (LHP, BOS) | 5-3 | 5.06 | 3.30 | 3.44 | 3.44 | 26.2% | 5.3% | 32.1% | 33.6% |
W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | |||||||||
Michael King* (RHP, NYY) | 0-1 | 2.29 | 3.97 | 3.90 | 4.60 | 21.7% | 9.6% | 42.9% | 27.3% | ||||||||
Tarik Skubal (LHP, DET) | 1-7 | 5.23 | 4.97 | 4.34 | 5.89 | 25.1% | 10.3% | 44.4% | 52.8% |
W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | |||||||||
Brad Keller (RHP, KC) | 4-4 | 5.72 | 4.29 | 4.58 | 6.52 | 18.5% | 9.7% | 46.7% | 23.7% | ||||||||
Matt Shoemaker (RHP, MIN) | 2-5 | 5.48 | 5.29 | 5.33 | 5.74 | 13.7% | 8.8% | 38.5% | 36.4% |
W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | |||||||||
Blake Snell (LHP, SD) | 1-1 | 4.50 | 3.34 | 3.78 | 4.63 | 33.3% | 13.9% | 39.0% | 31.4% | ||||||||
Zack Greinke (RHP, HOU) | 4-2 | 3.97 | 3.94 | 4.13 | 3.54 | 20.0% | 5.3% | 29.9% | 34.2% |
W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | |||||||||
Keegan Akin (LHP, BAL) | 0-0 | 6.10 | 3.80 | 3.17 | 2.39 | 23.3% | 2.3% | 43.8% | 43.8% | ||||||||
Lucas Giolito (RHP, CHW) | 4-4 | 4.04 | 3.57 | 3.66 | 3.69 | 28.6% | 9.1% | 40.3% | 38.5% |
W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | |||||||||
Tyler Mahle (RHP, CIN) | 3-2 | 3.75 | 3.89 | 3.80 | 3.41 | 26.5% | 8.5% | 37.0% | 39.8% | ||||||||
Jake Arrieta (RHP, CHC) | 5-4 | 4.37 | 4.75 | 4.65 | 4.88 | 18.9% | 8.0% | 44.1% | 40.0% |
W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | |||||||||
José Quintana (LHP, LAA) | 0-3 | 7.92 | 3.73 | 4.23 | 4.88 | 30.0% | 14.7% | 45.8% | 30.9% | ||||||||
Cole Irvin (LHP, OAK) | 3-6 | 3.92 | 4.57 | 4.51 | 4.69 | 17.3% | 4.5% | 39.6% | 39.5% |
W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | |||||||||
Kevin Gausman (RHP, SF) | 5-0 | 1.53 | 2.99 | 3.11 | 2.90 | 30.6% | 6.5% | 36.5% | 36.4% | ||||||||
Clayton Kershaw (LHP, LAD) | 7-3 | 2.94 | 3.07 | 3.07 | 2.83 | 28.3% | 4.0% | 36.3% | 37.3% |
W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | |||||||||
Kwang Hyun Kim (LHP, STL) | 1-2 | 3.09 | 3.96 | 4.10 | 4.36 | 22.9% | 7.9% | 35.4% | 33.3% | ||||||||
Matt Peacock (RHP, ARI) | 1-1 | 4.91 | 3.57 | 3.48 | 3.36 | 16.7% | 3.3% | 45.8% | 25.0% |
W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | |||||||||
Hyeon-Jong Yang (LHP, TEX) | 0-2 | 5.47 | 5.28 | 5.22 | 5.42 | 16.5% | 11.7% | 41.9% | 41.7% | ||||||||
Yusei Kikuchi (LHP, SEA) | 2-3 | 4.02 | 3.44 | 3.77 | 4.44 | 25.0% | 8.5% | 45.3% | 27.9% |
W/L | ERA | xFIP | SIERA | xERA | K% | BB% | HH% | FB% | |||||||||
Max Fried (LHP, ATL) | 2-2 | 4.63 | 4.25 | 4.37 | 4.44 | 21.8% | 9.0% | 35.2% | 32.7% | ||||||||
Jacob deGrom (RHP, NYM) | 3-2 | 0.80 | 1.55 | 1.56 | 1.62 | 46.5% | 4.4% | 34.6% | 42.3% |
STOLEN BASE TARGETS
If you have been paying attention to the new rule changes for minor league baseball, you can see the commissioner’s office desires a return of a long-lost element to the game… the stolen base. Let’s get ahead of the curve while also maximizing on the few pilferers of the dirt in 2021. Jack Kitchen (@JAXvicious), a long-time sub, reached out this offseason, asking if I could add a section on stolen base targets. As I have said from Day One of this column, your wish is my command!
So, I have imported one of the many fine tools we offer on our sister site, Elite Fantasy. Along with stolen base targets, our DFS MLB package offers daily articles and livestreams, a 24/7 chat, ownership projections and Fantasy Cruncher optimizer, BvP data, batter splits, park factors, umpire factors, weather reports and cheat sheets. The data alone is worth well over $1200! These weapons of mass destruction aid fantasy success in all formats, DFS and seasonal. JOIN TODAY! Promo code Red10 gets you 10% off ANY Elite Sports Package, including VIP.