Sunday's Pitcher Value Rankings
Here are theScore's pitcher value rankings for Sunday, April 10:
Value Rankings
C | 1B/DH | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP
Top Options
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Felix Hernandez (SEA) | vs. OAK | 10 |
| Jake Arrieta (CHC) | at ARI | 9 |
| Johnny Cueto (SF) | vs. LAD | 8 |
| Dallas Keuchel (HOU) | at MIL | 8 |
Hernandez has held the Oakland trio of Jed Lowrie, Josh Reddick, and Danny Valencia to 19-for-110 over his career. With the heart of the Athletics' lineup subdued, there isn't much else for King Felix to concern himself with. Hernandez's strikeout ability give him great tournament upside.
Cueto pitched seven innings in his Giant debut surrendering one earned run while striking out four batters. He owns a 2.79 ERA against the Dodgers for his career.
Mid-Tier Targets
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Matt Harvey (NYM) | vs. PHI | 7 |
| Marco Estrada (TOR) | vs. BOS | 7 |
| Justin Verlander (DET) | vs. NYY | 7 |
| Jose Quintana (CWS) | vs. CLE | 7 |
| Edinson Volquez (KC) | vs. MIN | 6 |
| Scott Kazmir (LAD) | at SF | 6 |
Estrada should be used in tournament play thanks to his strong numbers against Boston. He has limited the Red Sox to a .200 average in 65 total at-bats. His cheap salary increases his value.
Verlander has held the Yankees to a .210 average through his career and is coming off a solid season debut. He had a no-hitter intact until the sixth inning against Miami. The former Cy Young and MVP makes for an intriguing play.
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Jake Odorizzi (TB) | at BAL | 5 |
| Masahiro Tanaka (NYY) | at DET | 5 |
| Jeff Locke (PIT) | at CIN | 5 |
| Adam Wainwright (STL) | at ATL | 5 |
| Jimmy Nelson (MIL) | vs. HOU | 5 |
| Jeremy Hellickson (PHI) | at NYM | 5 |
| Jeff Locke (PIT) | at CIN | 5 |
Wainwright and Tanaka were adequate in their season openers. For their hefty price tags, 'adequate' simply won't cut it. Let them find their form before rostering either.
Nelson pieced together a great opening start going 7.1 innings surrendering five hits and two earned runs. He looks like a decent contrarian play if the Brewers can find a way to pick up a win.
Nothing to See Here
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Josh Tomlin (CLE) | at CWS | 4 |
| Joe Ross (WAS) | vs. MIA | 4 |
| Martin Perez (TEX) | at LAA | 4 |
| Vance Worley (BAL) | vs. TB | 4 |
| Ricky Nolasco (MIN) | at KC | 3 |
| Chris Bassitt (OAK) | at SEA | 3 |
| Tim Melville (CIN) | vs. PIT | 3 |
| Jered Weaver (LAA) | vs. TEX | 3 |
| Shelby Miller (ARI) | vs. CHC | 3 |
| Steven Wright (BOS) | at TOR | 3 |
| Williams Perez (ATL) | vs. STL | 3 |
| Chad Bettis (COL) | vs. SD | 3 |
| James Shields (SD) | at COL | 2 |
Melville will make his MLB debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates. If you're looking for a tournament flier, he is your man.
Shields gave up the most homers in the majors last season (33). Pitching in Colorado is really the worst possible environment in light of that stat.