Monday's Starting Pitcher Value Rankings
Here are theScore's starting pitcher value rankings for Monday, May 30 (all stats exclude Sunday's games):
Value Rankings
C | 1B/DH | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP
Top Options
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Justin Verlander (DET) | at LAA | 9 |
| Jeff Samardzija (SF) | at ATL | 9 |
| Nathan Karns (SEA) | vs. SD | 9 |
| Ian Kennedy (KC) | vs. TB | 8 |
| Ervin Santana (MIN) | at OAK | 8 |
| Jose Quintana (CWS) | at NYM | 8 |
While Verlander and Samardzija will be among the most expensive options on the day, the matchups make it worth rostering one, if not both - in two-pitcher formats. Verlander gives you almost automatic longevity completing seven innings in each of his last four starts. Meanwhile, no team has scored fewer runs than Samardzija's opponent, the Atlanta Braves.
Karns and Santana are the best picks at slightly reduced rates. Karns should be able to rack up the Ks against the Padres - only the Astros and Brewers have whiffed more often. Santana had strung together two valuable outings in a row before getting beaten up by the Royals. Take the flier in GPP-play only.
Mid-Tier Targets
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Matt Harvey (NYM) | vs. CWS | 7 |
| Josh Tomlin (CLE) | vs. TEX | 7 |
| Marco Estrada (TOR) | vs. NYY | 7 |
| Collin McHugh (HOU) | at ARI | 7 |
| Carlos Martinez (STL) | at MIL | 6 |
| Matt Andriese (TB) | at KC | 6 |
| Junior Guerra (MIL) | vs. STL | 6 |
| Jason Hammel (CHC) | vs. LAD | 6 |
| Tanner Roark (WAS) | at PHI | 6 |
| Steven Wright (BOS) | at BAL | 6 |
| Colby Lewis (TEX) | at CLE | 5 |
| Kendall Graveman (OAK) | vs. MIN | 5 |
| Jhoulys Chacin (LAA) | vs. DET | 5 |
| Jeremy Hellickson (PHI) | vs. WAS | 5 |
Harvey has been a disaster over his last three starts, and hardly himself otherwise. The Mets have apparently been making adjustments to his delivery, so if that's corrected he has amazing upside at a reduced salary. He's risky based on recent performance, but he's hardly ever been in bargain territory.
The Brewers could be the cure to what's been ailing Martinez, who has allowed 16 runs over his last 15 innings pitched. With how often the Brewers strike out, Martinez will pick up the Ks at the very least. Estrada has only had a couple hiccups and is striking batters out at a greater clip this year. He allowed two HRs against the Yankees in his last outing but has pitched very well at home.
Graveman has not managed a quality start in over a month. This has resulted in a greatly reduced salary. A date with the Twins, who have scored more runs than only two other teams, could make him the steal of the day. He comes with great risk because Minnesota has some dangerous bats all the same. Plug him into a GPP, high-risk lineup with some big hitters to complement him.
Nothing to See Here
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Mike Foltynewicz (ATL) | vs. SF | 4 |
| Andrew Cashner (SD) | at SEA | 4 |
| Alex Wood (LAD) | at CHC | 3 |
| Edwin Escobar (ARI) | vs. HOU | 3 |
| Dan Straily (CIN) | at COL | 3 |
| Jeff Locke (PIT) | at MIA | 2 |
| Ivan Nova (NYY) | at TOR | 2 |
| Chad Bettis (COL) | vs. CIN | 2 |
| Justin Nicolino (MIA) | vs. PIT | 2 |
| Tyler Wilson (BAL) | vs. BOS | 1 |
Foltynewicz is intriguing because he's been solid-to-dominant in three of his five starts. Sadly, he's been shelled in the other two. With Samardzija on the opposing mound, a win might be a tall order. It's better to look elsewhere. The Red Sox are hitting .296 as a team. Don't start a pitcher against them in a home run friendly park like Camden Yards. Just don't.