Friday's Starting Pitcher Value Rankings
Here are theScore's starting pitcher value rankings for Friday, June 3 (all stats exclude Thursday's games):
Value Rankings
C | 1B/DH | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP
Top Options
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Vince Velasquez (PHI) | vs. MIL | 9 |
| Kenta Maeda (LAD) | vs. ATL | 9 |
| Yu Darvish (TEX) | vs. SEA | 8 |
| Jake Odorizzi (TB) | at MIN | 8 |
| Danny Salazar (CLE) | vs. KC | 8 |
Velasquez is surprisingly not among the most egregiously expensive options, and he has a real shot at double-digit Ks against the whiff-prone Brewers. He should be rostered in all formats. Maeda hasn't quite been the same version of himself from the first few weeks of the season, but a home date against the Braves should do wonders.
Darvish's ceiling is reduced slightly by the Rangers limiting his pitch count. It's currently set between 85-95, though, so a six-inning quality start should be enough. Odorizzi should be in line for the win as the Rays get set to tee off on Twins RHP Ricky Nolasco. Odorizzi has limited opponents to five hits over his last 17 innings pitched - three starts.
Mid-Tier Targets
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Drew Pomeranz (SD) | vs. COL | 7 |
| Gio Gonzalez (WAS) | at CIN | 7 |
| Carlos Rodon (CWS) | at DET | 7 |
| Taijuan Walker (SEA) | at TEX | 7 |
| Chris Tillman (BAL) | vs. NYY | 6 |
| Noah Syndergaard (NYM) | at MIA | 6 |
| David Price (BOS) | vs. TOR | 6 |
| Jesse Hahn (OAK) | at HOU | 6 |
| Julio Teheran (ATL) | at LAD | 5 |
| Jimmy Nelson (MIL) | at PHI | 5 |
| R.A. Dickey (TOR) | at BOS | 5 |
| Doug Fister (HOU) | vs. OAK | 5 |
| Adam Wainwright (STL) | vs. SF | 5 |
Pomeranz has a 1.02 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and .143 batting average against through three home starts. Colorado typically hits lefties well, but Pomeranz isn't too expensive for consideration. Walker has seen his salary plummet through his recent struggles. He's a calculated risk, but one with top K-upside. Limit him to GPPs, though, to be safe.
Hahn is another GPP option against the strikeout-heavy Astros. Houston's power is always a threat, but if Hahn can generate some swings and misses, he could be in line as the top bargain on the day. Otherwise, perhaps that goes to Dickey. He's cheap and was perfect early in his last start before the wheels came off. Strictly reserve him for tournament play, especially vs. Boston.
Despite the lack of wins, Teheran (1-5) has been pitching the best baseball of his career. He's nursing a foot blister, that could limit him against the Dodgers, though. Considering his high salary, it's best to look elsewhere on Friday.
Nothing to See Here
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Johnny Cueto (SF) | at STL | 4 |
| Edinson Volquez (KC) | at CLE | 4 |
| Nathan Eovaldi (NYY) | at BAL | 4 |
| Chris Rusin (COL) | at SD | 4 |
| Jordan Zimmermann (DET) | vs. CWS | 3 |
| Francisco Liriano (PIT) | vs. LAA | 3 |
| Brandon Finnegan (CIN) | vs. WAS | 3 |
| Jered Weaver (LAA) | at PIT | 2 |
| Ricky Nolasco (MIN) | vs. TB | 2 |
| Tom Koehler (MIA) | vs. NYM | 2 |
Cueto has been lights out, leading to an incredibly expensive DFS salary. The problem is he's suffering from a side/back injury and is facing the Cardinals offense that has scored the second most amount of runs in MLB. He should pitch, just don't expect his best, or longest, outing.