Friday's Starting Pitcher Value Rankings
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Here are theScore's pitcher rankings for Friday, September 16 (all stats exclude Thursday's games):
Value Rankings
C | 1B/DH | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP
Top Options
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Tom Koehler (MIA) | at PHI | 10 |
| Chris Sale (CWS) | at KC | 9 |
| Max Scherzer (WAS) | at ATL | 8 |
The Phillies have the second-worst team OPS vs. right-handed pitches -- a mere .689. Koehler has a 2.80 ERA and 52 strikeouts in his last 61 innings. Pencil him in for a quality start in Philadelphia, which means he should be a staple in two-pitcher formats. His moderate salary and good outlook can create opportunity for greater risk and cash commitments at other positions.
Sale always merits consideration in tournament lineups. He has double-digit strikeout potential in any matchup, but the inconsistent support of the offense and defense around him hurts his floor.
The Braves have a .714 team OPS against RHPs this season. As long as Scherzer can pitch around Freddie Freeman, he should escape unscathed, though his slate-leading salary makes it tough to return elite fantasy production on a per-DFS-dollar basis.
Mid-Tier Targets
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Corey Kluber (CLE) | vs. DET | 7 |
| Ian Kennedy (KC) | vs. CWS | 5 |
| Adam Morgan (PHI) | vs. MIA | 5 |
Kluber has a 2.36 ERA and 78 Ks over his last 68 2/3 innings, but the Tigers boast a veteran lineup laden with power hitters. Kluber will have to navigate a minefield that includes Miguel Cabrera and J.D. Martinez, as well as other proven commodities like Ian Kinsler. He could still post double-digit strikeouts while pitching deep into the game but he's better suited to GPPs.
Nothing to See Here
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Cole Hamels (TEX) | vs. OAK | 4 |
| Chris Archer (TB) | at BAL | 3 |
| Zack Greinke (ARI) | vs. LAD | 2 |
They might have eight All-Star selections between them, but these three staff aces are not entering favorable environments on Friday. Hamels and Greinke pitch in hitter-friendly home parks, while Archer sees the opposite effect, with better splits at home. Hamels faces the weakest lineup but the Athletics don't strike out a lot, limiting the potential for GPP returns.