Saturday's Starting Pitcher Value Rankings
Here are theScore's starting pitcher value rankings for Saturday, April 23:
Value Rankings
C | 1B/DH | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP
Top Options
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Jose Fernandez (MIA) | at SF | 9 |
| Hector Santiago (LAA) | vs. SEA | 9 |
| Steven Matz (NYM) | at ATL | 8 |
| Anibal Sanchez (DET) | vs. CLE | 8 |
| J.A. Happ (TOR) | vs. OAK | 8 |
Longevity and command have proven to be Fernandez's problems in the early going, though he's been stellar in two consecutive starts after allowing five runs on five hits in his first appearance - he balanced that with 13 strikeouts. The Giants don't whiff too often on the whole, but with Fernandez on the mound, it's best to spend up for him.
Santiago has managed 20 strikeouts over his first three starts and faces a lefty-heavy Mariners squad that has batted .201 collectively against southpaws. Happ has played well and Oakland hasn't scored a ton of runs. He comes at a discount compared to other pitchers. Matz is part of the "stream-against-Atlanta" rule. The Braves hit .218 as a team heading into Friday night.
Mid-Tier Targets
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Corey Kluber (CLE) | at DET | 7 |
| Masahiro Tanaka (NYY) | vs. TB | 7 |
| Jhoulys Chacin (ATL) | vs. NYM | 7 |
| Juan Nicasio (PIT) | at ARI | 7 |
| Tanner Roark (WAS) | vs. MIN | 7 |
Kluber's ERA and walk rate are up and his strikeout rate is down. He has been done in by some horrible luck, though, and a turnaround could be imminent. Chacin has shown that you don't need wins to return DFS value if the salary is low enough. While the Braves are more likely to lose than win every night, the Mets strike out a fair amount and Chacin has yet to walk a batter in two starts.
Roark, on the other hand, is far from a strikeout pitcher, but he pitches for a much better team than Chacin. While the Twins have been better of late, Roark and the Nationals are in a better position to take the game. A win will make up for his low strikeout total in the DFS owners' eyes.
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Kenta Maeda (LAD) | at COL | 6 |
| John Lackey (CHC) | at CIN | 6 |
| Michael Wacha (STL) | at SD | 6 |
| Colby Lewis (TEX) | at CWS | 6 |
| Chris Bassitt (OAK) | at TOR | 6 |
| Kris Medlen (KC) | vs. BAL | 6 |
Maeda gets knocked down a few pegs because of the start in Colorado, but he's been excellent through three starts. On sites where his salary has dropped to reflect where he's pitching on Saturday, he makes for a great contrarian pick with strikeout and win upside. Lackey and Wacha are both a bit overpriced, but both are in good positions for road wins. Lackey's 10 K/9 is not sustainable.
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Felix Hernandez (SEA) | at LAA | 5 |
| Carlos Rodon (CWS) | vs. TEX | 5 |
| Chase Anderson (MIL) | vs. PHI | 5 |
| Mike Fiers (HOU) | vs. BOS | 5 |
| Dan Straily (CIN) | vs. CHC | 5 |
Hernandez was scratched from Friday's start with an illness. If he starts on Saturday, it will be risky to roster him in case it lingers. Also, the Angels are the only team to strike out fewer than 100 times to this point in the season, which could limit Hernandez's overall upside.
Rodon got bounced around for five runs in a third of an inning against those same, toothless Angels. At his salary, there's too much risk despite the high strikeouts.
Nothing to See Here
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Phil Hughes (MIN) | at WAS | 4 |
| Clay Buchholz (BOS) | at HOU | 4 |
| Charlie Morton (PHI) | at MIL | 3 |
| Jake Peavy (SF) | vs. MIA | 3 |
| Tyler Chatwood (COL) | vs. LAD | 3 |
| Rubby De La Rosa (ARI) | vs. PIT | 2 |
Even against a team like the Astros that whiffs more than almost anybody, Buchholz is too volatile to put faith in his ability to pitch effectively. While his HR/9 will likely stabilized, that's the other thing Houston can do with ease - go yard. Poor command has also helped lead to his rocky start.
De La Rosa gets slotted back into the starting rotation. He's probably better than his 8.44 ERA suggests, and he does have strikeout upside, but he's not missing many bats.
One note: The Tampa Bay Rays announced that prospect Blake Snell would be called up for a start on Saturday against the Yankees. If he's available to be rostered, he represents middle of the road value, but has excellent strikeout potential.