Friday's Pitcher Value Rankings
Here are theScore's pitcher value rankings for Friday, April 8:
Value Rankings
C | 1B/DH | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP
Top Options
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Francisco Liriano (PIT) | at CIN | 9 |
| Yordano Ventura (KC) | vs. MIN | 9 |
| Jacob deGrom (NYM) | vs. PHI | 9 |
| Marcus Stroman (TOR) | vs. BOS | 8 |
| Jordan Zimmermann (DET) | vs. NYY | 8 |
The Reds send out one of the worst lineups in the National League. Their two best hitters, Joey Votto and Jay Bruce (both bat left), are a combined 9-for-48 against Liriano, a LHP. The Pirates' starter got off to a strong start to begin the season, allowing zero runs over six innings while striking out 10 against the Cardinals. Expect another double-digit strikeout performance.
Stroman is one of the most charismatic, high-energy, emotional pitchers in the game. Expect him to bring his A-game for Toronto's home opener against the Red Sox, a team he's held to a .566 OPS in his career.
Mid-Tier Targets
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Luis Severino (NYY) | at DET | 7 |
| Jerad Eickhoff (PHI) | vs. NYM | 7 |
| Chris Tillman (BAL) | vs. TB | 7 |
| Jason Hammel (CHC) | at ARI | 6 |
| Ervin Santana (MIN) | at KC | 6 |
| Matt Shoemaker (LAA) | vs. TEX | 6 |
The Tigers have a very imposing lineup, but they've yet to face Severino, which definitely gives the pitcher the upper hand. He has downright nasty stuff and has fared better away from Yankee Stadium in his young career.
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Alfredo Simon (CIN) | vs. PIT | 6 |
| Ross Stripling (LAD) | at SF | 5 |
| Danny Salazar (CLE) | at CWS | 5 |
| Chris Archer (TB) | at BAL | 5 |
| Robbie Ray (ARI) | vs. CHC | 5 |
| John Danks (CWS) | vs. CLE | 5 |
It'll be tough for Simon to pick up a win against the Pirates, but the big right-hander has pitched well against them over the years. Over the past three seasons, Simon is 10-3 with a 2.81 ERA in the month of April. As one of the lowest-priced pitchers on the slate, Simon represents an intriguing GPP play.
Nothing to See Here
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Jaime Garcia (STL) | at ATL | 4 |
| Scott Feldman (HOU) | at MIL | 4 |
| Chase Anderson (MIL) | vs. HOU | 3 |
| Matt Wisler (ATL) | vs. STL | 3 |
| Taijuan Walker (SEA) | vs. OAK | 3 |
| Matt Cain (SF) | vs. LAD | 3 |
| Eric Surkamp (OAK) | at SEA | 2 |
| Joe Kelly (BOS) | at TOR | 2 |
| Jordan Lyles (COL) | vs. SD | 2 |
| Colin Rea (SD) | at COL | 1 |
Toronto's patient approach (highest team OBP in 2015) has presented issues for the erratic Kelly. He has great stuff, but he walked 15 batters in 23.1 innings over his four starts against the Blue Jays last season.
Don't bother touching either Lyles or Rea, who will have to play in pitchers purgatory (also known as Coors Field).