Thursday's Catcher Value Rankings
Here are theScore's catcher value rankings for Thursday, July 21 (all stats exclude Wednesday's games):
Value Rankings
C | 1B/DH | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP
Top Options
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Nick Hundley (COL) | vs. ATL | 8 |
| A.J. Pierzynski (ATL) | at COL | 8 |
| Ryan Hanigan (BOS) | vs. MIN | 8 |
Pierzynski hasn't been playing much of late, but he should feature behind the plate against a right-hander, as he has fared better against them this season. He also isn't subject to much of a Coors Field price bump, and Rockies starter Chad Bettis' 6.09 home ERA doesn't make for an intimidating opponent.
The other catcher in this game, Hundley, gets the nod based on the presence of homer-prone Braves starter Mike Foltynewicz.
Hanigan has been catching knuckleballer Steven Wright, and he has been producing when given the chance, collecting a hit, a run and an RBI in three of his last four starts, with one home run.
Mid-Tier Targets
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Brian McCann (NYY) | vs. BAL | 7 |
| Jonathan Lucroy (MIL) | at PIT | 7 |
| Derek Norris (SD) | at STL | 6 |
Norris makes for a low-cost power threat, as nine of his 12 home runs have come against right-handers, though Adam Wainwright has been pitching much better of late.
Lucroy has been typically productive this season, though he is only hitting left-handers at a .230 rate.
Nothing to See Here
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| J.T. Realmuto (MIA) | at PHI | 4 |
| Francisco Cervelli (PIT) | vs. MIL | 3 |
| Yasmani Grandal (LAD) | at WAS | 2 |
Realmuto hits for a high average (.316) and has been doing so from atop the order of late, but he comes at a steep price to pay for a player without much of a power threat.
Grandal is strikeout-prone as it is, so despite his home run potential, he likely won't be worth it against Stephen Strasburg.