Wednesday's Pitcher Value Rankings
Here are theScore's pitcher value rankings for Wednesday, May 4:
Value Rankings
C | 1B/DH | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP
Top Options
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Carlos Rodon (CWS) | vs. BOS | 10 |
| Steven Matz (NYM) | vs. ATL | 10 |
| Drew Smyly (TB) | vs. LAD | 9 |
| Tyler Chatwood (COL) | at SD | 9 |
| Stephen Strasburg (WAS) | at KC | 8 |
| Felix Hernandez (SEA) | at OAK | 8 |
| Aaron Sanchez (TOR) | vs. TEX | 8 |
Rodon draws the start against a Red Sox team that has hit just .204 against lefties this season. The sophomore has struck out six or more batters in all but one start and if he can avoid walking batters, he should be able to go deep into this game with a strong chance of coming out with a win. Expect the south-siders to win this battle for sock-drawer supremacy.
Matz occupies the sweet spot between established aces and low-upside scrubs, presenting great upside against an awful Braves lineup. Atlanta has hit just .221 against lefties. When Matz faced them earlier this season, he struck out eight, walked none but gave up nine hits for two earned runs. Considering the Braves are just 2-8 in their last 10 games, it's unlikely they'll tag Matz with so many hits in round two.
Mid-Tier Targets
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Hector Santiago (LAA) | at MIL | 7 |
| Phil Hughes (MIN) | at HOU | 7 |
| Adam Morgan (PHI) | at STL | 6 |
| Jose Fernandez (MIA) | vs. ARI | 6 |
| Rubby De La Rosa (ARI) | at MIA | 6 |
| Mike Leake (STL) | vs. PHI | 5 |
| Juan Nicasio (PIT) | vs. CHC | 5 |
| Dan Straily (CIN) | vs. SF | 5 |
| Mike Fiers (HOU) | vs. MIN | 5 |
| Jon Lester (CHC) | at PIT | 4 |
| Anibal Sanchez (DET) | at CLE | 4 |
| Kris Medlen (KC) | vs. WAS | 4 |
| Tyler Wilson (BAL) | vs. NYY | 4 |
| Cesar Vargas (SD) | vs. COL | 4 |
Straily has allowed six runs in his last three starts with solid strikeout numbers considering he isn't going deep into games. The real attraction here is a bottom-of-the-barrel price that gives him value as an SP2 in two-pitcher formats. He's a better SP2 option than similar pitchers like Wilson or Vargas.
The Pirates will be the best offense that Lester has faced this season, having squared off against the Braves, Angels, Rockies and the Reds twice through five starts. While he held his opponents to just one earned run in four of those starts, his strikeout numbers have been uneven and the Pirates have the third-highest team batting average against southpaws (.284). With plenty of big-name aces on the slate, tread lightly with Lester.
Nothing to See Here
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Jhoulys Chacin (ATL) | at NYM | 3 |
| Colby Lewis (TEX) | at TOR | 3 |
| Zach Davies (MIL) | vs. LAA | 3 |
| Sean Manaea (OAK) | vs. SEA | 3 |
| Alex Wood (LAD) | at TB | 3 |
| Corey Kluber (CLE) | vs. DET | 2 |
| C.C. Sabathia (NYY) | at BAL | 2 |
| Clay Buchholz (BOS) | at CWS | 1 |
| Jake Peavy (SF) | at CIN | 1 |
Kluber has been slammed by the Tigers throughout his career. In 152 at-bats, Detroit has hit .322 with a .357 OBP and 10 long-balls off the ace. He has struggled with velocity to start the year and the last thing an opposing pitcher wants to do is hang a pitch in front of Miguel Cabrera or J.D. Martinez.
HEADLINES
- Colleagues reflect on the incredible life of Bob Uecker
- Without Morant, Grizzlies hand Spurs their largest loss of season
- Butler on trade rumors: 'Sooner or later, the whole truth will come out'
- Hornets' Miller out indefinitely with torn wrist ligament
- Tatum, Celtics snap out of shooting slump in win over Magic