Thursday's Starting Pitcher Value Rankings
Here are theScore's starting pitcher value rankings for Thursday, May 12 (note that these stats exclude Wednesday's games):
Value Rankings
C | 1B/DH | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP
Top Options
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Keuchel (HOU) | at BOS | 9 |
| Clayton Kershaw (LAD) | vs. NYM | 9 |
| Ubaldo Jimenez (BAL) | vs. DET | 8 |
Keuchel is one of the cheapest options on the slate. Though a matchup against Boston is poor on paper, the Red Sox offense has been much less effective against lefties this season. Though Keuchel hasn't been his 2014-15 dominant self quite yet, he is coming off a seven inning, eight strikeout performance. The temptation of an underpriced ace is too good to resist.
Jimenez represents another cheap option on Thursday, though he should be used predominantly in tournaments. The Baltimore hurler has had two dominant starts this year - his first and his most recent - while separating those two performances with mediocrity. Luckily, the Detroit lineup seems to be back in a funk having hit just .213 over the past week.
Mid-Tier Targets
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Ian Kennedy (KC) | at NYY | 6 |
| Adam Wainwright (STL) | at LAA | 6 |
| Zack Greinke (ARI) | vs. SF | 6 |
| Johnny Cueto (SF) | at ARI | 6 |
| David Price (BOS) | vs. HOU | 6 |
| Vince Velasquez (PHI) | at ATL | 6 |
The mid-tier is filled with high-priced aces and a couple middle-of-the-pack starters. DFS players will have to weigh their options carefully here.
Wainwright and Kennedy draw favorable matchups against teams batting sub .240. Kennedy gets the advantage though thanks to a 4-2 record and 2.13 ERA. The Royals, however, have won only one of their past six games.
Greinke, Cueto, and Price all come with hefty salaries and less than enviable matchups. Greinke is the cheapest of the bunch and has struck out eight batters in each of his last two starts; he gets the edge.
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Nathan Eovaldi (NYY) | vs. KC | 5 |
| Bartolo Colon (NYM) | at LAD | 5 |
| Jimmy Nelson (MIL) | vs. SD | 4 |
| Jered Weaver (LAA) | vs. STL | 4 |
| James Shields (SD) | at MIL | 4 |
'Big Sexy' would get a higher rating, but the Mets are much less likely to pickup a win with Kershaw dealing. It may be tempting to roster the lovable veteran, but it is best to wait for another day.
Shields falls in value as the Milwaukee offense has been stellar within their hitter-friendly Miller Park. The Brewers rank in the top-10 in runs, home runs, and batting average at home.
Nothing to See Here
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Aaron Blair (ATL) | vs. PHI | 3 |
| Mike Pelfrey (DET) | at BAL | 1 |
Pelfrey is sure to get lit up Baltimore. He has lasted no longer than 6 and 2/3 innings and has given up at least seven hits in all but one of his six starts. Though he is the cheapest option on the slate, he shouldn't even be on the slate to begin with.