Saturday's Starting Pitcher Value Rankings
Here are theScore's starting pitcher value rankings for Saturday, June 18 (all stats exclude Friday's games):
Value Rankings
C | 1B/DH | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP
Top Options
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Steven Matz (NYM) | vs. ATL | 9 |
| Jon Lester (CHC) | vs. PIT | 9 |
| Max Scherzer (WAS) | at SD | 8 |
| Zack Greinke (ARI) | at PHI | 8 |
| Danny Salazar (CLE) | vs. CWS | 8 |
Matz is slightly cheaper than some of the top names, and has allowed just two earned runs over 14 innings to the Braves this season. Lester has won four straight starts, allowing just two earned runs and striking out 33.
Scherzer and Greinke are the priciest options, but are in fine form and have the benefit of facing low-scoring offense.
Mid-Tier Targets
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Jerad Eickhoff (PHI) | vs. ARI | 7 |
| Tyler Chatwood (COL) | at MIA | 7 |
| Carlos Martinez (STL) | vs. TEX | 7 |
| Michael Pineda (NYY) | at MIN | 7 |
| Mike Bolsinger (LAD) | vs. MIL | 6 |
| Chase Anderson (MIL) | at LAD | 6 |
| R.A. Dickey (TOR) | at BAL | 6 |
| Wei-Yin Chen (MIA) | vs. COL | 6 |
| Ricky Nolasco (MIN) | vs. NYY | 6 |
| Edinson Volquez (KC) | vs. DET | 6 |
| Rick Porcello (BOS) | vs. SEA | 6 |
| Dallas Keuchel (HOU) | vs. CIN | 6 |
| Matt Moore (TB) | vs. SF | 5 |
| Tim Lincecum (LAA) | at OAK | 5 |
| Matt Boyd (DET) | at KC | 5 |
| Cody Reed (CIN) | at HOU | 5 |
Chatwood is always a solid option away from Coors Field, as he holds a 0.65 ERA in 41 2/3 away innings.
Considering Colby Lewis nearly threw a perfect game against Oakland earlier in the week, Lincecum has a forgiving opponent for his first start as an Angel. Still, he's a very risky selection, given his lack of any kind of major league track record this season.
Nothing to See Here
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Jon Niese (PIT) | at CHC | 4 |
| Colin Rea (SD) | vs. WAS | 3 |
| Albert Suarez (SF) | at TB | 3 |
| Zach Neal (OAK) | vs. LAA | 2 |
| Aaron Blair (ATL) | at NYM | 2 |
| Yovani Gallardo (BAL) | vs. TOR | 1 |
| James Shields (CWS) | at CLE | 1 |
| Nick Martinez (TEX) | at STL | 1 |
Suarez will start in place of Jake Peavy, who will instead pitch Sunday. He's been solid, but doesn't offer much upside and will probably top out at around 80 pitches.
Gallardo holds a 7.00 ERA through four starts, and will be coming back from a lengthy DL stint against the rampaging Blue Jays offense. Shields has returned negative fantasy points in his three starts as a member of the White Sox, allowing a whopping 23 earned runs.
Martinez will be making a fill-in appearance for the Rangers, and it's hard to guarantee he'll pitch more than a few innings.