Saturday's Starting Pitcher Value Rankings
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Here are theScore's starting pitcher value rankings for Saturday, October 1 (all stats exclude Friday's games):
Value Rankings
C | 1B/DH | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP
Top Options
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Jharel Cotton (OAK) | at SEA | 9 |
| Jon Lester (CHC) | at CIN | 8 |
| J.A. Happ (TOR) | at BOS | 8 |
Cotton has been fantastic since joining the A's in early September. The 24-year old righty sports a 1.44 ERA with a 16 to 3 K:BB ratio in his first four major league starts. Cotton has surrendered just two earned runs and five total runs in his past two starts.
Go with Lester over Clayton Kershaw if you're rostering an expensive ace. Lester comes significantly cheaper and can provide similar upside.
Mid-Tier Targets
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Clayton Kershaw (LAD) | at SF | 7 |
| James Shields (CWS) | vs. MIN | 6 |
| Joe Musgrove (HOU) | at LAA | 5 |
Kershaw owns a 1.30 ERA at AT&T Park in 17 career games. He'll likely post another dominant start, but his price tag severely limits his value.
At this point in the season, Shields is a strict tournament play. He's just as likely to serve up an absolute dud as a surprisingly functional start. His chances at success should be higher than usual against Minnesota, however. The Twins have mailed it in early, hitting just .208 and ranking second in strikeouts over the past seven days.
Musgrove has struggled on the road this season, posting a sloppy 7.27 ERA in five starts. But in the pitcher-friendly Angels Stadium, he provides an intriguing tournament play option. Musgrove limited the Angels to just one earned run over seven innings in his last start.
Nothing to See Here
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Colby Lewis (TEX) | vs. TB | 4 |
| Wei-Yin Chen (MIA) | at WAS | 3 |
| Jordan Zimmermann (DET) | at ATL | 3 |
Zimmermann has battled mechanical and health issues in the second half of the season. He most recently pitched three innings in long relief as his previous starts had been absolute disasters. His mid-tier price tag is based off his career body of work rather than his current state.