Monday's Pitcher Value Rankings
Here are the pitcher value rankings for Monday, April 4:
Value Rankings
C | 1B | 2B | 3B | SS | OF | SP
Top Options
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Max Scherzer (WAS) | at ATL | 10 |
| Chris Sale (CWS) | at OAK | 9 |
| Jake Arrieta (CHC) | at LAA | 8 |
| Tyson Ross (SD) | vs. LAD | 8 |
Scherzer has one of the softest matchups on Opening Day, facing the Braves' limp offense. He should get the run support to notch the victory, but 10-plus strikeouts and few runs against could make the Nats' ace the play of the day in spite of his sky-high salary.
Ross is a major contrarian going against the superlative Clayton Kershaw. His price is low, his home park is deep, and the Dodgers lineup is balanced but not dominating. Limit his use to tournament formats.
Mid-Tier Targets
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Clayton Kershaw (LAD) | at SD | 7 |
| Ervin Santana (MIN) | at BAL | 7 |
| Zach Greinke (ARI) | vs. COL | 6 |
| Drew Smyly (TB) | vs. TOR | 6 |
| Raisel Iglesias (CIN) | vs. PHI | 6 |
The main worry about Kershaw is whether he'll get enough run support from his banged up batting order in order to notch a victory.
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Garrett Richards (LAA) | vs. CHC | 5 |
| Chris Tillman (BAL) | vs. MIN | 5 |
| R.A. Dickey (TOR) | at TB | 4 |
| Sonny Gray (OAK) | vs. CWS | 4 |
Whether his knuckleball is dancing or not, Dickey will at least be able to count on top-notch run support.
Nothing to See Here
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Madison Bumgarner (SF) | at MIL | 3 |
| Felix Hernandez (SEA) | at TEX | 3 |
| Cole Hamels (TEX) | vs. SEA | 3 |
| Jorge De La Rosa (COL) | at ARI | 3 |
| Julio Teheran (ATL) | vs. WAS | 2 |
| Jeremy Hellickson (PHI) | at CIN | 1 |
| Wily Peralta (MIL) | vs. SF | 1 |
Bumgarner and Hernandez have Cy Young-pedigree but both aces posted ERAs over 4.00 when taking the mound away from their cavernous ballparks. The parks in Milwaukee and Arlington are especially hazardous for pitchers.
At least MadBum has the advantage over opposing pitcher Peralta, who is bad regardless of location.