Fantasy baseball pitcher rankings, lineup advice for Wednesday’s MLB games
Note: This file will be updated with any overnight pitching changes or weather-related game postponements, along with the addition of the latest MLB game odds as of the indicated time of publication.
By Todd Zola
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Jose Berrios retired only one batter in his start back on Opening Day, yielding four runs on three hits and two walks. His outing was so poor, it’s fair to consider reserving him for Wednesday’s road visit to Yankee Stadium. However, Berrios is especially effective against right-handed batters (.240 wOBA against) and the Yankees lineup predominantly swings from the right side, so in this case the numbers agree that you should keep Berrios active. He also checks in as a GPP option in DFS, as many will look elsewhere, shying away from the potent Yankees lineup.
Fantasy streamers are hard to find with so many No. 1 starters working on Wednesday’s slate. To be honest, it’s best to be patient and strike later in the week when the back end of most rotations come around again. Instead, look to fill open spots with widely available closers, such as Art Warren (6.8% rostered in ESPN leagues), Tanner Rainey (3.1% rostered), Jake Diekman (6.5%) and David Robertson (23.0%).
Viable hitters to stream are even harder to track down. Adam Frazier (32.7%) is batting leadoff and has the platoon edge over Dallas Keuchel, making him a solid play. Frazier’s teammate Eugenio Suarez (32.5%) is also someone to consider. In DFS, Suarez is more of a GPP play, while Frazier’s floor works for cash games.
Another trick on a tough slate is trying to sneak off with a stolen base or two. Surprisingly, Adalberto Mondesi is rostered in only 46.0% of ESPN leagues. Granted he’s an injury risk, but when he’s healthy Mondesi can be one of the most productive fantasy players. The Royals face Jordan Hicks and the Cardinals. Hicks’ control is still suspect and catcher Yadier Molina isn’t as adept at catching thieves compared to his salad days.
Camden Yards has been home to quite a few slugfests over the years. It’s only been a couple of games, but the renovations should temper scoring — although perhaps less than perceived since while homers will drop, overall hits (especially doubles and triples) should increase. Even so, with Corbin Burnes and John Means on the hill, runs should be at a premium. Neither lineup makes for an attractive DFS stack, while the total favors the under since lines may not yet reflect the true impact of the left-field alterations.
It’s not too late to start another free fantasy baseball league. Leagues drafted this week will start scoring fresh the following Monday.
Pitchers are ranked in order of their Forecaster/Daily Notes projected fantasy points, using ESPN’s standard scoring system (5 points per win, minus-5 per loss, 3 per inning, 1 per K, minus-1 apiece per hit or walk allowed, minus-2 per earned run allowed).
T: The pitcher’s handedness. OPP: Opposing team. ML: Caesars Money Line. O/U: Caesars Over/Under for runs scored. W%: Starting pitcher’s win probability. For the projected stat line, IP is innings pitched, ER is earned runs allowed, BR is baserunners allowed and K is strikeouts.
Best and worst hitters from the day are generated by THE BAT X, a projection system created by Derek Carty using advanced methods like those used in MLB front offices, accounting for a variety of factors including player talent, ballparks, bullpens, weather, umpires, defense, catcher pitch-framing, and lots more.
Tommy Pham (CIN, LF — 50%) vs. Triston McKenzie
Andrew McCutchen (MIL, LF — 46%) at John Means
Yoshi Tsutsugo (PIT, 1B — 3%) vs. Kyle Hendricks
Paul DeJong (STL, SS — 4%) vs. Zack Greinke
Tyler Naquin (CIN, CF — 3%) vs. McKenzie
Nick Senzel (CIN, CF — 3%) vs. McKenzie
Mike Moustakas (CIN, 3B — 19%) vs. McKenzie
Rowdy Tellez (MIL, 1B — 3%) at Means
Steven Kwan (CLE, CF — 2%) at Nick Lodolo
Luke Voit (SD, 1B — 58%) at Logan Webb
Matt Chapman (TOR, 3B — 92%) at Gerrit Cole
Gary Sanchez (MIN, C — 58%) vs. Clayton Kershaw
Mike Yastrzemski (SF, RF — 74%) vs. Sean Manaea
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (TOR, LF — 92%) at Cole
Max Kepler (MIN, RF — 63%) vs. Kershaw
Alex Kirilloff (MIN, 1B — 61%) vs. Kershaw
Brandon Crawford (SF, SS — 74%) vs. Manaea
Anthony Santander (BAL, RF — 62%) vs. Corbin Burnes
Christian Vazquez (BOS, C — 58%) at Eduardo Rodriguez