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FanDuel Pitcher Picks For June 17

By Mike Marteny

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May 28, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher David Price (14) during batting practice before the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

All 30 teams are in on the big FanDuel tournaments today. These are usually the day to get clear-cut statistical advantages, but that is not necessarily the case with interleague play going on. Several pitchers have little or no histories to go on, but this is a day full of aces, so there is still some stats to go on.

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NOTE: these picks are based solely on statistics. Some players have never faced their opponents, or have very little experience against them. I am not saying that none of those are good picks. This is based on statistical analysis only. If you have a gut feeling, then by all means, follow that. This is not an exact science. I just provide the facts.

Here are my FanDuel pitcher picks for June 17:

High Priced ($9,000 and up):

There are so many aces going today that I figured the top tier needed fewer options. There are still seven pitchers in this tier. Five of them cost more than $10,000.

Best Bet:

Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers ($12,300): Kershaw is the top price for a reason. He is dominant. He started a little slow (for him) this year, but he has been back to his normal dominant self lately. He has given up just three earned runs in his last 28.2 innings pitched. While the Rangers are one of the best offensive teams in baseball, the current roster has not done well against Kershaw. They are hitting a meager .160 in 50 at bats, but have managed two homers and five runs scored. The good news for those of you leaning towards Kershaw is that he still has 17 strikeouts against them. Prince Fielder and Kyle Blanks are the two that have taken him deep and accounted for all of the RBI off of Kershaw, but they are a combined 6 for 34 off of him. Those could be aberrations. Kershaw remains the wisest way to spend big if you want to do so.

Honorable Mention:

David Price, Tigers ($10,900): Price has held the current Reds roster to a .192 average in 52 at bats with just one homer, three runs scored, and 14 strikeouts. Those numbers are just a hair under Kershaw’s, but what keeps him in the second seat is his mound opponent. He has to deal with Johnny Cueto, so his chance at a win is a toss up. Kershaw has a great chance at the W against Wandy Rodriguez.

Stay Away:

Madison Bumgarner, Giants ($10,500): The Mariners have actually done pretty well agianst Bumgarner. The current roster is holding their own with a .276 average, two homers, and seven runs scored in 58 at bats. If you are going to spend over $10,000 anyway, spend the extra $400 bucks for Price.

Next: What Do We Have For Mid-Range Options?

Jun 7, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Alex Wood (40) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Mid-Range ($7,000 to $8,900):

Best Bet:

Jesse Chavez, Athletics ($8,400): There is not much for statistical analysis in this tier. Chavez has held the Padres to a .238 career average and given up just one run in 21 at bats. However, they do have five extra base hits, and he has only struck out six. This is a small sample size, and the Padres star, Justin Upton, is 2 for 4 off of Chavez. Both hits are singles, so Chavez has done a good job of limiting damage. His mound opponent is Odrisamer Despaigne, who has been mostly inconsistent so far in the majors. Chavez has a pretty good shot at a win as well.

Honorable Mention:

Alex Wood, Braves ($7,700): Wood has dominated in 2o plate appearances against the current Red Sox roster. He has given up just a single, a double, a run, and a walk while striking out eight. It is a very small sample size, but he has faced all of the big guns at least once. He could be a sneaky play today if you’re willing to roll the dice a little.

Stay Away:

Ubaldo Jimenez, Orioles ($8,100): Yes, Ubaldo is facing off against the Phillies, but they have done pretty well against him. The current Phillies roster has hit .260 off of him with three homers, nine RBI, and five walks in 50 at bats. This one looks like a trap for Ubaldo and those playing the percentages against a mostly poor Philadelphia offense.

Next: Who Can You Trust If You Go Cheap?

May 30, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Cleveland Indians pitcher Shaun Marcum (38) throws out a pitch during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

Cheap Options ($6,900 and under):

Best Bet:

Shaun Marcum, Indians ($6,800): Marcum has done very well against the current Cubs roster. They are hitting just .203 off of Marcum with two homers and four runs scored in 59 at bats while striking out 13 times. Tsuyoshi Wada has been solid this year, but with Marcum’s history against the Cubs, you have to think he has a better than average chance at a win here.

Honorable Mention:

Tom Milone, Twins ($6,100): Milone has faced the current Cardinals team 30 times, and they have just four hits and a walk off of him. Matt Carpenter did manage to take him deep, but that is the only run he has given up against them. This one looks like trouble, but as well as Milone has done so far, he may be worth a shot simply because no one else will be playing him.

Stay Away:

Wandy Rodriguez, Rangers ($6,700): I offer up Wandy here because you shouldn’t need me to tell you to stay away from Joe Blanton in his first start of the season. The Dodgers are hitting .297 off of Wandy in 101 career at bats with six home runs and 13 runs scored. You likely want no part of this, especially when you consider that he is taking on Clayton Kershaw.

Stay tuned for the hitter picks!

Next: RB's 31-40 for the 2015 NFL Season

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