MLB DFS Pitching Gems July 23: Sale Is A Cash Game Lock

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BOSTON – APRIL 9: Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale fires a pitch in the first inning. The Boston Red Sox host the Toronto Blue Jays in their home opener for the 2019 MLB season at Fenway Park in Boston on April 9, 2019. (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /

MLB DFS Pitching Plays

Chris Sale – I mentioned how I like Eduardo Rodriguez in this same spot against the Rays, and Sale is a much better version of E Rod with the most upside out of any arm on this slate. His ceiling is 80 points, and while he has struggled with the long ball, he is still showcasing that massive strikeout potential. He will see eight RHH, where he has a 37% K rate, 42.4% GB rate, 39% HC, and a .191 ISO. That side of the plate is where his troubles have come, but if he is controlling his pitches, hitting the corners, getting swinging strikes, Sale will have a monster day.

Pitch Mix – Sale’s bread and butter is his fastball, slider combo. using both around 35% of the time, then the change, and occasional sinker. The change and slider are getting over 45% whiffs, while the fastball had a slight drop recently, my thoughts are it will rise back up to that 40% range in this game. While the fastball dropped in whiffs it took a massive jump in the GB numbers, all the way up to 46%. All three of his pitches had above a 45% GB rate in July. His change moves 11 inches horizontally which is down right dirty. His fastball moves eight inches horizontally, and six inches vertically, being one of the only pitchers in the league with that kind of duel movement on his fastball. Sale should be your top overall option on the day, don’t overthink this one.