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MLB DFS pitching gems August 1: Time to wheel and deal

By Brandon Lauderback

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 26: Zack Wheeler #45 of the New York Mets in action against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field on July 26, 2019 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Pirates 6-3. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 26: Zack Wheeler #45 of the New York Mets in action against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field on July 26, 2019 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Pirates 6-3. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MAY 12: Jon Lester #34 of the Chicago Cubs pitches in the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field on May 12, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

MLB DFS Pitching Plays

Jon Lester – He is never a very flashy play, but Lester has been rock solid for the Cubs this season. Most recently putting up a 40 point game against the tough Brewers, on the road. Today he draws the Cardinals, who have been struggling for the better part of the past two months.

They are hitting 50% GB to LHP, with a 23% K rate. Lester does see a slight ISO increase to RHH at .190, but gets more strikeouts at 23%, with 44% GB. The major concerns would be Goldschmidt, DeJong, and Martinez.

Pitch Mix – Since Lester will see mostly RHH, we will focus on them. He throws the fastball 32% of the time, cutter 28%, then the curve, and change around 18% with the occasional sinker. The curve has gotten over 50% whiffs on several occasions, but recently has been getting only 20% whiffs, but his GB numbers have been pretty solid at over 40% on three of his pitches.

The velocity is down from last year, and his sinker, change, and fastball all get duel movement, between four-eight inches each way. I would expect his ownership to be pretty low, making him a good GPP play.