MLB DFS Pitching Primer: Tuesday, 8/6 – New Zack or Old Zack?
By Dan Palyo
MLB DFS Pitching Primer: Mid-Tier
Conner Menez (6k FD, 7.2k DK) vs. Washington
Menez is going to make the cut for me based on his strikeout upside and positive park factor. He’s making only his second major league start tonight and was pretty solid in his debut against the Mets, striking out six hitters over five innings. He did allow two homers in that game and that is one major concern I have with him based on his AAA numbers.
Pitching at home should help mitigate that concern as the spacious stadium in San Fran will help hold some balls in the yard. Washington certainly has some pop from the right side of the plate, but they also strike out nearly 22% of the time.
Menez has shown some elite strikeout upside this year at AAA with a 33% strikeout rate and I’ll take that kind of upside any day for these prices, especially on FanDuel where he is ridiculously cheap.
Ryan Yarbrough (7.8k both sites) vs. Toronto
I’d rather not have to go here to Yarbs if I don’t have to but I really can’t ignore this spot as an analyst. Yarbs has pitched well against the Jays twice already this season, but I do get nervous about using a pitcher the third or fourth time they’ve seen an opponent.
Hitters at the pro level are great at making adjustments, studying film, and are always more prepared for a pitcher after they’ve seen them a few times.
Having said that, Toronto is still a team that strikes out a lot and Yarbrough has the type of command and control of his pitches to be effective.
He’s priced where he doesn’t have much margin for error, however, and you do have to worry about how long he’ll be allowed to pitch when he makes these “relief appearances” instead of being the conventional starter.