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MLB DFS pitching gems August 21: Verlander in a dream spot

By Brandon Lauderback

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 8: Justin Verlander #35 of the Houston Astros looks on before Game 3 of the ALDS against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on Monday, October 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Sargent/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 8: Justin Verlander #35 of the Houston Astros looks on before Game 3 of the ALDS against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on Monday, October 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Sargent/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – AUGUST 16: Starting pitcher Mike Montgomery #21 of the Kansas City Royals throws in the first inning against the New York Mets at Kauffman Stadium on August 16, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – AUGUST 16: Starting pitcher Mike Montgomery #21 of the Kansas City Royals throws in the first inning against the New York Mets at Kauffman Stadium on August 16, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

MLB DFS Pitching Plays

Mike Montgomery  – This is a not a very appealing play at first sight, but Mike gets a sweet spot against Baltimore. They have a 22% K rate, 43% GB rate, and 34% HC against LHP. Mike has a 4.11 xFIP, 18.4% K rate, 50% GB rate, 41% HC on the year. Montgomery has displayed some serious reverse splits, giving up some big power to the left side of the plate. Luckily, he will see very limited lefties, and the ones he will see are not very good. Against RHH he has a 20% K rate, and a 53% GB rate.

Pitch Mix  – Mike uses every single pitch he has, something that can be good, if all of your pitchers are solid. The change and curve get most of his whiffs against RHH, and one thing that I thought was most impressive was every single pitch he has is getting at least 40% GB on the season, if not more.

The ISO has been pretty decent on mostly everything outside of the fastball for parts of the year. Montgomery also has over eight inches of horizontal movement on the change, and sinker, with six inches of vertical movement on the sinker as well. Just know this play isn’t for the faint of heart, but at his price, Mike should return value.