Fantasy notes for May 1
Click through for information on specific matchups and injuries for the day's games.
Starting pitcher rankings for May 1
| Name | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Matt Cain | R | MIA | 10 | 1-1 | 2.37 | 0.63 | 4-0 | 2.10 | 1.01 |
| 2 |  | Brandon Beachy | R | PHI | 9 | 2-1 | 1.05 | 0.97 | 1-2 | 5.54 | 1.46 |
| 3 |  | Jordan Zimmermann | R | ARI | 7 | 1-1 | 1.33 | 0.70 | 1-2 | 3.38 | 1.31 |
| 4 |  | Cole Hamels | L | @ATL | 8 | 3-1 | 2.73 | 1.03 | 1-1 | 2.93 | 1.19 |
| 5 |  | Shaun Marcum | R | @SD | 9 | 1-1 | 4.13 | 1.33 | 0-0 | 0.00 | 0.67 |
| 6 |  | Neftali Feliz | R | @TOR | 10 | 1-1 | 3.00 | 1.00 | 1-1 | 4.85 | 1.46 |
| 7 |  | Chris Sale | L | CLE | 10 | 2-1 | 3.12 | 1.08 | 2-1 | 4.18 | 1.11 |
| 8 |  | Bronson Arroyo | R | CHC | 5 | 1-0 | 2.70 | 1.09 | 1-2 | 4.97 | 1.50 |
| 9 |  | Ted Lilly | L | @COL | 6 | 2-0 | 0.90 | 0.85 | 2-1 | 5.00 | 1.11 |
| 10 |  | Ricky Nolasco | R | @SF | 5 | 2-0 | 3.20 | 1.18 | 1-0 | 5.47 | 1.50 |
| 11 |  | Jonathon Niese | L | @HOU | 5 | 2-0 | 2.81 | 0.97 | 1-1 | 5.73 | 1.36 |
| 12 |  | Ubaldo Jimenez | R | @CHW | 8 | 2-1 | 4.50 | 1.50 | 1-4 | 7.43 | 1.96 |
| 13 |  | Matt Moore | L | SEA | 5 | 0-1 | 4.68 | 1.56 | 0-1 | 4.50 | 1.00 |
| 14 |  | Trevor Cahill | R | @WAS | 7 | 1-2 | 3.70 | 1.27 | 0-3 | 6.39 | 1.58 |
| 15 |  | Adam Wainwright | R | PIT | 10 | 0-3 | 7.32 | 1.47 | 2-0 | 1.45 | 0.91 |
| 16 |  | Edinson Volquez | R | MIL | 4 | 0-2 | 3.60 | 1.27 | 2-0 | 3.48 | 1.11 |
| 17 |  | Jhoulys Chacin | R | LAD | 6 | 0-2 | 5.85 | 1.55 | 1-2 | 4.84 | 1.57 |
| 18 |  | Felix Doubront | L | OAK | 3 | 1-0 | 4.09 | 1.45 | 1-0 | 2.70 | 1.44 |
| 19 |  | Charlie Morton | R | @STL | 2 | 1-1 | 2.65 | 1.24 | 0-2 | 7.07 | 1.57 |
| 20 |  | Jeff Samardzija | R | @CIN | 4 | 2-1 | 4.13 | 1.42 | 3-1 | 4.50 | 1.00 |
| 21 |  | Jarrod Parker | R | @BOS | 4 | 0-0 | 1.42 | 1.26 | 2-1 | 3.27 | 1.73 |
| 22 |  | Jerome Williams | R | MIN | 4 | 1-1 | 5.51 | 1.47 | -- | -- | -- |
| 23 |  | Phil Hughes | R | BAL | 4 | 1-3 | 7.88 | 1.88 | 0-1 | 1.56 | 1.10 |
| 24 |  | Luke Hochevar | R | @DET | 2 | 2-1 | 4.98 | 1.29 | 3-1 | 2.84 | 1.21 |
| 25 |  | J.A. Happ | L | NYM | 4 | 1-1 | 4.7 | 1.52 | 1-1 | 6.59 | 2.27 |
| 26 |  | Rick Porcello | R | KC | 3 | 1-2 | 6.45 | 1.48 | 2-0 | 1.59 | 1.12 |
| 27 |  | Brian Matusz | L | @NYY | 1 | 0-3 | 5.66 | 1.89 | 1-1 | 3.65 | 1.3 |
| 28 |  | Hector Noesi | R | @TB | 1 | 1-2 | 8.83 | 1.67 | 0-0 | 1.8 | 1.2 |
| 29 |  | Drew Hutchison | R | TEX | 1 | 1-0 | 6.1 | 1.74 | 1-1 | 3 | 1.07 |
| 30 |  | Francisco Liriano | L | @LAA | 5 | 0-3 | 11.02 | 2.33 | 2-1 | 2.33 | 1.11 |
Rk.: The author's ranking of that pitcher for that day only. T: Pitcher throws left-handed or right-handed. Opp: The pitcher's opponent for the day. QR: "Quality Rating," or the starting pitcher's matchup rating -- separate from the author's ranking -- which accounts for past history (three years' worth as well as past 21 days), opponent and ballpark. OPS is the primary statistic used in the calculation. Ratings range from 1-10, with 10 representing the best possible matchup, statistically speaking, and 1 representing the worst. So, for example, a 10 is a must-start rating, while a 1 should be avoided (if possible); a 1-2 is poor, 3-4 is fair, 5-6 is average, 7-8 is very good and 9-10 is excellent. W-L: Pitcher's win-loss record. ERA: Pitcher's earned run average. WHIP: Pitcher's average number of walks plus hits surrendered per inning.
As we say goodbye to the first month of the season, it's time to give your fantasy rotation a jumpstart. Below are four pitchers worth grabbing off the waiver wire for Tuesday if you want to start the new month on the right foot:
• For the 95 percent of ESPN.com fantasy leagues that Bronson Arroyo isn't owned in, you owners are missing out on a nifty season from the Reds right-hander. His 1.77 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in his past three starts speaks for itself, but more unbelievable is his two walks and just two homers allowed in 26 2/3 innings. Since joining Cincinnati in 2006, Arroyo is 9-5 with a 2.43 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 20 starts versus the Cubs. And with the Cubbies hitting a laughable eight homers in 22 games this season, you don't have to worry much about Arroyo reverting back to his gopher-ball ways (46 homers allowed in 2011). He's a must-start pitcher Tuesday.
• Jonathon Niese has tossed four straight quality starts to begin his season, yet he's still available in nearly half of ESPN.com fantasy leagues. Expect him to kick off May with another strong outing on the road against the Houston Astros. If you're concerned that Niese is allowing more fly balls as of late (4, 7, 11 then 12), here's a stat to calm your nerves. Houston is slugging .322 versus lefties this season, with just three home runs in 203 plate appearances against southpaws. Start Niese with supreme confidence Tuesday.
• Trevor Cahill hasn't been great by any stretch (16 K's, 12 BB), but I like his matchup Tuesday against the Washington Nationals. The Nats have scored three runs or fewer in nine of their past 11 games, and a few of their best hitters are injured. Ryan Zimmerman and Michael Morse are on the disabled list, and Jayson Werth is day-to-day with migraines. And although Cahill has predictably struggled at Chase Field, he has been money on the road in two starts (1.35 ERA, .143 opponents' BA), and one of those away starts was at Coors Field. He might not outpitch Jordan Zimmermann (1.33 ERA, 0.70 WHIP), but expect Cahill to give his Arizona Diamondbacks a chance to win by producing a quality start.
• ESPN.com fantasy owners weren't impressed with Jarrod Parker's major league debut Wednesday, when he held the Chicago White Sox to one run on seven hits in 6 1/3 innings, fanning five and walking just one. He is still owned in less than three percent of ESPN.com leagues. Parker appears to be as good as advertised, but Tuesday he'll face a great challenge in taking on the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Although this isn't a matchup worth risking a jump in ERA and WHIP, Parker is certainly worthy of a roster spot in standard leagues. My advice is to grab him now, sit him Tuesday, and then stick him in your rotation when he returns home to spacious O.co Coliseum.
Hitter matchup ratings for May 1
| Overall | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | 3 | 4 | 1 | 4 | | 6 | 4 | 6 | 7 | |
| | 3 | 2 | 2 | 6 | | 8 | 6 | 8 | 6 | |
| | 7 | 7 | 5 | 5 | | 7 | 2 | 8 | 4 | |
| | 5 | 1 | 10 | 7 | | 10 | 3 | 10 | 5 | |
| | 7 | 10 | 2 | 4 | | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | |
| | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | |
| | 7 | 8 | 5 | 7 | | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | |
| | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | | 8 | 10 | 2 | 6 | |
| | 5 | 5 | 4 | 7 | | 3 | 1 | 4 | 5 | |
| | 8 | 9 | 5 | 6 | | 7 | 6 | 5 | 6 | |
| | 7 | 5 | 7 | 4 | | 7 | 10 | 3 | 4 | |
| | 7 | 8 | 5 | 5 | | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | |
| | 7 | 1 | 8 | 6 | | 10 | 10 | 10 | 6 | |
| | 6 | 10 | 1 | 5 | | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | |
| | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | | 5 | 6 | 2 | 4 | |
Hitter ratings account for the opposing starting pitcher's past history (three years' worth as well as past 21 days) as well as ballpark factors. "LHB" and "RHB" ratings account only for left- and right-handed batters, respectively. OPS is the primary statistic used in the calculation. Ratings range from 1-10, with 10 representing the best possible matchup, statistically speaking, and 1 representing the worst. So, for example, a 10 is a must-start rating, while a 1 should be avoided (if possible); a 1-2 is poor, 3-4 is fair, 5-6 is average, 7-8 is very good and 9-10 is excellent.
• Jordan Zimmermann has gone at least six innings and allowed only one earned run in each of his four starts this season.
• David Wright is 6 for 13 (.462) with 3 home runs and 6 RBI against Astros starter J.A. Happ.
• Josh Willingham is 4 for 9 (.444) with 4 RBI against Angels starter Jerome Williams.
• Dan Uggla is 8 for 50 (.160) with 15 strikeouts against Phillies starter Cole Hamels.
• Nick Swisher is 1 for 18 (.056) against Orioles starter Brian Matusz.
• Alfonso Soriano is 8 for 42 (.190) with 13 strikeouts against Reds starter Bronson Arroyo.
• Jose Reyes is 8 for 14 (.571) with 5 XBH and 5 RBI against Giants starter Matt Cain.
• Andrew McCutchen is 6 for 15 (.400) with a .971 OPS against Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright.
• Matt Kemp is 4 for 26 (.154) with 8 strikeouts against Rockies starter Jhoulys Chacin.
• Chone Figgins is 11 for 36 (.306) with 5 extra base hits over the last three seasons at Tropicana Field.
• Current Blue Jays hitters are 3 for 15 (.200) with 7 strikeouts against Rangers starter Neftali Feliz.
• Adam Dunn is 5 for 24 (.208) with 13 strikeouts against Indians starter Ubaldo Jimenez.
• Billy Butler is 10 for 31 (.323) with 5 RBI against Tigers starter Rick Porcello.
• Jason Bartlett is 4 for 19 (.211) with 3 strikeouts against Brewers starter Shaun Marcum.
• Oakland has the fewest hits (47) and fewest RBI (17) against left-handed pitchers of any team in the AL West this season. The Athletics face lefty Felix Doubront on Tuesday.
Josh Hamilton, OF, Rangers: Day-to-day, back. He left Sunday's game with back spasms but expects to return to the field Monday.
Jayson Werth, OF, Nationals: Day-to-day, migraine headaches. He was scratched from Sunday's lineup with a migraine, and it's unclear when he'll return to action.
Nick Swisher, OF, Yankees: Day-to-day, hamstring strain. He got hurt Sunday and likely will miss at least two games.
Rajai Davis, OF, Blue Jays: Day-to-day, right hand contusion. He was hit by a pitch on the right hand Sunday and will be re-evaluated Monday.
Kevin Youkilis, 3B, Red Sox: Day-to-day, back. He was scratched from Sunday's starting lineup but was able to pinch-hit. He expects to start Monday.
Jason Kubel, OF, Diamondbacks: Day-to-day, illness. He was scratched from Monday's lineup, and it's unclear when he'll return.
Kenley Jansen, RP, Dodgers: Could be the Dodgers' new closer. Jansen earned the save Sunday and could be edging out Javy Guerra for closing duties.
Johnny Damon, OF, Indians: Ready to join Indians. Damon is expected to make his Cleveland debut Tuesday against the White Sox. He'll likely be in a reserve role initially as a left fielder and designated hitter.
Brandon Inge, 3B, Athletics: After being released by the Tigers last week, Oakland picked up Inge and is expected to make him their everyday third baseman. He should be with his new team in time for Monday's series opener in Boston.
Freddy Garcia, SP, Yankees: Moved to bullpen. David Phelps will replace the struggling Garcia in New York's rotation and pitch Thursday against Kansas City.
Shin-Soo Choo, OF, Indians: Day-to-day, hamstring. Has not played since last Tuesday, but hopes to play this Tuesday.
Geovany Soto, C, Cubs: Day-to-day, upper back tightness. He did not play Saturday or Sunday, and his return to the field is uncertain.
Lyle Overbay, 1B, Diamondbacks: May get more at-bats soon. With Paul Goldschmidt struggling, Overbay will reportedly get more time at first base.
Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Nationals: 15-day DL, sore right shoulder. This move was made retroactive to April 21, meaning he could return on May 6. Chad Tracy and Stephen Lombardozzi will split time at third in Zimmerman's absence.
Brad Lidge, RP, Nationals: 15-day DL, abdominal strain. This move was made retroactive to April 22. Henry Rodriguez, who had been sharing closer duties with Lidge, is now the team's sole closer.
Carlos Lee, 1B, Astros: Day-to-day, ankle. He did not play Saturday or Sunday but should return to the field Tuesday or Wednesday.
Aubrey Huff, 1B, Giants: 15-day DL, anxiety disorder. Brandon Belt will platoon with Brett Pill at first base for the time being.
Kyle Weiland, Astros: 15-day DL, right shoulder bursitis. Jordan Lyles will replace Weiland in the Houston rotation for now.
Marwin Gonzalez, SS, Astros: Paternity leave list. He is expected to return to the field in a couple of days.
Delmon Young, OF, Tigers: Suspended. He will remain on the restricted list and be evaluated Monday.
Chris Parmelee, 1B, Twins: Day-to-day, head. He hasn't played since getting hit in the head with a pitch by Justin Thomas on April 25.
Jim Johnson, P, Orioles: Day-to-day, illness. He hasn't pitched since April 22, and his return date is unknown. Pedro Strop has been accumulating most of the saves in his absence.
Juan Rivera, OF, Dodgers: Day-today, hamstring. He has not started since April 24 but was able to pinch-hit Saturday.
Jim Thome, 1B, Phillies: Day-to-day, back. He left Saturday's game with back stiffness and didn't play Sunday. He probably will miss Monday's game as well.
Jason Bay, OF, Mets: 15-day DL, rib fracture. Scott Hairston will get the majority of starts in left field.
Ronny Cedeno, SS, Mets: 15-day DL, left intercostal strain.
Jeremy Guthrie, SP, Rockies: 15-day DL, right shoulder strain. This move was made retroactive to April 23.
Jeremy Hermida, OF, Padres: 15-day DL, strained right hip flexor.
Mike Pelfrey, SP, Mets: 15-day DL, elbow. He will be replaced in the rotation by Chris Schwinden.
Rafael Perez, RP, Indians: 15-day DL, strained left lat muscle. He's expected to be out 3-6 weeks.
Jesse Crain, RP, White Sox: 15-day DL, right oblique strain. This move was made retroactive to April 21.
Steve Clevenger, C, Cubs: 15-day DL, right oblique strain. This move was made retroactive to April 26.
Matt Guerrier, RP, Dodgers: 15-day DL, right elbow tendinitis. This move was made retroactive to April 19.
Micah Owings, SP, Padres: 15-day DL, strained right forearm.
Mark DeRosa, OF, Nationals: 15-day DL, calf injury.
