Fantasy daily notes for September 19
Click through for information on specific matchups, injuries and weather for the day's games.
Starting pitcher rankings for September 19
| Name | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Justin Verlander | R | OAK | 10 | 14-8 | 2.82 | 1.05 | 2-1 | 5.06 | 1.46 |
| 2 |  | Kris Medlen | R | @MIA | 10 | 8-1 | 1.62 | 0.96 | 3-0 | 0.90 | 0.73 |
| 3 |  | Matt Cain | R | COL | 9 | 14-5 | 2.93 | 1.05 | 1-0 | 3.65 | 1.38 |
| 4 |  | Felix Hernandez | R | BAL | 9 | 13-8 | 2.92 | 1.11 | 0-3 | 9.00 | 2.13 |
| 5 |  | Cole Hamels | L | @NYM | 8 | 15-6 | 3.06 | 1.12 | 1-0 | 3.60 | 1.10 |
| 6 |  | Chris Sale | L | @KC | 8 | 17-6 | 2.78 | 1.06 | 2-2 | 3.68 | 1.27 |
| 7 |  | Josh Johnson | R | ATL | 10 | 8-12 | 3.81 | 1.27 | 1-1 | 2.45 | 0.86 |
| 8 |  | Lance Lynn | R | HOU | 7 | 15-7 | 3.95 | 1.35 | 2-2 | 4.63 | 1.54 |
| 9 |  | Marco Estrada | R | @PIT | 7 | 3-6 | 3.77 | 1.16 | 1-1 | 2.41 | 0.91 |
| 10 |  | C.J. Wilson | L | TEX | 7 | 12-9 | 3.73 | 1.31 | 3-0 | 3.04 | 1.23 |
| 11 |  | Brett Anderson | L | @DET | 6 | 4-1 | 1.93 | 0.92 | 2-1 | 2.89 | 1.18 |
| 12 |  | Phil Hughes | R | TOR | 4 | 15-12 | 3.96 | 1.25 | 3-1 | 2.84 | 1.11 |
| 13 |  | John Lannan | L | LAD | 5 | 3-0 | 2.41 | 1.18 | 1-0 | 0.00 | 1.06 |
| 14 |  | Chris Archer | R | BOS | 10 | 0-3 | 3.22 | 0.99 | 0-1 | 2.53 | 1.13 |
| 15 |  | Derek Holland | L | @LAA | 5 | 10-6 | 4.50 | 1.17 | 1-0 | 2.05 | 0.95 |
| 16 |  | Trevor Cahill | R | SD | 8 | 11-11 | 3.92 | 1.30 | 2-0 | 3.32 | 0.74 |
| 17 |  | Josh Beckett | R | @WAS | 6 | 6-13 | 4.94 | 1.35 | 1-1 | 2.95 | 1.42 |
| 18 |  | Mike Leake | R | @CHC | 3 | 8-9 | 4.69 | 1.36 | 2-1 | 6.46 | 1.70 |
| 19 |  | Edinson Volquez | R | @ARI | 3 | 10-10 | 4.24 | 1.45 | 1-1 | 6.30 | 2.20 |
| 20 |  | Kyle McPherson | R | MIL | 9 | 0-0 | 1.54 | 0.94 | 0-0 | 1.86 | 1.03 |
| 21 |  | Joe Saunders | L | @SEA | 5 | 8-12 | 4.24 | 1.37 | 2-2 | 4.30 | 1.43 |
| 22 |  | Lucas Harrell | R | @STL | 5 | 10-9 | 3.86 | 1.36 | 0-0 | 3.38 | 1.66 |
| 23 |  | Zach McAllister | R | MIN | 3 | 5-7 | 4.15 | 1.37 | 0-3 | 7.36 | 2.07 |
| 24 |  | Luis Mendoza | R | CHW | 3 | 7-9 | 4.50 | 1.42 | 0-0 | 5.91 | 1.41 |
| 25 |  | Tyler Chatwood | R | @SF | 2 | 4-4 | 5.65 | 1.71 | 1-1 | 7.02 | 1.80 |
| 26 |  | Jeremy Hefner | R | PHI | 2 | 2-6 | 4.99 | 1.39 | 0-1 | 7.45 | 1.86 |
| 27 |  | Chris Rusin | L | CIN | 1 | 1-2 | 5.06 | 1.50 | 1-1 | 6.55 | 1.91 |
| 28 |  | Liam Hendriks | R | @CLE | 1 | 0-7 | 6.14 | 1.70 | 0-0 | 6.59 | 2.20 |
| 29 |  | Henderson Alvarez | R | @NYY | 1 | 9-12 | 4.91 | 1.46 | 2-1 | 4.42 | 1.25 |
| 30 |  | Daisuke Matsuzaka | R | @TB | 5 | 1-5 | 7.14 | 1.51 | 0-2 | 13.06 | 2.23 |
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.
Rankings notes
The waiver-wire options continue to thin as pitching-starved fantasy owners scramble for wins and boosts to qualitative categories. Although there are eight 100 percent-owned (in ESPN leagues) aces on the mound Wednesday (Justin Verlander, Cole Hamels, Kris Medlen, Josh Johnson, Chris Sale, C.J. Wilson, Felix Hernandez and Matt Cain), quality arms remain in the minority-owned pool. Here are five useable pitchers who are still available in more than half of the ESPN universe:
Lance Lynn's ESPN.com fantasy ownership fell to 47 percent after he was sent to the bullpen, but when Jake Westbrook got injured, Lynn made a triumphant return to the rotation last Thursday, firing threw six strong innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers and allowing just one run on five hits with seven strikeouts. Expect a similar dominant performance Wednesday when he faces the lowly Houston Astros. Houston is 16-56 on the road, which includes a three-game stretch in St. Louis in which it was outscored 24-7 during a sweep. Since Aug. 15, the Astros have just a .605 road OPS (.272 OBP, .333 SLG), scoring three runs or fewer in nine of these 13 games. In 12 career innings versus Houston, Lynn is 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA and 14 strikeouts. He has also been money in front of his home fans, going 7-4 with a 3.32 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 10.0 K's/9 in 13 Busch Stadium outings (10 starts) this season. Pick up Lynn now and start him in all fantasy formats Wednesday.
Marco Estrada (20 percent ESPN.com fantasy ownership) is becoming a regularly featured starter in the Daily Notes thanks to his recent surge, but he's somehow still available in four-fifths of the ESPN universe. In his past five starts, Estrada is 3-1 with a 1.52 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and an incredible 11.5 K's/9, as he has fanned 38 batters in 29 2/3 innings. On Wednesday, he should have little trouble continuing this success on the road against the Pittsburgh Pirates, a team that carries a dreadful .496 OPS (.196 OBP, .300 SLG) in 30 2/3 career innings against the Milwaukee Brewers right-hander. Estrada is 2-0 with a 1.76 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and 10.6 K's/9 against the Bucs in his career. With a mound opponent, Kyle McPherson, making his first career start for a Pittsburgh team that is 4-11 in September, the stars are aligned for Estrada to produce another stellar performance.
John Lannan (1 percent ESPN.com fantasy ownership) was pretty strong in his first big league outing since Aug. 3, shutting out the New York Mets for 5 2/3 innings last Wednesday, allowing just six baserunners and striking out two. Unless the Washington Nationals come to their senses and let Stephen Strasburg pitch again, Lannan will remain in the rotation for these final three weeks of the season. On Wednesday, the left-hander is worth a start in the majority of fantasy leagues when he faces the Dodgers. In five career starts versus LA, Lannan is 4-1 with a 2.64 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and .315 opponents' slugging percentage. And currently, the Dodgers just can't hit, posting a laughable slash line of .211/.277/.316 during a 3-8 slide that has lowered their playoff chances considerably.
Chris Archer (1 percent ESPN.com fantasy ownership) is still looking for his first major league win, but he could be in line for it Wednesday against the hapless Boston Red Sox, who are trotting out slumping Daisuke Matsuzaka to the mound. Boston is 5-14 with a .278 on-base percentage in its past 19 games, and Matsuzaka has a jaw-dropping 13.06 ERA and 2.23 WHIP in three September starts. Archer has electric stuff, as evidenced by his 25 strikeouts (12.1 K's/9) in his three starts this season, in which he carries a 3.38 ERA and 0.86 WHIP. Pick up the 23-year-old now, as he should aid owners in a majority of fantasy formats down the stretch.
Mike Leake (5 percent ESPN.com fantasy ownership) has had some horrible outings this year, but Tuesday should be one of his good ones. He's facing the Chicago Cubs, and in nine career starts against his divisional foe, Leake is 4-2 with a 3.32 ERA and 1.20 WHIP, limiting the Cubs to a .306 on-base percentage. The Cincinnati Reds right-hander has been strong on the road recently, twirling nine quality outings in his past 10 away starts, posting a 3.07 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 6.7 K's/9 during this stretch. Considering the Reds are 9-4 versus Chicago this season, including 5-2 at Wrigley Field, Leake presents a solid win opportunity, and thus is worthy of a pickup for deeper leagues or NL-only formats.
Hitter matchup ratings for September 19
| Overall | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | 8 | 7 | 8 | 10 | | 1 | 1 | 5 | 8 | |
| | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 | | 10 | 9 | 9 | 6 | |
| | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 | | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | |
| | 1 | 5 | 1 | 5 | | 9 | 10 | 6 | 4 | |
| | 9 | 9 | 8 | 3 | | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | |
| | 9 | 9 | 7 | 3 | | 9 | 10 | 7 | 5 | |
| | 10 | 1 | 10 | 10 | | 5 | 6 | 3 | 6 | |
| | 10 | 7 | 10 | 6 | | 5 | 8 | 1 | 7 | |
| | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
| | 3 | 4 | 2 | 5 | | 10 | 10 | 8 | 3 | |
| | 4 | 9 | 1 | 1 | | 7 | 1 | 9 | 3 | |
| | 2 | 1 | 2 | 6 | | 6 | 10 | 1 | 9 | |
| | 6 | 1 | 7 | 6 | | 2 | 1 | 2 | 7 | |
| | 6 | 1 | 7 | 7 | | 6 | 4 | 8 | 4 | |
| | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | | 6 | 6 | 4 | 6 | |
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.
• Astros pitcher Lucas Harrell has pitched poorly on the road this season going 4-7 with a 5.06 ERA in 17 starts, compared with a 6-2 record and 2.26 ERA at home in 12 starts.
• Cleveland pitcher Zach McAllister has struggled in his 2 starts this season against the Twins going 0-2 with a 7.71 ERA, his 2nd-highest ERA against any opponent this season.
• Martin Prado is hitting 6 for 33 (.182 BA) with no extra-base hits in his career against Marlins starter Josh Johnson.
• Aaron Hill is 0-11 against Edinson Volquez with 4 strikeouts. Proceed with caution with him and find a batter play at 2B, if you can.
• Entering Tuesday, Jesus Montero is hitting 52 of 154 (.338 BA) against lefties this season. He is available in 53% of ESPN leagues and could be a great play in the game against the lefty Joe Saunders of the O's.
• Derek Holland is 5-0 in his last 8 starts in September, dating back to the start of last season. This includes a 2.16 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 54 2/3 IP.
• Alfonso Soriano is a player to avoid Wednesday against Reds starter Mike Leake. Soriano is 1 for 16 (.063) in his career against Leake.
• Marco Estrada has been on fire during the past month. In his last 6 starts, Estrada is 5-1 with a 2.34 ERA and 39 strikeouts in 34 2/3 IP. Included in that stretch was a win over the Pirates where Estrada allowed one run in 7 IP, while striking out 10.
• Adam LaRoche is 2 for 15 (.133 BA) with 5 strikeouts in his career against the Dodgers Wednesday starter Josh Beckett.
• Scott Hairston is 11 for 28 (.393 BA) with a 1.071 slugging percentage and 5 home runs in his career against the Phillies Wednesday starter Cole Hamels.
Evan Longoria, 3B, Rays: Day-to-day, sore legs. He did not play Monday but expects to see his name on the lineup card soon.
Giancarlo Stanton, OF, Marlins: Day-to-day, soreness in side. Stanton was not able to play Monday, but should return to action shortly.
Clayton Kershaw, SP, Dodgers: Out indefinitely, sore hip. He was scratched from Sunday's start and will visit a hip specialist Tuesday to determine the severity of his injury, which reportedly could keep him off a major league mound until next May is surgery is required.
Alex Avila, C, Tigers: Day-to-day, sore jaw. Avila was injured Sunday when he collided with teammate Prince Fielder while trying to catch a popup, but since there are no signs of a concussion, he should return to action shortly.
Brian McCann, C, Braves: Day-to-day, tendinitis in right hamstring. He left Saturday's game early and hasn't played since. McCann's injury has lingered longer than expected, and he might not rejoin the lineup until this weekend.
Kenley Jansen, RP, Dodgers: Expected to return Tuesday, irregular heartbeat. Jansen has not pitched since Aug. 27 because of his heart condition, but has been cleared to rejoin the Dodgers on Tuesday. He could pitch a few innings as a setup man before reclaiming his closer role.
Jorge De La Rosa, SP, Rockies: Expected to start Thursday, elbow. He has missed all season after having Tommy John surgery, but he will make his season debut Thursday in San Francisco, replacing Alex White in the Colorado rotation.
Jed Lowrie, SS, Astros: Day-to-day, sore right leg. He did not play Sunday because of his injury, but the injury doesn't appear to be serious, and he should return to action in the middle of this week.
Edwin Encarnacion, DH, Blue Jays: Day-to-day, sore big toe on right foot. He was unable to play Sunday due to his ailment, but he should return to action in a couple of days.
Danny Espinosa, 2B, Nationals: Day-to-day, left shoulder discomfort. He will undergo an MRI to determine the severity of his injury, but Espinosa is not expected to return to action until this weekend at the earliest.
Coco Crisp, OF, Athletics: Day-to-day, eye irritation. He has not played since Sept. 15 due to allergic conjunctivitis, an eye ailment. It's unclear when Crisp will rejoin the lineup.
Gregor Blanco, OF, Giants: Day-to-day, sore left shoulder. The team is targeting Wednesday for his return to action. Xavier Nady is playing left field in Blanco's absence.
Chris Carpenter, SP, Cardinals: Expects to start Friday, thoracic outlet syndrome. Carpenter has not pitched yet this season because of his neck/shoulder injury, but he is the scheduled starter against the Cubs on Friday.
Aroldis Chapman, RP, Reds: Day-to-day, left shoulder fatigue. He hasn't pitched since Sept. 10, but expects to return to action by the middle of this week.
Michael Morse, OF, Nationals: Day-to-day, bone bruise in left wrist. He hasn't played since Sept. 11, but Morse hopes to return to the field Tuesday.
Corey Hart, 1B, Brewers: Day-to-day, left foot injury. He hasn't played since Sept. 9, but the team hopes he will be able to rejoin the lineup sometime this week.
Carlos Quentin, OF, Padres: Day-to-day, sore right knee. He hasn't played since Sept. 10, as he has been bothered by his surgically repaired knee. His return to action is still uncertain at this time.
Jason Hammel, SP, Orioles: Day-to-day, sore knee. It is unclear when Hammel will make his next start for Baltimore.
Lorenzo Cain, OF, Royals: Out for season, strained right hamstring. Jason Bourgeois expects to be the team's regular center fielder for the rest of 2012.
Sam Fuld, OF, Rays: Day-to-day, strained hamstring. He hurt himself running the bases Sunday, but should return to action by the end of the week.
Yunel Escobar, SS, Blue Jays: Day-to-day, illness. He did not play on Sunday due to flu-like symptoms, but should feel well enough to return to the lineup soon.
Alex Presley, OF, Pirates: Day-to-day, bruised foot. He was hit by a pitch Friday and hasn't played since. It is unclear when Presley will be ready to play again.
James McDonald, SP, Pirates: Removed from rotation. The struggling McDonald (7.08 ERA in past 12 starts) will be replaced in the Pirates rotation by Kyle McPherson.
