MLB Cash Game Picks : 7-18-15

Pitcher

With Francisco Liriano, David Price, and Corey Kluber on the mound tonight, the Klubot jumps ahead for me in cash games. He is a heavy favorite tonight, which can not be said for some of the other top arms, and Cincy has just a 3.5 run total. The Reds rank 18th in wRC+ against right-handed pitching and 16th in wOBA. Kluber brings the strikeout upside to the table every night. He has a 13.4% swinging strike rate and has 12 games with seven-plus strikeouts this season. The Reds are not a potent offense, but they fall along with the other opponents the top arms face tonight.

For a step down in price, I really like Jon Lester tonight. He has not been great this season, but also somewhat unlucky. the Braves have a 22% strikeout rate against lefties, and Lester has found the strikeout pitch over the last few starts. The Braves have a 79 wRC+, which ranks 27th in the majors. Lester has a 1.71 ERA in July and is producing a swinging strike rate higher than his career average at this point. I love his price tag tonight, as both an SP1 and a SP2.

Catcher

While Buster Posey is once again the top play behind the plate, his price doesn't quite work with tonight's pitching selections in cash games. I will be looking toward Stephen Vogt, who has a .396 wOBA off right-handed pitching this season. He has a 26.5% line drive rate off right-handers this season, and has cut down his strikeouts this month. Phil Hughes has a 4.81 FIP against lefties with a .333 wOBA allowed.

First Base

Prince Fielder has the looks of his old self this season, and he's been a great cash game option for most of the season. He has a .424 wOBA off right-handed pitching with a 38.9% hard hit ball rate. Scott Feldman has a career 4.31 FIP against lefties, allowing a .320 wOBA. The move to Houston benefits Fielder. Minute Maid Park has had a 128 park factor for left-handed homers in the last three seasons. Brandon Belt is also an honorable mention hitting in Chase Field against Chase Anderson.

Second Base

At this price tonight, Neil Walker is a steal, and will be in every single one of my cash game lineups. Nelson has struggled against lefties this season, allowing a .379 wOBA and a 35% hard hit ball rate. Walker is heating up hitting .362 in July, and has a .342 wOBA off right-handed pitching this season. Great power out of the middle infield, and hitting in Milwaukee benefits him too.

Third Base

On FanDuel, Kris Bryant is an excellent play at the hot corner, while on DraftKings he is a little pricey. Bryant has a 36.8% hard hit ball rate off left-handed pitching this season and hits right in the middle of that Cubs' lineup. Bryant will face a young lefty tonight who has a 4.00 FIP against right-handed bats through two starts. On DraftKings, Matt Carpenter is a cheaper option against Bartolo Colon.

Shortstop

The Giants come in tonight as another favorable offense, and this is coming off a night with double-digit hits. Brandon Crawford his in a nice spot and will get an average right-hander. Chase Field has had a 115 park factor for left-handed homers in the last three seasons. Crawford has a .332 wOBA off right-handed pitching with a .198 ISO. Anderson is allowing a 26% line drive rate to left-handed bats.

Outfield

Chris Tillman has been hit hard by right-handed bats this season, and the Tigers will bring a few quality bats to the table tonight. Tillman has allowed a .409 wOBA to right-handed bats with a 1.80 HR/9. He has a poor ground-ball rate, and I expect a homer from J.D. Martinez tonight. He has a .398 wOBA off right-handed pitching this season with a .298 ISO. Yoenis Cespedes is also in play today, for a cheaper price.

A.J. Pollock is usually in here just against lefties, but don't be fooled, he is a great option regardless of a pitcher's handedness. He has a .343 wOBA off right-handed pitching this season with a 33.5% hard hit ball rate. Pollock has 19 stolen bases on this season, which gives him a ton of upside, as well as a safe floor. With a total of 4.5 runs, the top of the Arizona order should generate some runs off Peavy. David Peralta is another Arizona outfielder to target tonight.

Tonight is one of those nights I am looking for a deep value play, and Gregory Polanco is that guy. He hits leadoff most nights against right-handed pitching, and his ability to steal bases is what I like the most. Nelson has allowed a .379 wOBA to left-handed bats this season, which boosts the Polanco play if he can get on and do his thing. One hit and a stolen base and his worth is already exceeding his cost.