MLB Cash Game Picks : 8-20-15

Pitcher

There are three clear cut aces on the bump tonight, and my favorite is Jake Arrieta. He has been in the best form among Chris Archer and Max Scherzer, and as of now the Wrigley Winds look to roaring still, but not blowing out. This is something to keep an eye on as the day goes. Arrieta has the sixth best ERA in the majors, and 12th best strikeout rate. Arrieta has established himself as an ace, and has erased any thought of being a flash in the pan. He will take on the Braves, who are coming off of a trip from San Diego, and have been struggling of late, with an 88 wRC+ in the last two weeks. The number is really no different from where they have been against right-handed pitching over the season. Last time Arrieta faced Atlanta, he threw seven scoreless, with 10 punch outs.

While Scherzer and Archer are options tonight, it is difficult to pair them with Arrieta on DraftKings as SP2's. Finding a cheap starting pitcher is a mess if you want to go any cheaper than Collin McHugh. He allows a little more flexibility on DK to build a lineup. McHugh has been in nice form in August, with a 1.80 ERA. The strikeout rate has been down compared to last year, but he has upped that here in August, with a 25.6% strikeout rate. Tampa Bay ranks 26th in offense against right-handed pitching, and have the forth highest strikeout rate against right-handed pitching. (21.9%) With DK less reliant on wins, I don't mind the poor money line, just give me a quality start at this price.

Catcher

As much as I love Kyle Schwarber tonight, the price tag just is not ideal. There are two catchers in a friendlier pricing range, and one is Matt Wieters. The hamstring has declared to be no issue, and he had his usual day off yesterday. Camden Yards gives a big boost to lefties in home run department, with a 131 park factor in the last three seasons. Squaring off against an inexperienced right-hander bodes well for Wieters and company. If weather serves to be a problem, Welington Castillo is a pivot, but a little more expensive.

First Base

There are an abundance of first basemen to choose from tonight, and but factoring in price, Prince Fielder has the most bang for buck. He has crushed right-handed pitching this season, with a (.363/.427/.514) slashing line. Alfredo Simon has been battered by lefties in 2015, allowing a .383 wOBA. He has a 5.90 ERA in the second half, and he really creates a stack opportunity against this Rangers' offense. 12 of Simon's 14 homers allowed have been from the left side, and a lot have been flying of late.

Second Base

Chris Coghlan moving to second base is a nice little boost for us fantasy players. It is generally a weak position, and that is the case tonight. Jason Kipnis is your top option, but staying within a budget is ideal. With lefties on the mound against the Cubs this past week, Coghlan has been riding the pine. You will see him in the lineup tonight batting fairly high in the lineup. He has some nice power from the left side, with a .203 ISO against right-handers, to go with a .348 wOBA. Mike Foltynewicz has been hit hard by lefties in a small sample size this season, allowing a .406 wOBA to lefties, with eight homers. I love this Cubs offense tonight, and if you can squeeze the other bats into your lineups, do so!

Third Base

Reaching base three times last night, Lonnie Chisenhall continued to hit the ball well since coming back up to the majors. He is hitting over .375 in the last 16 games. Chisenhall will the Yankee Stadium bump tonight, with a 142 park factor for lefty homers in the last three seasons. Ivan Nova has allowed a modest .326 wOBA to lefties in his career, with a 4.27 FIP. Over a few starts in 2015, lefties have been the only ones to get to Nova. He could have a rough time against the Indians tonight.

Shortstop

Xander Bogaerts has been nothing short of excellent against left-handed pitching this season. He is hitting .390 off southpaws, yes, .390! The only downside to Bogaerts is the lack of power, which is something we would want at this price. He does bring a stable floor against lefties, and now with bats clicking around him, he should find himself with those extra fantasy points we need. Danny Duffy has allowed a .344 wOBA to right-handed bats, and while the ERA has been better from Duffy, the FIP and xFIP has not been.

Outfield

The price is steep for Lorenzo Cain, but I want him in my lineups tonight. He brings monster upside to the table, as well as a safe floor. He will have to put up a big game for value, but Cain is very capable with his speed and power. He has a .438 wOBA off lefties, with a .241 ISO this season. Wade Miley is your average lefty, allowing a .343 wOBA to right-handed bats this season. Fenway Park gives homers and extra base hits to right-handed bats, well when Jackie Bradley Jr. isn't taking them away. Michael Brantley is another honorable mention as a top priced outfielder.

Carlos Beltran has been cruising in the second half, with a .435 wOBA in the second half, and will face a home run prone right-hander. Josh Tomlin has allowed a .335 wOBA to lefties in his career, with a 1.66 HR/9. Not great numbers facing the Yankees on the road. This is one of those collective write-ups, where you can grab pieces from this whole Yankees team. Beltran's wOBA against right-handed pitching, is now on par with what he has done in the last three seasons.

This play is going to help relieve a lot of salary problems. When healthy, Shane Victorino has hit left-handers very well. He will not have to do much to hit value tonight, and is really at an unreal price on DraftKings. He has not played a lot this season, but has a .337 wOBA off lefties, with a 29.4% line drive rate. Jose Quintana has allowed a .334 wOBA to right-handed bats this season, and has looked average at best in the last few starts.