MLB Pitching Pulse 7-20-17

Each day of the MLB season will bring us some major price differences among starting pitchers on all sites. These price discrepancies and the site's roster differences can alter the way we use pitchers on each site, as well as how the field of opponents will use them. Listed below are five of today's top pitchers, each with their salary listed as well as the cafe value that takes into account both the total salary cap on the site and points-per-dollar. We've also provided some betting info for you reference. The higher the cafe value, the better the points-per-dollar play is.

Madison Bumgarner

Madison Bumgarner gets the Padres for the second time in a row. Not bad facing a bottom five offense against left-handed pitching in your first two starts back. San Diego has a .281 wOBA, .142 ISO, and 72 wRC+ against left-handers this season, and also carry a sky-high 25.7% strikeout rate. Bumgarner struggled somewhat in his return, more for his standards. He only had a 4.9% swinging strike rate, and allowed two home runs in Petco Park. Bumgarner still went deep into the game, which he has when healthy this season. AT&T Park has been kind for pitchers, especially Bumgarner. He has a career 2.76 ERA at AT&T Park, and holds hitters to a .272 wOBA. The Giants are huge home favorites (-182) and San Diego has the lowest implied run total on the board. Bumgarner is the top cash game pitcher tonight, especially over on FanDuel. He brings a high floor and ceiling, while in the best ballpark/matchup of the slate.

FanDuel

GPP Ownership: 20-30%

Cash Game Ownership: 80-90%

Verdict: Cash/GPP Option

DraftKings

GPP Ownership: 15-25%

Cash Game Ownership: 80-90%

Verdict: Cash/GPP Option

Yahoo!

GPP Ownership: 15-25%

Cash Game Ownership: 80-90%

Verdict: Cash/GPP Option

Luis Severino

There are a few pivots away from Bumgarner tonight, and Luis Severino is one of them. He has the highest SwStr% (12.1) and K% (28.1) on the slate. His 51.5% groundball rate is also an added bonus against a team that can hit the long ball. Severino is a bit higher in salary, which goes for the next guys as well, but a limited slate gives them some appeal. Seattle is a tough offense, but they rank 12th in wOBA with a 21.2% strikeout rate. They are beatable. Vegas has this one has one of the lower run totals on the slate, and the Yankees actually come in as road favorites. Severino has 35 strikeouts over his last four starts, and has faced some tougher offenses. Safeco is a positive ballpark for hitters, which is another reason why totals are so low. Severino is a good tournament swerve, who should draw lower ownership in tournaments.

FanDuel

GPP Ownership: 5-15%

Cash Game Ownership: 0-5%

Verdict: GPP Option

DraftKings

GPP Ownership: 5-15%

Cash Game Ownership: 0-10%

Verdict: GPP Option

Yahoo!

GPP Ownership: 5-15%

Cash Game Ownership: 0-10%

Verdict: GPP Option

Michael Fulmer

The problem with Michael Fulmer tonight is his price tag. If this was a larger slate, Fulmer could easily be passed over. I am not saying to get exposure to Fulmer, but if you are building multiple lineups, I don't mind a few shares. He has 20+ DK points in four of his last five starts and 40+ FD points in that span. He has gone six or more innings in six straight starts, and 14 of his last 15. Fulmer has a strong floor, but ceiling might be a little limited, even after his last start against Kansas City. Fulmer does a great job at limiting damage. He holds both sides of the plate to less than a .290 wOBA and has a 50.4% groundball rate. His walk rate of 5.5% is also an added bonus. Kansas City ranks 26th in wOBA against right-handers, with a 21% strikeout rate. Vegas isn't in love with pitchers in this game, and weather isn't either. It is 100 degrees and wind is blowing out a bit. I still project a somewhat low scoring game here.

FanDuel

GPP Ownership: 5-15%

Cash Game Ownership: 0-10%

Verdict: GPP Option

DraftKings

GPP Ownership: 5-15%

Cash Game Ownership: 10-20%

Verdict: Cash/GPP Option

Yahoo!

GPP Ownership: 5-15%

Cash Game Ownership: 10-20%

Verdict: Cash/GPP Option

Cole Hamels

Texas and Baltimore are two of the worst teams in baseball against left-handed pitching. Wade Miley is far worse than Cole Hamels, and you don't really need an explanation for that. Hamels has seen a steep drop off in numbers this season, especially in the strikeout department. Hamels has a 12.1, 8.4, and 9.4 SwStr% over his last three starts, which is far above his 7.8% swinging strike rate this season. Hamels is also getting more swings outside of the zone, which this Baltimore team does a ton of. Baltimore ranks 20th in wOBA with a 25.1% strikeout rate against lefties. The ballpark is on the opposing side of Hamels, so this is far from a safe play, especially with Hamels overall performance this season. Hamels carries risk, but is worth a look on a smaller slate. If you have a low risk tolerance, you can skip right on by.

FanDuel

GPP Ownership: 0-10%

Cash Game Ownership: 0-5%

Verdict: GPP Option

DraftKings

GPP Ownership: 0-10%

Cash Game Ownership: 10-20%

Verdict: Cash/GPP Option

Yahoo!

GPP Ownership: 0-10%

Cash Game Ownership: 10-20%

Verdict: Cash/GPP Option