There are nine MLB games on the early slate for Saturday, with the first starting at 2:10 p.m. EST. Here are three value picks for the slate. This article is written before the actual lineups come out, so keep track of updates throughout the day.
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SP Ryne Nelson, Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Kansas City Royals, $7,300
The strikeout rate is only 21.9% for Nelson, but the K-BB% is a respectable 14.1%, which is 52nd MLB. Nelson is averaging 95.5 mph on the fastball and posting a 3.61 ERA, which is supported by the 3.57 FIP. He’s only allowed six home runs in 67.1 innings.
In his three most recent starts, Nelson has allowed two, one and one earned run and finished with 22, 20.85 and 20.35 FPTS. In addition, he’s been much better at home with a 2.44 FIP compared to 5.08 on the road.
Now he faces a Royals team that is 28th in ISO and wOBA against right-handed pitching.
SP Max Scherzer, Toronto Blue Jays vs. Los Angeles Angels, $7,500
Since returning from injury, Scherzer has made two starts and thrown 83 and 71 pitches. He pitched five innings in both contests, racking up four and seven strikeouts while allowed three and two earned runs. That was good for 7.85 and 19.45 FPTS.
He will face an Angels team that is seventh in ISO against right-handed pitching, but only 19th in wOBA and second in strikeout rate.
OF Jake McCarthy, Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Kansas City Royals, $2,500
Since returning from injury, McCarthy has racked up 31 plate appearances, producing two home runs, four runs, six RBI and a stolen base. The slash is .267/.290/.533 with a 22.6% strikeout rate and .267 ISO.
McCarthy has produced at least three FPTS in seven of those eight games, with three in the double-digits and a high of 23 FPTS. He does have some pop, but it’s the 92nd percentile sprint speed that is most alluring.
