St. Louis Cardinals (Kelly) at Pittsburgh Pirates (Liriano)
For the jokes that Joe Kelly might get, he has a career 3.08 ERA in 31 career starts and 231 innings. What he’s able to do is not give up home runs, which should only be aided by pitching at PNC Park. This has held true when he’s pitched there, giving up just one home run in 19 innings in his career at PNC. He’s not a bad gamble as a third SP. As far as the hitters go, I’ll tread lightly around Liriano.
Joe Kelly (SP) – $11,440
Trevor Rosenthal (RP) – $2246
Liriano has done well against the Cardinals lately: In three starts against St. Louis last year (24 innings), he allowed just two runs against and had a 4:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. I don’t like starting pitchers against the Cardinals, though, so take the risk at your own leisure. The only guy I’m really willing to take the chance on as far as hitters go is Alvarez.
Pedro Alvarez (3B) – $4300
Russell Martin (C) – $3758