Thursday marks another day with a lighter schedule and a handful of day games. Just 18 teams are in action today and, because a few of them are slated for the afternoon, Draftstreet is only offering daily leagues with 1:05 starts. That means less time for you to make your decisions on whom to start. Let this guide help. Consider these low-cost pitchers as you set your lineup.
Best Bet
Jenrry Mejia – $13,285
For a player who ranks in the bottom third in salary for starting pitchers today, Mejia has plenty of potential. He came into April having won the fifth spot in the Mets’ rotation thanks to a very strong spring. In 13.1 innings, he posted a 2.70 ERA, had 13 strikeouts, and held opponents to a .235 average. He has already proven manager Terry Collins right in his decision with a great debut. Against Cincinnati on Friday, he went six innings, and allowed four hits and one run, while striking out eight. Now that he is finally healthy, the 24-year-old will have the chance to show how good he can truly be in the majors. And he should be very good tonight, as he’ll face Atlanta. So far this year, the Braves have scored the fewest runs in baseball and are hitting just .220 as a team.
Double Down
Tom Koehler – $8,466
Like Mejia, Koehler won the fifth spot of his team’s rotation in spring training and has carried over his nice March into the regular season. In 18 preseason innings, he gave up just three runs, while opponents hit under .200 against him. In his first start of the season, it was more of the same from the Marlins’ righty. He earned the win over San Diego, turning in a quality start with a six inning, two run performance. The noticeable need for improvement, though, came in the strikeout department, managing only one on the game. In his career, he has averaged about six per nine innings, so even if he isn’t a double-digit strikeout threat, he will generally pick up more than just the one. Koehler does have his work cut out for him for this game, however, against a Washington team that has won three in a row, and has scored 17 times in those games.
Roll the Dice
Ryan Vogelsong – $12,008
There aren’t many exciting value options on this day, so if you’re still looking beyond Mejia and Koehler, Vogelsong may be your next in line. One of the most encouraging reasons for starting him is based on his matchup. The Diamondbacks are currently 2-8 on the year and have lost five of their last six. That includes a 1-4 record against Vogelsong’s Giants. Vogelsong himself has made one start this season that came against the Dodgers. He gave up four runs on seven hits in just four innings. That followed a spring during which he had an identical 9.00 ERA, and opponents hit .374 against him. So his numbers are not exactly pointing in the right direction, but he does get to face a struggling team. Start him at your own discretion, but if you do, just temper your expectations a bit.
