Facing one of the games top starting pitchers for the first time as a team is rarely an advantage to a lineup's offensive potential. Conversely, that same formula provides an outstanding opportunity for DraftStreet Salary Cap League participants.
Safeco Field in Seattle, the 2nd best pitcher's park in the Majors according to ParkFactors.com, will host that very type of match-up this afternoon as the Brewers are out west for the weekend. Only two Milwaukee regulars have ever even faced the Mariner's ace.
MLB Daily League Picks for August 11, 2013
- Felix Hernandez (SEA, SP) - Carlos Gomez and Yuniesky Betancourt are a combined 2 of 18 versus "King Felix". That is the entire experience level of the Brewer's Braun-less offense with the 2010 AL Cy Young winner. Hernandez might just be having the best season of his career, including that 2010 campaign. Putting up a career high strike out rate (9.18 K/9) at the same time as a career low walk rate (1.74 BB/9) is no small feat. A fairly significant uptick in change-up usage seems to be one of the main factors for this increase in opponent's whiffs. Consider last Tuesday's weak performance just a bump in the road. All signs point toward Hernandez getting back on track today.
- Jed Lowrie (OAK, SS) - Over the last few years, Toronto pitching has given up more home runs to the A's shortstop than any other team. Finally healthy, Lowrie has cleared the 100 game mark for the first time in the big leagues and not surprisingly in the midst of his best season. The 29 year old is 4 of 8 in his career against Blue Jay's knuckle baller R.A. Dickey and produces better numbers versus right-handers overall. The switch-hitter is sporting a .300+ batting average and .800+ OPS when setting up shop in the left batter's box.
- Bryce Harper (WAS, OF) - Harper needs no introduction. Everyone around the fantasy baseball world is very well acquainted with the Nationals budding superstar. What many may not know is that the second year outfielder is posting one of the most lopsided splits of the 2013 season. Some of the best left-handed hitters struggle with pitchers of the same ilk, but to cut your .OPS completely in half is much less ordinary. However, this afternoon's competition is Philadelphia righty Kyle Kendrick. Over 17 at bats, Harper has owned this battle with a .471/.550/.941 stat line while not once strking out.
- David Ortiz (BOS, DH) - Here we have another fan favorite who also happens to be a very powerful left-handed hitter with a great match-up. James Shields is a very solid starter, but Ortiz has absolutely hammered the 2011 All-Star in their previous duels. "Big Papi" is 18 of 54 against Shields with a dozen extra base hits. Kaufman Stadium is definitely not conducive to homers, but lets be honest, Ortiz can hit one out anywhere.
Nate Miller spouts off about fantasy sports everyday on Twitter @Miller_WeTalkFS
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As always, remember to check your MLB daily lineups before they lock and make sure you are doing your own research, too, for optimal performance! The most successful daily leaguers are grinders who are constantly tweaking their lineups as the day goes on and fantasy news gets released. Good luck today, RotoBallers!