NBA Postseason Best Bets (5/17)
Alex Christenson
Data in baseball runs deeper and is more comprehensive than in any other sport. I find these seven stats most relevant to Tuesday’s MLB DFS slate.
1. Shohei Ohtani has struck out at least 10 hitters in each of his last six starts
Ohtani also has a 41% K% over the last month to go along with a 38% CSW% and a 15.84 K/9. Additionally, seven of the projected nine starters for Oakland have a 21% K% against RHPs on the year.
2. The Marlins have a projected lineup with 7 of 9 hitters posting an ISO below .165 against RHPs
The two above this number are Nick Fortes and Charles Leblanc, who both have fewer than 85 ABs.
3. Ryan Feltner has a very respectable 4.32 xFIP and a 4.16 SIERA
Now, these numbers might not matter a whole lot considering he is pitching in Coors Field and those stats account for park factors, but it does go to show that Feltner has been decent this year, especially against RHHs. However, against LHHs he is allowing a .284 ISO and a 49% hard contact rate.
4. Tommy Henry posted a 6.26 SIERA and a 7 xFIP in his first start
He also allowed a .231 ISO to RHHs with flyball rates above 50% to both sides of the plate.
5. Rich Hill has allowed a .215 ISO to RHHs this season
Meanwhile, this Braves lineup has several hitters who have had a ton of success against LHPs this year. Ronald Acuña Jr., Dansby Swanson, Austin Riley (.391 ISO!!) and William Contreras (.241 ISO) all have ISOs of .180 or better against LHPs.
6. The Angels projected lineup has 7 hitters striking out over 24% of the time
They also have five hitters striking over 30% of the time. This is a good strikeout spot for James Kaprielian, who is in play as a value option.
7. Shane Bieber has the highest CSW% on the slate
Bieber has had some ups and downs this year but has now struck out at least 7 in three of his last four and 8 K’s in his last two. Now he gets a great matchup against the Tigers.
