Let’s start the second half with a sneaky little play in Anthony DeSclafani. Remember, Desclafani was injured in spring training and just recently made his season debut on June 10th. In his six starts this season, he’s posting a stellar 2.23 ERA. He’s been slightly better in his last three games, allowing just five earned in 20.2 IP against the Padres, Nationals and Cubs. Those are some formidable offenses and he was able to notch a strikeout per inning in that span. Now he’s going to get an excellent matchup with the Milwaukee Brewers who limped into the All-Star break. They rank 26th in wOBA in the last thirty days and no team is striking out at a higher rate.
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James Paxton appears to be a viable option on tonight’s slate. He needed just 78 pitches to get through eight innings in his last time out against the Royals. That efficient performance is a little uncharacteristic for Paxton who has thrown at least 100 pitches in every other game this season and struck out at least seven batters in half of his starts this season. Tonight he gets the Astros who are a nortorious high strikeout team and have been killed by left handed pitchers this season. Houston ranks 27th in wOBA and are striking out the 5th most versus lefties. Additionally, Paxton should see an excellent boost from pitching at Safeco Field, one of the most pitcher friendly parks in the league.
The San Francisco Giants just keep rolling. They’ve been a top five offense every month of the season and are currently checking in as the 7th best offense in the last 30 days. Not only are they scoring a ton of runs but they are striking out at a tiny 17.2% which is the fourth best in the league. That’s going to make it very difficult on opposing pitchers and, tonight specifically, Andrew Cashner. It’s been a rough year for Cashner who is sporting a 5.40 ERA. He’s been consistent at giving up runs, surrendering at least three earned in nine of his 13 starts. He’s coming off a terrible outing against the Dodgers who buried him for eight runs in 2.2, including four homers. There’s no benefit to playing in San Diego tonight, but it’s not a huge difference from AT&T Park where the Giants usually play.
That’s all folks! Be sure to follow me on Twitter for more player analysis and news as starting lineups are released! Commentary based on DraftKings & Fanduel strategy and scoring.