This article is part of our Draftster MLB series.
Daniel Murphy was placed on the disabled list Thursday with a calf injury, which allows me to tell you about another exciting potential add in Dilson Herrera. The 13th ranked prospect in the Mets' system after the 2013 season, Herrera exploded this year following a promotion to Double-A Binghamton, where he tallied a .340/.406/.560 batting line in 278 plate appearances. While it's important to remember that Herrera is still just 20 years old, scouts have continually been impressed with his ability to hit for power, despite his small frame. He is also someone who can steal bases, as he swiped 23 bags in time split between Binghamton and High-A Port St. Lucie this season. The Wall Street Journal reported Friday that Murphy could be out for a "substantial" amount of time, and with no other real option at the position, the Mets will likely give Herrera his share of playing time, which could make him a nice selection at a relatively weak spot on the diamond going forward.
Sunday's Picks
Pitcher
Hyun-Jin Ryu ($8,000)
I generally advise against rolling with a pitcher fresh off the disabled list, but Ryu spent the minimum 15 days away from the team. The injury had nothing to do with his arm, and he will face the Padres, who carry a league-worst 78 wRC+ against left-handed pitching this season. There's also the fact that Ryu has pitched well in 2014, notching a 3.28 ERA with 122 strikeouts in 137.1 innings.
Offense
Our chosen pitcher should have a decent shot at a win Sunday, as his offense will inherit the task of scoring points off of Eric Stults, who has allowed 17 home runs in 103.1 innings against right-handers this season. The Dodgers have a few hitters who specialize in hammering southpaws.
Hanley Ramirez (SS) ($5,000)
Scott Van Slyke (OF) ($6,200)
Ramirez was removed from Friday's game due to knee tightness and was initially scratched Saturday before being deemed well enough to play later in the day, so be aware of his status before making the selection.
Clay Buchholz has shown flashes of the pitcher we saw in 2013 at various points this season but has hit the canvas more often than not, as evidenced by his 5.77 ERA. Lefties have been particularly tough on Buchholz, tallying a .360 wOBA against the 30-year-old in 75 innings pitched. He will square off against the Rays on Sunday.
Ben Zobrist (2B) ($6,900)
Matt Joyce (OF) ($3,000)
Jorge De La Rosa and his exaggerated splits will head to Chase Field to face the Diamondbacks on Sunday. The Arizona lineup has lost a good portion of its righty force this season but still contains at least one masher who will try to capitalize on De La Rosa's 4.40 xFIP against his opposite hand.
Mark Trumbo (OF) ($4,100)
Danny Duffy has shown solid results throughout his stint in the major leagues this season, but the advanced metrics say he's ripe for a fall, as he enters Sunday's game against the Indians with a 4.45 xFIP against right-handed hitting.
Yan Gomes (C) ($3,900)
Carlos Santana (3B) ($5,400)
Chase Anderson has struck out just 32 left-handed batters while walking 21 in 41.2 innings this season. The Rockies lineup is missing quite a bit of firepower due to injuries, but there are still a few worthwhile candidates to choose from Sunday.
Justin Morneau (1B) ($5,200)
The Week at a Glance
Franklin Morales will take his .927 OPS against right-handers to a contest against the Giants at Coors Field on Monday. San Francisco has some potent righty bats at their disposal.
We talked about the Padres' struggles with left-handed pitchers above, but we haven't yet spoken about Wade Miley, who will face the Friars in their building Tuesday. Miley has struck out a career-best 8.34 batters per nine innings this season but has been hurt somewhat by escalating home run and walk rates. These things should be less of a concern for the 27-year-old in this contest.
Trevor May will continue to be a target until he figures something out or the season ends. The right-hander has allowed a remarkable 22 earned runs in five games (four starts), and though the peripherals in his last outing against the Orioles were quite good (eight strikeouts, one walk), he was hit hard once again. We'll go back to the well when he faces the White Sox on Wednesday.
It's tempting to simply tell you that Vidal Nuno (a left-handed pitcher) is facing the Padres at Petco Park on Thursday and move on, but we've covered that basic matchup pretty extensively this week, so I thought I'd give you the other side of the game instead, which will consist of Ian Kennedy facing Nuno's Diamondbacks. Kennedy has logged a 3.33 xFIP against lefties this season, which should come in handy for a lineup that is likely to include David Peralta and Miguel Montero.
Nick Martinez has a tough assignment Friday, as he will face a southpaw-laden Mariners lineup at home. He's the owner of an astounding 5.88 xFIP against lefties this season.
The Royals have been the team to beat in the AL Central of late but still stack up as a below-average group against right-handed pitching this season. Brandon McCarthy has thrown like an ace since he's become a Yankee, pitching to a 2.47 ERA while allowing just one home run in his last five starts.
