This article is part of our Umpire Analysis series.
Last Week's Picks
Tuesday
Game: ATL at BOS
Umpire: Vic Carapazza
Recommendation:Julio Teheran, RHP: 6.1 IP, 13 H, 6 R, BB, 3 K
Teheran looked like he might salvage this one, as he threw four scoreless innings after a two-run first, but the Red Sox got to him again in the sixth to end his day. Carapazza's ERA has jumped to 3.22 after seeing 24 runs in his last two games, but he has kept his BB/9 rate steady at 2.6 through 237.3 innings, which could make him worth a look.
Game: LAD at TEX
Umpire: Greg Gibson
Recommendation:Adrian Gonzalez, 1B: 1-for-4
Chi Chi Gonzalez was on his way to a shutout before Justin Turner hit a two-run homer with one out in the ninth, but he still turned in a performance that shut down any hope of getting a nice score from most Los Angeles hitters. Gibson's K:BB ratio of 1.9:1 still ranks as the fourth-lowest among umpires who have seen at least 100 innings, which makes him a nice option in games where pitchers have shaky control.
Wednesday
Game: TB at WSH
Umpire: Paul Schreiber
Recommendation:Jordan Zimmermann, RHP: 7 IP, 8 H, 3 R, BB, 8 K
The eight strikeouts for Zimmermann were a season high, but he also allowed two solo home runs, which put the game out of reach, as the Washington offense was shut out. Schreiber now has a 3.2:1 K:BB ratio in 12 games and should continue to be useful, particularly when seeing teams with high strikeout rates.
Game: BOS at ATL
Umpire: Brian Knight
Recommendation:Cameron Maybin, OF: 2-for-5, SB, RBI
Knight saw just seven runs, but called ball four eight times, which matched his highest total in 12 games this season. Knight has seen double-digit run totals in six of those games, while keeping a BB:9 rate above 3.0 in his 193 innings.
Thursday
Game: SD at OAK
Umpire: Adam Hamari
Recommendation:Kendall Graveman, RHP: 7 IP, 5 H, 2 R, BB, 6 K
We were able to rack up strikeouts in the outing, but once again fell victim to two solo home runs, which ruined our chance for a victory. Despite a high ERA (4.01), Hamari seems to have one of the more favorable zones among umpires, as he has seen just 2.3 BB:9 to go with an 8.1 K:9 rate in 262.3 innings.
Game: MIL at KC
Umpire:Jeff Nelson
Recommendation:Adam Lind, 1B: 0-For-3, BB
Nelson was able to keep his walk rate in check Thursday, as the three free passes he saw marked his lowest total since his first game of the season, when he called ball four just twice in a matchup between the Marlins and the Braves. The combination of a high ERA (4.44) and low strikeout rate (7.4:9) could make Nelson a viable option when looking for games that have the potential for high run totals.
This Week's Picks
Game: PHI at NYY
Umpire: Jeff Kellogg
Recommendation:Brian McCann, C
Kellogg's 1.73:1 K:BB ratio is the lowest of any umpire who has seen at least 100 innings this season. This could yield some interesting results for opposing starter Sean O'Sullivan, as he has struck out just 4.3 batters per nine innings over 10 starts.
Game: LAD at CHC
Umpire: Paul Emmel
This one may be better classified as an honorable mention, but I would be remiss to not include Emmel, who holds a staggering 5.11 ERA over 197.3 innings this season. We have two elite pitchers squaring off in the contest in Zack Greinke and Jason Hammel, but Wrigley Field has been favorable to right-handed hitters this year, so you could think about looking to Chicago if you need to plug someone in.
Wednesday
Game: KC at SEA
Umpire: Greg Gibson
Recommendation:Nelson Cruz, OF
While our venue isn't the best in terms of run suppression, it's hard not to try to pick on Danny Duffy in his first start since suffering a shoulder injury in mid-May, as he walked 4.5 batters per nine innings before being sidelined. We've already documented Gibson's penchant for handing out the free pass, which could make things challenging for Duffy in his return to the majors.
Game: HOU at LAA
Umpire: John Hirschbeck
Recommendation:Lance McCullers, RHP
McCullers has been a strikeout artist since his callup to the majors in May but has had trouble with his control in his last two outings, walking seven over 9.1 innings. Hirshbeck could help to stem the tide, as he has seen just 2.8 walks per nine innings in 13 games.
Thursday
Game: LAD at CHC
Umpire: Andy Fletcher
Recommendation:Kris Bryant, 3B
As luck would have it, our only viewable umpire Thursday has seen 4.0 walks per nine frames in 221 innings this season, while tallying just a 7.2 K:9 rate. As much as I like the potential of Los Angeles starter Carlos Frias, he has disappointed more often than not, and a tight strike zone will do him no favors.
