This article is part of our Umpire Analysis series.
Last Week's Picks
Game: LAD at PHI
Umpire: Ben May
Recommendation:Brett Anderson, LHP: 5 IP, 6 H, 4 R (3 ER), 2 BB, 5 K
The Phillies scratched across an unearned run against Anderson in the first inning before getting to the southpaw for three runs on two hits in the top of the third. Despite a disappointing result from our starter, May has continued to build his reputation as a pitcher-friendly umpire this season, as a 30:7 K:BB ratio over his last two outings has left him with an 8.3 K/9 rate and a 1.80 ERA through 110 innings.
Game: HOU at CLE
Umpire: Dana DeMuth
Recommendation:Vincent Velasquez, RHP: 6.1 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
It was a bit of a rocky start for Velasquez, who allowed two hits and a run in the bottom of the first inning, but he was able to turn in a quality performance, tossing scoreless baseball for the next four frames before Michael Brantley led off the Indians' half of the sixth with a homer. The game yielded just two runs, which has helped to lower DeMuth's ERA to 3.82. His 3.7:1 K:BB ratio is fourth among umpires who have seen at least 100 innings in 2015.
Wednesday
Game: BAL at MIN
Umpire:Jeff Nelson
Recommendation:Adam Jones, OF: 0-For-4
The Orioles couldn't get to Tommy Milone, who allowed just one run on five hits over seven innings, but shaky work from both bullpens eventually led to eight runs. Nelson has seen 17 walks and 16 runs over his last two games.
Game: ATL at MIL
Umpire: Lance Barksdale
Recommendation:Scooter Gennett, 2B: 0-For-4
It was a forgettable day for Gennett, but the game qualifies as a hit, as Barksdale saw 11 runs and nine walks en route to a victory for the Brewers. He has shown a tight zone throughout the course of the season, tallying a 3.4 BB/9 rate and a 7.1 K/9 rate in 301 innings.
Thursday
Game: HOU at CLE
Umpire: Ed Hickox
Recommendation:Evan Gattis, C: 0-For-4
The hitless performance from Gattis ends a poor week from our offensive selections, as he was one of many players unable to take advantage of a season-low six strikeouts from Hickox. He remains an umpire to look at when searching for contact, as his 6.4 K/9 rate is the third-lowest mark among qualified umpires.
This Week's Picks
Tuesday
Game: NYM at WSH
Umpire: Mike Muchlinski
Recommendation:Joe Ross, RHP
Ross posted big strikeout numbers in three starts this season before being optioned to Triple-A Syracuse at the end of June, notching a 23:2 K:BB ratio over 20.1 innings. Muchlinski could help Ross continue his successful run in the majors, as he has notched an 8.4 K/9 rate in 15 games.
Game: TEX at COL
Umpire: Tom Hallion
Recommendation:DJ LeMahieu, 2B
Those who listened to the DFS podcast this week already know I'm fond of stacking against Texas' Matt Harrison, who had ERA over 6.00 in 34.2 innings on a rehab assignment while recovering from spinal fusion surgery. The play becomes even more favorable when we take into account that Hailon has a 4.30 ERA and a 3.2 BB/9 rate in 247 innings.
Wednesday
Game: LAD at ATL
Umpire: Bill Welke
Recommendation:Andre Ethier, OF
Opposing starter Julio Teheran has struggled mightily against left-handed hitters this season, tallying a K:BB ratio of just 1.4:1 over 47 innings. Welke could make it difficult for Teheran to put hitters away via strikeout, as he has a 7.3 K/9 over 317 frames.
Thursday
Game: SEA at DET
Umpire: Cory Blaser
Recommendation: None
The only game with a viewable umpire Thursday pits David Price against Hisashi Iwakuma, which may not lend itself to a stack regardless of the man behind the plate, but it is worth noting that Blaser is trending more toward an offensive umpire this season, having seen 3.2 BB/9 and a 4.11 ERA over 324 innings.
