Daily Fantasy Baseball 2015: Best MLB Pitcher Stats, Picks for July 9

It's time for another edition of Thursday starters on DraftKings, so we'll sift through the pile yet again to find the best hurlers.

With a minimal slate of games, the process can be a difficult one for owners hoping to pin down two starters to maximize their output. Prior to setting a lineup for Thursday's action, here's a look at five pitchers to target at multiple price ranges.

Zack Greinke, Los Angeles Dodgers ($11,200)

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Why was Zack Greinke named an All-Star for the National League over Clayton Kershaw? Because he's simply been better than the 2014 NL MVP. With a league-leading 1.48 ERA and nearly 100 strikeouts, Greinke is a steal at just over $11,000.

On track to put up career highs in multiple categories—besting numbers from his 2009 AL Cy Young season in the process—Greinke has been one of the hottest pitchers in baseball recently, as noted by ESPN Stats & Info:

Oh, then there's the fact that he's facing an underwhelming Philadelphia Phillies lineup. Going up against a team that ranks 27th in runs scored and 22nd in average, Greinke is the safest bet on Thursday.

Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners ($11,000)

He's been a bit erratic lately on the mound, but Felix Hernandez is still a top-tier starter. Since being shelled by the Houston Astros and getting just one out, Hernandez has fluctuated between shutout starts and less-than-stellar outings.

The Los Angeles Angels have a strong lineup, but King Felix has regularly shut them down over his career. Just one batter—Mike Trout—has an average above .230 against Hernandez. Holding averages of 23.9 fantasy points at home and 30.7 per game against Los Angeles in 2015, the crown will fit again in Seattle.

Jose Fernandez, Miami Marlins ($9,800)

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Get him at less than $10,000 while you can. Coming off a consistent outing against the San Francisco Giants, Jose Fernandez will make his second start of the season against the Cincinnati Reds. He'll also be doing so on a full week of rest to ensure he's fully recovered.

The Reds have very little experience against the Cuban pitcher, with Marlon Byrd having the most at-bats and going 2-for-7 when facing the righty. Look for Fernandez to have another consistent start and force Cincinnati to miss a lot—Byrd has four strikeouts in those seven ABs.

Carlos Martinez, St. Louis Cardinals ($9,400)

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

Keeping with the theme of young pitchers who have excelled this season, Carlos Martinez has had slightly more opportunities to do so. He may be averaging over 24 fantasy points in his last 10 starts, but the 23-year-old still comes at a lower price than Fernandez.

His last two games have been notable, but the performances on the road are what makes him a great start Thursday. With an average of 24.6 points in his last four road starts, he has raised his away average to 20.6. He struggled in his first start against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but has clearly grown since that point.

Cody Anderson, Cleveland Indians ($6,300)

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

In order to afford one of the top pitchers and still fill out a formidable lineup, owners need to find a bargain-bin hurler. In Cody Anderson, the Cleveland Indians have a hot pitcher who will run up against a swing-and-miss Houston Astros team.

After two road contests in which Anderson held the Tampa Bay Rays and Pittsburgh Pirates to a combined two earned runs, he finally gets to return home. In the friendly confines of Progressive Field, expect Anderson to easily hit a career high in strikeouts against the only team with over 800 this season.

---

DraftKings is hosting one-day MLB contests! Claim your free entry by clicking on the link and making a first-time deposit!

Follow R. Cory Smith on Twitter for more MLB DraftKings advice.