Baseball brings plenty of day games to the table Monday, leaving only four games for the main evening slate in DFS. Despite the limited schedule, there are actually a lot of good options available.
Read MoreMLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 5/22/2019
Wednesday’s evening slate of action will be highlighted by an excellent pitching matchup between Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom. They aren’t the only stud pitchers set to take the mound, either.
Read MoreMLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 5/16/2019
As is usually the case Thursday’s, we have a limited evening slate in DFS that consists of just five games. With few quality starting pitchers set to take the mound, it presents an opportunity to spend more on hitters than you might normally be accustomed to.
Read MoreMLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 5/14/2019
After a quiet Monday, we have a busy Tuesday across the majors with 12 games making up the main evening slate in DFS.
Read MoreMLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 5/13/2019
With a lot of teams receiving an off day Monday, we don’t have the busiest of slates in the majors. However, there is still plenty of money to be won, so let’s break things down and highlight some players with matchups to exploit.
Read MoreMLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 5/7/2019
Tuesday’s 13-game main evening slate in DFS brings a nice mix of choices. There are not only a few pitchers at various price points who could provide value, but there are also some stacks that could pay off in a big way.
Read MoreMLB Fantasy Baseball Schedule Analysis for Week 23
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
August special! Use Code MCMLB50 at checkout
As we shift to NFL DFS coverage next week on Lineup Lab, this will be the last starting pitching schedule analysis article for the season. Hopefully, these articles have helped you be successful in your league. Let’s end things on a high note. Here are some starters who will each start two games in the week ahead that you should either target or avoid for your lineup.
Starters With Favorable Matchups
Carlos Carrasco, Cleveland Indians: vs. MIN, vs. TB
Carrasco’s last start didn’t go well as he allowed six runs (five earned) across 3.2 innings. It came against the Red Sox in Fenway Park, so don’t be overly concerned. He was dealing heading into that outing, allowing three runs or fewer in eight straight starts. Not only does he have a lofty 10.2 K/9, but he’s shown excellent control by issuing 1.8 BB/9. The end result has been a 1.13 WHIP and a 3.55 ERA that is supported by an even stronger 3.10 FIP. The Twins have only averaged 3.9 runs across their last 10 games and the Rays haven’t had as much success on the road (.712 OPS) as they have a home (.737 OPS), potentially setting up Carrasco for a dominant week.
Jon Lester, Chicago Cubs: vs. NYM, at PHI
Lester appears to have turned things around after a brief rough stretch, allowing one run and recording 11 strikeouts across 11.2 innings in his last two starts. His 3.64 ERA overall is a big improvement from last year, but his 4.74 FIP certainly instills less confidence. One area of concern has been his lack of strikeouts. His 8.3% swinging-strike rate is his lowest mark since 2008, resulting in just a 7.2 K/9. With that being said, he still could be very productive this week. Both the Mets and Phillies have an OPS against left-handed pitchers that are in the bottom-third of baseball.
Lance Lynn, New York Yankees: vs. CWS, vs. DET
Lynn started off strong with the Yankees, allowing one run across 16.2 innings in his first three appearances. He pitched so well in his first outing out of the bullpen that he quickly replaced Sonny Gray in their rotation. His last two starts have been rough, allowing 10 runs over 9.1 innings. The good news is he struck out 11 batters during those two games, helping boost his K/9 for the season to 9.3. His first start for the Yankee came against these same White Sox and he responded with nine strikeouts in 7.1 scoreless innings. With the White Sox and the Tigers both in the bottom-third of the league in runs scored, Lynn could be in line for a couple of rebound performances. He is still available in 55% of Yahoo! leagues.
Brian Johnson, Boston Red Sox: vs. MIA, at CWS
With the Red Sox dealing with injuries, Johnson has been elevated into their starting rotation. He’s made 10 starts so far, posting a 3.63 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and an 8.0 K/9. He’s had some rough opponents of late, facing the Yankees, Indians and Blue Jays in three of his last four starts. Things look much more favorable for him in Week 23 since both the Marlins and the White Sox are in the bottom-third of baseball in terms of OPS against left-handed pitching. If you’re looking for a viable streaming option, Johnson is still available in 93% of Yahoo! leagues.
Starters to Avoid
Kyle Gibson, Minnesota Twins: at CLE, at TEX
After posting an ERA of exactly 5.07 in both of the last two seasons, Gibson has been much improved this year with a 3.63 ERA. One of the keys to his success has been his 1.29 WHIP, which is significantly below his 1.41 career mark. He hasn’t been as good in August, though, with a 4.56 ERA and a 1.73 WHIP. He gets two tough opponents in Week 23 based on the Indians and Rangers both being in the top-five in home OPS. You may have leaned on Gibson many times this season, but this might be the time to keep him on your bench.
Carlos Rodon, Chicago White Sox: at NYY, vs. BOS
Rodon has been excellent of late, allowing two runs or fewer in seven on his last eight starts. He has a sparkling 2.71 ERA for the season, but he’s been somewhat lucky based on his 4.27 FIP and incredibly low .206 BABIP allowed. His 7.2 K/9 is also the lowest mark of his career, although his 9.5% swinging-strike rate isn’t too far off from his career average. He’ll have to face the two juggernauts in the AL East in Week 23 and even though the Yankees are missing some key bats, I’d still shy away from putting Rodon into your lineup.
Ivan Nova, Pittsburgh Pirates: at STL, at ATL
If there is one thing you can count on with Nova, it’s that he’s not going to walk many hitters. He’s only issued 1.8 BB/9, which would be his third-straight season of under two walks per nine innings. While that certainly helps his cause, he doesn’t have an overpowering arsenal with just an 8.7% swinging-strike rate and a 6.2 K/9. Facing the Cardinals is no easy task as they have averaged 5.9 runs across their last 10 games. The Braves are also in the top-10 in runs scored overall, so don’t even think about streaming Nova.
MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 8/23/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
August special! Use Code MCMLB50 at checkout
With only four games making up the main evening slate in DFS, there are far fewer options to choose from than normal for your entry Thursday. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t end the night a winner. Sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
STARTING PITCHERS
Cole Hamels vs. Cincinnati Reds
Stadium – Wrigley Field
FanDuel = $9,200
DraftKings = $10,400
To say Hamels has pitched well since joining the Cubs is an understatement. In his first four starts since being traded, Hamels has a 0.72 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, and an 8.3 K/9. While that ERA is obviously unsustainable, his 2.40 FIP supports his improved performance. He really struggled at Globe Life Park in Arlington as a member of the Rangers, so it’s not all that surprising that the change of scenery has boosted his value. On a night with very limited pitching options, Hamels stands out as one of the top choices.
Tyler Glasnow vs. Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Tropicana Field
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $8,400
After spending most of this season in the Pirates bullpen, the Rays have done a nice job building Glasnow back up to start. His pitch count has increased in each of his four outings with the Rays, topping out at 94 pitches in his most recent start. He shouldn’t have any limitations going forward. He provides excellent strikeout upside with an 11.6 K/9 and he’s shown improved control with a 2.9 BB/9 since being traded. The Royals have scored the fewest runs (463) in baseball, leaving Glasnow with the potential to provide significant value at this cheap price.
CATCHER/FIRST BASE
Freddie Freeman vs. Elieser Hernandez, Miami Marlins
Stadium – Marlins Park
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $5,000
There are two stacks that stand out Thursday with the Braves being one of them. Hernandez has mostly pitched in relief this season with only five starts in his 26 appearances. He has struggled with a 5.08 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP, overall. He doesn’t strike out many hitters, either, with a 6.2 K/9. With Freeman’s .401 OBP this year, expect him to be on base plenty of times in this game.
Joe Mauer vs. Trevor Cahill, Oakland Athletics
Stadium – Target Field
FanDuel = $3,100
DraftKings = $3,800
Cahill has done a great job for the Athletics this season, but most of his success has come at home, where he has a 0.85 ERA and a 0.76 WHIP. However, he’s been hammered on the road with a 6.62 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP. Mauer doesn’t have much power upside, but he is batting .343 with a .410 OBP across his last 10 games.
Others to consider: J.T. Realmuto (catcher)
SECOND BASE
Jed Lowrie vs. Kohl Stewart, Minnesota Twins
Stadium – Target Field
FanDuel = $3,400
DraftKings = $4,900
The other stacking opportunity that stands out is the Athletics against Stewart. They have a .706 OPS at home, but their .804 OPS on the road is the highest in baseball. Stewart has pitched at both Double-A and Triple-A this season, recording a 4.47 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP combined across both levels. In two starts with the Twins, he’s allowed six runs and recorded only three strikeouts across seven innings. The switch-hitting Lowrie has a .370 wOBA against righties this year.
Ozzie Albies vs. Elieser Hernandez, Miami Marlins
Stadium – Marlins Park
FanDuel = $3,400
DraftKings = $4,500
Albies has had a rough month of August by batting only .235 with one home run. After he slugged 14 home runs in his first 56 games this season, he has just seven homers across his last 66 contests. He has had better success against left-handed pitching this year, but Albies has a .517 slugging percentage on the road compared to .423 at home. He’s someone to consider with Hernandez on the mound, although Lowrie would be my first choice at second base.
Others to consider: Daniel Murphy
THIRD BASE
Matt Chapman vs. Kohl Stewart, Minnesota Twins
Stadium – Target Field
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $4,600
Chapman has shown an improved eye at the plate this year, reducing his strikeout rate from 28.3% in 2017 to 23.0% this season. He’s still hitting for plenty of power, too, with 17 home runs and 30 doubles across 407 at-bats. Chapman has actually hit better against right-handed pitchers (.378 wOBA) than he has lefties (.348 wOBA), so he could prove to be a tough out for Stewart.
Brian Anderson vs. Sean Newcomb, Atlanta Braves
Stadium – Marlins Park
FanDuel = $2,900
DraftKings = $3,500
After an excellent start to his season, Newcomb has a 6.00 ERA and a 1.60 WHIP since July 1. He has an 11.3% walk rate and a 21.7% strikeout rate for the year, but he has a 12.6% walk rate and a 17.4% strikeout rate since his struggles began. Anderson could be worth considering in tournament play since he has a .349 wOBA against lefties and is 5-for-10 with two walks against Newcomb in his career.
Others to consider: Johan Camargo
SHORTSTOP
Javier Baez vs. Anthony DeSclafani, Cincinnati Reds
Stadium – Wrigley Field
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $4,700
Baez has at least two hits in three straight games and has eight multi-hit performances so far in August. He’s made a case to be considered for the NL MVP award as he is batting .292 with 26 home runs, 92 RBI, and 20 steals. He has fairly similar numbers against both lefties and righties, so don’t shy away from using him Thursday just because he doesn’t have the platoon advantage against DeSclafani.
Jorge Polanco vs. Trevor Cahill, Oakland Athletics
Stadium – Target Field
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $3,900
Polanco quietly had a productive 2017 campaign with 13 home runs, 74 RBI and 13 steals across 488 at-bats. He didn’t play his first game this season until July due to suspension, but he’s provided the same sort of production with three home runs, 25 RBI and four steals in 173 at-bats. He has just a 34 wRC+ against lefties this year, but he’s been far more successful with a 137 wRC+ against righties.
Others to consider: Marcus Semien
OUTFIELD
Khris Davis vs. Kohl Stewart, Minnesota Twins
Stadium – Target Field
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $5,700
Davis has put the Athletics on his back as they make a push for the playoffs, hitting .313 with 18 home runs and 10 doubles since July 1. He has hit four home runs in his last four games and is one of the most dangerous power hitters in baseball when he’s locked in like this. He’s pricey, but he also has one of the highest upsides of anyone playing Thursday due to this matchup against Stewart.
Max Kepler vs. Trevor Cahill, Oakland Athletics
Stadium – Target Field
FanDuel = $3,200
DraftKings = $3,900
Kepler has struggled to hit for average again this season, but he’s managed to hit 17 home runs and 26 doubles. He’s been terrible with a .197 average and a .640 OPS on the road, but he has a .275 average and a .886 OPS at home. He doesn’t cost much on either site and could provide value when you combine his success at home with Cahill’s struggles on the road.
Stephen Piscotty vs. Kohl Stewart, Minnesota Twins
Stadium – Target Field
FanDuel = $2,500
DraftKings = $3,900
Piscotty is coming off of a productive three-game series against the Rangers where he finished 6-for-13 with a home run and two doubles. He has already tied his career-high with 35 doubles this year and has chipped in 16 homers as well. He has similar numbers against both lefties and righties, making him one of the better cheap options if you are going with an Athletics stack.
Others to consider: Ronald Acuna Jr. and Ender Inciarte
MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 8/20/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
August special! Use Code MCMLB50 at checkout
Monday brings plenty of options in DFS with 10 games on the schedule. It should be an exciting night with games including the Indians against the Red Sox, the Astros versus the Mariners and the Cardinals taking on the Dodgers. Sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
STARTING PITCHERS
Zack Wheeler vs. San Francisco Giants
Stadium – Citi Field
FanDuel = $9,100
DraftKings = $9,300
In what has been a lost season for the Mets, Wheeler has made significant improvements. After finishing with a 5.21 ERA and a 5.03 FIP in 2017, he has a 3.75 ERA and a 3.43 FIP this year. Not only has he reduced his WHIP from 1.59 to 1.23, but he’s allowed 0.8 HR/9 compared to 1.6 HR/9 last year. He’s on a hot streak right now, as well, allowing five runs and recording 30 strikeouts over 33 innings in his last five starts. The Giants have the third-lowest OPS on the road (.664) in baseball, potentially setting up Wheeler for a great performance.
Kevin Gausman vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
Stadium – PNC Park
FanDuel = $7,500
DraftKings = $7,100
Gausman has pitched well since joining the Braves, allowing five runs across 19 innings in three starts. He only had 12 total strikeouts, but it’s encouraging that he also allowed just one home run. Homers have been a problem for him this season since he’s allowed 1.4 HR/9 overall. The move from the American League to the National League can provide a big boost for pitchers, which could be the case even more so for Gausman since he was pitching in the AL East. The Pirates are in the bottom third of baseball in home runs, so Gausman might be worth considering in tournament play.
CATCHER/FIRST BASE
Matt Olson vs. Bartolo Colon, Texas Rangers
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $4,100
Bartolo Colon was originally scheduled to start Sunday, but he was pushed back a day after dealing with some back stiffness. That’s good news for Olson and the A’s since Colon has a 5.19 ERA and has allowed 1.7 HR/9. Olson only has a .309 wOBA against left-handed pitchers, but he has a .348 wOBA against righties. He’s hit 19 of his 23 homers off of righties as well.
Ji-Man Choi vs. Jorge Lopez, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Tropicana Field
FanDuel = $2,000
DraftKings = $3,700
The Rays could prove to be a productive stack Monday. Lopez mostly pitched in relief for the Brewers Triple-A squad this season, posting a 5.65 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP. His first start for the Royals did not go well as he allowed six runs over 4.2 innings to the Blue Jays. Choi is currently on a seven-game hitting streak and he has a .349 wOBA against righties, making him a great cheap option with upside.
Others to consider: Jesus Aguilar (first base) and Robinson Chirinos (catcher)
SECOND BASE
Travis Shaw vs. Homer Bailey, Cincinnati Reds
Stadium – Miller Park
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $4,700
The Brewers will likely be another popular stack with Bailey starting for the Reds. Bailey allowed 10 runs over 8.2 innings in his last two starts and has a 6.33 ERA and a 1.63 WHIP overall. He’s had trouble keeping hitters inside the park, as well, giving up 1.9 HR/9. Shaw has plenty of power and has hit 23 of his 24 home runs against righties this year.
Joey Wendle vs. Jorge Lopez, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Tropicana Field
FanDuel = $2,300
DraftKings = $3,900
Wendle might not be flashy, but he’s batting .327 with 12 RBI so far in August. He doesn’t hit many home runs, but he’s been a reliable hitter for the Rays with a .291 average this season. He doesn’t have nearly the ceiling that Shaw does, but that doesn’t mean he can’t provide value at this price against the underwhelming Lopez.
Others to consider: Rougned Odor and Brian Dozier
THIRD BASE
Justin Turner vs. Austin Gomber, St. Louis Cardinals
Stadium – Dodger Stadium
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,500
Turner is one of the hottest hitters in baseball right now as he is 24-for-52 (.462) with three homers and six doubles during his current 13-game hitting streak. Gomber has largely pitched well for the Cardinals, but with the way Turner is hitting and his 175 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers this season, don’t count on his hitting streak ending Monday.
Matt Chapman vs. Bartolo Colon, Texas Rangers
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $3,000
DraftKings = $4,300
Chapman is not only one of the premier defensive third baseman in baseball, he’s one of the best defenders in general. He seems to make sparkling plays on a nightly basis, but he’s done far more than just excel in the field. He’s made a significant improvement at the plate, batting .276 with a .363 OBP. He’s batting .311 with four homers in August and is another A’s hitter to consider against Colon.
Others to consider: Mike Moustakas and Todd Frazier
SHORTSTOP
Jorge Polanco vs. Lucas Giolito, Chicago White Sox
Stadium – Target Field
FanDuel = $3,200
DraftKings = $4,200
There is no shortage of bad starting pitchers scheduled to appear Monday. Giolito has managed to stay in the White Sox rotation the entire season, but he’s been awful with a 6.15 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP. He’s had significant control problems, issuing 72 walks compared to only 91 strikeouts. Polanco might not have a ton of power, but he does have a stellar .395 wOBA against right-handed pitchers.
Jose Peraza vs. Chase Anderson, Milwaukee Brewers
Stadium – Miller Park
FanDuel = $3,100
DraftKings = $4,500
Peraza has been more disciplined at the plate this year, recording only a 10.4% strikeout rate. He still doesn’t walk a lot, but his .292 batting average is a significant improvement from his .259 mark last season. Although he’s not a power hitter, he has slugged a home run in both of his last two games and has at least two hits in four-straight contests. I prefer Polanco out of the two as they both have similar prices, but Peraza could also provide value for your entry.
Others to consider: Amed Rosario and Marcus Semien
OUTFIELD
Khris Davis vs. Bartolo Colon, Texas Rangers
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $5,000
The A’s have not only played their way into the Wild Card race, but they are also giving the Astros a run for their money in the AL West. Davis has been a huge reason for their success, hitting 36 home runs to go along with 98 RBI. He’s well on his way to his third-straight season with at least 40 homers and 100 RBI. With Colon’s propensity to give up the long ball, Davis could be in for a monster night.
Max Kepler vs. Lucas Giolito, Chicago White Sox
Stadium – Target Field
FanDuel = $2,900
DraftKings = $3,900
Kepler struggles with his batting average, but he’s followed up his 19 home runs in 2017 with 16 homers so far this season. He’s actually having a respectable month, overall, in August, batting .255 with a .367 wOBA. Giolito has allowed a .374 wOBA against left-handed hitters, making Kepler a viable option at this cheap price in tournament play.
Mallex Smith vs. Jorge Lopez, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Tropicana Field
FanDuel = $2,800
DraftKings = $4,600
Although the Rays acquired Tommy Pham and Austin Meadows at the trade deadline, Smith isn’t going anywhere in their outfield. He’s been red-hot since July 1, batting .365 with a .448 OBP. He’s a terror when he’s on the bases, swiping 11 bags during that stretch and 26 for the season overall. With Lopez’s struggles to keep runners off base, Smith carries plenty of upside in this game despite his lack of power.
Others to consider: Christian Yelich and Lorenzo Cain
MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 8/16/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
August special! Use Code MCMLB50 at checkout
There are a lot of bad pitchers scheduled to take the mound Thursday, which should lead to plenty of offense for DFS. Sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
STARTING PITCHERS
Clay Buchholz vs. San Diego Padres
Stadium – Petco Park
FanDuel = $8,600
DraftKings = $9,500
The Diamondbacks have to be ecstatic with the production they have received from Buchholz. He missed almost all of 2017 due to injury after finishing 2016 with a 4.78 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP. However, he’s excelled with his new team, posting a 2.67 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP. His FIP isn’t as strong at 3.66, but that’s still a very respectable number considering his recent struggles. He’s allowed only seven home runs across 64 innings and even though his 7.7 K/9 isn’t great, he’s only issued 2.3 BB/9. The Padres have scored the fourth-fewest runs (472) in baseball and have the second-worst OPS against right-handed pitchers (.661), setting up Buchholz nicely for another valuable outing.
Julio Teheran vs. Colorado Rockies
Stadium – SunTrust Park
FanDuel = $8,000
DraftKings = $8,200
Buchholz stands out to me as the pitcher to play Thursday. If you’re looking to save a few bucks at the position, Teheran might be someone to consider. His 4.33 ERA isn’t great and it could be much worse considering his 5.23 FIP. He also has troubles keeping hitters inside the park with a 1.6 HR/9. On the bright side, his 1.25 WHIP is much improved from last year and his 8.3 K/9 would be the highest mark of his career. He also has two stats working in his favor for this contest. First, the Rockies only have a .725 OPS against righties compared to a .794 OPS against lefties. Second, the Rockies have been stellar at Coors Field with a .812 OPS, but their OPS on the road is only .688.
CATCHER/FIRST BASE
Jurickson Profar vs. Taylor Cole, Los Angeles Angels
Stadium – Globe Life Park in Arlington
FanDuel = $3,400
DraftKings = $4,800
With all of the injuries the Rangers have suffered, Profar has found himself getting consistent playing time across multiple positions. His .249 batting average doesn’t jump off the page, but he’s flashed some power with a .452 slugging percentage. He loves hitting at home, posting a .276 batting average with nine of his 13 home runs this season coming at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Of note, Profar is only eligible at first base on FanDuel as he is listed at third base and shortstop on DraftKings.
Danny Jansen vs. Glenn Sparkman, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Kauffman Stadium
FanDuel = $2,200
DraftKings = $3,600
Jansen stood out to me as a tournament option with upside Wednesday, but he received the day off. The Blue Jays offense had a productive game, scoring six runs off the porous Royals staff. They’ll throw out another struggling pitcher in Sparkman, who has allowed nine runs in 16 innings this season. He wasn’t much better in Triple-A either, posting a 4.58 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP. As long as Jansen is in the lineup, he’s a viable option once again.
Others to consider: Anthony Rizzo (first base) and Justin Smoak (first base)
SECOND BASE
Javier Baez vs. Ivan Nova, Pittsburgh Pirates
Stadium – PNC Park
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $5,000
Anthony Rizzo has been batting leadoff for the Cubs lately, but Baez was moved into that spot Wednesday. He was his usual productive self, finishing the game 2-for-5 with a triple and a run scored. Baez has batted in various spots of the Cubs lineup this year and had been batting second recently, so don’t expect the change to have much impact on his value. He doesn’t have the platoon advantage in this game against Nova, but that’s not much of a concern based on his .367 wOBA against right-handed pitchers this season.
Rougned Odor vs. Taylor Cole, Los Angeles Angels
Stadium – Globe Life Park in Arlington
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $4,900
Odor has cooled off a bit as he is 1-for-11 across his last three games. Don’t read too much into that, though, as he is batting .329 with 10 home runs and 11 doubles since July 1. This is likely to be a bullpen game for the Angels since Taylor hasn’t pitched more than 3.2 innings in any of his nine appearances. Odor is another Rangers’ hitter who loves playing in Arlington, recording a .293 average there this season.
Others to consider: Daniel Murphy and Kolten Wong
THIRD BASE
Miguel Sano vs. Francisco Liriano, Detroit Tigers
Stadium – Target Field
FanDuel = $2,800
DraftKings = $4,500
Sano is only batting .221 this year, but he’s posted a .268 average across 16 games since being recalled from a stint in the minors. He’s only hit two home runs during that stretch, but the best part of his game is certainly his power upside. He has a .356 wOBA against lefties for his career, leaving him as a viable option against Liriano and his 1.45 WHIP.
David Freese vs. Jon Lester, Chicago Cubs
Stadium – PNC Park
FanDuel = $2,500
DraftKings = $4,200
Freese didn’t exactly get off to a bad start this year, but he’s been red-hot lately, batting .352 with a .582 slugging percentage since July 1. He’s usually someone to target versus lefties considering he has a .364 wOBA against them for his career. Lester is also really struggling right now, allowing 30 runs (29 earned) over his last 28 innings.
Others to consider: Anthony Rendon and Eduardo Escobar
SHORTSTOP
Elvis Andrus vs. Taylor Cole, Los Angeles Angels
Stadium – Globe Life Park in Arlington
FanDuel = $3,200
DraftKings = $4,400
It was going to be tough for Andrus to match the production he put up in 2017, which was by far the best season of his career. He’s only played 60 games this season due to injury and he didn’t get off to a great start when he was first activated from the DL. He’s doing his best to salvage some value down the stretch, batting .296 since July 1. It’s tough to count on him when he’s playing on the road, but he’s batting .329 so far at home.
Andrelton Simmons vs. Ariel Jurado, Texas Rangers
Stadium – Globe Life Park in Arlington
FanDuel = $2,700
DraftKings = $4,200
The Rangers starting rotation has been a mess. Jurado is getting a chance to prove himself, but it’s not going well as he has a 5.66 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP across four starts. He only has eight strikeouts in 20.2 innings and wasn’t a big strikeout pitcher in the minors, either, with a 6.9 K/9 for his career. Simmons has only struck out 25 times all year and is batting .302, leaving him with the potential to be on base plenty in this contest.
Others to consider: Trea Turner and Aledmys Diaz
OUTFIELD
Kole Calhoun vs. Ariel Jurado, Texas Rangers
Stadium – Globe Life Park in Arlington
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $4,400
With Jurado on the mound in what is a hitter-friendly park, the Angels are likely going to be a popular stack Thursday. Calhoun stands out as one of their hitters who provides significant upside based on his recent run of success. Over his last 30 games, Calhoun is batting .325 with 11 home runs and eight doubles.
Shohei Ohtani vs. Ariel Jurado, Texas Rangers
Stadium – Globe Life Park in Arlington
FanDuel = $3,400
DraftKings = $5,200
Ohtani wasn’t in the lineup for the Angels in their last series against the Padres since there was no DH available in San Diego. As he likely makes his return Thursday, he’s another great Angels’ hitter to target based on his .419 wOBA against righties.
Kevin Pillar vs. Glenn Sparkman, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Kauffman Stadium
FanDuel = $2,800
DraftKings = $4,100
Pillar has had a productive first three games of this series, going 4-for-10 with a home run and five RBI. His .281 OBP this season is disappointing, but his .414 slugging percentage would be the highest mark of his career. He actually has better numbers against righties this year, leaving him as someone to consider in tournament play if you’re looking for a cheap outfielder.
Others to consider: Juan Soto and Joey Gallo