Wednesday brings plenty of tough choices across the DFS landscape with 11 games on the schedule. In particular, there are a lot of viable pitching options.
Read MoreMLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 5/29/2019
With several early start times Wednesday, it leaves us with nine games to choose from for the main evening slate in DFS. Included is another hitter-friendly game at Coors Field and a few aces set up to thrive.
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 Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 7/5/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
July special! Use Code MCMLB50 at checkout
After a packed holiday schedule Wednesday, there are only eight games in the majors Thursday. All of them are at least at night, leaving plenty of quality options to choose from in 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
Justin Verlander vs. Chicago White Sox
Stadium – Minute Maid Park
FanDuel = $12,200
DraftKings = $13,400
Verlander has shown that he is human in his last two starts, allowing nine runs in 11.2 innings. Even with that very brief rough patch, his numbers are outstanding this season with a 2.12 ERA, 2.65 FIP, and a 0.86 WHIP. He did strike out a total of 14 batters in those two poor outings and has a stellar 10.9 K/9 for the year overall. The White Sox have scored the seventh-fewest runs (345) in baseball, setting Verlander up to rebound with a big performance.
Jeremy Hellickson vs. Miami Marlins
Stadium – Nationals Park
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $7,700
Hellickson doesn’t get much publicity in a Nationals rotation that includes Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg, but he hasn’t allowed more than three runs in any of his 10 starts this season. He hasn’t pitched as well as his 2.63 ERA indicates, but he still has a 3.51 FIP. He has allowed a .269 opponents BABIP, which is exactly the same as his career mark. One of the key reasons for his improved numbers is that he only has a 0.9 HR/9 compared to 1.9 HR/9 that he allowed last year. The Marlins have hit the second-fewest home runs (69) and scored the third-fewest runs (323) in baseball, making Hellickson an intriguing cheap tournament play.
CATCHER/FIRST BASE
Paul Goldschmidt vs. Eric Lauer, San Diego Padres
Stadium – Chase Field
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $5,200
Goldschmidt has carried over his hot streak from June, hitting 7-for-14 with two home runs in four games since the calendar turned to July. He’s been crushing lefties with a .452 wOBA on the season overall, making him a great option against Lauer and his bloated 1.76 WHIP.
Eric Hosmer vs. Shelby Miller, Arizona Diamondbacks
Stadium – Chase Field
FanDuel = $3,100
DraftKings = $3,800
The addition of Hosmer hasn’t done much to spark the Padres lineup as he is only batting .270 with nine home runs. His .325 BABIP is actually slightly higher than his career mark, but he’s hurt himself with a career-high 21.2% strikeout rate. That being said, Miller has looked awful in two starts since returning from Tommy John surgery and Hosmer does have a .351 wOBA against righties. He won’t cost much, so he could be worth the risk in tournament play.
Others to consider: Brandon Belt (first base) and John Hicks (catcher)
SECOND BASE
Jurickson Profar vs. Matthew Boyd, Detroit Tigers
Stadium – Comerica Park
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $3,900
The Rangers continue to find playing time for Profar, who is 8-for-21 with three doubles during his current five-game hitting streak. With the Rangers nowhere near a playoff spot, it would make sense for them to play Profar as much as possible to help further his development. He’ll likely be in the lineup Thursday against Boyd considering he has a .363 wOBA against lefties this season. Of note, Profar is only eligible at second base on FanDuel as he is listed at shortstop on DraftKings.
Joe Panik vs. Luke Weaver, St. Louis Cardinals
Stadium – AT&T Park
FanDuel = $3,200
DraftKings = $3,500
After showing a lot of promise for the Cardinals last year, Weaver has struggled mightily with a 5.16 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP this season. He’s done a good job holding righties to a .293 wOBA, but he has a .373 wOBA against lefties. Panik has hit right-handed pitchers well again this year, leaving him as a viable option who might even have more upside than Profar does.
Others to consider: Jose Altuve and Dee Gordon
THIRD BASE
Alex Bregman vs. Carlos Rodon, Chicago White Sox
Stadium – Minute Maid Park
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $5,500
Bregman is one of the hottest hitters in baseball of late, hitting 16-for-37 (.432) with five home runs during his nine-game hitting streak. With Carlos Correa (back) on the DL, it couldn’t have come at a better time for the Astros. Bregman has a .416 wOBA against left-handed pitching, so look for him to continue his hot streak against Rodon.
Kyle Seager vs. Jaime Barria, Los Angeles Angels
Stadium – Safeco Field
FanDuel = $3,400
DraftKings = $3,800
Speaking of third baseman playing well right now, Seager is 12-for-28 (.429) with three home runs in his last eight games. He still has a long ways to go to improve his .239 batting average, but his recent run of success has boosted him up to 16 homers this season. Barria has a 3.40 ERA, but his 4.81 FIP and 1.6 HR/9 could be troublesome against Seager.
Others to consider: Anthony Rendon and Eduardo Escobar
SHORTSTOP
Brandon Crawford vs. Luke Weaver, St. Louis Cardinals
Stadium – AT&T Park
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,500
With how poorly Weaver has pitched against left-handed hitters this season, targeting Giants’ lefties could provide significant production for your entry. Crawford is in the middle of the best offensive season of his career by hitting .310 with 10 home runs and a .373 OBP. He has also recorded a .376 wOBA against righties.
Jorge Polanco vs. Andrew Cashner, Baltimore Orioles
Stadium – Target Field
FanDuel = $2,700
DraftKings = $3,000
Polanco has missed most of this season due to suspension and his return is probably too late to help the Twins make a push for the playoffs. He quietly had a very good campaign last year when they earned a Wild Card spot, hitting .256 with 13 home runs, 74 RBI and 13 steals in only 133 games. Polanco logged his first multi-hit game Wednesday and could provide value at this dirt cheap price on both sites considering Cashner has 1.57 WHIP.
Others to consider: Manny Machado and Andrelton Simmons
OUTFIELD
Nicholas Castellanos vs. Yovani Gallardo, Texas Rangers
Stadium – Comerica Park
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $5,000
Gallardo actually had a strong performance in his last outing by allowing three runs and recording seven strikeouts in 7.1 innings. It did come against the White Sox, though, so he didn’t exactly face a tough opponent. The Tigers lineup isn’t great either, but Castellanos has been a bright spot by batting .309 with 14 home runs and 54 RBI. Gallardo has finished with an ERA of at least 5.42 in both of the last two seasons, making Castellanos an excellent option despite the lack of a platoon advantage.
A.J. Pollock vs. Eric Lauer, San Diego Padres
Stadium – Chase Field
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $4,900
Pollock was off to a great start this season before landing on the DL with a thumb injury. He has shown the ability to put up big numbers, but he hasn’t been able to stay healthy in recent years. He’s still looking for his first hit since being activated, but this is a matchup to exploit since Lauer has allowed a .387 wOBA to righties.
Wil Myers vs. Shelby Miller, Arizona Diamondbacks
Stadium – Chase Field
FanDuel = $3,100
DraftKings = $4,300
Myers had his own injury issue that has left him to play only 22 games this year. He was coming off of two straight seasons where he finished with at least 28 home runs and 20 steals, but that streak seems likely to end with only half the season left to play. He’s starting to heat up by hitting 8-for-27 (.296) with a home run and six RBI in his last seven games and is another Padre to consider with Miller on the mound.
Others to consider: Eddie Rosario and Justin Upton
MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 7/3/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
July special! Use Code MCMLB50 at checkout
Baseball gets back to a busy schedule Tuesday with all 30 teams in action. 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
Zach Eflin vs. Baltimore Orioles
Stadium – Citizens Bank Park
FanDuel = $9,100
DraftKings = $9,900
Eflin made just 11 starts for the Phillies last year and didn’t pitch well with a 6.16 ERA and a 6.10 FIP. A lot of his struggles can be attributed to his 1.42 WHIP and 2.2 HR/9. He also didn’t help his cause with a lowly 4.9 K/9. However, he seems to have put those issues behind him with an excellent first half that resulted in a 3.02 ERA and a 2.86 FIP across 10 starts. He’s cut his WHIP down to 1.13 and has allowed only four home runs in 55.2 innings. His average fastball velocity is up from 93.7 mph last year to 95.1 mph this season to go along with a career-high 10.5% swinging-strike rate, helping him post a 9.1 K/9. The Orioles have scored the second-fewest runs (305) in baseball and won’t have the use of the DH in Philadelphia, making Eflin one of the better pitching options available for the night.
Chris Bassitt vs. San Diego Padres
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $7,000
DraftKings = $6,300
Bassitt hadn’t pitched in the big leagues since 2016 and even that year he only made five appearances. His last significant stretch in the majors came in 2015 when he finished with a 3.56 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP in 18 outings, 13 of which were starts. The Athletics have dealt with multiple injuries to their starters this season, leaving Bassitt with another chance to join their rotation. He’s had mixed results in four starts, but he’s also been done in by the Athletics defense as five of the 12 runs he has allowed have been unearned. He handled two bad offenses in the Royals and Tigers, allowing just one run and recording 11 strikeouts across 13 innings. The Padres have scored the fifth-fewest runs (321) in baseball, leaving Bassitt as someone to consider in tournament play.
CATCHER/FIRST BASE
Brandon Belt vs. Antonio Senzatela, Colorado Rockies
Stadium – Coors Field
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $5,500
After a hot start to the season, Belt cooled off in June by hitting .226 with two home runs. A lot of that had to do with his .238 BABIP. Even with his slump, he’s still hitting .295 with 13 homers for the season overall. He has a .419 wOBA against right-handed pitchers this year and gets the benefit of hitting in Coors Field on Tuesday, so this could be just the matchup he needs to start another hot streak.
Yan Gomes vs. Danny Duffy, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Kauffman Stadium
FanDuel = $2,700
DraftKings = $3,200
Duffy can be tough to hit when he’s on top of his game, evident by the fact that he has allowed one or no runs in three of his last four starts. The problem is when he’s off, he’s really off as he has allowed at least five earned runs in a game six times this season. Gomes is 9-for-23 (.391) with two home runs against Duffy in his career and hits lefties well in general, making him a cost-effective option with upside.
Others to consider: Edwin Encarnacion (first base) and Carlos Santana (first base)
SECOND BASE
Joe Panik vs. Antonio Senzatela, Colorado Rockies
Stadium – Coors Field
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $4,400
Coors Field sure makes it hard for the Rockies to develop young starting pitchers. Senzatela has put up impressive numbers as a starter in the minors, but he’s struggled with the Rockies this year with a 6.23 ERA and a 1.67 WHIP in 10 relief appearances. Panik only has a .223 wOBA against lefties this year, but he’s a great option against Senzatela considering his .345 wOBA against righties.
Joey Wendle vs. Trevor Richards, Miami Marlins
Stadium – Marlins Park
FanDuel = $2,400
DraftKings = $3,000
Wendle sits against lefties. but should be in the lineup against the right-handed Richards. Richards’ 3.90 FIP indicates he hasn’t pitched as bad as his 5.06 ERA would lead you to believe, but he’s allowed a ton of baserunners with a 1.48 WHIP. Wendle doesn’t have much power upside with only two home runs, but if you want to go really cheap at second base in tournament play, he is someone to consider.
Others to consider: Scooter Gennett and Yoan Moncada
THIRD BASE
Max Muncy vs. Ivan Nova, Pittsburgh Pirates
Stadium – Dodger Stadium
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,700
Muncy hit another home run Monday, leaving him 11-for-33 (.333) with five homes in his last 10 games. He’s been one of the biggest surprises in all of baseball this season as he didn’t even play in the majors in 2017 and entered 2018 with only five career home runs. With his recent run of success, he is now batting .271 with 18 long balls. Look for him to keep things rolling against Nova, who doesn’t have an overpowering arsenal by any means with a 6.7 K/9 for his career.
Adrian Beltre vs. Dallas Keuchel, Houston Astros
Stadium – Globe Life Park in Arlington
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $3,800
Hamstring injuries have limited Beltre to only 54 games this year. It may also have something to do with his power drought as he only has four home runs. He still has a .309 average, though, and is drawing walks with a .373 OBP. He has a .376 wOBA against lefties so far and is 21-for-68 (.309) with two home runs and seven doubles against Keuchel in his career, so he has some upside at this price.
Others to consider: Jose Ramirez and Jed Lowrie
SHORTSTOP
Francisco Lindor vs. Danny Duffy, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Kauffman Stadium
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $5,700
Lindor launched two homers Monday, marking his third-straight game with a home run and his third multi-hit game in his last four contests. The AL MVP race is loaded with great candidates, but Lindor should also be towards the top of the list since he is hitting .298 with 23 home runs, 55 RBI, and 73 runs scored. He has crushed lefties with a 185 wRC+ this year and should be a part of any Indians stack against Duffy.
Elvis Andrus vs. Dallas Keuchel, Houston Astros
Stadium – Globe Life Park in Arlington
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $3,900
Andrus missed over two months with an elbow injury and got off to a slow start when he did finally return. However, he’s shown signs of turning things around by hitting 8-for-29 (.276) across his current five-game hitting streak. He finished with a wOBA against lefties of at least .357 in both of the last two seasons and is someone to consider if you can’t make Lindor’s high salary work with your entry.
Others to consider: Brandon Crawford and Marcus Semien
OUTFIELD
Rhys Hoskins vs. Alex Cobb, Baltimore Orioles
Stadium – Citizens Bank Park
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $5,200
Cobb has allowed at least five runs in three of his last four starts and seven times this season overall. His first year with the Orioles has been a disaster overall with a 6.75 ERA and a 1.67 WHIP. Hoskins has rebounded from his slow start to hit at least one home run in four of his last eight games. Considering all the baserunners Cobb allows, Hoskins could have plenty of opportunities to drive in runs in this game.
Scott Schebler vs. Lucas Giolito, Chicago White Sox
Stadium – Great American Ball Park
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $4,300
Giolito has been as bad as Cobb, recording a 6.59 ERA and a 1.58 WHIP in 16 starts. He’s allowed as many walks as he has strikeouts and has given up 13 home runs in only 84.2 innings. Lefties have posted a .397 wOBA against him, setting up Schebler with the potential for a big performance. Schebler not only has 11 home runs this season, but his .283 batting average and .357 OBP are both career highs.
Mark Canha vs. Clayton Richard, San Diego Padres
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $2,900
DraftKings = $3,700
When a lefty is on the mound, it’s time to target Canha. He’s having a nice season overall with a .255 average and 10 home runs, but he is crushing left-handed pitching with a .422 wOBA. Eight of his 10 homers have come off lefties as well.
Others to consider: Ronald Acuna Jr. and Avisail Garcia
MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 6/4/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
May special! Use Code PAMLB30 at checkout
Monday brings an extremely light slate with only five games, four of which make up the main evening contests in 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
Nick Tropeano vs. Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Angel Stadium
FanDuel = $8,000
DraftKings = $8,300
Tropeano missed the 2017 season after having Tommy John surgery and hasn’t made more than 13 starts in a season during his career. He’s been able to make eight starts so far this year, posting a 3.80 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP. His 4.91 FIP and 1.6 HR/9 are a bit concerning, especially if you own him in season-long fantasy. This sets up to be a favorable matchup against the Royals, though, who struggle against right-handed pitching. They have a .749 OPS against lefties, but only a .692 OPS against righties. With no elite aces taking the mound, Tropeano has the potential to provide value.
Julio Teheran vs. San Diego Padres
Stadium – Petco Park
FanDuel = $7,600
DraftKings = $9,800
Teheran had a subpar year for the Braves in 2017, finishing with a 4.49 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP. A lot of that had to do with his troubles pitching in the new SunTrust Park as he had a 5.86 ERA there compared to a 3.14 ERA on the road. He has experienced similar results this year with a 4.91 ERA at home and a 3.18 ERA on the road. That’s good news Monday considering this game is in Petco Park, especially when you add in the fact that the Padres have the third-lowest OPS against righties (.652) in baseball.
CATCHER/FIRST BASE
Greg Bird vs. Mike Fiers, Detroit Tigers
Stadium – Comerica Park
FanDuel = $3,400
DraftKings = $4,000
The Yankees and Tigers are playing a doubleheader Monday, so not all of their regulars might play in the night portion. If Bird takes the field for the Yankees, he’s definitely someone to consider for your entry. After failing to record a hit in his first game of the season, he has logged at least one in five straight games. He’s shown power a well with a home run and two doubles. Fiers has allowed a .367 wOBA against lefties this season.
John Ryan Murphy vs. Derek Holland, San Francisco Giants
Stadium – AT&T Park
FanDuel = $2,600
DraftKings = $3,700
Murphy showed some promise early in his career as the backup catcher for the Yankees, but he didn’t play much in the majors the last two seasons. He’s only played 34 games this year, but he has already set career highs with eight home runs and 17 RBI. Five of his eight home runs have come in the last eight games. Murphy won’t be able to keep this pace up, but it’s worth trying to ride his hot bat Monday against the struggling Holland.
Others to consider: Buster Posey (catcher) and Albert Pujols (first base)
SECOND BASE
Joe Panik vs. Zack Godley, Arizona Diamondbacks
Stadium – AT&T Park
FanDuel = $3,000
DraftKings = $3,000
Panik was carrying the Giants offense earlier this season before landing on the DL with a thumb injury. He has picked up right where he left off, hitting 6-for-11 in the three games since he has returned. Godley has pretty even splits against lefties and righties in his career, but he’s allowing way too many baserunners with a 1.54 WHIP this season. Panik won’t cost much either, making him viable option to consider.
Ian Kinsler vs. Danny Duffy, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Angel Stadium
FanDuel = $2,800
DraftKings = $3,900
Kinsler is finally starting to show signs of life, hitting 12-for-28 (.429) in his last seven games. He’s provided plenty of power during that stretch as well with three home runs and three doubles. He still only has a .215 BABIP, leaving him with plenty of room to continue to improve his batting average. Duffy has pitched better his last two starts, but he has allowed a .393 wOBA to right-handed hitters. Look for Kinsler to continue his hot hitting Monday.
Others to consider: Ozzie Albies and Gleyber Torres
THIRD BASE
Jeimer Candelario vs. Domingo German, New York Yankees
Stadium – Comerica Park
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $3,900
The Tigers are at the start of what could be a lengthy rebuilding process, but they may have found their third baseman of the future with Candelario. After batting .330 with two home runs in 27 games with the Tigers at the end of last year, he is off to a great start by hitting .276 with nine home runs and 13 doubles. His .370 OBP percentage is impressive as well. German has had his moments filling in for the injured Jordan Montgomery (elbow) but has generally struggled with a 5.45 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP. If Candelario is indeed in the lineup for the nightcap, he is an excellent option to consider.
Miguel Andujar vs. Mike Fiers, Detroit Tigers
Stadium – Comerica Park
FanDuel = $3,000
DraftKings = $4,100
Speaking of promising young third baseman, Andujar is making a case to be locked in at the hot corner for the Yankees for years to come. Not only is he batting .294, but his six home runs and 18 doubles have led to an impressive .517 slugging percentage. Don’t be worried that he doesn’t get the righty/lefty split advantage here because he is actually hitting better against righties with a .376 wOBA.
Others to consider: Zack Cozart
SHORTSTOP
Didi Gregorius vs. Mike Fiers, Detroit Tigers
Stadium – Comerica Park
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,300
Gregorius couldn’t have been much worse in May, batting .151 with one home run. He was hitting .327 with 10 home runs before the month began, providing fantasy owners with two extreme swings in production. He’s showing signs of coming out of his funk now, hitting 8-for-22 (.364) across his last five games. He has a .349 wOBA against righties this year even after his massive slump, leaving him with a favorable matchup against Fiers.
Dansby Swanson vs. Clayton Richard, San Diego Padres
Stadium – Petco Park
FanDuel = $2,800
DragyKings = $3,500
Swanson only hit six homers in 144 games for the Braves last year, but he’s already up to five this season with two of them coming in his last three games. He never hit more than nine home runs in a season in the minors, but he could hit double-digit homers if he can stay healthy. He’s a cheap option to target against lefties as well since his career wOBA is 37 points higher against them than it is against righties.
Others to consider: Andrelton Simmons and Brandon Crawford
OUTFIELD
Mike Trout vs. Danny Duffy, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Angel Stadium
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $6,000
Trout is a great choice most nights, but with so few games Monday leaving fewer high-end options than normal, he stands out from the crowd. His numbers are great across the board, but he also has a lofty 220 wRC+ against lefties this year. Pay up to get him into your lineup.
Justin Upton vs. Danny Duffy, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Angel Stadium
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $4,000
Upton is still hitting for power with 12 home runs, but his .235 average is certainly disappointing. His .284 BABIP is 42 points below his career mark, so he could make gains with his average as the season wears on. He generally hits lefties well and has had excellent success against Duffy in his career, hitting 6-for-17 (.353) with two home runs and two doubles.
Leonys Martin vs. Domingo German, New York Yankees
Stadium – Comerica Park
FanDuel = $3,000
DraftKings = $3,700
Martin was horrid splitting time between the Mariners and Cubs last year, hitting only .172 with a .281 slugging percentage. He was dragged down by a .207 BABIP that was almost 100 points lower than his career mark. His BABIP is much more reasonable at .291 this year, resulting in a .257 average. He’s hit for power too with seven home runs and 10 doubles. With a .377 wOBA against righties, Martin is a cheap option with upside.
Others to consider: Aaron Judge and Nicholas Castellanos
MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 4/4/18
Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 4/4/18
Earlybird special! Use Code PAMLB10 at checkout
Several staff aces will be making their second start of the season Wednesday, so it will be imperative to pay up to get one of them into your daily fantasy baseball entry. 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
Corey Kluber vs. Los Angeles Angels
Stadium – Angel Stadium
FanDuel = $11,300
DraftKings = $11,100
If you are playing the early slate, Kluber has one of the highest ceilings of anyone taking the mound. He was fantastic on his way to winning the AL Cy Young Award last season, equaling or setting career-bests in wins (18), ERA (2.25), WHIP (0.87) and K/9 (11.7). Not only did he strike out a lot of hitters, but he showed impeccable control by only allowing 1.6 BB/9. He handled batters from both sides of the plate well, allowing a .251 wOBA to lefties and .230 wOBA to righties. The Indians lost his first game of the season, but he allowed only two runs while recording eight strikeouts in eight innings. He has the potential to pitch a gem regardless of who he is facing, so don’t be afraid to pay up for him Wednesday.
Jon Gray vs. San Diego Padres
Stadium – Petco Park
FanDuel = $8,000
DraftKings = $8,500
Gray was limited to just 110.1 innings last year due to injury but pitched well when he was healthy, finishing with a 3.67 ERA and 9.1 K/9. His FIP was 3.18 and opponents had a .338 BABIP against him, so his numbers could have actually been a little better. He didn’t get off to a good start this season, allowing three earned runs in four innings on Opening Day to the Diamondbacks. It could have been much worse though since he allowed six hits and three walks. Wednesday brings a more favorable matchup against the Padres who still don’t have an overwhelming lineup despite the addition of Eric Hosmer. Gray has also had success at Petco Park during his career, posting a 3.21 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 12.9 K/9 in five starts.
CATCHER/FIRST BASE
Ian Desmond vs. Clayton Richard, San Diego Padres
Stadium – Petco Park
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $4,000
There was some concern during spring training that Ryan McMahon could take time away from Desmond at first base, but that hasn’t been the case so far. Desmond has helped his cause by getting off to a hot start, recording a hit in each of his first four games. They’ve been productive hits as well, resulting in two home runs, five RBI and three runs scored. He’ll face a lefty in Clayton Richard on Tuesday who allowed a .377 wOBA to righties in 2017.
Tyler Austin vs. Blake Snell, Tampa Bay Rays
Stadium – Yankee Stadium
FanDuel = $2,800
DraftKings = $3,400
Austin has been thrust into an important role for the Yankees with Greg Bird (ankle) expected to be out for at least the first month of the season. Austin has come through so far, hitting two home runs to go along with three RBI and four runs scored in three games. He didn’t see a lot of action in the majors last season but when he did, he posted a stellar 199 wRC+ against left-handed starters. The Yankees lineup is filled with prominent sluggers, but Austin could also be worth the risk in tournament play Wednesday.
Others to consider: Gary Sanchez (catcher) and Matt Olson (first base)
SECOND BASE
D.J. LeMahieu vs. Clayton Richard, San Diego Padres
Stadium – Petco Park
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $4,400
The Rockies have a lot of power in their lineup but don’t sleep on LeMahieu. He only had eight home runs in 2017 but batted .310 with a .374 OBP. It marked the third straight season that he has batted at least .300. He has owned left-handed pitchers, posting a wOBA of at least .397 against them in back-to-back seasons. With Richard’s struggles against righties already outlined, LeMahieu is another Rockies righty to consider putting into your entry.
Joe Panik vs. Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners
Stadium – AT&T Park
FanDuel = $2,700
DraftKings = $3,800
The Giants lineup has been quiet so far, scoring a total of six runs in their first five games. Things would be even worse if it wasn’t for Panik, who has already hit three solo home runs and has at least one hit in all five games. He faired better versus right-handed pitching last year, posting a 110 wRC+ against them compared to 91 against lefties. Hernandez also allowed a .363 wOBA to left-handed hitters in 2017, so it might be worth taking a chance on Panik extending his hot streak Wednesday.
Others to consider: Brian Dozier and Yangervis Solarte
THIRD BASE
Nolan Arenado vs. Clayton Richard, San Diego Padres
Stadium – Petco Park
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $5,000
After recording four hits and one home run in his first two games of the season, Arenado is just 1-for-10 in three games since. He could bust out of his mini-slump Wednesday though as he has excellent numbers against Richard, batting .625 with one home run and five RBI in 18 career plate appearances against him. A stack of Desmond, LeMahieu, and Arenado has the potential to be very productive in this game.
Jose Ramirez vs. Tyler Skaggs, Los Angeles Angels
Stadium – Angel Stadium
FanDuel = $3,000
DraftKings = $4,400
Ramirez was hitless in his first four games this season but finally got on the board Tuesday with a two-run homer. He has batted at least .312 in back-to-back seasons, so it was only a matter of time before he got things rolling again. The switch-hitting Ramirez will bat from the right side of the plate against lefty Tyler Skaggs on Wednesday, which is good news considering his 147 wRC+ against lefties in 2017.
Others to consider: Anthony Rendon and Brandon Drury
SHORTSTOP
Francisco Lindor vs. Tyler Skaggs, Los Angeles Angels
Stadium – Angel Stadium
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $4,300
Lindor is still looking for his first multi-hit game of the season, going just 3-for-20 in the first five games. He doesn’t have an extra-base hit or an RBI either, but he did already log his first stolen base. Like Ramirez, the switch-hitting Lindor also thrives against lefties, posting a .376 wOBA against them in 2017. Don’t be surprised if he breaks out of his slump Wednesday.
Alcides Escobar vs. Daniel Norris, Detroit Tigers
Stadium – Comerica Park
FanDuel = $2,400
DraftKings = $3,200
The Royals lost Eric Hosmer and Lorenzo Cain over the winter, which is not good news considering they struggled to score runs even with them on the team last year. Wednesday brings a matchup against Norris, who has struggled to keep runners off base with a career 1.44 WHIP. He hasn’t been able to slow down Escobar either, who is 8-for-16 with a home run against Norris in his career. Considering his cheap price, Escobar could be someone to consider if you want to save money at shortstop.
Others to consider: Paul DeJong and Eduardo Escobar
OUTFIELD
Aaron Judge vs. Blake Snell, Tampa Bay Rays
Stadium – Yankee Stadium
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $5,200
Judge is still looking for his first homer of the season, but he has a .435 OBP so far. Although he is one of the most feared power hitters in the league, he has excellent protection with Giancarlo Stanton and Didi Gregorius batting behind him. Judge was a much better hitter at home last season, batting .312 at Yankee Stadium compared to .256 on the road. Snell struggled on the road last year, posting a 4.76 ERA and 1.57 WHIP in 13 starts. He also had a tougher time getting out righties, allowing a .320 wOBA to them compared to .228 against lefties.
Christian Yelich vs. Carlos Martinez, St. Louis Cardinals
Stadium – Miller Park
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $4,600
Yelich has provided immediate dividends for the Brewers, batting .433 with four RBI and six runs scored through the first five games. On the other hand, Martinez did not pitch well in his first start for the Cardinals this year, allowing four earned runs in 4.1 innings against the Mets. Martinez excelled against same-handed hitters in 2017, holding them to a .263 wOBA. He wasn’t as effective against lefties though with them recording a .337 wOBA.
Dexter Fowler vs. Jhoulys Chacin, Milwaukee Brewers
Stadium = Miller Park
FanDuel = $2,200
DraftKings = $3,300
The switch-hitting Fowler has been more successful batting from the left side, recording a 128 wRC+ in 2017 compared to just 100 when hitting right-handed. He’ll face a right-hander in Chacin on Wednesday, who doesn’t have overpowering stuff with a career 7.1 K/9. Chacin was roughed up for four runs and two homers in just 3.1 innings in his first start against the Brewers this season as well. Fowler can not only help free up your budget, but he also has upside Wednesday.
Others to consider: Giancarlo Stanton and Khris Davis