The majority of Wednesday’s slate consists of early start times, so we don’t have as many options to choose from as usual for the main evening slate in DFS. There are still some appealing pitchers, but finding viable hitters might be a bit more difficult. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Read MoreMLB Fantasy Baseball Schedule Analysis for Week 21
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
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If you are playing in a head-to-head fantasy league, using starting pitchers that have two starts in a week can give you a significant edge over your opponent. 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
Mike Clevinger, Cleveland Indians: at CIN, vs. BAL
The Indians starting rotation is so deep that Clevinger often gets lost behind Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer, and Carlos Carrasco. His contributions should not go unnoticed, though, considering his 3.38 ERA that is backed by a 3.35 FIP. After issuing at least 4.4 BB/9 in both of his first two seasons, Clevinger has a much improved 2.8 BB/9 this year. He’s also allowed just 13 home runs across 146.2 innings. He won’t have to deal with the DH pitching at Cincinnati in his first start of Week 21. The Reds haven’t been hitting well of late either, averaging 3.5 runs over their last 10 games. The Orioles and their stripped-down lineup also present a favorable matchup in his second start, potentially setting up Clevinger for a valuable week.
J.A. Happ, New York Yankees: vs. TB, vs. TOR
Happ has pitched well since joining the Yankees, allowing four runs and recording 11 strikeouts across 12 innings. Desperate for help in their rotation, Happ could be a key addition for the Yankees down the stretch. His 4.07 ERA overall doesn’t exactly stand out, but he has a 1.14 WHIP and a 10.1 K/9. He also had a 5.22 ERA pitching in the Rogers Centre this year, so a move out of Toronto could provide a boost to his value. The Rays are in the bottom-third of baseball in runs scored and the Blue Jays lineup isn’t exactly all that imposing either, making Happ a great option for Week 21.
Anibal Sanchez, Atlanta Braves: vs. MIA, vs. COL
Sanchez left his last outing early after getting hit on the calf, but he’s expected to be fine for his next start Tuesday. Sanchez finished with an ERA of 4.99 or higher in each of the last three seasons with the Tigers, but he’s been much improved with the Braves. While it will be hard for him to maintain his current 2.83 ERA, his FIP is still strong at 3.73. One of the main reasons for his success has been cutting back on allowing home runs. He allowed 1.7 HR/9 or more in each of his previous three seasons but has only allowed 1.0 HR/9 this year. His first start against the Marlins is a great matchup since they have scored the second-fewest runs (444) in baseball. The Rockies are more dangerous, but they only have a .689 OPS on the road.
Blaine Hardy, Detroit Tigers: vs. CWS, at MIN
After pitching out of the bullpen for his entire career, Hardy has been given a chance to start this year. He’s made 12 starts over 22 appearances, posting a 3.63 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP overall. He’s shown good control by issuing just 2.3 BB/9, but he doesn’t have much strikeout upside with a 6.5 K/9. That being said, you might be able to squeeze some value out of him. The White Sox and Twins both struggle to score runs and are in the bottom third of baseball in OPS against left-handed pitching. In two previous starts against the White Sox, Hardy allowed two runs over 12.1 innings. He’s had similar success against the Twins, giving up four runs across 11 innings in two outings. Hardy is still available in 97% of Yahoo! leagues.
Starters to Avoid
Marco Gonzales, Seattle Mariners: at OAK, vs. LAD
Gonzales has pitched well in first extended look in the majors, posting a 3.79 ERA, 3.59 FIP, and a 1.20 WHIP. He only has a 7.9 K/9, but he’s shown excellent control with a 1.6 BB/9. He did allow seven runs in his last start against the Rangers, marking the third time in his last nine outings that he allowed at least five runs. The A’s and Dodgers both have deep lineups that can score a lot of runs, which could prove troublesome for Gonzales. With his lack of strikeout upside, this might be the week to put him on your bench.
Nick Pivetta, Philadelphia Phillies: vs. BOS, vs. NYM
Pivetta has been a tremendous source for strikeouts with an 11.1 K/9. His 4.51 ERA doesn’t entirely paint an accurate picture of his performance, either, based on his 3.47 FIP. His WHIP is also down from 1.51 last year to 1.28 this season. However, he can tend to give up runs in bunches, which could be disastrous against the Red Sox. His second start against the Mets is extremely favorable, but the damage might have already been done to his week by the time he gets there.
Ryan Borucki, Toronto Blue Jays: at KC, at NYY
Borucki has a 2.81 ERA across eight starts for the Blue Jays, but his 1.38 WHIP doesn’t inspire much confidence. He’s allowed just one home run over 48 innings, so his ERA could increase quickly if he can’t continue to keep hitters inside the park. Don’t count on him for many strikeouts, either, based on his 6.0 K/9. His first matchup this week against the Royals is certainly in his favor. While he did hold the Yankees to one run across even innings previously, it’s important to note that game was in Toronto. The Yankees have a .739 OPS on the road but a much better .834 OPS at home. The start against the Royals makes him an enticing streaming option, but I don’t think he’s worth the risk against the Yankees.
MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 6/29/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
June special! Use Code MCMLB50 at checkout
After a quiet Thursday, Friday brings a full slate of 15 games in the majors. 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
Jacob deGrom vs. Miami Marlins
Stadium – Marlins Park
FanDuel = $11,700
DraftKings = $13,600
This is the premier pitching matchup to target for your entry. The Mets season has been a disappointment, but deGrom has been spectacular with a 1.69 ERA, 2.14 FIP, and a 1.01 WHIP. He’s always provided plenty of strikeouts, but he currently has career-highs in both swinging-strike rate (15.2%) and strikeout rate (31.4%). When hitters do actually make contact, they haven’t squared him up with a 27.8% hard-hit rate and only five home runs in 101.1 innings. The Marlins have one of the worst lineups in baseball, leaving deGrom with tremendous upside.
Marco Gonzales vs. Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Safeco Field
FanDuel = $7,300
DraftKings = $7,800
Gonzales had a daunting two-start week last week, facing both the Red Sox and Yankees on the road. He understandably struggled, allowing 11 runs in 12.1 innings. Before those bad outings, he had allowed three runs or fewer in six straight starts. He’s not a great source for strikeouts, but he’s shown excellent control by throwing a first-pitch strike to 67.6% of the hitters that he has faced and allowing just 2.0 BB/9. The Royals have scored the fewest runs (283) in baseball, leaving Gonzales with upside in tournament play despite his lack of strikeout potential.
CATCHER/FIRST BASE
Jesus Aguilar vs. Sal Romano, Cincinnati Reds
Stadium – Great American Ball Park
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $5,200
Aguilar went deep again Thursday, marking his third straight game with a home run. He is absolutely on fire right now, hitting 16-for-36 (.444) with nine home runs and three doubles in his last 11 games. Even with Eric Thames healthy, the Brewers are not going to take Aguilar out of their lineup. Romano has allowed 1.5 HR/9 and plenty of base runners with a 1.47 WHIP, potentially setting Aguilar up for another big performance.
Yonder Alonso vs. Paul Blackburn, Oakland Athletics
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $3,000
DraftKings = $3,600
After a series in St. Louis without the DH limited Alonso’s playing time, the Indians return to American League play Friday. You want to avoid playing Alonso against lefties, but he’s a great option against righties since he has a .352 wOBA against them this season. Blackburn allows a ton of baserunners and doesn’t have strikeout stuff, so Alonso is a cheap option with upside if you don’t want to pay up for Aguilar.
Others to consider: Jose Abreu (first base) and Tucker Barnhart (catcher)
SECOND BASE
Dee Gordon vs. Ian Kennedy, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Safeco Field
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $4,300
Gordon continues to hit for a high average and is 24-for-73 (.329) in his last 16 games. He provides close to nothing in terms of power, but he did score 11 runs over that stretch. Kennedy is having another bad season with a 5.09 ERA and allows plenty of base runners with a 1.45 WHIP, leaving Gordon as someone to consider despite his lack of home run potential.
Yoan Moncada vs. Yovani Gallardo, Texas Rangers
Stadium – Globe Life Park in Arlington
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $4,500
Gallardo hasn’t finished with an ERA below 5.42 since 2015. He’s only made two starts for the Rangers and didn’t pitch well in either of them, allowing nine runs and 17 total base runners in 10.1 innings. He also allowed three home runs after posting a 1.7 HR/9 with the Mariners last year. Moncada only has a .199 wOBA against left-handed pitchers, but he’s been much better against righties with a .336 wOBA.
Others to consider: Scooter Gennett and Jason Kipnis
THIRD BASE
Jose Ramirez vs. Paul Blackburn, Oakland Athletics
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $5,400
Considering Blackburn has an 8.83 ERA and a 1.56 WHIP, the Indians could be one of the most popular stacking plays Friday. Ramirez has not only been one of the best hitters on the team this season, but he’s been one of the best hitters in all of baseball by batting .291 with 23 home runs, 52 RBI, 55 runs scored and 13 steals.
Justin Turner vs. Tyler Anderson, Colorado Rockies
Stadium – Dodger Stadium
FanDuel = $3,400
DraftKings = $3,900
Turner is showing signs of getting his power stroke back, slugging two home runs in his last five games. He’s had a slow start in general since returning from a wrist injury but is 6-for-15 (.400) during that same five-game stretch. Turner not only has a .436 wOBA against lefties this year, but he is 10-for-18 with a home run and three doubles against Anderson in his career.
Others to consider: Matt Carpenter and Adrian Beltre
SHORTSTOP
Francisco Lindor vs. Paul Blackburn, Oakland Athletics
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $5,300
Lindor had a rough series against the Cardinals, finishing 1-for-12 with one walk. He had homered in three straight games before the series began and is having the best power season of his career with a .539 slugging percentage. He’s still hitting for average as well at .288, so look for him to get back on track facing a much easier opponent Friday.
Kike Hernandez vs. Tyler Anderson, Colorado Rockies
Stadium – Dodger Stadium
FanDuel = $2,900
DraftKings = $3,500
Even though Chris Taylor returned from a hamstring injury Thursday, the Dodgers still found a way to keep Hernandez in their lineup. He rewarded them with two hits and two RBI and is now 19-for-55 (.345) with six home runs, 12 RBI and 14 runs scored in his last 16 games. With a .359 wOBA against lefties, expect the Dodgers to start him against Anderson.
Others to consider: Jean Segura and Tim Anderson
OUTFIELD
Nelson Cruz vs. Ian Kennedy, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Safeco Field
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,800
Kennedy has allowed at least 31 home runs in each of the last three seasons and is on pace to do that again this year with 15 home runs allowed in 86.2 innings. That plays right into Cruz’s wheelhouse as he already has 21 homers this year and has slugged at least 39 home runs in each of the last four seasons.
Rhys Hoskins vs. Erick Fedde, Washington Nationals
Stadium – Citizens Bank Park
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $4,900
Hoskins couldn’t buy a hit in May, batting only .161 with two home runs in the month. Hoskins then fractured his jaw after fouling off a pitch at the end of the month, forcing him to hit the DL. He came back quickly and has found his stroke again, batting .329 with seven home runs and 20 RBI in 18 games. Fedde has a 5.32 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP in four starts this season and is really only in the starting rotation due to injuries to Stephen Strasburg and Jeremy Hellickson.
Avisail Garcia vs. Yovani Gallardo, Texas Rangers
Stadium – Globe Life Park in Arlington
FanDuel = $2,400
DraftKings = $3,600
The White Sox struggle to score runs, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look to stack them against Gallardo based on how poorly he has been pitching. Garcia was one of the prime regression candidates at the start of the season as his .338 average last year was largely aided by an unsustainable .392 BABIP. Injuries have limited him to 104 plate appearances, but he has two home runs during his current five-game hitting streak and is worth the risk at this cheap price.
Others to consider: Shin-Soo Choo and Nomar Mazara
MLB Fantasy Baseball Schedule Analysis for Week 13
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
June special! Use Code PAMLB30 at checkout
If you are playing in a head-to-head fantasy league, using starting pitchers that have two starts in a week can give you a significant edge over your opponent. 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
Gerrit Cole, Houston Astros: vs. TB, vs. KC
Cole had his worst start of the season in his last outing against the Athletics as he allowed four runs in six innings. He still had six strikeouts, so it says a lot about how well he is pitching that this was his worst start. He’s been one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball, posting a 2.40 ERA, 2.74 FIP and a 0.88 WHIP in 14 starts. His 12.5 K/9 is by far the highest of his career, giving him a significant boost in value. Both the Rays and the Royals are in the bottom-six in baseball in runs scored, leaving Cole with the potential to provide fantasy owners with an extremely valuable week.
Trevor Bauer, Cleveland Indians: vs. CWS, vs. DET
Bauer is in the midst of a breakout season. He has never finished a season with an ERA below 4.18, but he has a sparkling 2.69 ERA and 2.32 FIP this year. His 1.12 WHIP has been a big reason for his success. His .303 BABIP allowed is right in line with his career mark, which makes his hot start even more encouraging. He also has at least 10 strikeouts in five of his last six starts, leading to an 11.6 K/9 overall. The White Sox have scored the fifth-fewest runs (265) in baseball and the Tigers have the sixth-lowest road OPS (.676), so look for Bauer to have a dominant week.
Domingo German, New York Yankees: vs. SEA, at TB
With Jordan Montgomery (elbow) out for the season, German should remain in the Yankees starting rotation, unless they make a trade to add another starter. His initial results haven’t been great with a 5.77 ERA in seven starts. His 1.18 WHIP is good, but he’s allowed seven home runs in 39 innings. However, if your team is lacking strikeouts, German did record a 10.4 K/9 during that stretch. The matchup against the Mariners isn’t great, but he did allow three runs and record 10 strikeouts over six innings in his last start against the Rays. German is still available in 83% of Yahoo! leagues and although you may have to stomach him giving up some runs, he certainly has significant strikeout upside.
Andrew Suarez, San Francisco Giants: vs. MIA, vs. SD
Suarez’s 4.92 ERA isn’t great, but his 3.85 FIP indicates he isn’t pitching that poorly. He has a respectable 1.26 WHIP and an 8.5 K/9, but he’s been done in by a 1.4 HR/9. Most of his struggles have come on the road this season with a 6.18 ERA and a 1.66 WHIP, but he has a 3.55 ERA and a 0.83 WHIP at AT&T Park. Not only are both of his starts at home in Week 13, but they also come against two of the worst lineups in baseball in terms of runs scored. If you need a streaming option this week, Suarez is still available in 95% of Yahoo! leagues.
Starters to Avoid
Marco Gonzales, Seattle Mariners: at NYY, at BOS
Gonzales is having a fine season for the Mariners with a 3.42 ERA and a 3.20 FIP. This is a nightmare week for him, though, with two starts on the road against excellent lineups. Both the Yankees and the Red Sox are in the top-three in baseball in home OPS and overall runs scored. The Red Sox have struggled against left-handed pitching, but the Yankees have the highest OPS (.814) against them in baseball. There will be plenty of weeks where you want Gonzales in your lineup, but this is not one of them.
Dylan Covey, Chicago White Sox: at CLE, vs. OAK
Covey couldn’t have pitched much worse for the White Sox last year, recording a 7.71 ERA, 7.20 FIP and 1.67 WHIP in 18 appearances, 12 of which were starts. He only had a 5.3 K/9 and gave up 20 home runs in 70 innings. He’s been on the opposite end of the spectrum this season with a 2.29 ERA and a 2.16 FIP. Not only is his K/9 much improved at 8.4, but he has yet to give up a home run. His WHIP is better at 1.30, but it’s still too high in the grand scheme of things if he is going to continue to have this much success. If he starts giving up home runs, his ERA could increase in a hurry. Both the Indians and the Athletics are in the top-seven in home runs in baseball, making Covey a risky play this week despite his early success.
Tyler Chatwood, Chicago Cubs: vs. LAD, at CIN
Chatwood just can’t seem to get out of his own way. His 4.12 ERA and 8.2 K/9 are both an improvement from last year, but his overall numbers would be so much better if he could find the plate. He has an almost unheard of 8.2 BB/9, leading to a 1.75 WHIP. He only issued two walks in his last start against the Brewers, but he’s going to need to string together a few starts where he has better control before you want to put him back into your lineup. The Dodgers and the Reds are both in the top-six in walks, so keep Chatwood anchored to your bench.
MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 5/11/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 5/11/18
Earlybird special! Use Code PAMLB10 at checkout
After a fairly quiet night on Thursday, baseball is back in full swing Friday and all by one of the games on the schedule will be played at night. 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. Texas Rangers
Stadium – Minute Maid Park
FanDuel = $11,300
DraftKings = $13,000
Verlander was spectacular after being traded to the Astros last year and has been one of the best pitchers in baseball again this season with a 1.17 ERA, 0.71 WHIP, and 11.7 K/9. He is currently on pace to set new career highs by throwing a first-pitch strike to 65.5% of the batters that he has faced and recording a 14.5% swinging strike percentage. Opponents are likely to improve on their .205 BABIP against him, but he has excellent strikeout upside every time he takes the mound. Verlander held the Rangers in check in two previous games against them this season, allowing one run to go along with 16 strikeouts in 14 innings. Expect another productive line Friday.
Marco Gonzales vs. Detroit Tigers
Stadium – Comerica Park
FanDuel = $6,900
DraftKings = $7,000
Gonzales’ 5.19 ERA and 1.44 WHIP don’t make him an obvious play Friday. However, he has a 3.08 FIP and has been incredibly unlucky with opposing hitters recording an unsustainable .400 BABIP. He only has a 1.6 BB/9 and has shown strikeout upside with a 9.9 K/9. The Tigers lineup wasn’t great, to begin with, and is even weaker right now with Miguel Cabrera (hamstring) and Leonys Martin (knee) both on the DL. It’s usually a good idea to lean towards a pitcher with strikeout potential when you are looking for a cheap tournament play and when you combine that for Gonzales with this matchup, it only furthers the case for taking a chance on him.
CATCHER/FIRST BASE
Freddie Freeman vs. Dan Straily, Miami Marlins
Stadium – Marlins Park
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $5,300
Freeman kicked off this series against the Marlins in style Thursday, going 5-for-5 with a home run. He continues to be one of the best hitters in baseball and has almost as many walks (23) this year as he does strikeouts (28). He finally has talented hitters in front of him with Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acuna Jr., so his career high of 109 RBI that he set in 2013 could be in danger. Get him in your lineup against the struggling Straily on Friday, especially considering Freeman’s .416 wOBA against righties this year.
Ryon Healy vs. Matthew Boyd, Detroit Tigers
Stadium – Comerica Park
FanDuel = $3,000
DraftKings = $3,700
Boyd has completely dominated left-handed hitters this year, holding them to a .153 wOBA. Righties have posted a .294 wOBA though, bringing Healy into the discussion Friday. Healy also excels against lefties with a .369 wOBA against them in his career. Boyd doesn’t have overpowering stuff either with just a 6.5 K/9 this season, so Healy is a cheap tournament play to consider.
Others to consider: Mitch Moreland (first base) and Mike Zunino (catcher)
SECOND BASE
Cesar Hernandez vs. Steven Matz, New York Mets
Stadium – Citizens Bank Park
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,000
With all the hype surrounding Scott Kingery, Hernandez continues to be one of the more underrated fantasy assets at second base. He has shown an excellent ability to get on base the last couple of years and currently has a career-high 16.4% BB% this season. He has a nice mix of power and speed as well with four homers and six steals. With a 178 wRC+ against lefties this year, look for another productive game Friday.
Gleyber Torres vs. Kendall Graveman, Oakland Athletics
Stadium – Yankee Stadium
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $3,900
As if the Yankees lineup wasn’t already loaded, Torres has been locked in since getting called up from the minors. Not only has he come up with some timely hits, but he’s batting .344 with two home runs. He was batting .347 in Triple-A before the Yankees called him up as well and it looks like he’ll be manning the keystone for a long time in the Bronx. Graveman is expected to be recalled from the minors to start this game after being sent down due to his struggles out of the gate, making the Yankees an excellent stacking opportunity.
Others to consider: DJ LeMahieu and Alen Hanson
THIRD BASE
Jose Ramirez vs. Jason Hammel, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Progressive Field
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $5,100
Ramirez got off to a terrible start this year but is batting .333 with three home runs and three steals through eight games in May. He’s hit at least .312 in both of the last two seasons, so expect his current .283 average to continue to rise. With a 161 wRC+ against right-handers this year, Ramirez will look to keep his hot streak alive against the underwhelming Hammel, who only has a 5.0 K/9 this season.
Miguel Andujar vs. Kendall Graveman, Oakland Athletics
Stadium – Yankee Stadium
FanDuel = $2,700
DraftKings = $3,400
Andujar was getting extra-base hits in bunches earlier this season, but he hasn’t recorded one in any of his last 11 games. He has still logged at least one hit in five of his last seven games and has plenty of opportunities to provide counting stats in the Yankees dangerous lineup. Graveman had an 8.89 ERA and 1.84 WHIP earlier this season before being sent down, leaving Andujar as a cheap option with upside at third base.
Others to consider: Nolan Arenado and Maikel Franco
SHORTSTOP
Francisco Lindor vs. Jason Hammel, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Progressive Field
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $5,400
Lindor had a massive increase in home runs last year and although his batting average dropped to .273, that was partly because of his abnormally low .275 BABIP, not because he was sacrificing it for power. With a .315 BABIP this year that is right in line with his career mark, Lindor’s batting average sits at .292. He still has 10 home runs and 11 doubles too, leading to what would be a career-high .913 OPS. Like Ramirez, he has excellent potential against Hammel on Friday.
Jedd Gyorko vs. Eric Lauer, San Diego Padres
Stadium – Petco Park
FanDuel = $2,800
DraftKings = $3,800
If there is a lefty on the mound, Gyorko is a cheap option to target in DFS. He finished with an impressive .402 wOBA against lefties in 2017 and has been even better this season with a .593 wOBA. This will only be Lauer’s fourth start this season and after allowing a 1.93 WHIP through the first three, Gyorko could provide significant value if he plays. Of note, Gyorko is shortstop-eligible on FanDuel but is listed at third base on DraftKings.
Others to consider: Didi Gregorius and Paul DeJong
OUTFIELD
Aaron Judge vs. Kendall Graveman, Oakland Athletics
Stadium – Yankee Stadium
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $5,200
Judge has shown no signs of a sophomore slump, batting .311 with none home runs and a 1.018 OPS. His 28.6 K% is still high, but it is slightly down from last season in part because he has only swung at 22.5% of pitches outside the strike zone compared to 24.7% last season. He is batting .351 with eight of his nine home runs this season at Yankee Stadium, so he could really put up some big numbers against Graveman.
Tommy Pham vs. Eric Lauer, San Diego Padres
Stadium – Petco Park
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $4,900
Pham recently dealt with a groin injury but returned to the lineup Thursday to go 2-for-4 with a home run. He has followed up his breakout 2017 campaign by batting .330 with a .444 OBP this year. After finishing with a .405 wOBA against left-handed pitchers last year, he’s another Cardinals righty who could provide problems for Lauer.
Franchy Cordero vs. Luke Weaver, St. Louis Cardinals
Stadium – Petco Park
FanDuel = $3,200
DraftKings = $3,700
Cordero was one of the rising stars in the Padres organization heading into this season and injuries have opened up regular playing time for him. He’s made the most of the opportunity and is locked into an everyday role moving forward, batting .281 with six home runs and four steals. He’s been deadly when he makes contact, posting a 49.2% hard-hit rate. Weaver isn’t off to a great start and has struggled against lefties, in particular, leaving Cordero as a viable cost-effective option.
Others to consider: Justin Upton and Brett Gardner
MLB Fantasy Baseball Schedule Analysis for Week 3
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
MLB Fantasy Baseball Schedule Analysis for Week 3
Earlybird special! Use Code PAMLB10 at checkout
Poor weather has made the start of the season a bit unpredictable in terms of the schedule, but it’s only going to get better as we get further away from the beginning of April. If you are playing in a head-to-head fantasy league, using starting pitchers that have two starts in a week can give you a significant edge over your opponent. He 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
Corey Kluber, Cleveland Indians: vs. DET, vs. TOR
Anytime an ace like Kluber gets two starts in a week, you are likely off to a good start if you have him in your league. Kluber is still looking for his first win of the season, but he has a sparkling 2.40 ERA and 0.80 WHIP after his first two starts. Both of his starts this week are at home, where he had a 1.81 ERA and 12.3 K/9 last season. With one of his starts being against the rebuilding Tigers. Kluber is on the cusp of providing excellent production for fantasy owners.
Garrett Richards, Los Angeles Angels: at TEX, at KC
Richards has had trouble staying healthy, throwing a total of 61.1 innings in the last two seasons. He was great when he was able to take the mound, posting a FIP of 3.32 or lower in both seasons. He’s not off to the best of starts this year with a 5.06 ERA and 6.50 FIP through two starts. However, he has allowed just an 18.5% hard-hit rate. He showed his strikeout upside in his last start Tuesday against the Indians, recording nine of them in 5.2 innings. The Royals are last in the majors with only 16 runs scored so far this season, so Richards could be in line for a valuable week.
Marco Gonzales, Seattle Mariners: at KC, vs. OAK
Gonzales did not pitch at all in 2016 and was limited to 40 innings in 2017 due to Tommy John surgery. Once thought of to be the future of the Cardinals starting rotation, he was traded to the Mariners last season. The Mariners minor league system is lacking talent, making the 26-year-old Gonzales and important part of their future. He allowed three earned runs over six innings in his first start of the season against the Giants, but only recorded two strikeouts. His second start of Week 3 is no cake walk against an Athletics lineup that has plenty of power, but his first start against the anemic Royals offense at least brings him into the conversation as someone to start this week. He is still available in 88% of Yahoo! leagues as well.
Ben Lively, Philadelphia Phillies: vs. CIN, at TB
Lively doesn’t jump off the page as someone you’d want to start. He did not have a great season last year, posting a 4.97 FIP and just 5.3 K/9 in 88.2 innings. He does have good control though, posting a 2.4 BB/9 last year and a 2.6 BB/9 during his time in the minors. Home runs weren’t a problem for him in the minors either, recording a 0.6 HR/9 in 603.1 career innings. Week 3 brings two struggling lineups in the Reds and Rays, who are both in the bottom-four in baseball for runs scored in the earlier going. If you are streaming starters, Lively is still available in 95% of Yahoo! leagues.
Starters to Avoid
Julio Teheran, Atlanta Braves: at WAS, at Cubs
Teheran is off to a disastrous start, allowing nine earned runs in eight innings over his first two starts. After allowing a career-high 31 home runs last year, he already gave up four in those first two outings. He was a much better pitcher on the road last year, but he’ll face two tough lineups in the Nationals and Cubs. He just faced the Nationals on Tuesday, giving up five earned runs in only 2.1 innings. Keep him out of your lineup for Week 3.
Clayton Richard, San Diego Padres: at COL, vs. SF
The “ace” of the Padres would be a back of the rotation starter on most teams. Not only did he have a 4.79 ERA last year, but he struggled to keep runners off base, resulting in a 1.52 WHIP. He allowed a 35% hard-hit rate and only had a 6.9 K/9, so he really wasn’t fooling anyone. With a rough road game in Coors Field among his two starts for Week 3, don’t consider him as a streaming option for your team.
Francisco Liriano, Detroit Tigers: at CLE, vs. NYY
Liriano made his debut in the majors back in 2005, so it’s hard to believe that he’s only 34 years old. Although he’s not much more than a journeyman pitcher at this point in his career, he made the starting rotation out of spring training for the rebuilding Tigers. He only allowed one earned run in 6.2 innings in his first start of 2018, but it came against the Royals. This week brings much tougher opponents, especially a Yankees lineup that provides a lot of problems for left-handed pitchers. Don’t overreact to one good start, stay away from Liriano.