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How is it September already? We have four more weeks until the regular season is over. Let’s not waste any time and jump into the day’s 10-game main slate. As always, make sure you check FTN’s Lineups Page once lineups are out.
Top SP: Cristian Javier, HOU ($9,300 DK, $7,600 FD) vs. TEX
Before we dive into Cristian Javier, let’s briefly address the other high-priced pitchers. Walker Buehler is making his first start since August 21st after being placed on the IL with a blister on his right hand. He didn’t look like himself until that last start, and so I want to see it before I pay his high fare. Max Scherzer had a nice start his last time out against the Red Sox but struggled in his two prior against the Orioles and Marlins. The Phillies offense has been pretty hot, but I’m okay with Scherzer if you’re spending up in cash. The Zac(k)s – Wheeler and Gallen – have been good, but have tough matchups with the Nats and Dodgers, respectively.
Which leads me to my favorite higher-priced pitcher in cash games, Christian Javier. The Astros’ rookie has been good to start his career, posting a 3.77 ERA while striking out a batter per inning. He’s had two rough starts this year. One came in Coors and the other came against the Athletics. This matchup has more to do with the Rangers offense though. Over the last 14 days, the Rangers have posted a team wOBA of .254 against right-handed pitching – dead freaking last. That’s the type of match I want to attack in cash games.
Honorable Mentions: Kyle Hendricks, CHC ($8,700 DK, $8,300 FD) at PIT; Max Scherzer, WAS ($10,400 DK, $11,200 FD) at PHI; Dinelson Lamet, SD ($9,900 DK, $9,300 FD) at LAA
Value SP: Triston McKenzie, CLE ($6,700 DK, $8,000 FD) at KC
I love a discount as much as the next guy, but this is pretty ridiculous. Triston McKenzie is no doubt going to be the chalk SP2 on DraftKings at this price. In cash games, I’ll just hit the lock button. In GPPs, if you’re playing him, you’ll have to get different elsewhere. McKenzie came back to earth following his 10 strikeout debut against the Tigers, going just 4 IP against the Cardinals while striking out just 3 batters. Today’s matchup against the Royals should turn things back around. Over the last 14 days, the Royals have posted a .294 wOBA against righties. I expect a nice bounceback for Sticks today.
Honorable Mentions: Jordan Montgomery, NYY ($7,500 DK, $7,100 FD) vs. TB
OF Marcell Ozuna, ATL ($4,300 DK, $3,400 FD) at BOS
Am I chasing the Marcell Ozuna 3 homer game from last night? Perhaps, but this is a pretty ridiculous matchup for the Braves. The Red Sox will be throwing 31-year old lefty, Mike Kickham to the mound to make his first major league appearance since 2014. Kickham threw 30.1 innings for the Giants between 2013 and 2014 and allowed 37 earned runs. Ozuna has destroyed lefties this year, posting a .458 ISO. I’m rooting for a repeat performance from Ozuna today.
Honorable Mentions: Ian Happ, OF ($4,000 DK, $3,100 FD) at PIT; George Springer, OF ($4,400 DK, $3,500 FD) vs. TEX
SS Fernando Tatis, Jr., SD ($5,200 DK, $4,700 FD) at LAA
Fernando Tatis, Jr. leaves Coors, and automatically his price drops by almost $1k. I’ll take that discount, especially when it comes in a matchup with Julio Teheran. You don’t need me to tell you, but Tatis has been incredible this year. He’s currently batting .313 and leads the league in homers, runs, RBIs, and is fifth in the league in stolen bases. Teheran, on the other hand, currently sports a 9.17 ERA. It’s not even in just one start. This will be Teheran’s sixth appearance this year. Take advantage of it, because if there’s another blowup today, this might be the last time we get to take advantage of Teheran.
Honorable Mentions: Xander Bogaerts, SS ($5,100 DK, $3,700 FD) vs. ATL; Anthony Rizzo, 1B ($5,100 DK, $3,800 FD) at PIT
Value Batter: 1B/3B Bobby Dalbec, BOS ($2,500 DK, $2,400 FD) vs. ATL
Bobby Dalbec is one of FTN’s best values according to their Lineup Optimizer. The Red Sox prospect gets a matchup today against the lefty, Robbie Erlin. For the year, Erlin has struggled, posting a 6.00 ERA over 18 IP, and the underlying stats are not looking like a rebound is coming. Erlin has allowed a 16% barrel rate along with a 62% flyable rate, which has led to 6 homers this year. For perspective, he allowed 6 homers in 55.1 IP last year. Dalbec is a perfect punt price player with upside.
Honorable Mentions: Cesar Hernandez, 2B ($3,900 DK, $2,800 FD) at KC; Josh Donaldson, 3B ($3,200 DK; $2,600 FD) vs. CHW
Lineup Stack: Braves at Red Sox (LHP Mike Kickham)
According to FTN’s Lineup Optimizer, the Braves have a projected run total of 6.0 runs, highest on the slate. Thankfully, the Giants and Rockies play this afternoon, so we don’t have to worry about missing out on a 23-run Giants performance again. You’ll have to keep an eye on the Braves lineup, as Ronald Acuña has been nursing a hamstring injury. Even if he’s out of the lineup, we can build a fantastic 5-man stack featuring Ozuna, Freddie Freeman ($5,300 DK, $3,900 FD), Dansby Swanson ($4,900 DK, $3,500 FD), Travis d’Arnaud ($4,600 DK, $3,000 FD), and Adam Duvall ($3,100 DK, $2,400 FD). I almost wish the top end bats were priced up a little higher, to keep the ownership down. Good luck today!
Honorable Mentions: Red Sox vs. Braves (LHP Robbie Erlin); Cubs at Pirates (RHP Joe Musgrove); Indians at Royals (RHP Jakob Junis); Astros vs. Rangers (LHP Kolby Allard)
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Featured image by Justin Paradis (@freshmeatcomm on Twitter)