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We’ve got a great day of baseball ahead with multiple slates from which to choose on DraftKings. Games start at 12:10 p.m. EDT and run as late as 10:10 p.m., so there’s no way you can’t find the time for some contests.
Top SP: Zach Wheeler ($10,400) at CWS
With the trade rumors now behind him, Wheeler has a ton of weight off of his shoulders and can finally settle in on the mound. The former first-round pick has pitched a lot better than what his ERA suggests, as peripherals tell the real story. Along with his elite fastball velocity, Wheeler ranks way above league average in almost every category including strikeout rate, xWOBA and hard-hit rate. The White Sox aren’t exactly putting out a Murderers Row-esque lineup, and it got even weaker with Yoan Moncada hitting the IL yesterday. The team currently ranks 28th in MLB in runs scored, which is very telling of their offensive struggles. I think Wheeler is the smart choice here.
Honorable mention: Clayton Kershaw ($10,700) vs. SD.
Value SP: Brendan McKay ($6,300) at BOS
The last time we saw McKay, he was getting lit up by the White Sox. In his three starts prior to that, he was very good. So which McKay will we get tonight? I’m not sure. Although, at this price point, I’m willing to pay to find out. Sporting a four-seamer, cutter, and changeup, the left-hander has good run on his fastball and does a very good job at making hitters chase. In his favor, the Red Sox have a bunch of left-handed hitters in their lineup and as a team doesn’t have the greatest patience at the plate. For just over $6,000, I think the rookie is worth the risk.
Honorable mention: Max Fried ($5,800) vs. CIN.
1B: Anthony Rizzo ($4,300) at STL (RHP Jack Flaherty)
A surprisingly cheap option, Rizzo absolutely owns Jack Flaherty. In just 12 career at-bats, the lefty has compiled eight hits along with two home runs and five RBI. He’s also having his usual success against right-handed pitchers this season, hitting .310 with 17 of his 21 home runs. You should consider the relatively cheap option so that you can go heavy in other spots of your lineup.
Honorable mention: 1B: Yuli Gurriel ($4,500) at CLE (RHP Danny Salazar).
3B/SS: Alex Bregman ($4,700) at CLE (RHP Danny Salazar)
Hear me out here: I know Bregman has really been struggling lately and spending this much money on him right now may not seem like the best idea. He is 2-21 in his past six starts entering last night, so I understand your trepidation. I’m calling my shot here. I predict that tonight, Bregman breaks out of his slump in a big way and welcomes Danny Salazar back to the bigs. Look for him to get a healthy dose of fastballs that he can drive into the gaps.
Honorable mention: 3B: Eugenio Suarez ($4,900) at ATL (LHP Max Fried).
Value Bat: SS: Bo Bichette ($3,900) at BAL (RHP Asher Wojciechowski)
Well, this won’t last long. No, I’m not talking about this amazing pitching run by Woj. I’m talking about Bichette being this cheap on DraftKings. In just three games, the shortstop has looked very comfortable, going 6-13 while finishing a triple shy of the cycle yesterday. Hopefully, the return on investment will be huge here as Bichette can clearly do some damage with the stick.
Honorable mention: OF: Ender Inciarte ($3,700) vs. CIN (RHP Anthony DeSclafani).
Lineup Stack: Minnesota Twins at MIA (RHP Jordan Yamamoto)
Oddly enough, the options for team stacks aren’t great today. I know Yamamoto has shown flashes this year, but his peripherals are nothing to write home about. Not only is the young right-hander ranked in the 5th percentile in exit velocity and 8th percentile in hard-hit rate, but he also sports a SIERA just north of 5. The Twins hung a crooked number on the Marlins last night, so I expect the same today. Stack ’em.
Honorable mention: Atlanta Braves vs. CIN (RHP Anthony DeSclafani).
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is miketherotocop) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games on which I offer advice. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings, and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any nonpublic information.