The main slate for tonight gives us 10 games starting at 7:05 ET. The weather is causing problems again. Make sure you check the weather again when its closer to game time.
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Top SP: Max Scherzer, WAS ($26,900) @ BAL
You shouldn’t need me to tell you that Scherzer is the top pitcher of the day because Scherzer is currently the top SP in baseball. He gets an easy matchup against the Baltimore Orioles (17-38) and has performed well against them in the past. In 168 PA against the current Orioles roster, Scherzer has a 2.98 FIP while striking out 35.6% of the batters. The only negative is that Scherzer does have a bit of a home run issue and this game happens to be in Camden Yards. But, Scherzer should be just fine as he went into Camden Yards in May 2017 and went 8 innings with 11 K’s. A case could be made for the next two pitchers, Paxton and Ohtani, as they have performed at an elite level as well.
Honorable Mention: James Paxton, BOS ($22,900) vs TEX
Value SP: Ross Stripling, LAD ($14,700) vs PHI
Stripling is doing a great job of filling in for Rich Hill and his blistered finger. He has 19 strikeouts in 12 innings over his last 2 starts with 9 of them coming against the Washington Nationals. I feel lucky that Stripling can be owned at such a cheap price considering his recent performance and a matchup against an average Phillies team. The only reason to not pick Stripling is if you are trying to find a pitcher who will be owned less – which might not be a bad strategy.
Honorable Mention: Joe Musgrove, PIT ($14,700) vs CHC
Top IF: Trevor Story, COL ($9,000) vs SF
It just had to be a Rockie. You must try to include at least one of three most expensive Rockies today. Blackmon ($11,100) and Arenado ($10,800) are no-brainers if you can afford them on almost any day. All Rockies have better home splits because of the “chill” atmosphere but Story’s home/away splits are crazy. Oh, and Story is hitting .448 with 5 home runs against LHP at Coors. Its hard to admit but I like him more than Arenado and Blackmon today
Honorable Mention: Nolan Arenado, COL ($10,800) vs SF
Top OF: Bryce Harper, WAS ($11,000) @ BAL
Mookie Betts is not in the lineup again today Harper tends to get on hot/cold streaks and I recommend jumping on this ride today. Harper has hit 4 home runs in his last 8 games but that .213 BABIP is still kicking his butt leading to an atrocious .238 BA. Even in an unlucky year, Harper has 17 Home runs. However, Harper’s skill set provides a high floor thanks to a high walk rate with an ability to steal if he wants to be aggressive.
Honorable Mention: Kyle Schwarber, CHC ($8,400) vs PIT
Value IF/OF: Franmil Reyes, SD ($5,400) vs MIA
Reyes has played in 12 games and looks to be overmatched against MLB pitching. 38.5 K%is proof of that. Strikeouts will come down but will still remain a problem but the power is there and he is finally starting to get a feel of the big leagues. His raw power was rated as 70/70 and the 3 home runs in the last 6 games are promising. We don’t care if he strikes out or grounds out since FantasyDraft doesn’t deduct points for striking out. As long as he is hitting home runs, Reyes will be useful.
Honorable Mention: Nick Williams, PHI ($5,900) @ LAD
Stack: Nationals vs Orioles (RHP David Hess)
I am taking Scherzer as my top pitcher and his opponent as my stack target. Hess has a 4.15 ERA and a worse FIP 5.82. The game is at a hitter-friendly park. There is a lot to like about this stack. The problem is that the Nationals hitters are usually expensive. I mentioned Bryce Harper above, here are some others you should consider:
Anthony Rendon ($8,500)
Mark Reynolds ($7,500)
Juan Soto ($7,300)
Wilmer Difo ($6,300)
Honorable Mention: Mets @ Braves