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There are two slates on FantasyDraft tonight – the main slate starts at 7:05 pm eastern and covers 14 games, while the late slate starts at 10:00 pm. The early Nats-Cubs matchup is not included on either slate.
Must Play SP: Nathan Eovaldi, BOS ($18,500) at BAL
Eovaldi has straight up dominated in his last three starts, allowing just one earned run in 21 innings pitched. He didn’t give up a run in either of his first two starts at Fenway Park, including in his last start against the loaded Yankees lineup. Eovaldi has a 3.10 Deserved Run Average on the year and gets to face one of the easiest lineups in the league. The Orioles have just a .305 wOBA versus right-handed pitching and also have a very high 24.0% K-rate. At this price, it’s tough to avoid Eovaldi.
Honorable Mention: Gerrit Cole, HOU ($23,900) vs SEA
Value SP: Shane Bieber, CLE ($15,900) at CWS
Bieber’s ERA looks much worse than it should because of a blow-up start against the Pirates – his 3.17 FIP and 3.58 SIERA suggest that he’s actually been pitching very well this year. Bieber is a near must-play in GPP contests for his strikeout upside against the White Sox, who strike out more than any other team against righties (25.7%). Biebs himself has a strong 23.5% K-rate and should give you a strong start at a low price.
Honorable Mention: Zach Eflin, PHI ($15,900) at SD
IF Rafael Devers, BOS ($8,400) at BAL (RHP Dylan Bundy)
Devers returned from the disabled list on Wednesday with a homer and a double and gets a great matchup tonight. Oriole Park is an extremely hitter-friendly venue, a place where Dylan Bundy has a 4.60 ERA this year. Bundy also has an incredibly high 2.15 HR/9 at home this season, making Devers an outstanding power upside play. Devers should be rostered in GPPs, as he and the Red Sox lineup could have a big showing.
Honorable Mention: IF Miguel Andujar, NYY ($8,200) vs TEX (Minor)
OF Josh Reddick, HOU ($8,200) vs SEA (RHP Mike Leake)
While Reddick doesn’t have massive upside, he does have a high floor that makes him attractive in cash games. Hitting in the middle of the Astros order, especially with Carlos Correa returning, is a sure spot to rack up some runs and RBIs. Opposing starter Mike Leake has just a 14.6% K-rate and a 4.30 FIP, so Houston will likely put up runs on him.
Honorable Mention: IF/OF Nicholas Castellanos, DET ($7,800) vs MIN (Santana)
Value: IF C.J. Cron, TB ($7,300) at TOR (RHP Marco Estrada)
Cron is one of the cheapest cleanup hitters you can find, and with 22 homers on the year, he’s got plenty of power. Cron is in a great hitting environment in Toronto against Estrada, who has a 4.65 ERA this season. As long as the Rays don’t goof around with his playing time, Cron is a nice under-the-radar play who can produce for you.
Honorable Mention: OF Rajai Davis, CLE ($6,800) at CWS (Rodon)
Top Stack: Cardinals at Royals (RHP Burch Smith)
Burch Smith has an atrocious 6.41 ERA, and there are lots of Cardinals bats you can grab for cheap against him. Marcell Ozuna ($7,500), Jose Martinez ($7,500), and Paul DeJong ($7,800) are all viable options.
Honorable Mention: Mariners at Rangers (Colon)