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We’ve got one slate on FantasyDraft tonight, starting at 7:05 pm eastern and covering 13 games. The early Cardinals-Cubs and Pirates-Reds matchups are not included, as well as the first game of the White Sox-Twins doubleheader.
Must Play SP: Mike Clevinger, CLE ($20,500) at KC
Clevinger’s last month has been absolutely dominant, with 39 strikeouts in 29 2/3 innings and a 1.82 ERA. There’s no reason why his success shouldn’t continue against the Royals, who have just a .307 wOBA against right-handed pitching. There’s lots of top-end pitching available tonight, and I think Clevinger gets you the best bang for your buck compared to more expensive options.
Honorable Mention: Gerrit Cole, HOU ($24,700) at BAL
Value SP: Corey Oswalt, NYM ($11,300) vs MIA
There’s nothing positive I can really say about Oswalt himself – he’s not a good pitcher. However, Oswalt is very cheap and has an ideal matchup, so he can give you value tonight. The Marlins are an awful lineup with a .292 wOBA versus right-handed pitching, the third-lowest mark in the league. Additionally, Citi Field is among the most pitcher-friendly parks. If Oswalt is able to salvage some strong innings at this price, you’ll be happy with the benefits gained from spending your payroll elsewhere. I recommend him in GPP contests where you want to load up on better hitters.
Honorable Mention: Zach Davies, MIL ($10,400) vs DET
IF Tyler White, HOU ($8,400) at BAL (RHP David Hess)
The Astros lineup was set to tee off on David Hess yesterday before a rainout. They’ll do so tonight, instead – Hess has a 5.85 FIP with just a 16.4% K-rate. Camden Yards is an extreme hitter’s environment, so White should see plenty of RBI opportunities. He’s got an insane 155 wRC+ this year with the Astros.
Honorable Mention: IF/OF Eric Thames, MIL ($8,000) vs DET (Zimmermann)
OF Nelson Cruz, SEA ($8,600) vs TEX (LHP Martin Perez)
Cruz is a lefty-masher, as he’s got a .264/.370/.557 line against southpaws this season. He’ll be batting fourth for the M’s against Perez, who has a horrific 6.13 ERA. Perez also has a 1.72 HR/9, so don’t be surprised if Cruz adds to his 37 home run total.
Honorable Mention: OF Avisail Garcia, CWS ($8,100) at MIN (De Jong)
Value: OF Shohei Ohtani, LAA ($7,400) vs OAK (RHP Mike Fiers)
It’s still shocking to me that Ohtani isn’t a much more expensive hitter – he’s got an elite 183 wRC+ against righties and has posted a 1.021 OPS over the last month. Not to mention he’s batting behind Mike Trout in the lineup, which is fantastic for RBIs. Opposing starter Mike Fiers has outperformed his peripherals this year, as he’s got a 4.46 Deserved Run Average with a 4.64 FIP.
Honorable Mention: IF Willians Astudillo, MIN ($7,300) vs CWS (Giolito)
Top Stack: Twins vs White Sox (RHP Lucas Giolito)
The Twins are a cheap stack option against Giolito, who has proven himself to be one of the worst pitchers in the bigs with his 5.81 ERA. Willians Astudillo ($7,300), Tyler Austin ($8,200), and Max Kepler ($7,500) are my favorite options who should be cheap and scarcely owned.
Honorable Mention: Astros at Orioles (Hess)