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8 Games combine to make up the main slate for today. The weather could cause problems for a couple of games. Rain will be at play for Giants vs Pirates and Mets vs Phillies. The rest of the matchups are clear.
Must Play SP: Charlie Morton, HOU ($25,000) VS TEX
I will be the first to admit that Noah Syndergaard ($21,900) is not only a better pitcher than Morton but also costs $3000 less. I like both of their matchups tonight but the weather in Philadelphia scares me a little. I would rather have my Ace pitch without nature interfering rather than getting interrupted. Texas Rangers lead the league in strikeouts with 385 and Charlie Morton has a 10.37 K/9. The numbers don’t lie.
Honorable Mention: Noah Syndergaard, NYM ($21,900) @ PHI
Value SP: Mike Soroka, ATL ($14,600) @ MIA
Soroka was impressive in his debut but couldn’t handle the Giants in his second start. I thought he was a bit unlucky in the second start but the numbers don’t lie. He will face the Marlins today, which should be an easy win as long as he can last 5 innings. Marlins have one of the worst offenses in the league and rank dead last in Home runs. I expect Soroka to easily last 6 innings while sprinkling in a few strikeouts. He represents a very good floor tonight.
Honorable Mention: Jeff Samardzija, SF ($12,900) @ PIT
IF: Trevor Story, COL ($9,200) vs MIL
Story is my one of my go-to players when he is at home and facing a righty. This is a perfect matchup for Story as Chase Anderson has allowed a 16.7 HR/FB% to go along with a low 36.4 GB%. He has also struggled this year with a 6.03 FIP and the strikeouts have gone down drastically. Story is hitting .306 at home with 6 of his 8 home runs coming in home games even though he has played in 8 fewer home game when compared to away games.
Honorable Mention: Joey Votto, CIN ($9,200) @ LAD
OF: Charlie Blackmon, COL ($10,700) VS MIL
I am going to continue the Coors field trend and suggest another Rockies hitter. Blackmon is 8-32 against Chase Anderson with 2 home runs and 4 of those hits being XBH to go along with 3 walks. This years’ version of Chase Anderson is worse than before and Blackmon has had success against him in the past. Unlike Story, Blackmon has actually been better away from Coors which just doesn’t make sense – I expect that trend to correct itself and it could start today.
Honorable Mention: Lorenzo Cain, MIL ($8,900) @ COL
Value IF: Jose Reyes, MIN ($6,600) VS CIN (RHP Tyler Mahle)
Jose Reyes recently came back from the DL which is keeping his price low for the moment. He is never going to “wow” anyone, but can still be valuable especially with steals – Stolen Bases are 5 points on FantasyDraft. In the past, Reyes has had success against Zach Eflin – 3 for 7 with a steal. Reyes is only hitting .122 for the season which could lead to low ownership totals tonight but he can always be valuable as long he is stealing bases.
Honorable Mention: Jose Pirela, SEA ($5,500) vs STL
Top Stack: Rockies vs Brewers (RHP Chase Anderson)
I feel like I am cheating by picking the Rockies at home but the location combined with Chase Anderson’s struggles present too juicy of a matchup to pass up. Brewers’ hitter can also be sacked but the Rockies have a better matchup tonight. Of course, the price is inflated due to the game being in Coors field but it is worth it find stack the Rockies hitters and find cheap players to fill out the rest of your lineup. Here are some affordable Rockies hitters:
DJ LeMahieu ($8,100)
Carlos Gonzalez ($7,200)
Chris Iannetta ($6,700)
Noel Cuevas ($6,900)
Honorable Mention: Brewers @ Rockies (LHP Kyle Freeland)