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9 games combine to make up the main slate for tonight at FantasyDraft. The weather should not be a factor for most of the games tonight, but still, keep an eye out for the daily lineups to make sure the players are starting.
Exciting News: The Braves finally promoted Ronald Acuna, but they are not one of the 18 teams included in the main slate for today.
Must Play SP: Clayton Kershaw, LAD ($27,300) VS MIA
It is Clayton Kershaw. At Home. Against The Marlins. I feel like this should be enough to get him in your lineup. The price is obviously really high, maybe the highest we will see all year, but don’t let it dissuade you from making room for Kershaw. I like to think the reason for releasing the lineups late today is because having Kershaw facing the Marlins broke the algorithm for FantasyDraft. The Marlins are one of the worst teams in the league after trading away half of their starters in the offseason. If you are still not convinced, The Marlins current roster is 11-72 against Kershaw which equates to a .153 Avg. Get ready to witness the best pitcher in the league take on the worst team in the league.
Honorable Mention: Jameson Taillon, PIT ($17,800) @ DET
Value SP: Jacob Faria, TB ($13,100) @ BAL
Jacob Faria didn’t get a chance to be the value play yesterday since the game was postponed due to rain. He gets another shot today. Here is what Andrew had to say about the matchup in yesterday’s DFS article:
“Anyone willing to give Jake Faria a mulligan for one disastrous outing will find a bargain near the bottom of Tuesday’s pitching catalog. The popular preseason sleeper has allowed one run in each of his last two starts after relinquishing five walks and eight runs against the Red Sox on April 7. That one game still carries an unbearable stench over 2018’s 5.82 ERA and 1.59 WHIP. Generating as many lines drive as grounders (13) with double the fly balls isn’t great either, but that’s why the 24-year-old only costs $12,900. One bad matchup has spoiled his April, but Faria now faces an Orioles offense that possesses the AL’s worst strikeout % and wOBA.”
The only thing different today is the price. $200 dollars more.
Honorable Mention: Michael Wacha, STL ($12,800) VS NYM
IF: Mike Moustakas, KC ($8,400) vs MIL
With Clayton Kershaw costing a gazillion dollars ($27,300) is going to be really hard to afford the batting studs. I recommend The Moose. After a slow start to the season, Moustakas has hit 6 home runs in the last 14 Games. He currently holds a .307 Average to go along with 29 Rubs (Runs +RBIs) and this is a pretty good matchup against Chacin. Moustakas is a 3-6 (2 doubles) against Chacin. I know it’s a small sample size but it’s better to hit .500 in a small sample size than .150. Moustakas was one of the most improved hitters last years which led to 38 HRs and seems to be continuing that trend in 2018.
Honorable Mention: Jose Martinez, STL ($7,600) VS NYM
OF: Nicholas Castellanos, DET ($8,200) @ PIT
Castellanos has been improving a little bit every year and is very close to becoming a stud. This year, he decided to cut down on the strikeouts by roughly 2% and take more walks while improving his LD% to 29% and Hard Hit% to 52%. All these improvements have led to a strong start with .309 AVG but only hitting a single home run. thanks to a 4.2% HR/FB (same as his IFFB%). Castellanos should be getting some luck back as he faces Jameson Taillon and the Pirates on the Road. He is definitely capable of an explosive day at the plate. Just make sure he is starting since the Tigers play a game earlier in the day as well.
Value OF: David Peralta, ARI ($7,200) @ PHI
David Peralta has quietly hit for .316 AVG. to go along with 22 combined RBIs and Runs. The matchup is not easy as Jake Arrieta was lights out last time around and the Diamondback hitters struggle on the Road. However, Peralta is 5-17 against Arrieta with 3 of those hits going for doubles. The average exit velocity is a juicy 99.7 MPH too. Another thing Peralta has going for him tonight is that he is vastly better against Right Handed Pitchers and was even a part of the platoon in Arizona early last year.
Honorable Mention: Aaron Altherr, PHI ($6,600) VS ARI
Stack: Rays at Orioles (RHP Alex Cobb
Dodgers hosting the Marlins will be the popular stack but I like Tampa Bay to do major damage against Alex Cobb and the Orioles. Rays have been one of the hottest teams lately after scoring plenty of runs in the Twins series. Cobb was atrocious in his first start for the Orioles and he should need a couple more before he is finally back to normal. Struggling Pitcher. Hot Offense. Hitters Park. Stars have aligned. It’s a bonus that all the bats are cheap.
Mallex Smith ($6,500)
Denar Span ($6,400)
Carlos Gomez ($6,300)
Wilson Ramos ($5,500)
These are some cheap bats that could help out if you elect to go with Kershaw and another top pitcher.
Honorable Mention: Dodgers VS Marlins