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We’re back on the grind on this Monday with a 10 game slate for us on FantasyDraft. This slate starts at 7pm eastern, so the 6pm Rangers-Indians matchup isn’t included. Let’s get down to it!
Must Play SP: Jeff Samardzija, SF ($16,700) vs SD
Shark has only made two starts this season and he got pounded by the Nats in his last time out, so his 6.23 ERA isn’t looking too hot. However, I wouldn’t be worried about him as he takes on the Padres in the best matchup a pitcher can ask for right now. The Padres strike out more than any team in baseball against righties at 28.3% of the time. Additionally, they have just a .290 wOBA versus right-handed pitching this season, ranking them 27th in the league. Samardzija should have no issues with this lineup in his pitcher-friendly home ballpark, AT&T Park. Start him with confidence.
Honorable Mention: Charlie Morton, HOU ($20,600) vs NYY
Value SP: Jon Lester, CHC ($14,900) vs COL
It’s hard to notice because they play half of their games in Coors Field, but the Rockies actually have a well below-average lineup this season. They rank just 24th in wOBA on the road this season at .287. They also strike out a ton against lefties, at 26.6%, which is the third-highest mark against southpaws. Lester has been a bit underwhelming this season, but he’s looked much better since his first start of the year in Miami. At this price, you can get great value out of him.
Honorable Mention: Eduardo Rodriguez, BOS ($14,500) vs KC
IF Brian Dozier, MIN ($8,400) vs TOR (RHP Aaron Sanchez)
Dozier has continued to produce strong fantasy numbers this season with four homers and two steals entering Monday. He has also cut his strikeout rate tremendously, from 20.0% in 2017 to 13.2% this year. He’s particularly valuable in daily formats as a leadoff hitter, as you will maximize plate appearances with him in your lineups, leading to more chances for production. Blue Jays starter Aaron Sanchez has outperformed his peripherals this season, as he’s got just a 17.2% K-rate with a 11.2% walk-rate, leading to a 4.44 FIP.
Honorable Mention: IF Corey Seager, LAD ($8,200) at ARI (Greinke)
OF Lorenzo Cain, MIL ($8,000) at CIN (LHP Brandon Finnegan)
LoCain has been a catalyst atop the Brewers lineup, posting an awesome .201/.411/.473 line with three homers and six steals. He’s also been frying left-handed pitching, putting up a 1.277 OPS with twice as many walks as strikeouts. His opposition, Brandon Finnegan, has been hot trash this season, posting an 8.03 ERA through three starts with a 2.19 HR/9. Great American Ballpark is a hitter’s paradise, so Cain should have himself a huge day on Monday.
Honorable Mention: OF Gregory Polanco, PIT ($6,700) at WAS (Roark)
Value: OF Jesse Winker, TB ($6,700) vs MIL (RHP Jhoulys Chacin)
Winker isn’t particularly useful in roto formats, as he doesn’t homer or steal, but he can still put up lots of points on FantasyDraft by getting on base and scoring some runs. He bats leadoff against righties and is getting on base at an outstanding .421 clip against right-handed pitching. Brewers starter Jhoulys Chacin is a regression bubble that’s ready to burst, as he’s got a 14.1% K-rate with a 10.4% walk-rate, good for a 5.19 FIP. Winker isn’t a flashy play, but the Reds could put up some crooked numbers against Chacin in their hitter-friendly ballpark, so Winker should give you value at this price.
Honorable Mention: OF Carlos Gomez, TB ($6,700) at DET (Zimmermann)
Top Stack: Red Sox vs Royals (RHP Jason Hammel)
The Red Sox have been one of the best lineups in baseball this year, and you always want to consider some Boston bats when they’re at home in Fenway. Jason Hammel has struck out just 12.8% of batters this year, so the Sox are going to be spraying the ball all over the place. You’re in good shape if you can get one of Mookie Betts ($11,000) or J.D. Martinez ($10,000) into your lineups, while cheaper options like Andrew Benintendi ($8,400) and Hanley Ramirez ($8,500) should give you great returns. Eduardo Nunez ($6,300) is also one of my favorite value plays tonight.
Honorable Mention: Brewers at Reds (Finnegan)