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We’ve got an exciting night on FantasyDraft with three slates available tonight. The 7pm eastern slate covers all 15 matchups, while there’s also 8pm and 10pm slates to choose from.
Must Play SP: Noah Syndergaard, NYM ($21,600) vs WAS
This might be one of the cheapest prices you’ll find Syndergaard all year as he makes his first start back from the disabled list. While there’s obviously some risk in rolling with Thor in his first start since May, he’s coming off of a 71 pitch rehab start, so it doesn’t look like he’ll be limited by a pitch count. Syndergaard was rocking a 2.57 FIP and should have no issues with any lineup, including the Nats, if he’s at full strength. It’s a gamble I’m willing to take at this price in GPPs, as his upside is massive.
Honorable Mention: Madison Bumgarner, SF ($22,400) vs OAK
Value SP: Jake Arrieta, PHI ($17,000) at MIA
Arrieta is coming off of an awesome start against the Pirates where he struck out eight batters over seven innings with just one walk and two earned runs. If he is the same pitcher again tonight against the Marlins, you can expect an even more stellar line. The Marlins are one of the worst lineups in the league against right-handed pitching and also play in one of the most favorable pitcher’s parks in baseball. It’s tough to avoid Arrieta at this price with such a strong matchup, especially in cash games, where his high floor is attractive.
Honorable Mention: Nick Kingham, PIT ($15,200) vs MIL
IF Lucas Duda, KC ($7,500) at CWS (RHP James Shields)
Duda could see plenty of RBI opportunities tonight batting fifth against James Shields, who got lit up for eight earned runs his last time out and now has a 4.53 ERA. Duda hasn’t done much this season, but he’s still a power upside play if nothing else, and Shields is the perfect righty for him to face off against. If the Royals have a big day against Shields, Duda will certainly be involved. Regardless, he should produce on his own.
Honorable Mention: IF Matt Duffy, TB ($7,400) at MIN (Odorizzi)
OF Nomar Mazara, TEX ($8,000) at BAL (RHP Alex Cobb)
Another starting pitcher who looks great to build against tonight is Alex Cobb. He’s got a horrific 6.67 ERA this year and has to face the Rangers in an extreme hitting environment in Baltimore. As the Rangers three-hitter, Mazara can be eating good in runs and RBIs. He’s got the chance to put up elite numbers in the outfield tonight for a very affordable price.
Honorable Mention: OF Marcell Ozuna, STL ($6,500) vs CIN (Harvey)
Value: IF Jose Abreu, CWS ($7,300) vs KC (RHP Brad Keller)
You’d have to think that it will be any day now that Abreu busts out of the awful slump he’s been mired in. At this price, you’re not exactly gambling all that much, as he’s got a ton of upside at such a low cost. Opposing starter Brad Keller had a rough time the last time he pitched, walking five Red Sox hitters in just 4 2/3 innings, and it’s tough to believe he’ll keep up this success with such a low strikeout rate. This is another guy in the heart of the order that you can get for a very low price.
Honorable Mention: IF/OF Steve Pearce, BOS ($7,200) vs TOR (Borucki)
Top Stack: Rays at Twins (RHP Jake Odorizzi)
The Rays are a sneaky stack against Odorizzi, who has a 4.56 FIP with a 1.4 HR/9. Their most expensive hitter is only Wilson Ramos ($8,500) who has been melting with a .969 OPS in the last month. Other cheap bats include Matt Duffy ($7,400), Kevin Kiermaier ($7,400), and Jake Bauers ($7,300).
Honorable Mention: Rangers at Orioles (Cobb)