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We’ve got an exciting Friday slate with all 30 teams playing tonight! Make sure to finalize your lineups by 7 pm eastern.
Must Play SP: Jacob deGrom, NYM ($18,400) vs ARI
deGrom’s price is a bit depressed because of his last outing, where the Mets limited him to just 45 pitches, which means that deGrom comes at a fantastic discount so long as he’s healthy. His elbow is seemingly fine – the Mets were just being cautious with him after a one hour rain delay – so I would expect a full outing from deGrom. This is an outstanding matchup for deGrom, because the DBacks lineup has actually been awful against righties this season. Their .286 wOBA ranks them second-to-last in all of baseball, and the humidor in Arizona will also be helping deGrom. Now’s the chance to get an ace for a below-ace price.
Honorable Mention: Max Scherzer, WAS ($27,000) vs LAD
Value SP: Derek Holland, SF ($13,100) vs COL
Holland is at least somewhat useful because of his strikeout rate, which sits at 22.3%. He struck out seven batters in 6 1/3 innings with no earned runs in his last start and has a super easy matchup against the Rockies tonight. The Rox have just a .289 wOBA when they’re away from Coors Field, as well as a 24.0% K-rate. The spacious AT&T Park will also play in Holland’s favor. I’d grab him in GPP contests and spend big on some bats.
Honorable Mention: Ivan Nova, PIT ($13,100) vs SD
IF Brian Dozier, MIN ($8,100) vs MIL (LHP Brent Suter)
While Dozier’s numbers are down compared to last year, he’s still hitting left-handed pitching very well this season, posting a .361 wOBA with nearly double the number of walks (13.3%) than strikeouts (6.7%). Dozier is almost guaranteed to put the ball in play against Suter, who has just a 16.2% K-rate himself, as well as a 1.50 HR/9 and a 5.14 ERA. Don’t be surprised if Dozier adds to his home run total of seven, but even if he doesn’t, he should have a very productive day.
Honorable Mention: IF Hanley Ramirez, BOS ($8,300) vs BAL (Cobb)
OF Kyle Schwarber, CHC ($8,500) at CIN (RHP Homer Bailey)
Schwarber is mashing righties this year, as he’s got a 139 wRC+ with seven bombs. Virtually everything about Schwarber’s matchup on Friday works in his favor. He’s in one of the best hitter’s ballparks in the league facing Homer Bailey, who has an absurd 2.23 HR/9 with a 5.59 ERA. The Cubs are going to have a huge day against Bailey, so Schwarber should rake in the runs and RBIs.
Honorable Mention: OF Ronald Acuna Jr., ATL ($8,200) vs MIA (Straily)
Value: IF Joey Gallo, TEX ($7,200) at CWS (RHP Carson Fulmer)
Gallo is the ideal type of hitter to target in GPP contests. You might want to stay away from him in cash games to avoid a four strikeout game, but his immense power potential can help you win first place in your GPPs. Carson Fulmer is absolute garbage, as he’s got a 6.97 FIP with a 12.9% walk-rate and a 2.37 HR/9. That means that Gallo will probably homer or walk in each of his plate appearances.
Honorable Mention: OF Teoscar Hernandez, TOR ($7,200) vs OAK (Anderson)
Top Stack: Red Sox vs Orioles (RHP Alex Cobb)
I don’t think Alex Cobb is going to have very much fun in Fenway Park. He’s got a pathetic 11.4% K-rate this year with a 7.06 ERA, so the Red Sox hitters are going to tee off on him. J.D. Martinez ($9,900) and Andrew Benintendi ($9,200) are two elite bats to consider, while Xander Bogaerts ($8,000) and Eduardo Nunez ($6,800) are options to pair them with. Anybody who is starting for Boston tonight can be a worthwhile play.
Honorable Mention: Cubs at Reds (Bailey)