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SP: Rick Porcello, BOS ($7,800) vs. DET
If you’re interested in going cheap at starting pitcher, Porcello is a guy to target in your GPPs. Obviously Porcello has been horrible this season, as he’s rocking an 8.47 ERA, but his bad numbers are what give him value as a contrarian play. He was much better last time out against the Rays, allowing only two earned runs in 5 1/3 innings. There’s a good chance Porcello has a strong start against the weak Tigers lineup, who are bottom five against righties with a .288 wOBA.
OF: Yasiel Puig, CIN ($3,800) vs. ATL
Puig has lots of power upside when he’s at home in hitter-friendly Great American Ballpark. He’s got a perfect matchup against Braves starter Julio Teheran, who has a 1.75 HR/9 with a 5.61 ERA. Puig has gotten off to a cold start, but he is still batting cleanup for the Reds — a spot where he will have lots of RBI opportunities. He is one of Thursday’s best values at this price.
OF: A.J. Pollock, LAD ($3,900) at CHC
Pollock is another buy low outfielder to target. He has been crushing left-handed pitching this year with a 140 wRC+ and gets to face a southpaw in Jon Lester. Pollock is particularly valuable in GPPs because he’s got both power and speed, so he’s capable of scoring in various ways. It also helps that he’s in the loaded Dodgers lineup, which can help him rack up runs and RBI.
1B: Mitch Moreland, BOS ($4,200) vs. DET
Moreland has quietly been mashing for the Red Sox, with an elite 150 wRC+ against right-handers and seven homers on the year. He bats third between Mookie Betts and J.D. Martinez, which is the best spot you could possibly ask for out of a fantasy player. He’s in an extreme hitter’s park against Jordan Zimmermann, who has a 4.98 FIP. Even if you can’t afford a Red Sox stack, Moreland is worth a play as a standalone.
Tournament Stack: Atlanta Braves at Cincinnati Reds (RHP Luis Castillo)
This is a contrarian stack, as Castillo has been insanely good this year; however, the Braves still have a strong lineup and are in a hitter-friendly park. If they do end up putting some runs on Castillo, you’ll be able to get Braves hitters for cheap and at low ownership rates. Freddie Freeman ($4,600) and Ozzie Albies ($4,000) are my favorite plays. I wouldn’t make too many lineups with this stack, as Castillo may continue his dominance, but you may be able to win big if he falters.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is troyklauder) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games on which I offer advice. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any nonpublic information.