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There are two slates on FantasyDraft tonight – the main slate starts at 7:05 pm eastern and covers 14 games, while the late slate starts at 10:00 pm. The early Brewers-Cubs matchup is not included on either slate.
Must Play SP: Corey Kluber, CLE ($22,100) at CIN
Even with some recent “struggles,” there should be no confusion around Kluber’s status as an ace – he’s got a 2.70 Deserved Run Average on the year and can give you a terrific start on any given night. He’s got a high floor because of his minuscule walk-rate and ability to work deep into ballgames, which makes up for his falling K-rate. Kluber gets to face a depleted Reds lineup and might be able to give you the best start of the night despite coming in as just the third-highest priced pitcher.
Honorable Mention: Justin Verlander, HOU ($24,600) vs COL
Value SP: Alex Wood, LAD ($16,100) at SF
One of the best ways to land value on a starting pitcher is by starting him fresh off of the disabled list. Wood missed just 10 days with a hamstring injury, and the risk of him blowing up in his first start back is significantly less since it wasn’t an arm issue. Wood has the capability to tear through the Giants lineup, as they’ve got just a .300 wOBA versus lefties and play in a pitcher-friendly park. You probably won’t be able to land Wood for this cheap again, so buy in now.
Honorable Mention: Anibal Sanchez, ATL ($17,000) vs MIA
IF Jeff McNeil, NYM ($7,700) at BAL (RHP Andrew Cashner)
McNeil is gold in cash games for his high floor – with just a 9.1% K-rate, he’s almost always putting the ball into play. That should have good results in Camden Yards, one of the best hitter’s parks in the league, against Cashner. Cashner has a 4.87 FIP and just a 16.6% K-rate of his own, so even a lineup like the Mets can thump him. McNeil doesn’t have major upside but should still give you value at this price.
Honorable Mention: IF Jorge Polanco, MIN ($7,600) vs PIT (Taillon)
OF Randal Grichuk, TOR ($8,200) at KC (RHP Heath Fillmyer)
Grichuk has brought his season back to life over the last month, posting an .864 OPS with five dingers. He’ll likely bat cleanup for the Blue Jays, a spot where he can drive in lots of runs against Fillmyer. Fillmyer is far worse than his ERA would suggest, as his walk rate (11.0%) is nearly as high as his K-rate (13.6%), resulting in a 5.25 SIERA. The Blue Jays should have a big day offensively, and Grichuk will be involved.
Honorable Mention: OF Mitch Haniger, SEA ($8,400) at OAK (Fiers)
Value: OF Avisail Garcia, CWS ($7,400) at DET (RHP Blaine Hardy)
Garcia has gone cold lately, but now is his time to rebound against Hardy, who has a 4.13 FIP and just got rocked by the Angels his last time out. Garcia is still in a favorable spot batting fifth for the White Sox, and he’s got an insane platoon split against lefties. He’s been absolutely destroying southpaws this year, with a 161 wRC+.
Honorable Mention: IF Devon Travis, TOR ($7,600) at KC (Fillmyer)
Top Stack: Pirates at Twins (RHP Jake Odorizzi)
Pirates bats are looking quite attractive against Odorizzi, who has a 4.51 FIP and hasn’t reached five innings in either of his last two starts. Starling Marte ($9,800) is a must-have elite bat, while Corey Dickerson ($8,600) and Josh Bell ($8,100) are great plays.
Honorable Mention: Diamondbacks at Rangers (Gallardo)