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It was a nice All-Star break, but there’s nothing better than getting back to some DFS lineups on FantasyDraft! We’ve got 14 games tonight with three different slates to choose from, starting at 7pm, 8pm, and 9pm eastern.
Must Play SP: Robbie Ray, ARI ($17,200) vs COL
In his last start before the break, Ray survived the toughest matchup in baseball by striking out eight Rockies in 5 1/3 innings with two earned runs allowed. If he can perform that well in Coors Field, he should have no problems with the same Rockies lineup at home in pitcher-friendly Chase Field. Ray has a ton of upside with his 34.1% K-rate, making him an attractive GPP play. While there’s some risk with Ray, the Rockies have just a .299 wOBA on the road, so he shouldn’t get hit too hard. I’m a big fan at this price.
Honorable Mention: Stephen Strasburg, WAS ($19,500) vs ATL
Value SP: Nathan Eovaldi, TB ($15,800) vs MIA
After an abysmal start in his last time out, hopefully his matchup with the Marlins will be overlooked. I’m willing to pass off Eovaldi’s last start as a random blowup, as he had lots of hype from his three outstanding starts before that. Even if Eovaldi is merely an average-ish pitcher, he will provide lots of value against a Marlins lineup that is fifth-worst in baseball against righties with their .303 wOBA.
Honorable Mention: Sam Gaviglio, TOR ($13,900) vs BAL
IF Justin Turner, LAD ($7,500) at MIL (LHP Wade Miley)
Even in a “down year” thus far for Turner, he’s still killing left-handed pitching, posting a 147 wRC+ against southpaws. He’s in an extreme hitter’s park against Miley, who has made just two starts this year but put up a 5.61 ERA in 2017. Turner will also have even more opportunities for runs and RBIs now that Manny Machado has been added to the Dodgers lineup. This is outstanding value for such a favorable matchup that Turner has.
Honorable Mention: IF/OF Rhys Hoskins, PHI ($8,300) vs SD (Richard)
OF Andrew McCutchen, PIT ($7,400) at OAK (RHP Edwin Jackson)
McCutchen is one of the cheapest three-hitters you can find, and he’s got an awesome matchup against Edwin Jackson. Similar to Miley, Jackson has had good results in a few starts this year, but after putting up a 5.21 ERA last year and posting just a 17.4% K-rate this year, it’s clear that the success won’t last. Cutch has a decent power/speed combo and I particularly like him in cash games, as he’s got a high floor for production tonight.
Honorable Mention: IF/OF Matt Olson, OAK ($7,200) vs SF (Rodriguez)
Value: IF/OF Dee Gordon, SEA ($7,200) vs CWS (RHP James Shields)
Gordon will have lots of plate appearances as the Mariners leadoff hitter, which means he will have lots of chances to put up fantasy points against James Shields. Shields has a 4.43 ERA, so when the Mariners lineup has a big day against him, Gordon should be involved in some run scoring. Gordon, of course, can also score for you on the basepaths, as he’s got 22 steals.
Honorable Mention: IF Jose Abreu, CWS ($6,800) at SEA (LeBlanc)
Top Stack: Nationals vs Braves (RHP Anibal Sanchez)
Maybe Anibal Sanchez isn’t the complete trash can that he once was, but I don’t think he’s suddenly an ace now either. Nationals bats are being priced like they’re facing a top tier pitcher, so I think there’s lots of value here. Byrce Harper is only $9,000, while Trea Turner ($8,200), Anthony Rendon ($8,400), and Juan Soto ($8,000) are also at great prices for their talent. The Nats aren’t a cheap stack, but getting a few of their hitters for a cheaper price than usual should pay off nicely.
Honorable Mention: Mariners vs White Sox (Shields)