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We’ve got three slates tonight on FantasyDraft – a 7pm eastern start, which covers all 15 matchups, as well as an 8pm and 10pm.
Must Play SP: Dallas Keuchel, SEA ($17,800) vs TEX
The starting pitching field is absolutely loaded tonight, and it’s tough to go wrong with any of the aces who are on the mound. However, rather than spend big on two aces, I’m looking towards cheaper options like Keuchel who are likely going to be much less owned because of the abundance of elite-level pitching. Keuchel has been outstanding over the last month, putting up a 2.45 ERA in 33 innings, and now has a 3.66 FIP on the year. When he faced the Rangers earlier this month, Keuchel went seven innings with seven strikeouts and just two earned runs allowed. Expect a similar start from Keuchel, who should easily get the win with the Astros lineup supporting him.
Honorable Mention: Chris Sale, BOS ($26,400) vs MIN
Value SP: CC Sabathia, NYY ($13,900) vs KC
There’s certainly some risk in starting Sabathia at home, as he’s had his fair share of blow-ups this season, but I love him in GPP contests at this price. He’s facing one of the worst lineups in baseball in the Royals, who have just a .296 wOBA versus lefties this season. Again, with so many good pitchers available, Sabathia will probably come at a very low ownership, so any production that he gives you will be even more valuable.
Honorable Mention: Wade LeBlanc, SEA ($15,100) at LAA
IF Carlos Santana, PHI ($8,100) at CIN (RHP Anthony DeSclafani)
As the Phillies cleanup hitter, Santana will be in a position to rack up RBIs tonight. The Phillies put up nine runs last night and should have another big game in one of the best hitting environments in baseball in Cincinnati. DeSclafani has an atrocious 6.23 FIP with an absurd 2.61 HR/9, so Santana has good odds at going deep. Santana would be great to pair with some Phillies teammates, but he should still put up strong numbers as a standalone play.
Honorable Mention: IF Jose Abreu, CWS ($7,600) vs TOR (Stroman)
OF Kevin Kiermaier, TB ($8,000) at BAL (RHP Andrew Cashner)
Kiermaier is in an awesome spot batting leadoff against Cashner, who has a 4.83 FIP. Kiermaier will have the opportunity to score some runs and will get lots of plate appearances in a fantastic hitter’s park in Baltimore. He can also score you some points on the basepaths.
Honorable Mention: OF Joc Pederson, LAD ($8,500) at ATL (Foltynewicz)
Value: OF Marcell Ozuna, STL ($6,900) vs CHC (LHP Mike Montgomery)
While Ozuna has had an awful season, he’s still an incredibly cheap cleanup hitter with a nice matchup tonight. Montgomery has a pitiful 14.8% K-rate and a 4.65 Deserved Run Average. Ozuna has also hit lefties much better than righties throughout his career, including this year. For a punt level price, it’s tough to find a hitter in a better position.
Honorable Mention: IF Yuli Gurriel, HOU ($7,300) vs TEX (Gallardo)
Top Stack: Red Sox vs Twins (RHP Lance Lynn)
Lance Lynn has an awful 5.23 ERA and is not going to have fun at Fenway Park, an incredibly hitter-friendly ballpark. J.D. Martinez ($10,200) is one of my favorite elite bats, while Mitch Moreland ($8,500) and Rafael Devers ($6,300) are some cheaper options to consider. Anybody in the Red Sox lineup is worth a look.
Honorable Mention: Phillies at Reds (DeSclafani)