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Tonight’s FantasyDraft slate consists of 10 different matchups and starts at 7pm eastern. Today’s two early matchups (OAK-DET and LAA-KC) are not included on the slate.
Must Play SP: Blake Snell, TB ($19,800) vs WSH
I’ve seen some fantasy owners panicking over Snell’s last two starts, but there’s nothing to be worried about. He was facing two of the toughest lineups in the league in the Astros and Yankees and honestly fared pretty well with all things considered. Snell’s still got a ridiculous 2.48 ERA this year with a 2.91 Deserved Run Average, and his 27.3% K-rate will rack up fantasy points every time he pitches. The Nationals lineup hasn’t been impressive against lefties this year, as their .302 wOBA ranks them 20th in the league. Snell also gets them at home in one of baseball’s most pitcher-friendly venues. I’d have a tough time not starting Snell at this price.
Honorable Mention: Justin Verlander, HOU ($24,300) vs TOR
Value SP: Jonathan Loaisiga, NYY ($14,400) at PHI
Loaisiga is an attractive GPP tournament option tonight as he takes on the Phillies. I would avoid him in cash games, as things could definitely go haywire, but he’s also got some extreme upside. The Phillies strike out more than any team in baseball against righties at 26.3%, and as we saw in his first start, Loaisiga certainly has strikeout capabilities. Loaisiga has the potential to give you a great start for a low price, allowing more of your payroll to be spent on higher end players.
Honorable Mention: Seth Lugo, NYM ($13,700) vs PIT
IF/OF Dee Gordon, SEA ($8,200) at BAL (RHP Andrew Cashner)
O’s starter Andrew Cashner has a 5.02 FIP this year and will have to face the Mariners lineup at home in an extreme hitter’s ballpark. I would recommend an entire Mariners stack against him, but most of their hitters are pretty expensive – instead, I’m rolling with Gordon, who is leading off for the M’s and comes at a reasonable price. As their leadoff hitter, Gordon will maximize his plate appearances on Monday and have multiple chances to score some runs. If you can pair him with another Seattle hitter, you’ll be in a good spot.
Honorable Mention: IF Anthony Rendon, WAS ($7,800) vs PHI (Eflin)
OF Joc Pederson, LAD ($8,200) vs CHC (RHP Dwayne Underwood Jr.)
Pederson has continued his torrid pace over the last 15 days, putting up a 1.088 OPS with three homers. Like Gordon, he’s a leadoff hitter with a fantastic matchup – Underwood is making his major league debut after posting a 4.27 ERA, and he’s probably not ready to get thrown into the fire. It’s tough to find a leadoff man with such good numbers, as Joc has an insane .413 wOBA versus righties this year, and he’s not nearly as expensive as he should be.
Honorable Mention: OF Adam Jones, BAL ($7,500) vs SEA (Hernandez)
Value: IF C.J. Cron, TB ($7,500) vs WAS (LHP Gio Gonzalez)
Cron has hit lefties well this year, posting a 124 wRC+ with five homers. He’ll bat fourth in the Rays lineup against Gonzalez, who has had some significant struggles lately. In his last three starts, Gonzalez has allowed 11 runs in 13 1/3 innings. I’m not expecting the Rays lineup to destroy him, but Cron should still see some RBI chances from the cleanup spot.
Honorable Mention: IF Yuli Gurriel, HOU ($7,600) vs TOR (Happ)
Top Stack: Rangers vs Padres (LHP Joey Lucchesi)
While Joey Lucchesi’s ERA doesn’t look bad, his 4.78 FIP suggests that he hasn’t been pitching that well this year. It’s not entirely clear if Lucchesi is completely healthy after lasting just 1 2/3 innings his last time out. He’s got a 1.84 HR/9 this season, and Lucchesi will likely struggle with the long ball on a hot Texas summer night. Elvis Andrus ($8,300) and Adrian Beltre ($8,000) are my favorite plays, but any Rangers bat can be utilized.
Honorable Mention: Mariners at Orioles (Cashner)