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With all 30 teams back in action on Tuesday, tonight’s FantasyDraft slate covers 14 games and starts at 7pm eastern. The early matchup between the Nationals and Rays is not included.
Must Play SP: Corey Kluber, CLE ($25,000) at STL
There are a bunch of high-end starting pitching options to choose from tonight, but Kluber is definitely my pick against the Cardinals. Kluber is one of the best investments you can make – while certainly expensive, he’s pretty much a guarantee to give you ace level production when he’s on the mound. The Cardinals are no tough matchup, so there’s no reason to think that Kluber will have issues against them. If you’re willing to commit the payroll, Kluber will reward you nicely.
Honorable Mention: Luis Severino, NYY ($25,700) at PHI
Value SP: Freddy Peralta, MIL ($15,200) vs KC
Peralta looked awesome in his return to the majors last time out, striking out seven Pirates batters in six innings with no walks or earned runs allowed. He now gets to face the second-worst lineup in the league against righties in the Royals, who have just a .290 wOBA versus right-handers this year. The risk of Peralta blowing up like he did in his second start is lowered with such an easy matchup, although it’s still possible. For that reason, I suggest Peralta to be used primarily in GPP contests, where his upside is more valuable.
Honorable Mention: Steven Matz, NYM ($12,000) vs PIT
IF Jose Abreu, CWS ($7,500) vs MIN (RHP Lance Lynn)
It’s about time that Abreu turns things around with his matchup against Lance Lynn. Abreu is mired in a pretty rough slump right now, but Lynn’s got a 4.64 ERA with a 13.9% walk-rate. That means that there could be multiple RBI opportunities for Abreu, the White Sox three-hitter. Abreu still has a respectable 115 wRC+ on the year, which is a level of production that’s absolutely worth chasing at this price.
Honorable Mention: IF Jeimer Candelario, DET ($7,200) vs OAK (Montas)
OF Scott Schebler, CIN ($8,200) at ATL (RHP Anibal Sanchez)
Schebler has been crushing the ball over the last month, batting .326 with a .984 OPS and five home runs. He’s got a ton of value as the Reds leadoff man in one of the most hitter-friendly parks in the league in Atlanta. Braves starter Anibal Sanchez is finally coming back down to earth, as he got rocked in his last start against the Blue Jays. Expect Schebler to score multiple runs if the Reds have a big day against Sanchez.
Honorable Mention: OF Andrew McCutchen, SF ($7,200) vs COL (Bettis)
Value: IF Eric Hosmer, SD ($7,300) at TEX (RHP Austin Bibens-Dirkx)
Hosmer’s got fantastic numbers against right-handed pitching this year, with a 133 wRC+ on the year. He’ll be batting second for the Padres against Bibens-Dirkx, so he should see opportunities for both runs and RBIs. Bibens-Dirkx has a 4.58 ERA and Texas is an extreme hitter’s park, which is a nice change of scenery for Hosmer, who plays half of his games in Petco. Hosmer is an easy choice at this price.
Honorable Mention: IF Rougned Odor, TEX ($6,900) vs SD (Ross)
Top Stack: Braves vs Reds (RHP Matt Harvey)
Matt Harvey and his 1.71 HR/9 aren’t going to last long in one of the best hitting environments in baseball in Atlanta. Freddie Freeman ($10,600) and Ozzie Albies ($10,300) are the elite hitters to target, while Johan Camargo ($6,600) and Tyler Flowers ($6,700) are bats to get for cheap.
Honorable Mention: Padres at Rangers (Bibens-Dirkx)