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We’ve got three slates on FantasyDraft tonight – the main slate starts at 7:05 pm eastern and covers 12 games, with a turbo slate at 8:05 and a late slate starting at 9:40 pm.
Must Play SP: Jack Flaherty, STL ($17,700) vs MIL
It’s been an incredible season for Jack Flaherty, who has posted a 30.1% K-rate with a 2.94 Deserved Run Average in his rookie year. Flaherty got into some trouble in his last outing, but his stellar numbers through 26 starts this year give me plenty of confidence that he will bounce back. The Brewers are a tough lineup in Miller Park, but they aren’t as scary on the road. They’ve also got a 24.5% K-rate against righties, which is fourth-highest in the league. Flaherty has immense upside in this outing.
Honorable Mention: Corey Kluber, CLE ($21,600) at CWS
Value SP: Derek Holland, SF ($15,000) vs SD
Holland has pitched considerably well over the last month, striking out 28 batters in 29 1/3 innings with a 2.76 ERA. He’s suddenly got the highest K-rate of his entire career this year at 24.0% and even has a manageable 3.80 FIP. He should thrive at home in a pitcher-friendly park against the weak Padres, who have just a .297 wOBA with a 24.0% K-rate versus lefties.
Honorable Mention: Nathan Eovaldi, BOS ($14,900) vs BAL
IF Tyler White, HOU ($7,800) at TOR (RHP Marco Estrada)
White has been a consistent bat in the Astros lineup over the last month, posting an .852 OPS with 22 RBI. It’s no surprise that his RBI total is so high, as he bats fifth in a loaded lineup that can get runners on for him. This should continue to be the case against Marco Estrada, owner of an awful 5.57 ERA. White and the Astros should have a big night in an extreme hitter’s park in Toronto.
Honorable Mention: IF Rafael Devers, BOS ($8,300) vs BAL (Bundy)
OF Nelson Cruz, SEA ($8,000) vs OAK (RHP Daniel Mengden)
I’m not sure why Cruz isn’t priced like an elite hitter, because that’s what he’s been this year. Cruz is rocking a 135 wRC+ against righties and is a great source of power with his 36 home runs. A’s starter Daniel Mengden has a minuscule 14.7% K-rate and a 4.76 SIERA, so Cruz can drive in some runs out of Seattle’s cleanup spot.
Honorable Mention: OF Marcell Ozuna, STL ($7,500) vs MIL (Jennings)
Value: OF Shohei Ohtani, LAA ($7,800) vs TEX (RHP Adrian Sampson)
The ridiculously talented Shohei Ohtani has an insane 180 wRC+ against right-handed pitching this season, and he’s got 20 homers in only 342 plate appearances. Ohtani bats fourth behind Mike Trout and gets an easy matchup against Adrian Sampson. Ohtani simply shouldn’t be this cheap.
Honorable Mention: IF Daniel Murphy, CHC ($7,700) vs PIT (Taillon)
Top Stack: Nationals vs Marlins (RHP Sandy Alcantara)
While Sandy Alcantara has a clean 2.35 ERA through four starts this year, he’s got only one more strikeout than he has walks, and wasn’t particularly overwhelming in the minors. Trea Turner ($9,500) and Bryce Harper ($9,500) are both worthy elite bats, while Anthony Rendon ($8,700) and Ryan Zimmerman ($8,500) are also strong options.
Honorable Mention: Indians at White Sox (Covey)