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We’ve got two slates on FantasyDraft tonight, with the main slate starting at 7:05pm eastern and the late slate starting at 8:05 pm. The early Padres-Reds matchup is not included on either slate.
Must Play SP: Blake Snell, TB ($24,000) vs BAL
Snell has had an incredible breakout campaign, with a 2.02 ERA and a 29.2% K-rate this year. In his last two starts, he’s straight up dominated two of the league’s best offenses in the Indians and the Red Sox. Snell now gets the Orioles, who have just a .287 wOBA versus left-handed pitching, the third-lowest mark in all of baseball. He also gets to face them at home in pitcher-friendly Tropicana Field. Snell is the most expensive pitcher available tonight, but he’s well worth the price tag.
Honorable Mention: Carlos Carrasco, CLE ($22,100) at TOR
Value SP: Chris Archer, PIT ($14,800) vs MIA
Archer finally had a strong start as a Pirate in his last time out against Atlanta, where he went six innings with one earned and five strikeouts. He pitched exclusively from the stretch in this start, which is an interesting development, as it may lead to more success. Archer shouldn’t have any problems with the Marlins, who have a poor .293 wOBA versus righties this season. As always with Archer, he will at least be able to rack up some strikeouts, with potential for much more.
Honorable Mention: Carlos Rodon, CWS ($16,300) vs LAA
IF/OF Nicholas Castellanos, DET ($8,500) vs STL (LHP Austin Gomber)
Castellanos has insane numbers against left-handed pitching this season, posting a 189 wRC+ with a .400/.451/.615 line. He’ll be batting third in the Tigers order against Austin Gomber, a nice spot for runs and RBI. Don’t be fooled by Gomber’s 2.77 ERA, as he’s got just a 19.1% K-rate with a 5.74 Deserved Run Average and a 4.77 SIERA. Castellanos is in line for a big night.
Honorable Mention: IF Evan Longoria, SF ($7,600) at MIL (Anderson)
OF Marcell Ozuna, STL ($8,400) at DET (LHP Daniel Norris)
Last time I recommended Ozuna against a lefty (on Tuesday) he rewarded owners with two home runs. His cost has risen since then, but I still like him at this price batting cleanup for the Cardinals. Ozuna’s batting .310 with a .933 OPS over the last month and gets an easy opponent in Daniel Norris. Norris has a 5.49 ERA with a 1.83 HR/9 this season, so I like Ozuna’s odds here.
Honorable Mention: OF Adam Eaton, WAS ($8,200) vs CHC (Lester)
Value: IF Jorge Polanco, MIN ($7,700) vs KC (RHP Heath Fillmyer)
Polanco is one of the cheapest three-hitters you will find, and you can take advantage of a great matchup for him against Fillmyer. Fillmyer has an awful 14.6% K-rate and a 5.14 FIP, so the Twins lineup should be able to tee off on him. That means Polanco can get involved in some runs and RBI.
Honorable Mention: OF Corey Dickerson, PIT ($7,200) vs MIA (Straily)
Top Stack: Cubs at Nationals (RHP Joe Ross)
Joe Ross is back, and for a guy who hasn’t pitched a major league game in well over a year, the Cubs are going to be a tough matchup for him. Chicago has some underpriced bats in Kris Bryant ($8,300) and Ben Zobrist ($8,000) who you can pair with elite hitters in Anthony Rizzo ($9,400) and Daniel Murphy ($9,300).
Honorable Mention: Indians at Blue Jays (Estrada)