On Thursday night, Gumby will be taking the mound for the Yankees, taking on the Athletics at the Coliseum. Gumby, of course, is rookie left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery, who has put together a nice season thus far, with an 8.67 K/9 and a 3.27 BB/9. This is good for a 3.55 ERA and a 3.57 FIP, and there’s nothing in Montgomery’s profile to scream regression. He’s facing a weak A’s lineup that is 23rd in wOBA against lefties at .298, and in a great pitcher’s park. At just $7,500, Gumby is a great bang for your buck.
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Ricky Nolasco, SP: $7,300 – Nolasco is a really bad pitcher, let’s just get that out of the way. But he’s facing the Royals! Kansas City has a paltry .301 wOBA against right-handers, so Nolasco can actually give you some quality innings against them. For what it’s worth, Nolasco threw seven innings with just two earned his last time out against a tough Astros lineup, so he may be able to replicate that on Thursday.
Welington Castillo, C: $2,700 – Beef Mode has been one of the only productive hitting catchers this season, but because of his health he’s still a cheap play. Castillo mashes lefties, with a career 125 wRC+ against them, and gets an easy one to face in David Holmberg. Castillo is a steal for this price, or more accurately, a homer for this price.
Jose Abreu, 1B: $3,500 – Jose Abreu looks to tee off on Thursday against Chris Tillman, who might actually be easier to hit than a tee. In Chicago’s park, Abreu should have no trouble putting up strong power numbers.
Robinson Cano, 2B: $3,100 – Many fantasy players will likely be avoiding Mariners bats on Thursday against Jose Berrios, and for good reason. However, a guy like Cano is matchup-proof, and at only $3,100, it’s really tough to fade him. He’s been in a slump lately, but it’s nothing to worry about, as Cano is putting up his normal level of production on the year.
Jedd Gyorko, 3B: $3,200 – Another guy who has been cold as of late is Gyorko, but he’s still batting cleanup for the Cardinals and can obliterate a guy like Zach Davies. Gyorko has a 120 wRC+ on the season, so take advantage of the price while you can.
Xander Bogaerts, SS: $3,700 – Xander isn’t all that cheap, but he’s totally worth the price batting third against Nick Pivetta at home. Bogaerts is batting .325 with a 120 wRC+ this year, and he’s a great play whenever he’s at home, regardless of the opposing pitcher. That just makes things even better when it’s Pivetta, who has a 5.52 ERA. A full Red Sox stack, or simply pairing Xander with another Sox bat, is a smart move.
Raimel Tapia, OF: $2,800 – Normally I avoid recommending Coors bats because they are always expensive and highly owned, but Tapia might be one to slip under the radar. He’s not an everyday starter, but after yesterday’s 4-for-4 (on the road!) I wouldn’t be surprised to see him back in the lineup. Tapia’s a fantastic play at Coors if he’s in the lineup.
Trey Mancini, $3,100 – Mancini against a lefty is always worth playing, as he has killed them throughout his professional career. An Orioles stack is definitely something to consider, and Mancini would be an integral part of that lineup.
Mallex Smith, $2,200 – Mallex has been destroying since he came back up from the minors, batting .435 with four steals in five games. He faces Justin Verlander, who has a 4.68 ERA, so look for Mallex to get on a few times and steal some bags, then score some runs.
I’m Only Happy When It Rains
There could be thunderstorms in Detroit, but it looks like they will be able to get the game in later in the night, possibly after a delay. There’s some serious wind blowing out in Minnesota, Philly, New York, and Oakland, so consider some bats there.
Doing Lines In Vegas
The Rays are at +128 against the Tigers, but I’m not all that confident in Verlander. The Rays lineup can do some serious damage, and Alex Cobb can hold the Tigers lineup down. I’d also consider the Brewers at +130 against Michael Wacha, who has not had himself a very good year.
