Well, folks, my column for last Saturday was a tad wonky. I suggested starting Spencer Strider, SP: DK: $9,700, and my guy got bumped to Monday as opposed to starting one of the doubleheader games. Someone in the Braves organization owes me an explanation and an apology. Why would they demote Ian Anderson only to bring him back up to supplant Spencer Strider? It makes no sense to me, but maybe there is something their front office knows about the process to the point it made sense to them. To me, it is Strider ten times out of ten based on the way he (and Anderson) have pitched this season.
Since I feel as if I let the masses down last Saturday since Strider did not throw, I am going to double down on our guy Spencer this week. He is facing what may be his toughest test of the second half as he welcomes the front-running Astros to Truist Park. Other than being four games better in the loss column, his numbers are very similar to his opponent, Cristian Javier. Spencer Strider is 7-4 whereas Javier is 7-8 (and has thrown around a dozen more innings). The Houston line-up can be scary but we are not afraid today and will welcome the swing-and-miss stuff from Strider to earn us some money.
Keep reading to see who I am going to pair Strider with. Spoiler Alert: You know I am a Mariners fan, so you do not have to guess too much to nail the next name.
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Logan Gilbert, SP: DK: $8,000 – This Mariners pitching staff, with the addition of Luis Castillo, is looking better and better every series. Gilbert has been surprisingly better than 2021 Cy Young winner, Robbie Ray, which allows me to comfortably recommend him on Saturday. Couple Gilbert’s solid numbers with the paltry Oakland A’s offense and you have the makings of a solid #2 to our #1 Strider. Add in the Oakland park effects (place is massive) and you need to get Gilbert in your lineup regardless of price. If you feel like paying up for more pitching then look to Gerritt Cole and/or Zack Wheeler. Me? I am sticking with Gilbert!
Adley Rutschman, C: DK: $4,900 – Bird Land fans rejoice! Rutschman is here and he is the real deal. For August, Adley is batting .275 with a couple of bombs (go watch the August 16 for distance alone) and 16 RBI. Enter Michael Wacha and his smoke-and-mirrors 7-1 record. This guy has been washed for a few seasons and I think the Birds come out swinging in this contest. I am half tempted to throw an Orioles stack with Adley, Mountcastle and Santander, but will cool my jets a little and stick with Rutschman as our backstop for today. If you want a cheaper option, consider Cal Raleigh and his 18 HR. What he lacks in average, he more than makes up in power.
Nathaniel Lowe, 1B: DK: $3,300 – Let’s keep attacking washed pitcher, shall we? Lowe at home against Chris Archer is another solid consideration. Archer does not miss a lot of bats and Lowe does not miss a lot of strikes. Over his last 30 games, Lowe is batting .330 with 5 HR and 14 RBI. Archer brings in a middling 4.15 ERA and does not go deep into games, so Lowe may be facing bullpen arms after the fourth inning. Throw in Semien, Adolis, and Seager all warming up and I think Lowe feasts on the Twins righty on Saturday.
Vaughn Grissom, 2B: DK: $2,100 – I am starting this kid until he shows me he does not belong. Along with Money Mike, this Braves team has some young talent showing they can play in The Show now! Since his call-up, Grissom is batting over .400 and is sprinkling in a little power. Believe his last HR traveled 440+ feet. This recommendation is in full support of our SP1, Spencer Strider. Let’s see if the kid can stay hot.
Ryan McMahon, 3B: DK: $4,700 – When all else fails, start guys at Coors, right? Isn’t that a simple plan that seems to work more times than not? I have been recommending names like Riley, JRam, Arenado, etc., and thought it was time to shake up to chalky names and give you a slightly under-the-radar guy. Keeping with the long ball theme, did you see the HR McMahon hit a few games back that traveled almost 500 feet? Treat yourself and go check it out. WOW! McMahon has been raking over the last 15 games with a .333 average while not lacking for power (4 HR, 11 RBI) while running a little (2 steals). His left-handed bat against a RHP in Alex Wood and I think we have a good formula for Saturday success.
Josh Rojas, 2B/SS/3B: DK: $4,900 – Another repeat name from last week where he more than earned his money for me, Rojas brings a plus .400 average over his last 7 games while running at will. He is sitting at 17 steals, which is one shy of doubling his career high batting at the top of the lineup. Remember, Rojas qualifies at a number of positions, so he can be moved around your DFS squad where the salary fits best.
Mookie Betts., OF: DK: $6,400 – This seems like cheating to me, but I am all about paying for the leadoff hitter for the best offensive team in baseball. Let’s see what Mookie can do for me this fine Saturday against the less than stellar Marlins staff. It’s another stat line we are used to seeing from Mookie (when healthy). Our guy has 27 HR and 61 RBI while still running enough to keep catchers honest (10 bags). It just makes sense to finally roster Mookie to anchor my offense. You should consider doing the same.
Mitch Haniger OF: DK $3,800 – Mitch Haniger meets Mitch Staniger and what a lovely marriage it makes! Finally…FINALLY, my guy Mitch is back in the lineup on a daily basis to provide a veteran presence to this young and promising offense. Since his call-up from Tacoma, Mitch is batting over .320. Though his counting stats are not mind-blowing, he just keeps hitting which means the power is soon to follow.
There it is…the lineup to help you make some money this weekend. No true stacks this time around, but one player each on offense to help our starting pitchers move toward a win. Best of luck today and let me know how your plays look at the end of the night.
I’m Only Happy When It Rains
No weather to report for Saturday.
Doing Lines In Vegas
Three picks today. Money line on both the Braves (Strider) and Mariners (Gilbert) plus the Over at Coors for total runs.
