After a Thursday guest appearance in the DFS column, I’m hoppin’ back into my normal Sunday slot to hunt wabbits…err, winning players…for your DFS lineups. Frank Schwindel and the Cubs offense have found a few golden eggs in Coors, highlighted by Frank The Tank’s 28+ point game for us on FanDuel Thursday night. As they wrap up their 4-game visit to The Mile High City, will the Cubbies find any more Easter treats or will the Rockies be unwelcoming guests and leave only goose eggs for their rivals from the North Side? Both teams provide several great options for DFS today, but this is no powder puff column! Together, let’s go on a scavenger hunt and find a few other DFS bunnies of our own to celebrate on Easter Sunday!
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Alek Manoah, SP: DK: $10,000 / FD: $10,000 – The Razzball Streamonator really loves Alek Manoah today. I mean, The Notebook, Joanie Loves Chachi, Lucy and Desi, and Playboy Bunny kinda love here (I did say we’d find DFS bunnies…). Maybe someone fed into the Streamonator the fact that not a single A’s batter has a career hit vs Manoah. Well, only 2 have faced him but I’m trying not to throw cold water on this love affair. Perhaps it is the fact that Manoah dominated a strong Yankee lineup over 6 IP in NY in his first start. Whatever the reason, Manoah should be your SP#1 today. Who am I to question the Streamonator.
Zack Wheeler, SP: DK: $10,200 / FD: $10,200 – This one is all mine. The shoulder soreness that slowed Zack Wheeler during spring training appears to be firmly behind him now. In his first outing against his former club, Wheeler controlled the game well, going 4.2 strong innings with only a lone mistake to Brandon Nimmo. Wheeler and the Marlins batters know each other well with Wheeler usually coming out on top. His peeps are also primed to take advantage of Elieser Hernandez today. All told, count on Wheeler to fill your Easter basket with lots of tasty DFS treats.
Mitch Garver, C/1B: FD: $3,200 – When the Rangers face LHP, manager Chris Woodward pencils Mitch Garver into the 3-hole. With southpaw Jose Suarez scheduled to be on the hill today for the Angels, Garver received a breather on Saturday to color eggs with his kids and dial himself in for Easter Sunday. Except for the HR on Opening Day, Garver has been teasing his fans with steady, but unspectacular, performances so far. A quick look at his 1.067 OPS versus LHP in ’22 suggests the breakout we’ve come to expect may be today.
Rowdy Tellez, C/1B: DK: $2,800 / FD: $2,400 – Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Freddie Freeman are excellent plays today but remember, this is no powder puff column. Therefore, I’m going with Rowdy Tellez who is carrying an early-season .411 wOBA in his Easter basket. The splits favor Tellez in the matchup versus RHP Dakota Hudson and I expect him to man the 5-hole today, adding plenty of opportunities for this big boy to feast on some steaks as well.
Kolten Wong, 2B: DK: $4,100 / FD: $2,600 – What is Wong with Kolten? At Razzball, we know the answer – check out Son’s column here for the analysis. Now that we’ve come off the ledge on Wong, here’s why we can start him with some confidence today. Wong has been in the leadoff spot against starting RHP and done all his damage in these matchups. Ok, maybe “damage” is the wrong word here, but you get my point. He’s still adjusting to how he’s being pitched but don’t for a second think he’s forgotten what to do when he’s on the base paths. With a favorable salary, the upside here is worth the risk.
Rafael Devers, 3B: DK: $6,000 / FD: $4,100 – This pick is as easy as finding a brightly colored Easter egg on the middle of the family room floor. Devers historically mashes RHP like Bailey Ober and his ’22 wOBA suggests more of the same today. Pay up and start with confidence.
Brandon Crawford, SS: DK: $4,900 / FD: $2,700 – There’s no question Brandon Crawford has been struggling so far. What damage he’s done offensively this season has come against RHP, making the matchup versus Aaron Civale in game 3 of the series today slightly appealing. Pairing that with his 3-year OPS over .900 vs RHP makes it moderately tempting. From a DFS perspective, adding those facts with his low salary makes it now almost appetizing. I do see some value going with Crawford today if you want to spend up at other positions. If you just can’t pull the trigger here, I give you permission to pay up and go with Tim Anderson instead.
George Springer, OF: DK: $5,000 / FD: $4,000 – George was given a day off on Saturday to ensure he has plenty of spring in his step on Easter Sunday. As you get to know me, you’ll find Springer is one of my favorite players to write about. He tends to be the “forgotten star” in both fantasy drafts and DFS, which instantly put him on my radar. In ’22, he has yet to lay an egg in DFS and I’m confident that trend continues today versus A’s RHP Adam Oller. Take his .406 wOBA ticket to the cash window – the line forms behind me.
Max Kepler, OF: DK: $2,900 / FD: $2,900 – I really like Max Kepler versus Michal Wacha today. Kepler’s OPS is 65% better versus RHP over the past 3 years with 27 HRs and even 12 SBs. Max even has a positive history versus Wacha, going 2-5 with a HR and 2B in their head-to-head matchups to date. Make this selection with confidence.
I’m Only Happy When It Rains
Keep an eye on the radar for the Tigers-Royals game as rain may force a delayed start. Strong winds on the East Coast may also dampen HR totals at several stadiums.
Doing Lines In Vegas
Vegas has the Cardinals +115 versus Aaron Ashby and the Brewers today. This reminds me of finding that last piece of chocolate at the bottom of the Easter basket after everything else is long gone. M’m M’m Good!
