Week 2 and I still feel like it is Christmas morning every time I sign in to set my lineups. The one constant so far, consistent with other early seasons, is there are no constants other than possibly starting pitching not lasting five innings this early in the season. Enough about that, we will get to our picks on the bump for hump day shortly. Can we just stop for a minute and appreciate Steven Kwan (would be listed below if not for the weather) and Seiya Suzuki and live in the moment? Kwan has not had one swing-and-miss this season. Let that sink in. Suzuki just had his first two-HR day and this is a player the “experts” said did not have any power. Check out where our own @rudygamble has Suzuki listed overall to truly appreciate what Razzball can do for you.
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Framber Valdez, SP: DK: $7,200 / FD: $10,000 – It appears as if Framber is back to doing Framber things. The guy is not highly drafted in season long leagues, but this match-up against the Diamondslacks anemic offense is a bettor’s dream. Sure, the ’22 sample size is extremely small, but we all know Arizona is not in a win-now situation and Framber brings in a 0.00 ERA and minuscule WHIP. Ride this Houston horse to the cash window.
Shane McClanahan, SP: DK: $7,500 / FD: $8,800 – I feel like I can copy the Kyle Gibson portion of our Saturday DFS article here, but that is just lazy. Instead, I will just use it as backup to the McClanahan recommendation. I am open to considering almost any starting pitcher against Oakland this season. Can you name five of the starting nine for Oakland? No, huh? That means their lineup is not MLB talent at most positions. McClanahan is on tap for a double digit K day and a win if Kevin Cash allows him to pitch through the 5th inning.
Jorge Alfaro, C/1B: DK: $2,900 / FD: $2,500 – Remember this guy and his exciting ’19 season with Miami? Exciting by undrafted catcher standards, but exciting nonetheless. Right now, through a handful of games Alfaro passes the eye test. Sure, he hits lefties better than righties, but with Austin Nola having played the full nine innings last night, you can bank on Alfaro playing tonight and continuing to outperform his DFS salary.
Anthony Rizzo, C/1B: DK: $4,700 / FD: $3,400 – The Yanks face the Jose Berrios today so who doesn’t stack the lineup with left-handed bats teeing off for the short porch? Rizzo has 2 long-balls versus RHP in the first week and one versus Berrios on his resume already. Anytime NYY and TOR face off in Yankee Stadium, you expect a track meet and Rizzo should be right in the middle of the action.
Ozzie Albies, 2B: DK: $4,900 / FD: $3,900 – Albies appears to have moved back up the lineup after being in the five hole to begin the season. I like this move by Atlanta and am ready for him to walk the yellow brick road to a big day against young Josiah Gray. Sprinkle in a stolen base today against a rookie catcher and Ozzie brings the returns you want.
Alex Bregman, 3B: DK: $5,400 / FD: $3,800 – We had Arenado and his torrid start penciled in and then Mother Nature took over. She is undefeated, you know! The quick pivot to Alex Bregman is easy. Bregman is absolutely blazing to start the year and there is no lingering talk of last year’s injury His .389 average with two HR is giving this former All-Star much-needed early season momentum.
Bo Bichette, SS: DK: $5,200 / FD: $4,200 – He is a little slow out of the gate, but so is Gerritt Cole. Righty versus righty is not the best approach for DFS, but let’s be honest, Trea is too easy and Bo against a true ace takes some guts to play. I think this game will be a classic AL East slugfest, especially when the starters have departed. Look for Bo to survive against Cole and then blow up the NYY ‘pen.
Yordan Alvarez, OF: DK: $5,400 / FD: $3,900 – Two hits in 14 ABs? That does not sound like our Yordan, does it? Against Merrill Kelly and his middling WHIP, this is the time for Yordan to feast. He may be a little pricy, but you have to pay up for talent and I think Houston comes out hot in Phoenix.
Mitch Haniger, OF: DK: $4,600 / FD: $3,300 – Just check the name attached to this article and you will know I do everything I can to not be a Haniger Homer, but this is a game I am paying for my man crush. Seattle has struggled a little out of the gate, but that is about to even out. Robbie Ray on the mound pumps up the Mariners bats and Haniger feasts on LHP. This matchup against the non-Cy Young Dallas Kuechel is ripe for the picking.
I’m Only Happy When It Rains
KC/STL already PPD. Possibility we see a pre-game delay with CIN/CLE or even a mid-game pause. It may be best to avoid this game altogether.
Doing Lines In Vegas
In support of our Houston Astros stack above (Valdez), Bregman, Alvarez, let’s make less than even money by taking the Draft Kings line at -150.
