I’m going to do something completely crackers in the cabeza today, but we’re kind of at that point in the season anyway, and today’s slate of starting pitchers isn’t getting me tingly in the nether regions. Streamonator has Lucas Giolito as its top pick for the day, but I don’t hate myself nearly enough to pick him. Instead, I’ll focus on two pitchers that have arguably been the best in MLB the last month in Robbie Ray (FD $10,300/DK $10,500) and Charlie Morton (FD $9,300/DK $10,200), who just so happen to be facing each other.
Robbie Ray wasn’t necessarily bad in the first half, pitching to a 3.62 ERA, but his last 30 days has been nothing short of phenomenal. Over 32 IP Ray is 4-0 with a 1.41 ERA and 0.91 WHIP, with 34 Ks to 9 BBs. That’s not a super-terrific BB%, which just shows you how well he’s limited good contact to still have a sub-1.00 WHIP over that time. The Braves are so red-hot they’re making the Mets consider playing for the Wild Card rather than the division, but are they hotter than Robbie Ray?
Maybe, because Morton has been nearly as dominant as Ray over the same time period. Charlie’s only gone 2-0 over the same time period, but it wasn’t from a lack of performance–3.68/1.09 splits with 41 Ks over 29 IP has been vital to this late-season Braves push to catch the Amazin’s. I know both pitchers can’t get the win, but both are entirely capable of giving you a fantastic singular game, and I suppose it’s on you to decide which one you favor at the price.
Or, you can listen to Streamonator, go with Gio, and get the fantasy baseball equivalent of dog-wiping over 100 yards of salted glass shards.
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Will Smith, C: FD $3,000/DK $5,400 – The Fresh Prince of LA has only faced Mike Clevinger five times, but he has three hits, including two homers. That’s enough for me to get jiggy with Big Willy Style tonight.
Rhys Hoskins, 1B: FD $2,900/DK $5,000) – Hoskins is 10-for-30 lifetime against Patrick Corbin, with seven of those hits being of the extra-base variety (four doubles, three round-trippers). Those stats aside, is it ever really a bad idea to play a right-handed batter against Patrick Corbin? Could also pivot to Great Britain’s favorite baseball player, Ryan Mountcastle, in remembrance of the Queen of England. A 9-for-31 last seven days with three homers and 11 RBI will play just fine.
Ryan McMahon, 2B: FD 3B-only/DK $4,800 – This pick and the next one are my attempts to get into the Coors action, as McMahon is the second-ranked hitter today according to Hittertron (behind only his teammate, Curtis Jackson Cron). He’s three for his last 20, so this is solely a Coors Field Call.
Josh Rojas, 3B: FD $3,400/DK $4,800 – Another Coors Field Call, Rojas has gone yard and stolen a pair of bags in the last week, so there’s something here to build with at least. German Marquez also has a 6.09 ERA (almost nice?) at home this year, so you could run with a number of D-backs here and feel good about it (though Daulton Varsho is the hottest of the Snakes).
Isiah Kiner-Falefa, SS: FD $2,900/DK $2,700 – IKF is 10th overall on the Razzball Player Rater over the last seven days, going 7-for-18 with a pair of homers and more walks than whiffs. He hit cleanup yesterday and has been a mainstay in the Yankee lineup.
Victor Robles, OF: FD $2,000/DK $2,100 – You may be thinking, “DFS doesn’t count defense, Hoove” and you’d be right, but check this out–Robles is 6-for-15 lifetime vs. Thor, with three bombs. Splurge elsewhere (like maybe Cron or Varsho in Coors) and take a whirl on the Small Sample Express with Robles vs. Thor.
Ronald Acuna Jr., OF: FD $3,900/DK $5,800 – How many of you are old enough to remember the lady from the Burger King commercials in the 1980s whose line was “Where’s the beef?” You may be asking Acuna “Where’s the power?” but you may not ask again after tonight, as Tildaddy is 5-for-9 vs. Robbie Ray with three taters.
Seth Brown, OF: FD $2,700/DK $3,00 – Brown has four homers in his last 25 ABs, and did I mention he’s facing Giolito? I know it’s the A’ss, but Brown is on a heater and I can’t possibly explain how tempted I’d be to run a super-cheap A’ss stack today just because of my feelings about Giolito. I know, it’s probably irrational. Don’t tell me you don’t have players you’re like that about. Mention in the comments if you do…
I’m Only Happy When It Rains
@BallparkWeather says everything should be a go, so play your favorites or best buys with no hesitation.
Doing Lines In Vegas
As I mentioned last week, Detroit is one of the worst teams in giving up 1st inning runs, and they’re trotting Joey “Not Joey Lawrence” Wentz out to start the game. Bobby Witt Jr is Blossom’ing before our very eyes, and the +185 to score in the first inning gets a Whoa from me and the KC hitters.
