In his start against the Padres, Kenta Maeda will run the game and have the whole world talking. King Kenta is the Stream-0-nator’s top starting pitching pick on Wednesday against the feeble Padres lineup in arguably the best pitcher’s park in baseball, Petco Park. The Padres have the second highest K-rate against righties this year at 27.6%, giving Maeda a very high ceiling for this start. Maeda has 14 strikeouts through 8 2/3 innings with a clean 2.08 ERA this season – no bones to pick here, Maeda is a top SP option tonight.
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Steven Matz, SP: Matz is a great contrarian pick who you can probably get late in your draft as he takes on the scary-looking Nationals lineup. The Nats, however, have been ineffective against lefties this year, as they’ve got just a .283 wOBA versus southpaws this season, ranking them 27th in the league. They just batted Moises Sierra fifth! Matz has 17 strikeouts in 14 1/3 innings this season and his elbow hasn’t detached from the rest of his arm yet, so buy while you can.
Joey Votto, IF: The Canuck is off to a slow start this season, but some plate appearances against Zach Davies in Milwaukee should solve that in no time. Miller Park is one of the best offensive environments in all of baseball, and Davies has a 6.35 ERA through his first three starts. He’s been serving up homer’s like it’s his job (it’s actually the opposite) so Votto can get his first of the year on Wednesday.
Yoan Moncada, IF: Moncada is another buy-low, this time more of a mid-round target. Moncada is finally showing signs of life, as he has two steals and a homer in his last two games. He’s a boom-or-bust play with sky-high upside – Moncada has a rare power/speed combo, but is also striking out 42.4% of the time. He’s actually got a higher floor than you might imagine, though, as his 13.6% walk-rate buoys his OBP capabilities out of the White Sox leadoff spot.
Danny Valencia, IF: If you need a completely off-the-radar play for your last pick of the draft, look to Valencia. Valencia bats fifth in the Orioles lineup against lefties, which puts him in a great spot for some runs batted in. Tigers lefty Matt Boyd has just five strikeouts in 13 innings and had a 5.27 ERA last season. If you’re going with an Orioles stack, Valencia is a great addition.
Christian Yelich, OF: If you’re lucky, the other players in your draft might not know that Yelich will be returning to the lineup on Wednesday. He’ll bat second in the Brewers order, which is a fantastic spot for fantasy production, and is also playing in the aforementioned Miller Park. Reds starter Tyler Mahle has given up five earned runs in his last two starts, so the Brewers should pile some runs on him.
Josh Reddick, OF: Reddick is destroying right-handed pitching this season, posting a .310/.459/.552 line, good for a 189 wRC+. Against righties, he bats fifth in arguably the best lineup in baseball. Opposing pitcher Mike Leake has more walks than strikeouts this season, making him a top target on Wednesday.
Mallex Smith, OF: He’s hot, hot, hot! Mallex Smith is batting .383 with a .942 OPS this season with two steals. Smith is still only projected for 6.3 points on Draft, so you don’t have to reach very high to land him in your draft.
I’m Only Happy When It Rains
Watch out for the Cardinals-Cubs matchup, as there’s an 80% chance of snow in Chicago by 3pm. I’d avoid any of those players if you can.
Doing Lines In Vegas
I’m taking the Phillies at +100 against the Braves. The Phillies lineup has been mashing as of late, and Vince Velasquez is putting together a solid season.
