The top bat on the day, according to the all-knowing Hittertron, is none other than Bryce Harper. He’s really started to come around in the second half as he’s raised his average up to around .250. That’s still not great, but it’s a far sight better than the sub-.220 it was for a while. Plus, with the power upside he has, you can live with a low average. He was held out of Sunday’s lineup with an illness but was able to come off the bench and go 2/2 with 3 RBIs, so maybe he should play sick more often. It’s a good idea to fire him up in your lineup today on Draft.com.
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Stephen Strasburg, SP: Fresh off the DL, he promptly went 4 innings and gave up 5 runs. Blech. Now he gets another crack at the same Phillies. I think we can chalk up that first start to a Disabled List Hangover; he should be much better this time out. It’s not uncommon for pitchers to struggle a bit in their return, and this lines up to be a return to the dominant form we’ve become accustomed to.
Masahiro Tanaka, SP: He’s posted solid numbers for the season, with a 3.90 ERA, but a good bit of today’s recommendation has to do with the offense that he’ll be facing. The Pale Hose have posted pale numbers, and Tanaka has the stuff to take advantage.
Patrick Corbin, SP: I hate to pick on my Giants, but the truth is that they aren’t all that good offensively this season. And now Buster Posey is having hip surgery. It all adds up to a favorable start for Corbin, in cavernous AT&T, I might add, where I expect him to do quite well.
Jon Gray, SP: If you see in shades of Gray, don’t be expecting a win. The Rockies’ offense is always less effective away from Coors. However, that downgrade is an upgrade for Gray, even if the Angels will have a DH. Since his vacation to the minors, he sports an ERA below 3 and seems much more locked in. He should also be able to get you some Ks.
Alex Bregman, IF: If you don’t know by now, I’m a big fan of Bregman. The A-Breg nickname from the players’ weekend wasn’t the most imaginative moniker, but who am I to tell one of the emerging young stars what to put on his jersey? What really matters is that he is exactly what we’re looking for in DFS. He’s got it all — power, speed, average — plus he gets on base at the 15th best rate in the majors. Grab him early and enjoy. Now I’m off to brainstorm a better nickname for next year.
Anthony Rizzo, IF: A top 10 option on the day even though he’s facing the mighty Thor. Rizzo is match-up proof. Batting in the middle of a strong lineup helps, too, but he’d still be a strong option even if he were on a team by himself. In this scenario, there would most certainly be plenty of ghost runners. Snap back to reality, he’s more than capable himself of reaching base, even if the rest of the Cubs are unable to.
Jonathan Villar, IF: August has been good for Villar; his average is about 20 points higher for the month. Fire him up for steals and you may just get a bomb as an added bonus. He hasn’t been spectacular, but not everyone can be a star.
Justin Smoak, IF: The robot has him top 10 but I’m touching on him last because he should be available late in drafts. He’s been cold recently, but here’s to him catching fire, even if only for a day.
Giancarlo Stanton, OF: Is it just me or is Aaron Judge the only Yankees slugger who gets any hype? Maybe it is just me, but you would do well not to forget Giancarlo. He’s got the power you’re looking for (32) with a solid average to boot. That’ll play. I don’t expect Carlos Rodon to slow his roll, and neither does Hittertron.
A.J. Pollock, OF: We’re chasing talent here with a guy who’s posted double-digit HRs and SBs this season. Stepping into the box at AT&T provides him with the opportunity to give it a run and show off his speed.
Andrew McCutchen, OF: He’s been quietly solid this season. Solid can be the best play at the end of your draft. To that end, I strongly suggest you take a look at McCutchen. He’s no longer the MVP candidate that he once was but he still has the wheels, as evidenced by his 13 steals. He’s paired that with 15 home runs, giving him multiple ways to fill out the stat sheet and contribute to your team. I’d say that makes him well worth a later pick.
I’m Only Happy When It Rains
The forecast looks good for all games. Now back over to you, Ron.
Doing Lines In Vegas
Give me some Jays and Orioles at 9.5. The Nats and Phillies are set at 9. Fire up and enjoy the show.
