It’s a short-slate Monday in MLB land, with only 9 games on the schedule. But that doesn’t stop us hardcore DFS-ers: we’re still going to run our beautifully crafted lineups out on Draft. So without further ado, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty with a pitcher I strongly recommend you prioritize: Robbie Ray.
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Robbie Ray has been a bit of an enigma this season. At times, his control has abandoned him and he’s gotten lit up or failed to make it deep into the game. Because he’s a strikeout pitcher, his pitch count will naturally be a little higher, and that’s something we can live with when he goes up against a free-swinging team like the Rangers, which doesn’t have a ton of pop. We could be looking at some pretty K numbers to go along with solid ratios. Let him brighten your Monday.
Kenta Maeda, SP: It’s a bit surprising to see Maeda ranked so highly on Streamonator (2nd for today), but he carries a solid 3.27 ERA and 115 Ks over 93 innings. That alone should be enough to at least get you interested. The Brewers’ offense is improved with the addition of Moose, but it’s still not a powerhouse. Chase those sweet Ks.
Shane Bieber, SP: Biebs takes on the Twins today, who are fresh off selling their entire team. I joke, but by the time you read this, it may be true. They’ve already moved Eduardo Escobar, which should downgrade their lineup offensively. Either way, Bieber is a solid pick, both because of his pinpoint control and the stacked Indians roster behind him. A little Bieber Fever never killed anyone.
Carlos Martinez, SP: The recent injury history is admittedly a big concern. However, when healthy, C-Mart is excellent. Add in the fact that away from Coors, the Rockies make for an exploitable match-up, and you’ve got yourself a high-risk, high-reward type of guy. He could make or break your day, but other drafters may be scared off, which frees you up to nab bats. If you’re feeling lucky, shoot your shot.
Ozzie Albies, IF: The Wizard of Oz has slowed his pace a bit, but that doesn’t mean he won’t heat up again at any moment. I like his chances against Wei-Yin Chen and the Marlins in a match-up no one should be afraid of.
Eduardo Escobar, IF: He gets a change of scenery and a lineup upgrade by going from Minnesota to the desert, as he’s now surrounded by the likes of Paul Goldschmidt and A.J. Pollock. That’s some serious firepower and puts him in a far better position to succeed. Jake Lamb being on the DL means we can be confident he will be in the lineup, most likely at third.
Justin Bour, IF: Hardly the sexiest name on this list, but he can still be a useful piece at the end of your draft. Truth be told, this is mostly a Hittertron call, as he’s projected rather highly (10th overall on the day). Julio Tehran is prone to stretches of being extremely hittable and Bour certainly possesses the power to validate your pick with one swing of the bat.
J.T. Realmuto, IF: I know, I know, a catcher. What am I, crazy? Everyone knows that catcher is a fantasy wasteland. But that’s what makes it so fun. No one else will think of him. (Disclaimer, if you find yourself in a draft where someone else reads Razzball, you may be SOL.) As it stands, JT should stand for “Just Terrific,” since he’s batting over .300 with decent pop. He hasn’t run much this year, with just a lone steal, but that’s still a club in his bag that you shouldn’t forget about.
Eddie Rosario, OF: A guy the Twins haven’t traded (yet), Eddie Rosario should go by Eddie Money, because that’s exactly what he’s been all season. We’re looking at a lovely average to go with solid power and speed numbers. He’s got two tickets to paradise. Let’s take a trip.
A.J. Pollock, OF: Pollock has always possessed five-tool potential, the only snag being his health. When he’s on the field, he can be one of the top fantasy players. That type of upside is well worth chasing in DFS.
Wil Myers, OF: Like Pollock, the main thing holding Myers back has always been health, as he brings a rare power/speed combo to the table. If he could ever stay on the field for an entire season, I believe he could go 30/30. Don’t be surprised if he gives you a bomb and a swipe today.
Odubel Herrera, OF: ODB vs the Green Monster. This could be a fun one. Since the Monster isn’t eligible on Draft, I suggest you take a hard look at Herrera. In addition to that hair, he can provide you with pop, as well as an ability to get on base. That’ll play.
I’m Only Happy When It Rains
Possible thunder in St. Louis (Rockies), but fortunately it doesn’t look too bad, and other than that, we should be in the clear for a beautiful summer day of baseball.
Doing Lines In Vegas
Who’s up for a round in Vegas? We’re looking at some summer fireworks between Jays and A’s (9.96 projected game runs), the Phillies and Sawx (9.85), and the Indians and Twins (9.80). As always, that makes them good bets for your bats.
