Normally when I begin to construct my cash game lineup, I start with my top pitcher and work from there. Today is different. Knowing that Drew Smyly would be on the mound for Tampa Bay, I immediately went to see how much Josh Donaldson would cost. I assumed that he’d clock in at $5,400, which is worth it, but still expensive. Much to my shock and surprise, he was $900 cheaper. Donaldson owns Smyly. I mean, you can say that Donaldson is actually Smyly’s daddy. That’s how lopsided these numbers are. In his career, Donaldson is 8-for-17 against Smyly. That equates to a .476 batting average–pretty solid. But wait, there’s more! Six of those eight hits off of Smyly have gone for extra bases, including three double and three home runs. This matchup is completely unfair and underpriced. Donaldson will be a staple in all of my lineups. Yes, I’m putting all of my eggs in the Donaldson basket and strutting like a cock, ahem, rooster when he blows up the box score.
New to DraftKings? Scared of feeling like a small fish in a big pond? Well reserve your spot in the 25 Team Razzball Exclusive League set to run next Monday, August 15th, to wet your DK whistle. Just remember to sign up through us before you do. Wanna know what the best part is about signing up with us? The free subscription for the rest of the season to our DFSBot, that’s what! For details on the how to, please visit our Razzball Subscriptions page.
Chris Sale, SP: $12,200 – I remember the days when the Royals were a decent team. Ah, memories. Sale should be able to make quick work of the Royals and is my favorite cash game play of the night. It’s worth noting that Sale has pitched much better on the road than at home and this game is in Kansas City.
Zack Greinke, SP: $11,100 – Low ownership GPP alert here! Greinke returns from the disabled list on Tuesday night and many will be too scared to use him. This is a strong matchup for Greinke and he shouldn’t be on any type of pitch count. His price is a bit high, but the upside is there.
John Lackey, SP: $9,400 – Always solid, Lackey will be a popular cash game play tonight. Lackey’s ERA at Wrigley Field is 2.83 compared to 4.68 on the road. He should be able to notch at least six strikeouts with no problem, making him one of the safest arms on the slate.
Vince Velasquez, SP: $8,900 – This is another GPP play due to a blister. That’s right–a blister. Velasquez is a strong play at home on Tuesday, but he isn’t exactly the poster boy for staying healthy. It appears as though he’s fine, but a blister can flare up at any minute. Use caution.
Evan Gattis, C: $3,800 – Gattis fares much better against lefties than he does against righties and has a good matchup on Tuesday against Hector Santiago. I feel like I recommend him every week and he never pans out. Gattis is due and I’m due. Let’s goooooooo!
Mike Zunino, C: $2,900 – The price is right here as long as Zunino gets the start. Daniel Norris may turn out to be an above average starting pitcher, but he isn’t right now. Plus–salary relief!
Edwin Encarnacion, 1B: $4,800 – It’s really hard not to use the Parrot Man right now. He hit another home run on Monday night and has the ability to park one on any given night. If the bad Drew Smyly shows up on Tuesday night, look out.
Chris Davis, 1B: $3,900 – Davis hit a home run on Sunday, finally breaking out of a power slump. He tends to hit home runs in bunches and gets a fabulous matchup against minor league journeyman Zach Neal.
Devon Travis, 2B: $4,100 – Travis is 11-for-31 (.355) with three home runs over the last seven days. He’s already taken Drew Smyly deep once in his career and has a great chance to do it again tonight.
Trea Turner, 2B/OF: $4,000 – Until this guy slows down, he needs to be used. He had five double-digit DK point games in a row over the last week and is swiping bases with ease. He’ll lead off for Washington, ensuring at least four or five at-bats.
Danny Valencia, 3B: $4,000 – Valencia faces off against LHP Wade Miley, which is a favorable matchup. He’s a safe cash game play, but I’d go a different route in GPPs.
Marcus Semien, SS: $3,600 – There are a ton of splits to exploit on Tuesday night and you can add Semien to the list. He is vastly superior against LHP and should do some damage. You’re hoping for a home run and that can happen whether he hits at the top or bottom of the lineup.
J.J. Hardy, SS: $3,200 – Even with a negative park shift, I am still a big fan of the Orioles hitters against a journeyman starter. Hardy has been swinging a hot bat as of late going 9-for-16 with a home run over the last seven days.
Nelson Cruz, OF: $4,900 – Josh Donaldson may be my top play on Tuesday night, but Cruz comes in as a close second. Find a way to fit both in your cash game lineup.
Giancarlo Stanton, OF: $4,700 – I like both Stanton and Marcell Ozuna, but I’ll give the former my strongest recommendation against Matt Moore. San Francisco’s newest acquisition is prone to allowing base runners, which allows things to get out of hand. Put Stanton at the plate with a couple of ducks on the pond and great things will happen.
Rickie Weeks Jr., OF: $3,600 – I’m not a big fan of the park shift here, but Weeks is much better against LHP than righties. His ownership will likely be under five percent making him a great GPP play, especially in a D’Backs stack.
Franklin Gutierrez, OF: $3,700 – Gutierrez has traditionally done well against lefties and would be a great play next to Cruz in a Mariners stack.
I’m Only Happy When It Rains
There’s a chance of rain in Pittsburgh on Tuesday night, but at worst there will be a slight delay.
Doing Lines In Vegas
The standout stacks on Tuesday are Baltimore, Oakland, and Seattle with the Cubs as another solid option. If you want something off the radar, try the Braves against gas can Wily Peralta.
