The best part of playing DFS this time of year? Having a horse in the race even if you don’t have a horse in the race. No more phoning it in from August 1st until the end of the season just because the team I drafted is out of it. Joey Votto, Jose Fernandez, and Prince Fielder. What could go wrong? With DFS, I get to draft a brand new team every day and therefore I am never out of it. Unless of course I put my life savings down on a cash game and lose. In which case I really am out of it. I thought the Generals were due! Today’s pitching play is Francisco Liriano ($9,500), who has re-rediscovered himself this season. While his walk rate is still high (4.3 BB/9) he is also sporting a nice K/9 of 9.6. Outside of the egg he laid against the Braves two weeks ago (7 ER) Liriano has been great. The Cubs are better with the arrival of some of their youngsters but Chicago still has the worst strikeout percentage in baseball against left-handed pitchers (25%) making them a nice matchup for Liriano.
New to DraftKings? Scared of feeling like a small fish in a big pond? Well try out this 10 teamer of Razzball writers and friends to wet your DK whistle. Just remember to sign up through us before you do. It’s how we know you care! If you still feel helpless and lonely, be sure to check the DFSBot for your daily baseball plays.
Kevin Gausman, SP: $6,900 – I’m probably just a sucker for Gausman, but at a price under $7K, I’m willing to roll the dice again. He has pitched against the Rays three times already this season to mixed results, but in his last three starts the Orioles’ 23-year-old right-hander has struck out at least a batter per inning. The Rays are a middle-of-the-road team in terms of wRC+ against righties (98) but they’ve hit a modest .223/.283/.314 as a team over the past 30 days.
Josh Reddick, OF: $3,300 – Reddick has seen Scott Feldman pretty well with three homers and a 1.275 OPS in 17 at bats against him. Reddick will have the platoon advantage against the righty as well. It’s risky starting a player who’s been cold, but he’s not costing you much of your budget either.
Adam LaRoche, 1B: $3,500 – LaRoche is en fuego, with homers in back-to-back games. Facing A.J. Burnett probably won’t cool him off. The Nationals’ first baseman is hitting .343/.452/.657 against the veteran righty in 35 at bats. I really like the value here. You’re getting a hot player with a great matchup for under $4K. I don’t even hold it against LaRoche that he looks like the Mahna-Mahna muppet.
Stolen Base Public Service Announcement:
Sorry to go so heavy on two games, but check out the A’s and Nationals for some steals also. Guys like Sam Fuld, Craig Gentry, Denard Span, etc. With Scott Feldman and A.J. Burnett on the bumps, there should be some thievery happening today. Those two are tied for the MLB lead in stolen bases allowed (29). I’ve had just as much luck chasing speed as I’ve had chasing power in DFS.
I’m Only Happy When It Rains
The biggest threats from weather are SEA@TEX, TOR@BOS, PHI@WAS and KC@NYY.
Doing Lines In Vegas (15-14)
I’ll take the under for SF@DET (7).
