Happy Sunday people of Razz! What better way to celebrate this fine day than to wager a few bucks of your hard earned pay on a little daily fantasy action? Yes, I agree….That sounds like an excellent idea. The good news is…..Well, I’m here and I want to help you. So kick back, put on your favorite sleeveless t-shirt, open your wallets (or your man purse) and let your new, favorite buddy Honcho lead you to the land of fame and riches.
After perusing the list of starting pitchers for today’s action I’ve decided to feature one of the most frustrating starters of the 2016 season. The potential is too delicious to ignore and his ceiling is “All the way up!” At least that what the young kids tell me. Anyway, allow me to present Michael Pineda for your daily fantasy pleasure. That’s right, I’m serious….and don’t call me Shirley. Pineda has recorded eight or more strikeouts in 6 of his last 8 starts and the Rays own a 24.1% strikeout rate. Tampa Bay has struggled to reach base with any regularity this year as their OBP stands at .307 — which ranks just 25th in all of baseball. Pineda has always been above average when it comes to control — registering a 4.35 K/BB ratio and allowing just 2.46 walks per nine innings. So there you have it. I’m rolling with Pineda and I’m not looking back. Won’t you join me? Here’s a look at some of my other favorite plays for today’s action:
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 Monday August 1st 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.
Corey Kluber, SP: $11,800 – Really like this play as Oakland is slightly below average in wOBA (.305) and wRC+ (91) and Kluber induced 20 swinging strikes in his last outing vs Baltimore. There is a slight risk of weather, so keep an eye on that situation.
Aaron Sanchez, SP: $10,100 – Sanchez has been filthy ( dirty if you prefer) as of late, allowing just eight earned runs over his last seven starts. In fact, over his last 11 starts he’s produced a 2.33 ERA and 1.09 WHIP. The Orioles have been struggling over the last seven days, turning in a .270 wOBA and 62 wRC+.
Noah Syndergaard, SP: $12,000 – I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the top pitcher on the DFSBot, but this pick has some risk attached to it. The weather could be a factor and there’s always those pesky elbow spurs that could shorten the outing. However, Colorado owns a 23.8% strikeout rate and 71 wRC+ over the last 30 days.
Jerad Eickhoff, SP: $8, 400 – Not really a big fan of fringe starters on the road, but we’re talking about the Braves, so throw everything out the window. Atlanta sports a .288 wOBA and a disgusting .114 ISO. There’s not a ton of risk and the price makes this a decent play.
Yadier Molina, C: $3,400 – Yadi has hit safely in his last 14 games and newly acquired Andrew Cashner has allowed a .362 wOBA to right-handed hitters.
Russell Martin, C: $2,700 – Owns a career 1.283 OPS vs Chris Tillman.
Albert Pujols, 1B: $3,500 – Big Al has three hits in nine plate appearances vs Steven Wright for his career and he’s blasted 12 home runs against right-handers this season. Steven Wright has coughed up 21 ER over his last 29 IP.
Edwin Encarnacion, 1B: $4,300 – Edwin has slashed .302/.351/.528 with 3 HR in 53 career at-bats vs Chris Tillman.
Dee Gordon, 2B: $3,900 – Gordon has fared well against Carlos Martinez during his career, going 8-for-15 while swiping two bags and producing a 1.133 OPS.
Brian Dozier, 2B: $3,900 – Hitting .321 with 7 HR vs LHP in 2016.
Xander Bogaerts, SS: $4,800 – Batting .366 with a .429 OBP against left-handers since 2015.
Carlos Correa, SS: $5,300 – The price is steep, but Correa has slashed .375/.483/.625 and averaged 9.71 DK points over the last 7 days.
Miguel Sano, 3B: $3,800 – Slugging .540 with a .940 OPS vs LHP since 2015.
Nick Castellanos, 3B: $3,400 – He’s facing Dallas Keuchel who’s allowing a .336 wOBA to right-handers and the Motown slugger has beasted his way to a .225 ISO for the month of July.
Jose Bautista, OF: $3,900 – We’ll continue the Blue Jays theme as Bautista has clubbed 3 HR with 7 RBI and an .881 OPS vs Chris Tillman over his career.
Starling Marte, OF: $5,500 – The “Marte Party” has 11 hits and a triple slash of .458/.552/.708 over the last 7 days. I have no issue paying counter rate here.
Jayson Werth, OF: $3,500 – Matt Cain will take the bump for the Giants and he’s given up a .350 wOBA to righties this year. Werth has 7 HR and a .785 OPS on the road this season.
Kevin Pillar, OF: $2,900 – Hey look….another Blue Jay. Pillar has owned Tillman over 20 career at-bats racking up 3 home runs, a .350 OBP and 1.200 OPS.
Franklin Gutierrez, OF: $3,300 – Since the start of the 2015 season, Gutierrez has produced a .294/.363/.566 line vs LHP.
I’m Only Happy When It Rains
While most of the schedule looks like a green light, there are a few spots we need to monitor. Cleveland, Detroit and Atlanta all have a chance of rain and run a slight risk of a delay. Meanwhile, the weather in New York is not ideal and the COL/NYM contest could be a washout. Be ready for some last minute adjustments internet buddies.
Doing Lines In Vegas
Noah Syndergaard is the biggest favorite on the board today at -207 with Bud Norris (-189) and Corey Kluber (-184) staking claim as the best of the rest. If you’re looking for games to target with high Over/Under numbers: KC@TEX 10.5, HOU@DET 9.5, PIT@MIL 9, CHW@MIN 9 & BAL@TOR 9 fit the bill.
