If the weather cooperates today, I’m hoping Stephen Strasburg ($9,300) comes through as my ace in DFS games. There’s a chance of storms for this match-up with the Phillies, so start at your own risk. That said, the Phils own a wRC+ of 84 against right-handed pitching. That’s good for 28th in baseball and Strasburg should have little trouble against them. In his last start against the Phillies, the 26-year-old right-hander gave up two earned runs while striking out nine batters in just 5 2/3 innings pitched. That was part of a recent string of four starts with at least eight strikeouts. He’ll have a tough time sealing the win with Cole Hamels on the mound for the Phils, but the strikeout upside here is enough for me to want him as my SP#1 this week. He’s ranked #1 on the Stream-o-Nator today at a $24 value.
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Marcus Stroman, SP: $8,300 – For under $9K, Stroman is a solid play against the Houston Astros and their 23.7 strikeout percentage against right-handed pitching (2nd highest in MLB). The Stros are also ranked 24th in baseball with a wRC+ of 88 against right-handers. Stroman has been on a roll recently. The 23-year-old has allowed only one earned run with 20 strikeouts in his last 21 innings of work.
Rajai Davis, OF: $4,200 – With the Austin Jackson trade, it appears Davis will lead off and play center for the Tigers going forward. The king of SAGNOF playing everyday means lots of steals and solid counting stats from the top of the Tigers’ lineup. Davis is ranked #39 on the Hitter-Tron and will have the platoon advantage today aginst left-hander Jorge De La Rosa.
Emilio Bonifacio, 2B: $4,200 – Should Bonfifacio find his way into the lineup again today, I like him as a steals play against Tyson Ross. Ross has allowed the most stolen bases in baseball (24 SBA) and Bonifacio has 14 steals in just over 300 plate appearances. One thing to consider is that Bonifacio is only hitting .233 against RHP this season as a left-handed batter and we all know you can’t steal first base.
Adam Eaton, OF: $4,400 – Eaton comes into today ranked 21st on the Hitter-Tron. He’ll have the platoon advantage against right-hander Kyle Gibson. Gibson has been inconsistent this season, giving up zero earned runs his last time out after surrendering six in his previous appearance. Eaton meanwhile has hit .481 over the past week with seven runs scored and a stolen base.
I’m Only Happy When It Rains
There’s a decent chance of storms (40%) for the PHI@WAS, MIN@CWS, and SEA@BAL games.
Doing Lines In Vegas (12-13)
I’ll take the under in the PHI@WAS game (6 1/2) to try to even the score.
