Michael Wacha ($6,900) has had it incredibly rough as of late, getting shelled in three consecutive outings, so it’s a bit of a frightening proposal to consider starting him on Thursday. However, as all savvy daily fantasy players know, a recent cold streak is a great opportunity to buy low on a player. Wacha still has a solid 3.76 FIP on the year and is rocking an 8.65 K/9. He can easily turn himself around against the Giants, who are the weakest lineup in baseball against righties this season, as they’ve got a .297 wOBA. Wacha also gets his start in the incredibly pitcher-friendly environment at AT&T Park. For such a nice price, Wacha can do you wonders in GPP formats.
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Kyle Hendricks, SP: $8,500 – It seems like people still haven’t caught on to the recent success of Hendricks, as in the last month he’s got a 2.64 ERA with 30 strikeouts in 30 2/3 innings. He takes on the cupcake Braves, who have a .313 wOBA against righties this year, ranking them at 23rd in the league. I’m taking Hendricks in cash formats to lock in some strong production.
J.T. Realmuto, C: $2,600 – “I judge wisely as if nothing ever surprise me
Lounging between two pillars of ivory
I’m [Ben] lively” – Killah Priest
Listen to Liquid Swords and stack the Marlins on Thursday as they take on Ben Lively. Start with Realmuto, who is hella cheap despite the solid year he’s had. If you can get any of Stanton, Ozuna, Yelich, or Gordon in your lineups alongside him, there’s some serious upside.
Justin Smoak, 1B: $3,300 – It doesn’t seem like Smoak’s calf, which kept him out of the lineup Wednesday, is a big deal, so he should play Thursday. Hopefully his ownership isn’t very high because of other players being scared off by his day-to-day tag. He’s going to feast on Jeremy Hellickson at Camden Yards and is surprisingly affordable.
Starlin Castro, 2B: $2,900 – Starlin Cash-flow is an outstanding option any time he takes on a lefty, as he’s got a 116 wRC+ against southpaws this year. He’s batting a cool .300 since returning from the DL last week, and his success should continue against the struggling Eduardo Rodriguez, who has a 6.11 ERA in his last three starts.
Maikel Franco, 3B: $2,700 – Franco has had an abysmal year, but he’s still a worthwhile GPP candidate for one of those days when he homers. Against Odrisamer Despaigne, it could definitely be one of those days.
Javier Baez, SS: $3,200 – Baez is having an August to remember, posting an .876 OPS with seven homers and five steals. He can give you fantasy points from all five categories, especially against lefties, who he obliterates. Baez has a 143 wRC+ against left-handed pitching this season, which you can’t miss out on at this price.
Mark Trumbo, OF: $3,000 – Trumbo is another “hopefully he homers” GPP play. Sure, he’s not having the best season, but he’s at home against Marco Estrada. That’s something to take advantage of.
Howie Kendrick, OF: $3,100 – Kung Fu Kenny has been a catalyst since joining the Nationals, putting up a 1.015 OPS since the beginning of August, and Milwaukee is a fantastic place for hitters. Just pray that Dusty Baker doesn’t do something stupid and keep him on the bench in favor of Alejandro De Aza.
Nick Williams, OF: $3,400 – Nicky Dubs also faces the aforementioned Odrisamer “crtl-V” Despaigne, a.k.a. spellcheck’s worst nightmare. Williams has a .281/.344/.485 line through his first 58 games, which we in the industry call “good.” (That’s some hard-hitting analysis.)
I’m Only Happy When It Rains
No rain in sight! There are a few notable winds, with strong gusts blowing in at Wrigley for ATL-CHC, and blowing out in San Francisco for STL-SF.
Doing Lines in Vegas
Ill take the White Sox at +140 against Bartolo Colon, as well as Toronto at +122 against Jeremy Hellickson. Both teams can easily take down those starters. The Red Sox at +120 are another attractive option against the Yankees.