We are back for another edition of DFS as we come across a shallow five-game slate kicking off at 9:40 p.m. Just a few days removed from the Fourth of July, it’s not a bad idea to expect some postgame entertainment. The time has come to select a handful of hot hands in the daily fantasy world. With the Padres hosting their rivaled Giants and the streaking Mariners welcoming the Blue Jays, it wasn’t too much of a hassle to rack up some picks.
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***All prices listed are from DraftKings***
Tossing off the Mound
Sam Long at San Diego ($5,100)
An opener specialist, Long has emerged as a trusted arm of the Giants’ rotating fifth slot, amassing a 1.78 ERA in 30.1 innings while allowing just six earned runs across 18 appearances. Additionally, his 2.37 BB/9 is a notable improvement from a 3.32 rate in 2021. Long has looked more comfortable on the mound and while his strikeout rate sits at 15.8 percent, opponents are batting just .205 when facing the lefty. In terms of pitch selection, Long’s offspeed pitches have been a torment to batters. With a changeup inducing a 35 percent whiff rate and a quirky curveball responsible for just two homers this season, Long is poised for a strong outing on Friday.
George Kirby vs. Toronto ($8,100)
It’s safe to say that the 24-year-old has lived up to the hype. A first-round draft pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, Kirby has panned out exactly how the Mariners had hoped. After allowing seven runs against the poorly-managed Orioles, Kirby snapped back by mowing down the plummeting Oakland Athletics, fanning nine batters in the process. The hard-throwing right-hander ranks sixth among rookies with his 58 strikeouts. Moreover, despite his ballooned 4.28 FIP, Kirby is currently the owner of an honorable 0.5 WAR. He’ll make a great addition to your Friday DFS lineup.
In the Batter’s Box
C.J. Cron, 1B ($4,600)
Cron has refined his game year by year, and it seems that he has reached the peak of his career. Cranking 20 long bombs in just 319 plate appearances makes him a candidate for the Home Run Derby and his .295 average only adds to his value. Furthermore, Cron’s slugging percentage has never been better (.549) and his wRC+ has reached 133. While he has failed to reach base since Wednesday’s matchup against the Dodgers, Cron’s .897 OPS is not something to mess around with. Expect him to get back on track Friday.
Gavin Lux, 2B/OF ($3,900)
The Wisconsin native has established himself as a mainstay in the day-to-day operations of the Dodgers’ lineup. Aside from Los Angeles fans, not many have recognized Lux’s breakout in the 2022 campaign. Dropping his strikeout rate to 18.3 percent (more thane three tallies less than his 21.8 percent in 2021), the 24-year-old seems more confident at the plate and his performance peaks when facing right-handers. The Cubs will send right-hander Keegan Thompson to the mound and Lux will use that to his advantage.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr., OF ($3,700)
Making a case for his first All-Star appearance, Gurriel has surfaced as a top outfielder in the league. Not only is he batting .291 on the year, but he has also managed a 17.6 percent strikeout rate and 6.2 percent walk rate. Evidently, his plate discipline has improved. Not a huge power hitter, Gurriel has still found a way to get on thanks to his 78 base knocks in 2022. Putting him in your lineup is a great way to wrap up Friday’s DFS slate.
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