Arms
Max Scherzer ($10,800 DK, $11,100 FD)
You can never go wrong with Mad Max. The Baltimore Orioles have been one of the biggest surprises in the early goings this year, but Scherzer is among the pitchers we are never afraid to use. Max is striking out 34.9% of hitters and allowing only a .226 xBA. The Orioles don’t K all that much, but they have some hitters in their lineup that will. Rio Ruiz and Renato Nunez each strikeout at 27%. There are weather concerns, which we will have to watch for potential delays, but I think the game finishes and Max will pay off.
Randy Dobnak ($7,900 DK, $7,500 FD)
Dobnak is interesting as a high floor option. He’s gotten off to a good start this year, sporting a 3-1 record with a 0.90 ERA. He doesn’t rack up a ton of strikeouts, sitting with a 14.5% K rate. However, Vegas likes the Twins to win this game, as they are -180 favorites. Also, Dobnak has an outstanding ground ball rate, inducing rollers at a 66.7% clip. If you’re looking for more upside, maybe an option below suits you better. Nonetheless, Dobnak looks like a solid cash gameplay.
Other Targets: Lance McCullers Jr., Elieser Hernandez, Adam Plutko
Bats
Ian Happ ($3,300 DK, $2,900 FD)
For some reason, Happ’s price just will not be raised to the point it should be, given his production. The Cubs switch hitter is slashing a cool .309/.433/.582 with three homers and 11 runs knocked in. He’s cut down on the strikeouts and his walk rate is at the highest it’s ever been at 17.9%. All four of Josh Lindblom‘s homers allowed have been to left-handed batters, which is how Happ will bat against him. Lock him in.
Franmil Reyes ($4,200 DK, $2,700 FD)
Going into yesterday’s game, Reyes was on a seven-game hitting streak. He’s been making a ton of hard contact and will get the opportunity to face Michael Fulmer and Tyler Alexander in a piggyback situation. Last season, Alexander allowed a .362 wOBA and .318 batting average to righties. Vegas has a 5.11 implied run total on the Cleveland Indians, and I expect Reyes to contribute something to help them get there.
Stacks
Chicago Cubs vs Josh Lindblom
The series edge is in favor of the Milwaukee Brewers at two games to one. I have to believe the Cubs will come out swinging, after dropping two straight to the Brew Crew, in an attempt to split the series. Lindblom isn’t a gas can pitcher, but he struggles versus lefties at times, with a .484 wOBA against them. Anthony Rizzo, Kyle Schwarber, and Ian Happ are my favorite targets.
Cleveland Indians vs Michael Fulmer/Tyler Alexander
After not pitching all of last season, the Tigers are easing in Michael Fulmer. To this point, he has a 4.76 HR/9 rate and has a 19% barrel rate. I don’t expect him to last long in this game and Tyler Alexander really has struggled versus righties, which are littered throughout this lineup. Stack up the Tribe.
Final Thoughts
As always, recheck starting lineups and weather conditions. Don’t be afraid to roster some unlikely heroes in tournaments, and have fun watching the ballgames. That’s really what it’s all about, along with making some money. Good luck!
Check us out on our Socials:
Twitter: @PTSTNews and @TalkPrimeTime
Facebook Page: Prime Time Sports Talk
Join our Facebook Group: Prime Time Sports Talk
Instagram: @ptsportstalk
Follow Joey Ricotta on Twitter @theriot326
Main Image Credit: Embed from Getty Images
