RADIO
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After playing the “I’ll be conservative” game on FanDuel Wednesday and scoring 60 FD points in only 50/50 contests, I’m now fully committed to winning a few tournaments. Those 60 points were created mostly by the likes of Jacob DeGrom, Jose Abreu, and Josh Donaldson. Although, I did hear that it was a very high-scoring night for most, so maybe that wouldn’t have won me big cash in a tourney. Oh well. I guess we’ll never know. The lesson there is probably that if you’re bankroll allows it, you should put at least one tournament lineup together. Even if it’s just a one-dollar GPP, you don’t want to be like me on Wednesday winning just 80 cents for each dollar I put in for a 60-point squad.
The Thursday May 28th slate of games starts with a double-header, and then six more games mostly late at night. A lot of you may skip the double-header in general, so I won’t touch on those games too much. Note, you do have the option to pick either of the double-header games to compete with. Let’s break it all down.
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Offenses to Target for FanDuel DFS
Detroit Tigers (vs. C.J. Wilson, LHP)
I’m going to be blunt and say that outside of Corey Kluber, Chris Sale, and A.J. Burnett, I wouldn’t be against stacking any offense on Thursday. The other pitchers simply aren’t scary at all. However, the middle of the Tigers order is due for a big game, and they get a very hittable lefty in C.J. Wilson. Although they won two out of three games, Oakland held Detroit to four runs during their three-game series. Look for players like Ian Kinsler, Miguel Cabrera, Yoenis Cespedes, and J.D. Martinez to do big damage against Wilson on Thursday night to make up for a very quiet beginning to the week.
Cleveland Indians (vs. James Paxton, LHP)
The Indians have stood out to me as being red hot as of late. Going against a lefty is usually bad news for them, but they do have some pretty cheap righty bats among their starters. Players like Carlos Santana, Nick Swisher, and Mike Aviles all could have pretty good value for a team that has been hitting the cover off the ball. It won’t last forever, but I don’t think James Paxton is the force that will bring them to a screeching halt.
Honorable Mentions: Los Angeles Angels, Texas Rangers
DFS Starting Pitchers to Target for FanDuel
Corey Kluber (SP, CLE) - $10,500
He’s the most expensive pitcher by five thousand dollars, he’s going to be very highly owned, but Corey Kluber is a must-play option in cash games on Thursday. In the spacious Safeco Field, Kluber gets to pitch against a Mariners lineup that has been underachieving for the most part. Chris Archer held them scoreless for eight innings on Wednesday with 12 strikeouts, and Nelson Cruz came up big with a three-run home run in the ninth inning. Kluber has returned to the form we saw last season after a slow start, and he gets a big outfield and some quiet bats on Thursday. Expect big things from the right-handed ace.
C.C. Sabathia (SP, NYY) $7,200
If you’re looking to dig deep for an under-owned tournament pitcher, Sabathia may be the way to go. A lot of FanDuel players will steer clear of him after his awful start against Texas this past weekend. However, the Rangers have been hitting everyone. The A’s on the other hand, have not been hitting anyone. They have a good enough lineup to break out for a big game once in a while, but I think C.C. will make up for his previous start on Thursday. The good news for Sabathia is that he hasn’t been walking many batters. If a couple of the hits he gives up each game are hit at his fielders instead, we’re looking at a potentially stellar outing for the veteran.
DFS Infielders to Target for FanDuel
James McCann (C, DET) - $2,400
After an off day Wednesday, McCann will likely jump back behind the plate on Thursday and hit against the lefty C.J. Wilson. At a very cheap price, McCann has the potential to rack up multiple hits and maybe even sneak one out of the park.
Carlos Santana (1B, CLE) - $3,700
I know I mentioned him earlier, but even though his price is rising I’m buying into a hot stretch coming up for Santana. He gets a less-than-intimidating matchup against James Paxton, so I expect Santana to let one fly on Thursday.
Ben Zobrist (2B, OAK) - $3,100
In his first two games back from injury, Zobrist has just missed hitting a long ball a couple of times. He should find himself in the three-spot of the A’s lineup again on Thursday, and he’s just the kind of guy who can take advantage of a lazy pitch from Sabathia the second or third time through the order.
Adrian Beltre (3B, TEX) - $3,000
Beltre and Prince Fielder have been carrying this Rangers team to victory over the past couple of weeks. Against a lefty pitcher, Beltre will find himself as one of the few righties who will benefit from the splits. He should be able to extend his five-game hitting streak and more on Thursday.
Elvis Andrus (SS, TEX) - $2,800
Along with Beltre, Andrus gets a good splits matchup against the lefty Eduardo Rodriguez. Andrus has been very inconsistent this year, but when he does hit he seems to do it more than once a game. Especially with him hitting towards the bottom of the lineup, this is a true boom or bust pick that’s more geared for GPP lineups.
DFS Outfielders to Target for FanDuel
Norichika Aoki (OF, SFG) - $2,900
As the leadoff man for the Giants, Aoki has done some great things, possibly none greater than collecting 11 hits in his last four games. The lefty outfielder will get to go up against righty Shelby Miller on Thursday. Expect more of the same from the speedy slap hitter.
Nick Markakis (OF, BAL) - $2,600
Markakis has recorded a hit in eight of his last 10 games as of Wednesday night, including multiple hits in three of those occurrences. He’s certainly due for a home run, and he gets a favorable matchup against righty Chris Heston on Thursday.
Melky Cabrera (OF, CWS) - $2,300
The switch-hitter’s price has plummeted after his on-and-off hitting recently. However, he has a hit in each of his last three games, so it may be time to take advantage of that low price tag while you can. Take your pick of either of the games on Thursday if you’re going for an all-day lineup.
Good luck with your FanDuel and DFS lineups RotoBallers!
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