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Daily Fantasy Notes:
- Please check the posted lineups and weather forecasts for each game before finalizing your lineup. This article was written on Friday morning.
SP: Nathan Eovaldi vs. SEA ($5600)
Let me start by saying that Sonny Gray at home against HOU is a delicious matchup. He’s probably the best pitcher for the money on Friday. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s drafted by over 30% of FanDuelers. If you’re playing in a game where the top half or top third cash out, I’d go with a more reliable option like Gray vs. HOU ($8000) or Matt Cain vs. SD ($7400). If you’re digging deeper for a potential diamond in the rough, Eovaldi might be your guy. Eovaldi is a flamethrower with a very shallow repertoire. He’s going to need to develop his curve or changeup for long-term success. Still, I think he’ll be able to find success with just a fastball and a slider against a weak Mariners lineup that hasn't ever seen him before. Since the game is in Miami, the Mariners will be without the benefit of a DH, as well. Although Eovaldi doesn’t have much offensive pop behind him, he gets the good fortune of matching up with Chris Young, who had a nice outing in his first start in several years, but who wouldn't crack the rotation on most teams. Even Vegas is picking the Marlins in this matchup. He’s not the safest pick, but Eovaldi is a solid pitcher with a friendly matchup.
UPDATE: Ortiz is out of the Friday's lineup
1B: David Ortiz vs. BAL (vs. Chris Tillman, RHP) ($3600)
Big Papi is priced like a middle-tier option for today’s contests, but I’m not quite sure why. He hasn’t had a tremendous start to the season, but there aren’t any red flags. Out of all MLB players, he has the second highest OPS vs. RHP over the last three years. Moreover, he’s shown consistency over that span by finishing in the top three against RHP each season. Tillman is a fine pitcher, but he’s nothing special. He’s also a flyball pitcher prone to the long ball.
2B: Scooter Gennett @ PIT (vs. Charlie Morton, RHP) ($2500)
If you read enough of these articles, you’ll notice some themes developing. This one might be the most common: select LHHs facing Charlie Morton. He’s basically a righty specialist with gargantuan platoon splits. Unfortunately, the Brewers lineup is full of right-handed bats. If you’re wondering why I didn’t choose Morton as my SP against a lineup of RHH, it’s because of his limited strikeout potential. Plus, the Pirates are facing a quality arm in Kyle Lohse. I think the Brewers will put the ball in play against Morton, but I think he can limit the damage. Nonetheless, Gennett has hit very well off lefties over his short MLB career, and he’s more than worthy of your $2500 investment.
OF: Shin-Soo Choo ($3900) vs. CWS (vs. Felipe Paulino) ($3900)
I’d feel pretty comfortable starting any Rangers against Paulino. He’s a sub-par pitcher facing a good Rangers lineup. Batting at the top of the lineup, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Choo get five plate appearances today. Paulino is especially inept against lefties, and he makes for a good stacking option. You could also consider Leonys Martin for cheap ($2600) if you’re low on funds.
OF: Matt Kemp ($4100) vs. ARI (vs. Wade Miley) ($4100)
This isn’t much of a “value play.” Since there isn’t much “value” on the surface, I think Kemp will be under-drafted for tonight’s contests. He’s crushed lefties throughout his career. Even though he’s shown solid power this year, I don’t think the fantasy community has completely bought in yet. Kemp may not be a guy you’d want to depend on for a fantasy season, but he’s a great asset to have on your team when he’s healthy. As a homerun threat in a very good lineup, Kemp has very high upside against a league-average pitcher and mediocre Diamondbacks bullpen.
