On a full slate of 15 MLB games, one early start (Cubs at White Sox) counts only in All-Day contests at DraftKings, closing at 4:10 Eastern.
It’s tempting to use C Kyle Schwarber $4200 after his 2-HR, 4-RBI game yesterday, or Anthony Rizzo $4900 and Dexter Fowler $3800 (who also went deep in the team’s seventh straight win) but we’re focused on 14-game evening play at 7:05.
The biggest decision is how much to pay for an ace. Max Scherzer $14600 can rise to the pressure of a must-win game for the underperforming Nationals. David Price $12300 opens a critical weekend series against Ivan Nova $6900; the Blue Jays just swept the Yankees in the Bronx and appear unstoppable.
Corey Kluber $10600 completely shut down the Twins (a 10-K complete-game 3-hitter) on Sunday and Trevor May $5800 hasn’t started a game since July 1. Dallas Keuchel $11000 is a strong choice to beat Alfredo Simon $5700.
Jaime Garcia $9800 and Tyson Ross $8400 are also decent value on a pitching-rich night. You don’t need two expensive arms; Martin Perez $4200 is a potential bargain based on his last two starts and Chris Bassitt $6300 usually outperforms his salary.
Plays of the Day
New to DK? Your first deposit earns a FREE entry into the $130K Moonshot — the winner gets $10,000 and 10,270 teams out of a maximum 49,831 earn cash. All prize money is guaranteed even if it doesn’t fill. It’s normally a $3 buy-in, and multiple teams are allowed. Enter by 7:05; you can make lineup changes until each player’s game begins. There are also Turbo (8:05; 6 games) and Late contests (8:40; 3 games) for those who prefer smaller player pools.
No need to overspend at C. Russell Martin $3600 rested yesterday to prepare for this AL East weekend battle. Yan Gomes $3300 delivered three hits and drew a walk last night in a losing cause.
1B Paul Goldschmidt $5200 is 0-for-9 against Julio Teheran $7000, a tiny sample size that dampens our enthusiasm. Albert Pujols $4300 and all the Angels’ RHB have a favorable matchup vs.Danny Duffy $5200; teammate C.J. Cron $2900 is a cheap option.
Jose Altuve $4900 deserves that salary but my 2B choice is Robinson Cano $3900, who has stayed hot for weeks. We used 2B/SS Ryan Goins $2200 in a few lineups yesterday and never expected a 3-run homer.
Stick with 1B/3B Todd Frazier $4000 for as long as his salary remains low. He singled, doubled and stole a base on Thursday; slump’s over. On a 4-game hit streak (9-for-16), 1B/3B Chris Johnson $2200 is starting every day for the Tribe.
It’s been a week since Carlos Correa $5000 went deep and the Astros are back home. A rested Troy Tulowitzki $4500 is dangerous, and Eugenio Suarez $3100 might stay hot after a 30-point explosion (2 2B, 1 HR, 4 RBI) that few saw coming.
Bryce Harper $4700 is on the verge. Though Michael Brantley $4700 let us down last night, he can make amends against the Twins’ bullpen. Ryan Braun $4700 ran wild yesterday (3-for-4, 2 SB) and has a great matchup. There are a couple of extreme bargains if you can’t afford three studs. OF/SS Kiké Hernandez $2400 is batting second for the Dodgers. Cole Gillespie $3000 is hot (four straight games with 2+ hits) and likes southpaws. Abraham Almonte $2000 is playing every day and has hit in five straight.
| Pos | Premium | Bargain |
| SP1 | David Price $12300 | Martin Perez $4200 |
| SP2 | Corey Kluber $10600 | Chris Bassitt $6300 |
| C | Russell Martin $3600 | Yan Gomes $3300 |
| 1B | Albert Pujols $4300 | C.J. Cron $2900 |
| 2B | Robinson Cano $3900 | Ryan Goins $2200 |
| 3B | Todd Frazier $4000 | Chris Johnson $2200 |
| SS | Carlos Correa $5000 | Eugenio Suarez $3100 |
| OF1 | Bryce Harper $4700 | Abraham Almonte $2000 |
| OF2 | Ryan Braun $4700 | Kiké Hernandez $2400 |
| OF3 | Michael Brantley $4700 | Cole Gillespie $3000 |
The Fantasy Spin features DFS advice every day of the NBA season and we’re turning our attention to baseball for the summer. Follow Kent Williams @SheridanFantasy for updates.