There were only six MLB games on Thursday evening and two were postponed. Most DFS players were aware of the Blue Jays at Yankees cancellation in time to adjust their lineups. However, anyone who used Cubs — like me — or Phillies got a zero score. Congratulations if you avoided both rainouts, especially if you also stacked the Reds.
There’s a doubleheader in Philadelhia tonight, with the opener at 5:05 Eastern not included in 7:05 contests at DraftKings. In the nightcap, Kyle Hendricks $7200 is playable as the Cubbies should hit Alec Asher $4600.
Dallas Keuchel $13400 is unbeatable at home and very good on the road. That’s still a lot to pay against the desperate Angels. The marquee game has David Price $12100 against Luis Severino $10200 with the AL East lead at stake this weekend. Either could dominate, but both teams can hit.
Chris Archer $12600 is an obvious choice at home vs. Wade Miley $7400 if salaries didn’t matter. The Red Sox lefty might even be better value in a low-scoring game.
I’d like Steven Matz $8400 more if not for a blister problem that might limit his innings again. At a very reasonable salary, Gio Gonzalez $7900 is a probable winner against Jarred Cosart $4300 and the Marlins.
Plays of the Day
The $130K Moonshot is a $3 buy-in (FREE to new depositors) that pays the top 10,270 finishers from up to 49,831 teams, with multiple entries permitted. First place wins $10,000. Deadline is 7:05, with lineup changes allowed until each player’s game begins.
In September, it’s vitally important to check lineups, as there are plenty of options for managers with expanded rosters. And if Thursday taught us anything, it’s to double-check changing weather conditions in games that affect our lineups.
Justin Verlander $9400 lost at home to the Indians on Sunday, as Cody Anderson $5900 allowed two hits over 7 IP. With the Tigers distracted by front office and dugout changes, a repeat in Cleveland is highly possible.
Travis d’Arnaud $4600 enjoyed a night off and resumes his role as the top C. Francisco Cervelli $3200 was 3-for-4 with 2 BB in a 13-inning loss, but the iron man might insist on playing. Dustin Garneau $2000 is in line for more playing time with Nick Hundley (neck) out.
Joey Votto $5000 can put up big numbers if John Lackey $8700 doesn’t pitch around him. Teammate 1B/3B Todd Frazier $4200 led the way in an 11-run outburst last night. 1B/OF Mark Trumbo $3900 is extremely hot and remains affordable.
2B/OF Ben Zobrist $4600 had a walk, triple and homer on Wednesday and is loving life as a Royal. Robinson Cano $4000 has a great matchup and 2B/3B Hector Olivera $2000, a superstar in Cuba, will soon cost more.
Kris Bryant $5000 and Manny Machado $4600 are worth the money at 3B, Lonnie Chisenhall $2800 remains my bargain pick but playing Frazier at third allows you to use him and Votto.
Francisco Lindor $4000 and Carlos Correa $4300 might already be the best Puerto Rican shortstops ever, based on part of one season. I usually prefer the Astros’ prodigy but like the Tribe tonight. 2B/SS Wilmer Flores $3000 is a bargain alternative.
Bryce Harper $6000 was awesome on Wednesday (2 HR, 35 PTS) to no avail as the Nationals were swept at home by the Mets. Now 7.5 games back with 23 to play, their playoff hopes are faint but don’t expect the slugger or his team to quit. Nelson Cruz $5100 showed no rust after missing six games, with a single and his 40thh bomb. Michael Brantley $4500 was one of our few good picks yesterday (2 HR.) If you can’t afford premium OF, consider Trumbo or Corey Dickerson $3300, who went deep last night. Platoon specialists like Justin Ruggiano $2800 and Nolan Reimold $2100 can be valuable vs. LH starters.
| Pos | Premium | Bargain |
| SP1 | Dallas Keuchel $13400 | Gio Gonzalez $7900 |
| SP2 | David Price $12100 | Cody Anderson $5900 |
| C | Travis d’Arnaud $4600 | Dustin Garneau $2000 |
| 1B | Joey Votto $5000 | Mark Trumbo $3900 |
| 2B | Ben Zobrist $4600 | Hector Olivera $2000 |
| 3B | Kris Bryant $4900 | Todd Frazier $4200 |
| SS | Francisco Lindor $4000 | Wilmer Flores $3000 |
| OF1 | Nelson Cruz $5100 | Justin Ruggiano $2800 |
| OF2 | Michael Brantley $4500 | Nolan Reimold $2100 |
| OF3 | Bryce Harper $6000 | Corey Dickerson $3300 |
The Fantasy Spin features DFS advice every day of the NBA season. Until basketball returns, we’re offering baseball tips on weekdays. Follow Kent Williams @SheridanFantasy for updates.