It’s do-or-die for Madison Bumgarner $12400 and the Giants against an extremely tough opponent. Clayton Kershaw $14900 will try to clinch the NL West and both lefties are proven big-game performers.
Salaries level the playing field at DraftKings. Even if you can pick a winner between those superstars, using either takes up a large percentage of the cap. Another extra-inning result would be no surprise, so my plan is to save on arms and load up on hitting.
Michael Pineda $8800 starts a must-win at home, and should get some run support against Rick Porcello $6600. Since returning so quickly from knee surgery, Marcus Stroman $7700 has been outstanding in three starts. With a Yankees loss, the Jays can clinch the division.
Even cheaper despite two very strong outings, Matt Moore $4900 is at home to the Marlins, most of whom have never seen his left-handed arsenal. In the Finals of my Head-to-Head keeper league, I hope Moore stages a duel with improving rookie Adam Conley $6100, who is completely unfamiliar to the Rays.
By the way, there are a couple of spots open in a 20-team NBA Roto Elimination league. Each month, the bottom two teams are dropped and their players dispersed in a mini-draft. It’s competitive, challenging and fun. I’m on Twitter @SheridanFantasy if you’re interested.
Plays of the Day
The $175K Moonshot is a $3 buy-in (FREE to new depositors at DK) that pays the top 13,475 finishers from up to 67,081 teams, with multiple entries permitted. First place wins $12,000. Enter by 7:05; lineup changes are allowed until each player’s game begins.
To my surprise, Russell Martin $4200 was given another night off. There’s no word of it being anything but rest, so he should be fresh. Travis d’Arnaud $4300 is also worth the money and Derek Norris $3300 faces 22-year-old righty Jorge Lopez $4000. The Southern League All-Star is making his first start above Double-A and hasn’t made an appearance in 25 days.
Edwin Encarnacion $5100 rewarded us with a homer last night and remains one of the best values at 1B. Our bargain pick C.J. Cron $3200 also paid his way (3-for-4) and the Angels have won six straight to be tied in the loss column for a wild-card spot.
Despite a disappointing Monday, we’re sticking with Jose Altuve $4500 at second. The Astros are yet another team that can’t afford to lose, and he’s the engine. Robinson Cano $3400 is a tempting price and 2B/3B Hector Olivera $2800 is heating up.
3B may be under-represented in the Hall of Fame but we’re witnessing several great ones right now. Nolan Arenado $5200 has 41 HR and 126 RBI while playing spectacular defense. David Wright $4600 and all the Mets have a juicy rematch with rookie Josh Smith $4500.
We’re also blessed with three rookie SS who have Cooperstown potential. Choosing one of Carlos Correa $4800, Francisco Lindor $4500 and Corey Seager $4300 is usually recommended, unless you want to punt the position. 2B/SS Kiké Hernandez $2100 came off the bench to play CF and went 2-for-2 last night but I’m not using him against MadBum.
Back at home against a very hittable righty, A.J. Pollock $5800 deserves to be the top-priced OF. Bryce Harper $5600 got yesterday off after a dugout scuffle and may not be highly motivated. Jose Bautista $5200 is always dangerous and Mike Trout $5200 is having a strong September. In the medium price range, veterans Carlos Beltran $4000 and Jacoby Ellsbury $4000 are solid, and I still like ultra-cheap Byron Buxton $2200 if he starts.
| Pos | Premium | Bargain |
| SP1 | Clayton Kershaw $14900 | Marcus Stroman $7700 |
| SP2 | Michael Pineda $8800 | Matt Moore $4900 |
| C | Russell Martin $4200 | Derek Norris $3300 |
| 1B | Edwin Encarnacion $5100 | C.J. Cron $3200 |
| 2B | Jose Altuve $4400 | Robinson Cano $3400 |
| 3B | Nolan Arenado $5200 | Hector Olivera $2800 |
| SS | Francisco Lindor $4500 | Kiké Hernandez $2100 |
| OF1 | A.J. Pollock $5800 | Byron Buxton $2000 |
| OF2 | Jose Bautista $5200 | Carlos Beltran $4000 |
| OF3 | Mike Trout $5200 | Jacoby Ellsbury $4000 |
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.