Congratulations if you profited from three rainouts and keyed on both L.A. teams last night. There’s a massive 18-game MLB slate today as a result. Only the second game of the three doubleheaders matter in DraftKings contests at 7:05 Eastern.
Masahiro Tanaka $10200 might be on a short leash for two reasons — being cautious after a strained hamstring and leaving something in reserve for his next start in the Wild Card game. Drew Smyly $9900 has no pressure and his five impressive September starts (37 K in 30 IP) were against tougher lineups than the Marlins.
Jon Lester $9600 doesn’t need to be great tonight after four tough divisional battles. A quick hook is not out of the question. Garret Richards $9200 is extremely motivated, and the A’s offered little resistance last night against Nick Tropeano.
There are some cheap SP angles. The Dodgers will start a B-team after clinching, so Mike Leake $5500 might mow them down. Tyler Lyons $4300 has shown durability in previous spot starts, and Logan Verrett $4000 is better than his latest.
Plays of the Day
The $140K Moonshot is a $3 buy-in (FREE to new depositors at DK) that pays the top 11,165 finishers from up to 53,662 teams, with multiple entries permitted. First place wins $10,000. Enter by 7:05; lineup changes are allowed until each player’s game begins.
Stacking the Angels is logical and surprisingly affordable. Barry Zito $4500 won’t last long, so you want the top of the order. We can’t use 5-hitter C.J. Cron $3100, because Albert Pujols $3800 plays the same position.
C/OF Kyle Schwarber $4100 reached base four times last night, breaking out of a mini-slump. Chris Iannetta $2400 often starts against lefties; he’s in my riskiest Halos lineups.
Paul Goldschmidt $5600 and Prince Fielder $4800 are worth the money but the most 1B value may come from Pujols, who went 3-for-5 in Monday’s rout with three runs and a rare SB.
At 2B, Johnny Giovatella $2800 has an extra-base hit in five straight and even from the 9-hole can be included in the stack. Brian Dozier $3900 and the Twins are still alive, with every game a must-win.
I’ll stick with Nolan Arenado $5200 as the best overall 3B but am very happy to save money with David Freese $3100, another big part of Monday’s 8-run outburst.
If most of the veterans rest, Corey Seager $4700 will be the best Dodgers hitter tonight. LAA leadoff man Erick Aybar $2900 has woken up and is an obvious piece of our strategery.
Likewise, Mike Trout $4900 is a must-start and Kole Calhoun $3500 is a bargain — the LH starter is hittable and he will face some bullpen righties. Going with Schwarber and six Angels leaves enough cap room for any other OF, but Bryce Harper $5800 isn’t automatic. A. J. Pollock $5400 walked twice and doubled as our selection yesterday; here’s hoping they challenge him. For lower prices, consider Mikie Mahtook $3200 — who has homered in two straight — or a platoon specialists. Chris Young $2600 and Shane Victorino $2000 are both still dangerous vs. southpaws.
| Pos | Premium | Bargain |
| SP1 | Drew Smyly $9900 | Mike Leake $5500 |
| SP2 | Garret Richards $9200 | Logan Verrett $4000 |
| C | Kyle Schwarber $4100 | Chris Iannetta $2400 |
| 1B | Prince Fielder $4800 | Albert Pujols $3800 |
| 2B | Brian Dozier $3900 | Johnny Giovatella $2800 |
| 3B | Nolan Arenado $5200 | David Freese $3100 |
| SS | Corey Seager $4700 | Erick Aybar $2900 |
| OF1 | A.J. Pollock $5400 | Mikie Mahtook $3200 |
| OF2 | Mike Trout $4900 | Chris Young $2600 |
| OF3 | Bryce Harper $5800 | Kole Calhoun $3500 |
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.