The final weekend of the regular season features a great battle for the final playoff spot — and a hurricane. Also at this time of year, scheduled starters get replaced as managers give kids a chance to play.
It’s a unique situation, both a nuisance and an opportunity. If we toss out the rain-threatened games in Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York and possibly Atlanta, the player pool shrinks in DraftKings contests at 7:05 Eastern.
Jake Arrieta $13700 makes his final tuneup for the biggest game of his life and his final audition for Cy Young voters. Francisco Liriano $10000 is also prepping for a Game One NLDS start — if the Pirates win the Wild Card game. The most pressure is on Dallas Keuchel $11300, who would boost his own Cy Young candidacy by shutting down the Diamondbacks. That home-road split is a concern. Chris Sale $11700 has somehow gone winless in September.
The Twins are in a three-way battle for the WC and Ervin Santana $7700 doesn’t have to hold anything back — he isn’t eligible for the postseason. Don’t underestimate wily veteran Chris Young $4400 and the Royals, who are still trying to earn home-field advantage.
For a reasonable cost, Henry Owens $8000 might put up good numbers against the tired, disappointed Indians. This is a must-win on the road for Jered Weaver $5000 and the Angels; Martin Perez $4900 can clinch the division for Texas.
Plays of the Day
Rookie Ariel Pena $4100 faces the Cubs for the first time. I often recommend young lefthanders against unfamiliar hitters; not so much with righties, except for a few advanced prospects. Pena has a K/BB of 17/2 vs RHB so far, and an ugly 4/10 vs. LHB with a .953 OPS. I’m trying a mini-stack against him.
Miguel Montero $3600 has enjoyed two days off as C/OF Kyle Schwarber $4400 was behind the plate last night. Both are playable if you use the rookie in the outfield. Our bargain pick 1B/C Wilin Rosario $2300 reached base three times on Thursday.
Anthony Rizzo $5200 has MVP support among those who dislike Bryce Harper $5000 or blame him for the Nationals’ collapse. Albert Pujols $4500 homered in a losing cause last night (#39) and 1B/3B Pedro Alvarez $3100 is a bargain.
Pittsburgh native Neil Walker $3500 has 16 HR and the Bucs can tee off against Keyvius Sampson $4000. Rookie 2B/SS Deven Marrero $2000 has started four straight for Boston and looks comfortable at the plate.
At third, Adrian Beltre $4400 keeps showing his RBI clutchitude down the stretch. Evan Longoria $3700 knows Mark Buehrle $6400 very well and Alvarez fits any budget.
Ketel Marte $4000 is the least-known of a fantastic rookie SS crop in the AL. He has speed and extra-base pop. For bargain-hunters, 2B/SS Tim Beckham $2500 generally starts vs. Lefties.
Dexter Fowler $4200 and Schwarber comprise two-thirds of my OF, so I can’t afford Mike Trout $5500 or any of the premium-salaried guys. Adam Eaton $4400 and Shin-Soo Choo $4200 are worth the money, but the best value play is Mikie Mahtook $3200, who took Buerhle deep last Sunday. Teammate Brandon Guyer $2900 is another probable starter vs. the veteran southpaw, who is not a lock for Toronto’s postseason roster.
| Pos | Premium | Bargain |
| SP1 | Jake Arrieta $13700 | Ervin Santana $7700 |
| SP2 | Francisco Liriano $10000 | Chris Young $4400 |
| C | Miguel Montero $3600 | Wilin Rosario $2300 |
| 1B | Anthony Rizzo $5200 | Pedro Alvarez $3100 |
| 2B | Neil Walker $3500 | Deven Marrero $2000 |
| 3B | Adrian Beltre $4400 | Evan Longoria $3700 |
| SS | Ketel Marte $4000 | Tim Beckham $2500 |
| OF1 | Adam Eaton $4400 | Mikie Mahtook $3200 |
| OF2 | Mike Trout $5500 | Dexter Fowler $4200 |
| OF3 | Kyle Schwarber $4400 | Brandon Guyer $2900 |
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.