We managed to pick both winning teams on Saturday and make a few dollars at DraftKings. Slightly better choices of hitters would have made it an even more profitable night. This afternoon at 4:10 Eastern, Dallas Keuchel $12300 is an overwhelming favorite to beat the Royals and Edinson Volquez $8400. The Astros’ lefty went 15-0 at home this season with a 1.46 ERA and 139 K in 129.1 IP.
As one illustration of his dominance in Houston, Kid Keuchy lost in Kansas City on July 26, allowing 5 ER in the first two innings, but spun a 7-hit, 7-K shutout through 8 IP against the same lineup at Minute Maid Park.
The nightcap features Marco Estrada $7800 as the Blue Jays’ last hope, with Martin Perez $6000 attempting to clinch the Rangers’ sweep. Both pitchers will be on a short leash. Tomorrow’s scheduled starter R.A. Dickey might be in the Toronto bullpen, as there’s talk of using David Price on short rest if there’s a Game 4.
Although Keuchel might be 90% owned, it’s difficult to bet against him. That makes the second SP key to winning. Perez against a RH-loaded lineup does not inspire confidence; he’s actually never faced the Jays although some of their players know him from their previous teams. Estrada and his teammates have their backs to the wall, but desperation is not always conducive to playing well.
Russell Martin $4600 costs too much anyway, and switch-hitting Dioner Navarro $3100 has become the personal catcher for Estrada. He’s worth a shot, or go even cheaper with Jason Castro $2500.
Edwin Encarnacion $5600 also breaks the budget unless you play extreme stars-and-scrubs. 1B/OF Chris Colabello $4000 is no Gold Glover (someone called him the first butterfly-style 1B) but does mash lefties. Mitch Moreland $3600 is affordable if you prefer Texas.
Through the first two games, Rougned Odor $3700 has been the MVP of the winning team, using his bat, glove and especially wheels to bring back painful memories of Oakland-era Rickey Henderson for old-enough fans in Canada. Jose Altuve $5200 deserves top billing at 2B if you can afford him.
Josh Donaldson $5400 hit a homer in his first AB after a scary collision and possible head injury. Then he went 0-for-5 in the rest of the extra-inning defeat. Adrian Beltre $4800 (back) might be limited to one pinch-hit if he can go at all. 2B/3B Luis Valbuena $3200 drives it hard when he makes contact.
Carlos Correa $4900 also deserves his salary, if you can squeeze him in. Troy Tulowitzki $4000 (shoulder) would not be playing if this was the regular season, so I’m punting the position with 2B/SS Hanser Alberto $2000, who has been filling in for Beltre.
Jose Bautista $5500 needs to produce. I’m optimistic, if not unbiased. Lorenzo Cain $4700 has actually hit Keuchel well everywhere, and the Royals are not going to lay down. George Springer $5000 and Shin-Soo Choo $4300 are also playable. The hottest bat of the postseason so far belongs to Colby Rasmus $3600, now batting cleanup. If Carlos Gomez $4200 (oblique) isn’t ready to return, Jake Marisnick $2800 is a cheap alternative.
| Pos | Premium | Bargain |
| SP1 | Dallas Keuchel $12300 | Martin Perez $6000 |
| SP2 | Edinson Volquez $8400 | Marco Estrada $7800 |
| C | Dioner Navarro $3100 | Jason Castro $2500 |
| 1B | Chris Colabello $4000 | Mitch Moreland $3600 |
| 2B | Jose Altuve $5200 | Rougned Odor $3700 |
| 3B | Josh Donaldson $5400 | Luis Valbuena $3200 |
| SS | Carlos Correa $4900 | Hanser Alberto $2000 |
| OF1 | Jose Bautista $5500 | Shin-Soo Choo $4300 |
| OF2 | Lorenzo Cain $4700 | Jake Marisnick $2800 |
| OF3 | George Springer $5000 | Colby Rasmus $3600 |
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.