This article is part of our FanDuel MLB series.
It's a usual slow Thursday with only six games for the late main slate. While a bigger player pool offers more options with a lineup, a smaller player pool means less research to do with your lineup. Let's take a look at some different options for tonight.
Pitching
Max Scherzer, WAS vs. SF ($11,000): The Giants have surpassed any expectations at this point leading the National League West and their offense has been better than expected as well. However, Scherzer has been in the zone as of late with at least 39 fantasy points in each of his last seven starts (three being 57 or more). The Giants could be a little road weary in this one as well making the trip from the west after playing in Arlington yesterday. They have a 28.2 percent strikeout rate on the road, the third-worst mark in baseball.
Anthony DeSclafani, SF at WAS ($7,000): It's odd to mention both pitchers in this space who are facing off but I think DeSclafani is worth considering in a GPP. First, he hasn't faced the Nationals yet this season and in that situation that advantage goes to the pitcher. While he's been up and down at times this season, taking away the game of him getting shelled by the Dodgers and his ERA goes from 3.51 to 2.25. Dollar for dollar if he gets to 30 fantasy points here, he's had the same value if Scherzer gets to 47.
Top Targets
Vladimir Guerrero, TOR at CHW ($4,200): It's interesting to look at Guerrero's splits and find out he's actually been better against right-handed pitching than lefties. However, he's been no slouch against left-handed pitching this season boasting a .404 wOBA. Dallas Keuchel has been around league-average with a 4.25 ERA this season and has been worse at home with a 4.81 ERA/.342 wOBA.
Carlos Correa, HOU at BOS ($3,700): Correa has killed lefties this year coming into this game with a .391 wOBA against that handedness. His career mark sits at .370 and at 26 he hasn't hit his prime yet. Eduardo Rodriguez has allowed a .353 wOBA to opposing right-handed hitters this season making this a good matchup for Carlos.
Value Bats
Alex Kirilloff, MIN vs. NYY ($2,400): Michael King will make another start for the Yankees and as a right-handed pitcher Kirilloff should be hitting at the top part of the lineup. King isn't considered a huge prospect for the Yankees and the Twins should easily put up runs in this game. Kirilloff, on the other hand, is considered a top prospect who went 2-for-4 Wednesday with a triple.
Randal Grichuk, TOR at CWS ($2,700): I've already faded Dallas Keuchel with the Vlady pick and Grichuk is just a better value given his salary cap hit. Grichuk should be hitting in a good RBI spot in the middle of the lineup near Guerrero and has a crazy .451 wOBA against left-handed pitching this season albeit it in a small sample (56 plate appearances).
Stacks To Consider
MIA vs. Chi Chi Gonzalez: Starling Marte ($4,200), Jesus Aguilar ($3,600), Jazz Chisholm ($3,100), Corey Dickerson ($2,400)
I'm going with Dickerson over Adam Duvall ($2,700) based on the lefty-vs-a-righty matchup although Duvall is certainly in play. I think this stack might be overlooked on a small slate given it's the Marlins carry the stigma of being a team that doesn't score much. Marte has quietly put up a solid season when he's been in the lineup and Chisholm has been a pleasant surprise for Miami.
NYY at J.A. Happ: Giancarlo Stanton ($3,600), Aaron Judge ($4,200), DJ LeMahieu ($3,000), Gleyber Torres (3,400)
I went with a Yankees stack yesterday and it paid off nicely. LeMahieu went hitless in four at-bats in that game but has a career .362 wOBA against left-handed pitching. Stanton and Judge combined for three home runs yesterday and this could be a sign the Yankees are getting back on track. At 38, there's no reason to fear a J.A. Happ revenge game especially given he's allowed a .366 wOBA this season to opposing right-handed hitters.
