MLB Daily Fantasy Helper: Thursday 10/01/15
If you've never played daily fantasy baseball before, it's time to start. Unlike traditional leagues, you're able to select the players you want on that specific day only, giving you a different squad to root for each and every day.
And if you'd like, you can use our optimal lineups here at numberFire.com to crush the competition.
As for today's lineups -- those can be found here. The information below is to help you understand why particular players are being picked, because we don't want you going into the things completely blind. We want to help you. Keep in mind, however, that things often change up until the games start, so make sure you're refreshing the optimal lineups as close to the start of games as possible.
Top Pitchers
High-Cost Pitcher
Stephen Strasburg -- After a rough start to the season and a trip to the disabled list, Strasburg has looked spectacular as of late. Since the All-Star break, the Nationals' ace has posted a minuscule 2.18 FIP and 1.97 xFIP while striking out a whopping 12.68 batters per nine innings. While Strasburg has looked incredible over the second half of the season, the team he is taking the mound against tonight -- the Atlanta Braves -- have been the worst hitting team in baseball over that span, ranking dead last in the majors in wOBA (.288), wRC+ (79) and ISO (.101). Strasburg is our number one overall projected player on the board tonight.
Alternative Options: Jose Fernandez
Cost-Effective Pitcher
Jake Odorizzi -- Although he had a bit of an up-and-down season, Odorizzi finished the season with a very respectable 3.69 FIP and 3.93 SIERA while striking out 7.93 batters per nine innings. That said, what I really like about the Rays' starter tonight is his matchup with a Miami Marlins squad who ranks 29th in the league in both wOBA (.297) and wRC+ (84) against right-handed pitching this season. Although Miami is a slight favorite in this matchup, this game features the lowest over/under on the slate at 6.5, which makes Odorizzi a viable tournament play and a decent number two pitching option on two-pitcher sites.
Alternative Options: Patrick Corbin
Top Hitters
High-Cost Hitters
Bryce Harper -- The Nationals' controversial star finally lived up to the hype and put together a MVP-caliber performance this season. Harper leads the league in wOBA (.462), wRC+ (197), ISO (.318) and OPS (1.112) and his numbers look even better when facing right-handed pitching, amassing a ridiculous .479 wOBA, .353 ISO and 1.163 OPS when facing righties this season. Tonight, Harper draws a spectacular matchup against Braves' rookie right-hander Ryan Weber who has looked less-than-stellar through the first four starts of his career. The National League MVP frontrunner makes an excellent play in all formats tonight.
Lorenzo Cain -- Cain is in play any time he faces off against a left-handed pitcher and tonight is no different. The Royals' outfielder has smashed southpaws to the tune of a .396 wOBA, .224 ISO and .934 OPS this season and gets the pleasure of facing off against White Sox' lefty John Danks and his 4.72 xFIP against right-handed batters tonight. Cain is definitely in play at $4,900 on DraftKings but is an absolute steal at the low price of just $3,800 on FanDuel.
Alternative Options: Mike Trout, Paul Goldschmidt
Cost-Effective Hitters
Trayce Thompson -- Although I usually like to recommend Thompson as a value against left-handed pitching, he has faired very well against righties as well this season. The White Sox' rookie has accumulated a .372 wOBA, .207 ISO and .856 OPS against right-handed pitching and gets the pleasure of facing off against Royals' starter Kris Medlen tonight. Medlen has allowed batters from both sides of the plate to hit for more than a .305 wOBA and has posted a 4.24 FIP against right-handed bats on the year. Thompson makes a strong value play at just $3,000 on FanDuel and $3,400 on DraftKings.
Clint Robinson -- Much like his teammate Harper, Robinson has faired very well against right-handed pitching this season. He's earned a .326 wOBA and .148 ISO and is in a great spot tonight against the aforementioned Weber. Weber has allowed lefties to knock him around for a .351 wOBA while posting a 5.57 FIP and 4.88 xFIP against them. All Nationals' lefties are in play tonight and Robinson is one of my favorites at just $2,200 on FanDuel and $2,500 on DraftKings.
Alternative Options: John Jaso, Alcides Escobar
