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Let's get to today's interesting facts, using DraftKings prices. We'll use DK's "all-day" slate, but please remember that there are five afternoon games, starting with Blue Jays-Yankees at 1:05 p.m. ET. Please note that much of the information in this post is being published several hours prior to game times, so check MLB lineups later to confirm that any recommended players are included.
5 Things to Watch:
1. Jon Lester ($11,200) is the day's biggest favorite at minus-260 over the Brewers, with Carlos Carrasco ($8,700) close behind at minus-235 over the White Sox. Carrasco seems like a good deal considering that price disparity.
2. The highest non-Coors projected run total is 9.5 for Mets-Diamondbacks (Niese-Godley), while the lowest is eight for Pirates-Giants, Padres-Rays and Cards-Astros.
3. The weather for Red Sox-Orioles looks sketchy, with thunderstorm chances above 50 percent from 9 p.m. tonight through Thursday morning, according to Weather.com. Maybe the baseball gods want someone other than Mookie Betts to have a day in the spotlight.
4. Injuries: Ryan Braun is day-to-day with a knee sprain, so don't plan on using him today ... Rays SS/3B Matt Duffy left Tuesday's game with a reaggravation of his Achilles injury ... Neil Walker was scratched Tuesday due to back stiffness, and is day-to-day ... With Chris Tillman pushed back to Saturday, the Orioles will start Dylan Bundy ($4,600) tonight. Bundy will face the tough Red Sox and a possible rainout, but he has averaged 24.4 DK points over his last five starts.
5. The Braves are calling up elite SS prospect Dansby Swanson to play tonight, but he is NOT in today's player pool. Swanson is batting .275 with nine homers and 13 stolen bases between A-ball and Double A this season, which isn't exactly dominant. Bright future, questionable present for last year's top overall pick.
D.J. Foster's recommendations for the night slate are below:
Must-Start of the day: Carlos Carrasco, CLE
He’s heavily underpriced on Wednesday, as he’s listed at just $8700 despite being a massive favorite against the White Sox. Carrasco has a .197 BAA over his last ten games, and the strikeout juice is there. He’s a terrific value who can save you some coin.
Deal of the day: Howie Kendrick, LAD
He’s been absolutely raking as of late, piling up a 1.193 OPS over his last ten games. At just $4000 at second base in a good matchup against Jake Thompson, he’s a great value play in a lineup that should do some damage tonight.
Avoid of the day: Anthony Rizzo, CHC
We don’t avoid him often, but Rizzo is just 4-for-21 lifetime against Jimmy Nelson, and there are better matchups at first base to exploit on Wednesday.
Stack of the day: Texas Rangers
The Rangers have some bats who can really dish out some damage against southpaws, and Sean Manaea has given up a lot of home runs as of late (10 in last 59 IP). Stacking up the Rangers’ righties at home makes sense.
Starting Pitchers:
Jon Lester, CHC: As John Halpin mentioned above, Lester is the biggest favorite of the night against Jimmy Nelson. He’s racked up at least 27 points on Draft Kings in two of his last three starts, and he should receive plenty of run support at home.
Scott Kazmir, LAD: His price is a little low at $7600 against a bad Phillies team. Kazmir hasn’t been great this year, but he has been striking out batters at a high clip (132 in 127 at-bats) and is in good shape against Jake Thompson.
Carlos Carrasco, CLE: “Must-start of the day”
Catchers:
Welington Castillo, ARI: Owns a 1.027 OPS against southpaws this season.
Salvador Perez, KC: Cheap at just $3200 against a struggling Anibal Sanchez.
First Basemen:
Adrian Gonzalez, LAD: 1.054 OPS over his last ten games.
Joey Votto, CIN: Andrew Cashner has struggled against lefties and Votto is hitting .432 over his last ten games.
Second Basemen:
Howie Kendrick, LAD: “Deal of the day”
Steve Pearce, BAL: 1.094 OPS against LHP this season.
Third Basemen:
Adrian Beltre, TEX: Another Rangers righty who mashes against southpaws (1.015 OPS)
Kris Bryant, CHC: 1.047 OPS over his last ten games.
Shortstops:
Elvis Andrus, TEX: .886 OPS against LHP this season.
Zack Cozart, CIN: Batting leadoff against the combustible Andrew Cashner.
Outfield:
Melky Cabrera, CWS: 9-for-21 with 2 HR lifetime against Carlos Carrasco.
Dexter Fowler, CHC: 1.236 OPS in 15 career at-bats against Jimmy Nelson.
Nelson Cruz, SEA: Always in play against southpaws (1.019 OPS against LHP this year).
