Weather Report
Friday’s game between the Phillies and Mets was rained out, and while they’re scheduled to play a doubleheader Saturday, there’s a chance of precipitation throughout the day. There’s also a decent probability of rain occurring during the Angels-Athletics games, so fantasy managers will want to make sure before including anyone in those contests in their respective lineups.
Injury Report
Nico Hoerner -- Knee: Hoerner fouled a ball off his left knee during Friday’s extra-inning loss to the Brewers, and he was diagnosed with a contusion. Testing revealed that there were no fractures, so there’s at least a chance that Hoerner can be back in the lineup for a must-win game against the Brew Crew on Saturday.
Jorge Polanco -- Ankle: Polanco tweaked his right ankle while striking out in the fourth inning against the Rockies. It is the same ankle that the infielder has had multiple surgeries on, but it does sound like his exit was more precautionary than due to serious injury. It is worth pointing out that Minnesota is locked into their playoff positioning, however, so they won’t have any reason to rush Polanco back.
Top Priced Starting Pitchers for Main Slate (DraftKings)
- Spencer Strider vs. WAS: $12,800
- Clayton Kershaw @ SF: $10,800
- Luis Castillo vs. TEX: $10,300
- Justin Verlander @ ARI: $9,800
- Merrill Kelly vs. HOU: $9,600
- Michael Wacha vs. CWS: $9,200
As is usually the case when he’s available, Strider is the most expensive option in the main slate, and it’s easy to understand why with 274 strikeouts and 19 wins in an excellent 2023 season. It is worth pointing out, however, that Strider has not been the same pitcher as he was earlier in the season in September with a 5.64 ERA, and he struggled against the Nationals with four earned runs and “only” four strikeouts on Sunday. The upside beats any arm going -- and there’s some good ones -- but there’s a little more risk involved here than you might think.
Sneaky option
Joe Boyle @ LAA: $7,800
It’s not easy for a 6-foot-7, 240-pounder to be sneaky, but Boyle qualifies in this case as one of the lower-priced options for Saturday’s slate. The former Cincinnati prospect has not allowed an earned run in his first two outings over nine innings since receiving his call-up, and he’s whiffed nine in that timeframe against three free passes. He’ll get a chance to take on a Los Angeles lineup that is ever-so-beatable, and while he’ll be playing behind one of the worst teams in baseball -- that’s quite the understatement -- he still has a chance for fantasy success even without a victory.
Stack Attack
Twins @ Rockies (Undecided)
- C Ryan Jeffers: $4,400
- 2B Donovan Solano: $3,600
- 3B Kyle Farmer: $3,800
- OF Michael A. Taylor: $3,400
We always remind you to check lineups before you submit your lineup, but in games like this where neither team has anything to play for in terms of gain in standings, this is especially true. Having said that, basically just add as many Minnesota hitters as possible against Colorado and whomever they start. You only get two more chances to do this. Take advantage of it. It truly doesn’t matter who Colorado decides to throw. Just do it. You’ll be rewarded in the end.
Yankees @ Royals (Steven Cruz)
- 1B DJ LeMahieu: $3,300
- 2B Gleyber Torres: $4,200
- OF Aaron Judge: $6,300
- OF Oswaldo Cabrera: $2,500
The Royals will go with a bullpen day against the Yankees on Saturday with Cruz likely going the first couple of innings before turning things over to one of the worst groups of relievers in baseball. You can add a superstar like Judge to the mix while gaining some (relatively) cheap other options that have a great chance for success in Kansas City. Again, make sure these guys actually play in the penultimate game, but whatever hitters get a chance to hit against Cruz and the KC bullpen are solid fantasy options. Sometimes it’s not that simple. Today is not one of those days.
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}