Schedule
- Rangers at Orioles, ALDS Game 1, 1:03 p.m. ET
- Twins at Astros, ALDS, Game 1, 4:45 p.m. ET
- Phillies at Braves, NLDS Game 1, 6:07 p.m. ET
- Diamondbacks at Dodgers, NLDS Game 1, 9:20 p.m. ET
Weather Report
Rangers at Orioles is delayed, but weather shouldn’t be an issue for any of the other three Game 1 options in the LDS Saturday.
Injury Report
Max Scherzer – The Rangers LHP was left off the roster as he hasn’t made enough progress from the shoulder issue that has sidelined the future Hall-of-Famer since the middle of September. The Rangers hope he could be back as an option if the team advances to the ALCS.
John Means – The Orioles LHP was left off the roster as he recovers from soreness in his left elbow. The southpaw pitched well in his four starts after returning from injury this summer, and there’s a very good chance he’ll return if the O’s reach the ALCS.
Gabriel Moreno – The Diamondbacks catcher was hit in the head in the Game 2 win over the Brewers when Brice Turang’s bat swing hit his helmet. The backstop passed concussion protocol, however, and appears to be ready to roll for Game 1. Keep in mind is the late game, so there’s a smidgen of risk keeping Moreno in the lineup.
Top Priced Starting Pitchers (DraftKings)
- Spencer Strider vs. PHI: $11,200
- Clayton Kershaw vs. ARI: $9,100
- Justin Verlander vs. MIN: $8,400
- Bailey Ober @ HOU: $8,000
- Merrill Kelly @ LAD: $7,800
- Kyle Bradish vs. TEX: $7,500
- Ranger Suarez @ PHI: $6,100
- Dane Dunning @ BAL: $5,800
Strider struck out 281 batters and won 20 games for the best team in baseball but had a 5.60 ERA in five September starts. He did win all four decisions, however, and had 11 strikeouts and gave up three runs in seven innings in his last outing against the Phillies. Long story short, it’s easy to justify Strider in the lineup if you’re feeling it, but there’s more risk than reward.
Stack Attack
Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks (Kelly)
- C Will Smith: $4,400
- 2B Mookie Betts: $6,200
- SS Miguel Rojas: $2,600
- OF Jason Heyward: $3,100
Kelly has enjoyed a strong 2023 season, so this is more about belief in the Los Angeles lineup. He did struggle in his last outing against LA, giving up 12 hits and seven runs over five innings. This stack gives fantasy players a mix of big names like Betts and Smith with cheaper options like Rojas and Heyward. It’s easy to imagine the Dodgers getting off to a strong offensive start Saturday, with all due respect to Kelly and the D-Backs staff.
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