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The MLB schedule has a full 15-game slate involving all 30 teams on Saturday, May 8th, but we’re taking a look at the six early games with DFS players to enter into your lineup. Below is a look at some of the afternoon’s top players and value picks for the early games.
Top Pitchers
Max Scherzer, Washington Nationals vs. New York Yankees ($10,300) — Max Scherzer is the highest priced pitcher among those playing early in the day and for good reason. The three-time Cy Young winner is 2-2 with a 2.54 ERA through six starts. He will go up against the Yankees, which are tied for the second most home runs this season.
Tyler Glasnow, Tampa Bay Rays vs. Oakland Athletics ($10,000) — Tyler Glasnow has gotten off to a hot start as we enter the second month of the MLB season. Through seven starts, he is 4-1 with a 2.06 ERA with the third most strikeouts in the MLB. As a team, the Athletics rank among the worst in batting average but are tied for the second most home runs in the league.
Top Hitters
Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres vs. San Francisco Giants ($5,900) — One of the most exciting players in baseball, Fernando Tatis Jr. is the highest priced hitter in Saturday’s early slate. He’s hitting just .218 but has knocked out eight home runs this season.
Kris Bryant, Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs ($5,700) — Kris Bryant has gotten off to a hot start for the Cubs with a .309 batting average and .391 on-base percentage. He also has nine home runs so far. Bryant has at least one hit in 15 of his last 18 games.
Value Pitcher
Corey Kluber, Washington Nationals vs. New York Yankees ($8,700) — Corey Kluber should have his best stuff in matchup between two multiple-time Cy Young winners. He is off to a good start with a 2-2 record and 3.03 ERA. Kluber is coming off his best start, throwing eight shutout innings with 10 strikeouts.
Value Hitter
Austin Meadows, Tampa Bay Rays vs. Oakland Athletics ($4,100) — Austin Meadows is a solid value play in this spot going up against Athletics’ starter Frankie Montas, who will enter with a 5.87 ERA. Meadows is hitting just .200, but his on-base percentage is at .323 and he knocked out seven home runs this season.