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There are eight games on the early slate Saturday, with the first game beginning at 1:05 p.m. ET between the New York Mets and Washington Nationals. We are going to go over some top options on DraftKings and give out a few value picks to help you build your lineup.
Top Pitchers
Chris Bassitt, Athletics vs. Yankees ($11,300) — Bassitt is one of the best pitchers in the American League this season that no one is talking about. The veteran pitcher has a record of 7-2 with a 3.43 ERA and 91 strikeouts in 14 starts. He’s also averaging 20.3 fantasy points per game and is the highest valued starting pitcher on the slate. In his last five starts, Bassitt is a perfect 4-0 and is producing 25.1 fantasy points per game.
Aaron Nola, Phillies vs. Giants ($10,500) — After struggling in his previous five starts, Nola turned in a gem last weekend against the New York Yankees. The Phillies’ ace recorded his second 30-plus fantasy performance, scoring 36.9 DKFP in 7.2 IP (3 hits, 0 HRs, 9 strikeouts, 1 walk). The last time Nola had 9 strikeouts was against the Red Sox on May 21. He will look to build off this performance in today’s game against the San Francisco Giants.
Top Hitters
Rafael Devers, Red Sox vs. Royals ($5,600) — Devers is starting to heat up at the right time, which is good news for the Red Sox and DFS players. This season, the 24-year-old is hitting .283 with 17 HRs, 56 RBI, and averaging 9.8 fantasy points per game. He currently has a five-game hitting streak, which includes three-multi hit games. Devers is also averaging 15.6 fantasy points per game over that time. He’s an absolute must start in DFS right now.
Nelson Cruz, Twins vs. Rangers ($5,700) — Cruz is the highest-valued outfielder on the early slate and its for a good reason. The veteran slugger is hitting .300 with 14 HRs, 35 RBI, .925 OPS, and averaging 8.3 FPPG. The 40-year-old has a five-game hitting streak for the Twins and has produced four double-digit fantasy performances over that span of time.
Value Pitcher
Alek Manoah, Blue Jays vs. Orioles ($8,100) — If you do not want to spend a ton of salary cap on Nola or Bassitt, then rookie pitcher Alek Manoah is a good value pick. Through four MLB starts, he has a 1-0 record, 2.66 ERA, and averaging 16.5 FPPG. The 23-year-old pitcher has had three double-digit performances, which includes his last start against the Red Sox, where he produced 18.5 fantasy points.
Value Hitter
Bobby Dalbec, Red Sox vs. Royals ($3,000) — We are going to a flyer on the Red Sox first baseman, who has recorded a hit in six out his last seven starts. Dalbec did not play in the series opener on Friday against the Royals, but the hope is he’s back in the lineup today. The young first baseman is hitting .201 with 8 HRs, 29 RBI, and averaging 5.7 fantasy points per game this season. But in his last seven starts, he has produced 9.6 fantasy points per game.