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There are 10 games on the early slate on Saturday, with the first game beginning at 2:10 p.m. ET between the Seattle Mariners and Chicago White Sox. 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
Jacob deGrom, Mets vs. Phillies ($11,400) — deGrom is the highest valued pitcher on Saturday’s early slate and it makes a ton of sense due to how he’s played this season. The two-time NL Cy Young award winner has a historic 0.50 ERA and is averaging 32.2 FPPG in 12 starts. In his last five starts for the Mets, deGrom is producing 31.2 FPPG and is facing a Phillies team that only scored three runs in Friday’s doubleheader.
Lance Lynn, White Sox vs. Mariners ($9,600) — If you don’t want to spend the extra salary cap on deGrom, then Lance Lynn is a great backup option. Lynn has been one of the best pitchers in the AL and on the White Sox. The 34-year-old struggled in his last start against the Houston Astros, where he scored 3.6 FPPG in 4.0 IP. It was his worst performance thus far this season. However, Lynn should bounce back as he’s averaging 24.6 FPPG in his last five home outings.
Top Hitters
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays vs. Orioles ($6,200) — Vladdy Jr. has been on an absolute tear this season and is making a strong case to be AL MVP. The Blue Jays first baseman has also been one of the best players in standard fantasy baseball and DFS. Guerrero Jr. hit his second home run in back-to-back games on Friday night, giving him 25 HRs on the season. He also scored 17 fantasy points against the Orioles, who he’s had no issues with this year.
Nelson Cruz, Twins vs. Indians ($5,100) — Cruz has been one of the few bright spots this season for the Twins, who were suppose to compete for an AL Central title. The 40-year-old is hitting a ridiculous .300 with 16 HRs, 39 RBI, .929 OPS, and averaging 8.3 FPPG. He’s certainly defying Father Time and has been one of the more consistent players in baseball. Cruz has recorded a hit in 10 out his last 11 games for the Twins, which also includes 4 HRs.
Value Pitcher
Kyle Gibson, Rangers vs. Royals ($6,500) — Gibson has been one of the my favorite pitchers this season in DFS next to Hyun Jin Ryu. The 33-year-old has been the Rangers’ best pitcher by far this year with a 5-0 record and 2.17 ERA. He’s also averaging 17.2 FPPG through 14 starts in 2021. Gibson will look to keep his record clean against the Royals, who he last played on Opening Day. The veteran pitcher struggled in that outing, scoring -11.5 fantasy points in 0.1 IP. But that’s been his only blemish thus far in a rather good season.
Value Hitter
J.P. Crawford, Mariners vs. White Sox ($3,700) — A lot of people forgot about J.P. Crawford after he was traded by the Phillies in 2018. However, the young shortstop is having a career-year at the plate for Seattle and has played a large role in their success. The 26-year-old has a 11-game hitting streak, where he’s batting .367. Overall, he’s hitting .281 with 5 HRs, 30 RBI, and averaging 6.5 FPPG. While it easy to go after names such as Trea Turner, Bo Bichette, Francisco Lindor, Tim Anderson, and Marcus Semien in DFS. Crawford provides great value in DFS and could give you that edge that you need in your lineup.