Forgive me for saying this, but I had zero intention of using Jack Kochanowicz ($5,500; 21.9 FPTS) in a fantasy lineup at any point in 2024. However, those who did trust the rookie RHP on Thursday afternoon’s DraftKings slate were heavily rewarded in Los Angeles’ 3-0 victory over Detroit.
Kochanowicz was spectacular. The 23-year-old tossed six scoreless innings on just 73 pitches, striking out four and not surrendering a single walk. It was a much different version of Kochanowicz than we’d seen in his five prior outings at the MLB level. In fact, Kochanowicz came into Thursday’s tilt with the Tigers in possession of a 6.08 ERA and a 5.71 xERA. Most concerning of all was the right-hander’s microscopic 7.0% strikeout rate. Not exactly a tantalizing profile for DFS.
Zach Neto ($4,500; 16.0 FPTS) provided all the run support his starter would need with a two-run home run in the fifth inning. It was Neto’s 20th bomb of the season making him the first Angels infielder in franchise history to go 20/20. In general, Neto’s been quite hot since the All-Star break, managing a .223 ISO and a 135 wRC+. The former first-round pick’s power and speed combo will make him an appealing fantasy asset for years to come.
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
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All views expressed are my own. I am an employee of DraftKings and am ineligible to play in public DFS or DKSB contests.
