Wednesday night’s seven-game, 14-team MLB slate is jam-packed with must watch matchups. That’s great for viewers, but it’s also tricky for DFS managers trying to put together their lineups. Ahead of tonight’s can’t-miss action, here are three must-start fantasy baseball players for you to consider.
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P JP Sears, Athletics ($7,900)
A surprisingly good Athletics squad has been held back by subpar starting pitching. The A’s have coughed up 5.53 runs per game, fourth-most in baseball. However, there are a few pitchers on this staff that have impressed, including JP Sears. This season, the right-hander has recorded a 3.31 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 38 strikeouts over 49.0 innings of work (14.7 FPTS).
Those numbers, while solid, don’t exactly jump off the page. Regardless, the fourth-year pro has had notable success in this spot before. Over Sears’ last four starts against the Angels, he’s only allowed five earned runs (2.18 ERA). Los Angeles has struggled mightily at the plate, hitting .222 as a team this season; that’s the fourth-worst mark in baseball. Without Mike Trout (knee) in the lineup, the Halos are even more feeble on offense. If the A’s tack on a few runs, Sears is talented enough to deliver a win tonight.
OF Nick Castellanos, Philadelphia Phillies ($5,400)
There may not be a more promising team to target all season in DFS formats than the Phillies tonight. The Fightins will take on the eight-win Rockies at hitter-friendly Coors Field. Still, that’s not the sole reason to back Philadelphia’s lineup. Colorado will send Carson Palmquist to the mound on Wednesday, making his second career start. Last Friday, the rookie was tagged for five earned runs over four innings of work vs. the Diamondbacks.
DFS managers are truly spoiled for choice when looking over Philly’s roster. If there was one name that might offer some value, it’s Nick Castellanos. The outfielder has hit for a respectable batting average (.281), but only four home runs (6.9 FPTS). However, the former All-Star has slashed .333/.394/.483 against left-handers this season. As long as his teammates get on base, there should be ample opportunities for Castellanos to produce tonight.
2B Ozzie Albies, Atlanta Braves ($4,200)
After a brutal start, the Braves have (somewhat) righted the ship en route to a 24-24 record. Unfortunately for Atlanta, Ozzie Albies has yet to get going. The second baseman is hitting .225/.284/.335 at the plate, driving in five homers and 17 RBIs (6.6 FPTS). However, he’s shown signs of life recently, notching a hit in each of his last seven games. During that time, the 28-year-old has accounted for a .333 batting average.
Albies will look to carry over his recent success into tonight’s matchup with the Nationals. Washington will send out Trevor Williams, owner of a ghastly 5.91 ERA over nine starts. The right-hander has had his issues with Albies, giving up five hits in 17 career at-bats (.284 BA). A talented hitter finally getting into a groove, going up against a struggling arm? At just over $4,000, the veteran infielder is worth considering in your fantasy lineups on Wednesday.
