An 11-game Major League Baseball featured slate is set for Saturday. With most teams in the player pool, the options for fantasy managers are endless. If you’re looking for a bargain play with upside at a reduced salary, check out these three MLB DFS value picks for tonight’s contests.
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SP Eduardo Rodriguez, Arizona Diamondbacks vs. COL ($7,900)
It’s been difficult trusting any pitcher on the Diamondbacks this season. That’s especially true of Eduardo Rodriguez, who has looked off all year. Over 97.2 innings of work, the 32-year-old has notched a 5.53 ERA, 1.66 WHIP and 103 strikeouts. Although the lefty has a far more respectable FIP (4.56), he’s allowed a career-worst 11.5 hits per nine innings. During his last five outings, the veteran has accounted for a ghastly 6.66 ERA.
Fortunately for E-Rod, Saturday’s matchup isn’t the most intimidating. The Rockies are awful at the plate, especially when playing outside of hitter-friendly Coors Field. Away from home, Colorado is averaging the league’s fewest runs per game (2.93). In addition, the Rox own baseball’s third-worst OPS on the road against left-handed pitchers (.598). As only the eighth-most expensive arm available, Rodriguez makes sense for those looking to save on the mound.
OF Isaac Collins, Milaukee Brewers vs. NYM ($3,500)
Milwaukee is the site of a pivotal National League showdown. Despite a lack of big names, the Brewers own baseball’s best record at 71-44. That’s due in large part to a slew of unheralded youngsters, including Isaac Collins. A stealth Rookie of the Year candidate, the outfielder is slashing .290/.393/.432. A bit of pop (seven homers) and speed (13 steals) has made the 28-year-old a staple in this lineup.
In five of his last six games, Collins has recorded at least 12 fantasy points. That level of production isn’t sustainable long-term, but sometimes it’s worth riding the hot hand. The Mets are sending Frankie Montas ($6,900) to the bump on Saturday. This season, the 32-year-old has been nothing short of awful (6.68 ERA, 1.55 WHIP). In addition, Montas has surrendered a whopping 11.2 hits per nine innings to opposing batters. Keeping that in mind, Collins is worth taking a chance on tonight at just $3,500.
2B/OF Davis Schneider, Toronto Blue Jays at LAD ($3,000)
The Blue Jays find themselves atop the AL East, thanks to one of baseball’s deepest lineups. Toronto is fortunate to have several versatile utility players, capable of playing almost anywhere on the diamond. That includes Davis Schneider, who has spent time in both the infield and outfield. The third-year pro’s biggest plus is versatility. At the plate, he’s slashing .241/.367/.466 with seven homers and 21 RBIs.
Those numbers certainly aren’t eye-popping. However, they represent a significant improvement compared to earlier in the year. Over Schneider’s last 15 games, he’s batting .303 with two homers and nine RBIs. Tonight, Toronto will take on Dodgers starter Blake Snell ($8,700). The former Cy Young winner is a handful for opposing batters, but he’s not invincible. The southpaw made his first start in nearly four months last week, five innings of three-run ball vs. the Rays. Schneider owns a stellar .376 on-base percentage this season against left-handed pitching. Reaching even a couple of times tonight would be a massive boon for fantasy managers at this current price.
