All 30 teams across Major League Baseball are taking the field today. On this loaded nine-game featured slate, there’s plenty of enticing options for fantasy baseball managers. Let’s dive into the matchups and take a look at my top MLB DFS picks for Saturday.
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Pitchers
Stud
SP Tyler Glasnow, Los Angeles Dodgers at SD ($9,200): In a sport filled with standout starters, Tyler Glasnow is as talented as anyone. Unfortunately, health has been a constant issue throughout his ten-year career. When the right-hander is on the mound, few hurlers are better. Over 57.2 innings this season, the 32-year-old has notched a 3.12 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 72 strikeouts.
Glasnow tossed five innings against the Padres last weekend, allowing two runs while striking out eight batters (19.05 FPTS). Could a similar, or even better, performance be in store on Saturday? I’m willing to say yes. After all, Los Angeles’ ace has a career 2.79 ERA against the Padres. In addition, Glasnow has recorded at least eight K’s in each of his previous three meetings with San Diego. The Friars are just 18th in OPS against right-handed pitchers (.718). Expect a stellar outing from the former All-Star tonight.
Value
SP Mick Abel, Minnesota Twins at CWS ($6,000): The Twins shocked the baseball world last month, shipping off several talented players at the trade deadline. That included closer Jhoan Duran, sent to Philadelphia. As part of the return, Minnesota acquired rookie starter Mick Abel. Through his first six big league games, the youngster has delivered a 5.04 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 21 strikeouts.
Those numbers aren’t the most reassuring for fantasy baseball managers. However, Abel did allow one run or less in half of his appearances. It’s not as if the 24-year-old will be facing an elite offense tonight, either. The White Sox enter Saturday averaging the second-fewest runs per game in the American League (3.88). As the third-cheapest option available tonight, Minnesota’s newest hurler makes plenty of sense in this spot.
Infield
Stud
2B Jose Altuve, Houston Astros at BAL ($4,800): Even at 35 years of age, Jose Altuve remains a threat on offense. Over 125 games this season, the veteran is slashing .275/.339/.456 with 22 homers, 64 RBIs and nine steals. Those aren’t the elite numbers fans have grown accustomed to, but it’s not something to sneeze at, either. Granted, the last ten games have not been kind to Altuve. During that stretch, he’s hitting a paltry .135 at the plate.
If there’s any sign of hope for Altuve, he did generate two base hits last night (10 FPTS). It also helps that he’ll be facing a pitcher he’s dominated in the past. Baltimore starter Dean Kremer ($8,500) is no slouch (3.97 ERA, 1.22 WHIP). With that being said, Altuve has gone 7-for-18 in his career against the right-hander. Given his stellar track record, Houston’s franchise cornerstone is poised for another productive game.
Value
2B/OF Gavin Lux, Cincinnati Reds at ARI ($3,300): Utility players are a necessity for any playoff contender. The Reds, on the cusp of a wildcard spot, have one of the league’s best in Gavin Lux. Once a top Dodgers prospect, Cincinnati traded for the 27-year-old last offseason. So far, he’s slashing .278/.355/.383 with five homers and 48 RBIs. That isn’t an eye-popping statline, but a reliable contact hitter is always nice to have.
Lux has been at his best recently, hitting .314 with a homer and six RBIs over his previous ten games. Tonight, the Reds will travel to Arizona for a date with pitcher Nabil Crismatt ($5,600). The veteran has only thrown once this season, a five-inning, one-run showing vs. the woeful Rockies. That’s not enough of a sample size to make any kind of judgement. At just $3,300, the red-hot Lux is worth a flier in most fantasy baseball lineups on Saturday.
OUTFIELD
Stud
OF Juan Soto, New York Mets at ATL ($5,900): Few players have been immune from criticism for the slumping Mets this month. Still, it’s fair to say Juan Soto has done his part. Since August 1st, the high-priced slugger is hitting .268 with a .404 on-base percentage, seven homers and 14 RBIs. Over his previous ten games, New York’s big bat is averaging 12.5 fantasy points.
That level of production will play against almost any pitcher in baseball. That’s especially true heading into Saturday’s contest. The Braves will send veteran Cal Quantrill ($5,000) to the hill, making his 25th outing of the season. It’s been rough to say the least for the right-hander (5.50 ERA, 1.39 WHIP). Making his Atlanta debut, the veteran isn’t someone opposing hitters fear right now. Considering the amount of potential traffic on the bases, Soto should have ample opportunity to drive runners in tonight.
Value
OF Mike Tauchman, Chicago White Sox vs. MIN ($3,200): As previously mentioned, I’m high on Twins starter Mick Abel. However, that’s due primarily to his dirt-cheap price. In other words, I’m not expecting a completely flawless outing from the rookie. If any White Sox hitter is poised to make an impact, it’s Mike Tauchman. The outfielder has been a pleasant surprise this season for the South Siders. Over 74 games with Chicago, he’s slashing .273/.367/.423 with eight homers and 34 RBIs.
Abel doesn’t have much of a sample size for fantasy managers to go off of. However, left-handed batters are slugging .614 against the 24-year-old. Tauchman enters Saturday going 7-for-25 over his last five games (.280 batting average). At just $3,200, the journeyman doesn’t need to do anything spectacular to return value. Getting on base two or three times is a reasonable expectation tonight.
