- Friday's schedule consists of the standard 15 games, all contested under the lights. The slate has a bit of everything, including ace pitching, arms to stream and offenses to target. Let's begin with the top pitcher to pick up as Michael Lorenzen (34% rostered in ESPN leagues) checks in as the sixth best starter on Friday's matchup when the Angels host the Mariners. Lorenzen is coming off a rough start against the Mariners, but the rematch is in Anaheim.
- Mitch Keller (3%) is an intriguing pickup for the Pirates' road date with the Rays. Tampa's strikeout prone lineup is missing several key bats. In late May, Keller reduced his four-seam usage, instead throwing a sinker taught to him by Yankees closer Clay Holmes when they were teammates last season. In four starts since making the change, Keller has posted a 2.42 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. However, much of that is better luck with a lower BABIP and fewer homers. Even so, this is a good spot for Keller to build on his recent roll.
- Three more hurlers to consider for a spot start are Alex Cobb (24%), Dylan Bundy(19%) and Cole Irvin (11%). Cobb is still owed a steep ERA correction and with the Reds visiting Oracle Park, the descent is likely to commence. Bundy is coming off his best outing of the season. He is in a favorable spot to keep it going against a Rockies offense with pedestrian road numbers. Irvin's low strikeouts make him a risk, but the Royals lineup sports the sixth lowest wOBA with a lefty on the hill.
- Kyle Hendricks has been a disappointment, though he has fanned six in each of his last two efforts. Even so, the St. Louis Cardinalshitters are in a favorable spot for DFS or traditional fantasy. The chief targets include Dylan Carlson (54%), Harrison Bader(53%), Brendan Donovan (44%), Nolan Gorman (25%), and Juan Yepez (8%). Donovan is especially enticing with eligibility at first, second and third while hitting from the two-hole.
- A pair of Diamondbacks are in a juicy position facing Detroit righty Rony Garcia as Alek Thomas (15%) Josh Rojas (34%) enjoy the platoon while hitting in the upper third of the order. Michael Chavis (4%) has been getting the job done from the cleanup spot for the Pirates while Jarren Duran (3%) sits atop a productive Red Sox offense.
What you need to know for Friday’s MLB Games
- Thread starter biggins
- Start date