Yesterday's picks didn't go so great. Chris Sale was dominant but lost a win thanks to a bullpen implosion. Mookie Betts was robbed of a double that would have scored nicely and went just 1-4. But so is life, the fantasy baseball gods can be cruel masters.
Today sees the first game for Washington and Cincinnati after yesterday's scheduled game was rained out, and for the Pirates and Tigers, but the White Sox, Royals, Indians, Mariners, Twins, Orioles, Cardinals, and Mets all have the day off.
Who should be in your lineup today? Let's look at the 9 game classic league and start with the pitchers.
Dallas Keuchel @ Texas Rangers: $11,800
With Max Scherzer stuck in a two-game option due to the early start today he is not available, making Keuchel the ace on offer.
The 2015 Cy Young winner is coming off a season that saw him make just 23 starts, but dominate when he was on the mound. He had an ERA of 2.90, and while his strikeout rate is not ideal he keeps the ball in the park with a barrage of sinkers and sliders.
Keuchel also kills lefties, which limits the impact of Joey Gallo and Shin Soo Choo. He is a good start today.
Johnny Cueto @ Los Angeles Dodgers: $7,900
Shopping in the middle of the market is tricky today, with guys like Blake Snell and Robbie Ray seeing tough lineups it really limits your options.
Blister problems really inflated Cueto's numbers last year, his walk rate and homer rate both exploded far beyond anything we've seen from him since his rookie days. With those issues not affecting him now there is a chance that we see the kind of outing that was prevalent in 2014 when he led the National League in strikeouts.
The Dodgers are no easy lineup, but with Justin Turner out they are not as fearsome as they could be.
Sean Manaea vs Los Angeles Angels: $6,000
If you want to go really cheap on a starter today, then Manaea is the guy for you. Illness and a shoulder strain slowed his down last year and resulted in a 4.37 ERA and 1.40 WHIP, but free from those now we should see a better version of the young leftie in 2018.
Manaea has a terrific slider that induces swings and misses from even the best hitters, and if he regains some feel for his changeup this year then he could be a force. Look for solid strikeout numbers today, even if he gives up some runs.
George Springer @ Texas Rangers: $4,900
Today is a good day to start Astros. Doug Fister has had an ERA of 4.60+ for the last two seasons, and is walking a lot. There should be opportunities for the whole lineup, but of their elite bats Springer is the cheapest. Throw him in and see if he can't rack up some RBI and runs tonight.
Freddie Freeman vs Philadelphia Phillies: $4,500
This is a pure value pick. Freeman should be priced in the $5,000 range with the other elite bats, not $100 cheaper than Rhys Hoskins. So here we are, throw him into your first base spot and enjoy the production. He got his eye in with a homer and 26 points last night. Take the value.
Brett Gardner @ Toronto Blue Jays: $3,900
Speaking of value, it looks like hitting in front of Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton is going to be worth its weight in gold for Brett Gardner this year. He scored on Stanton's first homer and hit one of his own last night. While that power will be inconsistent, Stanton's won't be.
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