Many of the pitchers competing Saturday have exceeded expectations throughout the season. The question when filling out your daily fantasy baseball team is which ones are going to keep up their great play.
Despite tough choices in many cases, here is a look at the top options at various prices throughout the day.
Chris Archer, Tampa Bay Rays ($11,800)
The price is extremely high, so you have to decide whether he is worth conceding production in other areas. However, Chris Archer has been incredible in his past three starts with just one earned run allowed in 23 innings. Most impressively, he has 38 strikeouts and no walks in that stretch.
Against the light-hitting Chicago White Sox, he should once again have a big day. The question will be whether he is worth over one-quarter of your budget.
Gerrit Cole, Pittsburgh Pirates ($10,700)
While Zack Greinke ($10,500) seems like a good bet thanks to his 1.92 ERA in a pitcher’s park, the San Diego Padres have actually had one of the better offenses in baseball this season. Conversely, Gerrit Cole gets to face the lineup that ranks dead last in the majors in runs scored in the Philadelphia Phillies.
Of course, Cole’s been a great option of late regardless of the opponent. Over the last four starts, the 24-year-old pitcher has allowed just two earned runs in 29.1 innings, totaling at least seven innings and seven strikeouts in each game.
There are few hotter pitchers in baseball, and you have to take advantage of this with your fantasy team.
Shelby Miller, Atlanta Braves ($8,500)
Jacob deGrom ($10,500) has been excellent recently, but a better and cheaper option will be the pitcher on the other side of the field Saturday. Shelby Miller had one bad showing two starts ago but got back on track and now has a ridiculous 1.84 ERA.
In 12 starts, Miller has only once allowed more than two earned runs, and lately, opponents are struggling to even get on base. With the New York Mets not producing at the plate, this is another good matchup for the Braves starter.
Kyle Hendricks, Chicago Cubs ($7,100)
After a good rookie season, Kyle Hendricks has been up and down in his sophomore year but still produced some pretty impressive showings, including a complete-game shutout a few weeks ago. The inconsistency should scare you, but the peak talent makes him an interesting option.
Considering the Cincinnati Reds’ road issues this season and Hendricks’ ability to get both righties and lefties out, the young starter has a chance for an impressive game.
Mike Montgomery, Seattle Mariners ($4,300)
This pick would certainly qualify as a risk, but Mike Montgomery has pitched well enough to be worth more than just $4,300 in his first two starts. In two starts, the rookie has a 2.08 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and just nine hits allowed in 13 innings.
The Houston Astros have a lot of talent but have also struck out more times than anyone else in the American League. Mike Montgomery could definitely outperform his price with a big day Saturday.
Note: All prices courtesy of DraftKings. Unless otherwise noted, all stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com.
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