RADIO
With just seven games on the docket we have an abbreviated list of daily picks for Fanduel’s daily game. Tonight I will be trying to avoid the Oakland/Texas and Milwaukee/St. Louis games, as all four pitchers in that game have been excellent this year.
Daily Fantasy Baseball Lineup Recommendations
SP: Jeff Samardzija ($7,700): The Cubs ace has been rolling to start the 2014 campaign. Through 35.1 innings, he has a sparkling 1.53 ERA to go along with 27 strikeouts. His opponent (the Reds) has struggled to score much this season, and they are coming off of a shutout at the hands of the Braves yesterday. In his last start against Cincinnati, Samardzija went seven innings, allowing only one earned run and striking out seven. You should expect the same tonight.
1B: Jose Abreu ($4,300): It is safe to stay that Abreu has adjusted well to MLB in his rookie season. With 31 RBI, he has already set the rookie record for runs driven in in April with a few games still to go. In the first three games of the Tampa series, he is 5-for-13 with three home runs, 10 RBI and four runs scored.
The White Sox are facing Jake Odorizzi tonight, and he has given up 14 earned runs in his last three starts, so Abreu should be able to add to his RBI total tonight.
IF: Ben Zobrist ($3,700): The Rays leadoff hitter has thrived this year in his new role. Zobrist is in a stretch of six multiple -it games over his last nine outings, which has his average over .300. He also has scored 18 runs this season to go along with three home runs and eight RBI. His matchup tonight is against righty Andre Rienzo who got the win in his first start but did allow four earned runs in 6.1 innings while only striking out three. Look for this game to be a high-scoring affair.
3B: Nolan Arenado ($3,300): On a team with Troy Tulowitzki, Carlos Gonzalez and Wilin Rosario, it is easy to overlook a guy like Arenado. However, it is the Rockies 3B who is on a 17-game hitting streak. He has a complete fantasy game which should be put on full display tonight against left-handed Wade Miley and his 4.50 ERA.
OF: Matt Joyce ($3,500): As I mentioned before, I think the Chicago and Tampa game will be a high-scoring affair, and Joyce should be a big part of that. For his career, Joyce hits 76 points higher against right-handed pitching, along with much better power numbers. Joyce should be able to find his way on base and score a few runs tonight.
OF: Jay Bruce ($3,900): Although I highlighted Samardzija as a great pitching buy, the one Reds player I am going to target tonight is Bruce. In his career, he is 7-for-25 with four doubles against Samardzija, along with three walks. The left-handed Bruce is also a much better option on days he faces a right-handed pitcher. He may strike out a time or two, but his history with the Cubs pitcher suggests he could be in for a few extra base hits as well.
