The following Spotlight Hitters were selected by Awesemo.com’s Director of Content Josh Engleman. Please check back later for notes/additional picks from Awesemo himself.
Michael Brantley
FD: $3700
DK: $4200
If you’re ever going to focus on Michael Brantley, tonight is the night to do so. Brantley is significantly better versus right handed pitching, with a career slash line of .303/.359/.455. Since the Indians have the second highest implied total, I had to take a closer look. Brantley’s price is just too low for this matchup. The combination of Mike Fiers low strikeout rate along with Brantley’s keen batting eye could result in a huge day for the Indians’ outfielder.
Nelson Cruz
FD: $3600
DK: $4200
Normally, I’d be looking to target Cruz against a lefty, but Jake Odorizzi isn’t an ordinary right handed pitcher. Odorizzi has aggresive reverse splits, with a career 4.82 xFIP against RHH compared to a 3.95 xFIP against LHH. He shows a similiarly elevated HR/FB rate as well. Those kind of reverse splits make Cruz feel like a bargain.
Brian Dozier
FD: $3700
DK: $4500
Dozier might be the best dollar for dollar play of the day. Dozier sports a career .532 SLG and .251 ISO against lefties, which is great news considering the Twins face LHP Wade LeBlanc. Being able to get that sort of pop at second base is an excellent value. I think Dozier works nicely, even as a one-off lineup option.
