MLB DFS Picks: Tuesday, September 3rd has a couple early games and a healthy dozen games for the “main” slate on Yahoo, DraftKings, FanDuel and FantasyDraft. Before you lock in your baseball DFS lineups and MLB DFS picks, make sure to check out check out Awesemo’s DFS baseball MLB rankings and projections. Not a member? Sign up HERE and use Promo Code: MLBSTACKS for 50% off any one month subscription.
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Greetings Gamers! Get ready for some funky baseball with the rosters expanded allowing the minor leaguers to be promoted in full force.
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Early Slate
New York Yankees vs. RHP Ariel Jurado – 6.8 implied runs
If the weather cooperates, this is an amazing matchup for the Bronx Bombers. The lack of strikeouts really limits the upside of RHP Ariel Jurado. Although he does not allow a ton of power, he has given up two home runs in three of his last six appearances. Additionally, he cedes nearly 1.5 baserunners per inning and that is where the damage is really done.
With a 230 ISO allowed to same-handed hitters this season and a .188 to lefties, we have plenty of options. Start with Gleyber Torres, Gary Sanchez, Luke Voit and Aaron Judge as the core four. Then for differentiation we can work in Clint Frazier, D.J. LeMahieu and Didi Gregorius.
Main Slate
Cleveland Indians vs. RHP Dylan Cease – 5.9 implied runs
Considering that RHP Dylan Cease has posted a 6.92 ERA with 13 dingers over 62 innings, this total feels disrespectful. Cease has been hammered by both sides of the plate LHB: .431 wOBA / .306 ISO RHB: .342 wOBA / .222 ISO. We can start off with switch-hitters Francisco Lindor and Carlos Santana for a smooth duo. Then the order of preference would be Franmil Reyes, Yasiel Puig, Oscar Mercado and Mike Freeman.
Keep an eye on the wind as it is currently projected to be in the 10-14 mph range out to right field.
Evening Slate
Kansas City Royals vs. LHP Daniel Norris – 4.3 implied runs
It looks like LHP Daniel Norris will serve as the opener on Tuesday before giving way to a collection of relievers. The current bullpen crew for Detroit has a bottom three ERA, FIP, xFIP, HR/9 and a bottom ten strikeout rate. Via the magic of transitive properties we should be on the Royals, well at least their competent hitters. Update: since this article was first posted it was announced that RHP Drew VerHagen will be the “primary” reliever. This does not change my assessment of using the core Royals on the main slate and the others on the short slate.
The return of Adalberto Mondesi from a shoulder injury dramatically improves the Royals offense. In his first game back on Sunday he was 4 for 5 with three stolen bases. It is just a hunch, but he may be motivated to regain the AL lead from Mallex Smith who is just five ahead. Any Kansas City stack should start with him as the centerpiece.
After Mondesi, we should look to Jorge Soler, Whit Merrifield and Hunter Dozier. Then it is a little tricky, though Alex Gordon and Ryan O’Hearn would be differentiation plays on the short slate.
Late Slate
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. RHP Chi Chi Gonzalez – 6.0 implied runs
In his last start RHP Chi Chi Gonzalez allowed seven runs on just 27 pitches in Coors Field. The three prior to that were all on the road (STL, ARZ, SDP). Across those four outings he lasted 16.0 innings allowing 19 runs, four home runs, 31 baserunners and just seven strikeouts.
Start with the Dodger lefties as Gonzalez has allowed a .441 wOBA, .295 ISO and a 20.5 BB% over 78 batters faced. That means Cody Bellinger, Joc Pederson, Corey Seager and Matt Beaty are our first priorities. Then round things out with Will Smith, Chris Taylor, A.J. Pollock and whomever is playing second base. The last step is to enjoy!
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Good Luck Gamers! ~ EMac
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