Daily Fantasy: Best options for Tuesday's MLB games
SI's FanNation app has arrived, offering daily fantasy sports games that let you put your skills on the line for money or just for bragging rights, leading off with the launch of Baseball Throwdown. Every day, SI's Michael Beller will release his lineup for that day's Baseball Throwdown contest and offer up other recommendations to get your team ready for the day's slate of games. Download the FanNation app today and get started challenging your friends.
Pitcher
Scott Kazmir, A’s (vs. Astros) -- Kazmir has been very good in his last three starts, allowing just two runs and 10 hits while striking out 24 in 19 1/3 innings. He took on the Astros in back-to-back starts in April, and surrendered a combined three runs with 12 strikeouts in 14 innings. The Astros also lead the league with a 23.7-percent strikeout rate. This is a great matchup for the Oakland lefty, made better by the fact that it is at home. Kazmir carries a 14-point projection, but he should be able to best that
Infielder
Jose Abreu, White Sox (vs. Royals, Bruce Chen) -- Abreu extended his hit streak on Monday to 12 games with a seventh-inning double. This streak comes right on the heels of an 18-game hit streak that was snapped on July 5. In those 31 games, he has raised his slash line to .292/.341/.619 from .260/.314/.600. He’s a good bet to exceed his four-point projection.
Outfielder
Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins (@ Braves, Mike Minor) -- Stanton has absolutely owned Minor in their respective careers, going 5-for-19 with four homers, six RBI and eight walks against the Atlanta lefty. He’s also crushing southpaws in general this year, slashing .373/.484/.707 with six home runs in 91 plate appearances. Stanton is a very strong option on Tuesday.
Other Recommendations
Pitchers
• Rick Porcello, Tigers (@ Diamondbacks) -- Wins represent some of the best currency in Baseball Throwdown, and the Tigers should be able to handle Chase Anderson and the woeful Diamondbacks.
• Adam Wainwright, Cardinals (vs. Rays) -- Wainwright has the highest projected score of the day, but he has also allowed six runs in his last 52 2/3 innings.
Infielders
• Mike Napoli, Red Sox (@ Blue Jays, J.A. Happ) -- Napoli is 3-for-6 with a double and a walk in seven career plate appearances against Happ.
• David Wright, Mets (@ Mariners, Erasmo Ramirez) -- Ramirez has been among the worst pitchers in the league this year, posting a 4.58 ERA and 5.71 FIP. Wright can take advantage.
Outfielders
• Gregory Polanco, Pirates (vs. Dodgers, Josh Beckett) -- Polanco has struggled lately, but has done much better against righties this year, hitting .290 with a .383 OBP.
• Adam Jones, Orioles (@ Angels, Hector Santiago) -- Jones blasted two homers on Monday, giving him three roundtrippers and nine RBI in his last three games. He’s 3-for-8 with a home run against Santiago.
