Daily Fantasy: Best options for Wednesday'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
Jose Quintana, White Sox (vs. Royals) -- When Quintana last faced the Royals, he allowed six runs on eight hits in six innings. He has made six starts since then, surrendering just eight runs while striking out 56 batters in 40 2/3 innings. Even though the Royals have had his number a bit this season – they also got him for three runs on eight hits in 7 1/3 innings in May – he’s a strong option for Baseball Throwdown on Wednesday.
Infielder
Hitting Report: Rizzo crushes three homers, Bruce struggling
Anthony Rizzo, Cubs (vs. Padres, Ian Kennedy) -- Rizzo hit two more home runs on Tuesday and now leads the NL with 25 bombs on the year. His slash line is up to .283/.385/.539, and at this early stage, the Cubs sure look like the winners of the Rizzo-for-Andrew Cashner deal. The Padres and Ian Kennedy will try to exact some revenge for that trade on Wednesday, but don’t expect them to get it at Rizzo’s expense.
Outfielder
Gregory Polanco, Pirates (vs. Dodgers, Dan Haren) -- Polanco is coming off a huge game in which he went 2-for-4 with a home run, three RBI and three runs scored. He has been much better against righties during his brief time in the majors, slashing .301/.395/.408 against opposite siders. Play the hot hand and ride with Polanco against the righty Haren.
Other Recommendations
Pitchers
• Yu Darvish, Rangers (@ Yankees) -- Even with the high projected score, a pitcher like Darvish, who can eat innings and rack up strikeouts, is always a good play in the Throwdown.
• Lance Lynn, Cardinals (vs. Rays) -- Adam Wainwright may have struggled on Tuesday, but the Rays are still a bad offense capable of being dominated by a pitcher with a plus-fastball like Lynn.
Infielders
• Carlos Santana (@ Twins, Anthony Swarzak) -- Santana was 4-for-5 with a homer and two doubles on Tuesday, breaking out of a mini-funk he was in at the plate.
• Anthony Rendon (@ Rockies, Jorge De La Rosa) -- Rendon is coming off a 3-for-5 performance in which he had a double and scored two runs. While he’s just 1-for-5 against De La Rosa, he’s hitting .351/.396/.546 against lefties this year.
Outfielders
• Carlos Gomez, Brewers (vs. Reds, Mike Leake) -- In 14 career plate appearances against Leake, Gomez is 4-for-12 with a double and a walk. He also has eight hits and four RBI in his last six games.
• Jose Bautista, Blue Jays (vs. Red Sox, Clay Buchholz) -- Bautista is slashing .289/.349/.395 with a double, homer and four walks in 43 career plate appearances against Buchholz.
