Jeff Samardzija, Miguel Cabrera must-plays in today's Daily Fantasy
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.
Jeff Samardzija, A’s (@ Astros) – Samardzija faced these very same Astros in his last start, and the results were quite encouraging. He tossed eight innings of one-run, five-hit ball, striking out six and walking nary a batter. While the Astros were largely unfamiliar with Samardzija and will be better equipped to face him on Tuesday than they were last week, the Oakland righty still has the upper hand. He should again be able to dominate this lineup.
Miguel Cabrera, Tigers (vs. White Sox, Jose Quintana) – Cabrera took an 0-for-8 in Detroit’s final two games with the Angels, but he had been hot before that, going 9-for-21 with two homers and six RBI in a five-game stretch. Moreover, he has had success against Quintana in their respective careers, getting six hits – including a home run and a double – in 17 at-bats. Cabrera also has an impressive .255 isolated slugging percentage against lefties this year.
Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies (@ Cubs, Edwin Jackson) – It has been a nightmare season for Gonzalez, with injuries and poor performance conspiring to saddle him with the worst year of his career. However, there is reason to believe Tuesday night will be a good one to use him in daily fantasy leagues, and that reason is Edwin Jackson. Gonzalez is 7-for-9 with a homer, two doubles and six RBI in his career against Jackson. There is rain in the forecast in Chicago, though, so be sure to check on that before deploying Gonzalez.
Other Recommendations
Pitchers
Stephen Strasburg, Nationals (@ Marlins) – Strasburg should push double-digit strikeouts going up against a team with a 23.3-percent strikeout rate.
Tyson Ross, Padres (vs. Cardinals) – Ross has allowed just seven runs while striking out 53 batters in his last 49 innings.
Infielders
Evan Gattis, Braves (@ Dodgers, Josh Beckett) – Gattis is 5-for-8 with a homer and a double in his last two games.
Mike Zunino, Mariners (@ Indians, Trevor Bauer) – Zunino only carries a two-point projection on Tuesday, and is 7-for-22 with a home run and a double in his last seven games.
Outfielders
Yasiel Puig, Dodgers (vs. Braves, Aaron Harang) – Puig has had a monster July, slashing .308/.384/.600 with 13 extra-base hits in the month.
Justin Upton, Braves (@ Dodgers, Josh Beckett) – Upton doesn’t have a ton of history against Beckett, but it’s certainly on his side. He’s 2-for-5 with a homer, double and walk against the Dodgers’ righty.
