Chris Sale, Nelson Cruz must-plays in today's Daily Fantasy

Doug Fister, Nationals (vs. Phillies) – Fister has been very good in his last three starts, allowing a total of four runs in 19 2/3 innings, good for a 1.83 ERA. He faced the Phillies once before this season, picking up the win while surrendering two runs on four hits and five strikeouts in seven innings. His relative lack of strikeouts does limit his ceiling in a game such as this, but he’s projected for just 13 points, a total he can easily surpass against an offense as anemic as Philadelphia’s.

Jose Abreu, White Sox (vs. Twins, Logan Darnell) – Abreu extended his hitting streak to 20 games on Thursday with a 3-for-3 effort that included two doubles (he was also intentionally walked twice). The perfect night pushed Abreu’s slash line to .305/.356/.636 on the season. The White Sox’ slugger typically carries a four- or five-point projection, but today that is down to three. Take advantage of the low score.

Mike Trout, Angels (@ Rays, Jeremy Hellickson) – The primary reason for going with Trout on Friday is his four-point projection, one or two below his usual total. Any time you can get a stud like him at a lower price, you have to take it. Tampa Bay isn’t the best place for hitters, but that really doesn’t matter to a guy like Trout. He’s 1-for-2 with a double and a walk in his career against Hellickson. A word of warning, though, that Trout is just 7-for-39 in his last 10 games.

Other Recommendations

Pitchers

Chris Sale, White Sox (vs. Twins) – Sale’s 18-point projection is a bit prohibitive, but he’s too good to leave off this list whenever he pitches.

Sonny Gray, A’s (vs. Royals) – Gray has allowed four runs in his last 35 innings, a stretch covering five starts. He has 31 strikeouts in that same span.

Infielders

Adrian Beltre, Rangers (@ Indians, Danny Salazar) – Beltre is 6-for-16 with a home run, two doubles and four RBI in his last four games.

Victor Martinez, Tigers (vs. Rockies, Franklin Morales) – Martinez is 3-for-4 with a double, three RBI and a walk against Morales in his career.

Outfielders

Matt Kemp, Dodgers (vs. Cubs, Kyle Hendricks) – Kemp took an 0-for-2 on Thursday, but was 12-for-19 with three homers and eight RBI in his previous five games.

Nelson Cruz, Orioles (vs. Mariners, Roenis Elias) – Cruz has mashed lefties to the tune of .337/.444/.573 with five homers in 108 plate appearances this season.