Daily Fantasy Baseball: Hernandez, Abreu among today's must-plays
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
Felix Hernandez, Mariners (vs. Braves) -- In his last start, Hernandez allowed two runs on four hits across seven innings against the Indians. While he took the loss, he became the first pitcher in the modern era to allow two or fewer runs while going at least seven innings in 14 consecutive starts. At this point, daily fantasy owners are duty bound to go with King Felix, even when Clayton Kershaw is pitching on the same day. The fact that the Braves have a 22.1-percent strikeout rate helps, too.
Infielder
Jose Abreu, White Sox (vs. Rangers, Colby Lewis) -- Abreu went a whole two games without a hit, so he made sure to get back on track with a pair of hits and RBI in the White Sox’ rain-shortened win over the Rangers on Monday. Meanwhile, Lewis has an ERA that is pushing 6.00 and a 1.73 WHIP. He took on the White Sox once earlier this year, and Abreu went 1-for-2 with a walk. Lewis has also allowed 13 homers in 102 1/3 innings this season.
Outfielder
Matt Kemp, Dodgers (vs. Angels, Hector Santiago) -- Even after taking an 0-for-3 on Monday, Kemp is among the hottest hitters in the majors. In his last 14 games, he is 20-for-52 with five home runs, 14 RBI and eight walks. Santiago has rebounded this year, compiling a 3.76 ERA, 3.91 FIP and 71 strikeouts in 79 innings, but with the way Kemp is swinging the bat, it doesn’t much matter who is on the mound. He makes a great play on Tuesday.
Other Recommendations
Pitchers
• Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers (vs. Angels) -- Only a guy like Felix Hernandez could relegate Kershaw to the “Other Recommendations” section. He’s nearly as strong a play as the King.
• Dallas Keuchel, Astros (@ Phillies) -- Keuchel has allowed just one run on 13 hits with 12 strikeouts in 16 innings in his last two starts combined.
Infielders
• Anthony Rizzo, Cubs (@ Rockies, Brett Anderson) -- A huge part of Rizzo’s 2014 breakout season is due to his turnaround against lefties. He’s slashing .308/.414/.538 against southpaws.
• David Wright, Mets (@ Nationals, Gio Gonzalez) -- Wright is hitting .313/.455/.688 with a homer, double, triple, three RBI and five walks in 22 career plate appearances against Gonzalez.
Outfielders
• Charlie Blackmon, Rockies (vs. Cubs, Travis Wood) -- Blackmon at home against a pitcher who has struggled this year like Wood is a nice formula in daily fantasy leagues.
• Adam Jones, Orioles (@ Blue Jays, Mark Buehrle) -- Jones is hitting .357/.419/.536 with a homer, two doubles and five RBI in 31 career plate appearances against Buehrle.
