Felix Hernandez, Jose Abreu must-starts 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.
Felix Hernandez, Mariners (@ Tigers) – When does it make sense for daily fantasy gamers to turn away from Clayton Kershaw? When Hernandez is also pitching. King Felix is still on his historic seven-inning, two-runs-or-fewer streak, which has now reached 16 consecutive starts. Both he and Kershaw are legitimate MVP candidates, and have the Cy Young awards in their respective leagues all but sewn up. Hernandez will continue that dominance on Saturday.
Jose Abreu, White Sox (vs. Blue Jays, Mark Buehrle) – August hasn’t been too kind to Abreu. The White Sox’ slugger is still hitting .298 with a .400 OBP in the month, but he’s slugging just .319 and hasn’t hit a homer since July 29. If you’re going to bet on a specific day for him to end that drought, Saturday just might be it. He’s hitting .311/.379/.602 against lefties and .309/.373/.564 at home this year. It’s a hot day in Chicago, just the type of day that the ball tends to fly a few extra feet. Abreu matches up well with the ex-White Sox great Buehrle.
FanNation app debuts with Baseball Throwdown, a daily fantasy challenge
Yasiel Puig, Dodgers, (vs. Brewers, Yovani Gallardo) – Puig has six hits in eight at-bats in his last two games, scoring one run and driving in three. He had been having a rough August up until that point, but has increased his slash line to .315/.398/.523 from .306/.391/.517 with those two strong games. Puig is showing signs of heating up, and that’s a wave that you want to ride.
Other Recommendations
Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers (vs. Brewers) – Only sharing the day with Hernandez can push Kershaw down into the honorable mention section of the column.
Drew Smyly, Rays (vs. Yankees) – Smyly shut down the Rangers his last time out, tossing 7 2/3 shutout innings and fanning nine batters.
Infielders
Kyle Seager, Mariners (@ Tigers, David Price) – Seager is 4-for-11 with a homer, three RBI and two runs scored in his last three games.
Starlin Castro, Cubs (@ Mets, Jon Niese) – Castro is riding a 14-game hit streak on which he has hit .421 (24-for-57) with three doubles and seven RBI. He’s also 5-for-16 with a homer and five RBI against Niese in his career.
Outfielders
Corey Dickerson, Rockies (vs. Reds, Dylan Axelrod) – Dickerson is on a 10-game hitting streak, during which he is 16-for-39 with three homers, three doubles, one triple and 12 RBI.
Adam Jones, Orioles (@ Indians, Carlos Carrasco) – Jones took an 0-for-5 on Friday, but was 5-for-13 with a homer, two doubles and five RBI in his three previous games.
