Morton, Pujols lead July 12 Baseball Throwdown recommendations

Author:
Michael Beller
Publish date:
Jul 12, 2014

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.

Charlie Morton, Pirates (@ Reds) – Thanks to an improved curveball that he has used more frequently this season, Morton is having the best year of his career. In 113 1/3 innings, he has compiled a 3.10 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 94 strikeouts. He’s taking on a Reds lineup that is without Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips, both of whom are on the DL. Morton has faced the Reds once this year, allowing three earned runs on four hits back on April 23. He has surrendered that many runs in just two of his 13 starts since.

FanNation app debuts with Baseball Throwdown, a daily fantasy challenge

Albert Pujols, Angels (@ Rangers, Miles Mikolas) – Pujols has been hot lately, notching multi-hit games in seven of his last eight contests. He’s 16-for-33 with three homers and 11 RBI in that stretch, raising his slash line to .275/.323/.489 from .254/.308/.459. Texas is a great place to hit, and Mikolas has been supremely hittable during his short time in the majors. In 42 2/3 career innings, he has surrendered 25 earned runs and six homers.

Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins (@ Mets, DaisukeMatsuzaka) – Unlike Pujols, Stanton has not been hitting well recently, going five for his last 31. He also hasn’t homered since June 26, his longest drought of the season. However, I’m betting he gets back on track against Matsuzaka. While his surface numbers look good, Matsuzaka has an xFIP that is pushing 5.00. Stanton should be able to better his five-point projection.

Other recommendations

Pitchers

Stephen Strasburg, Nationals (@ Phillies)–In two starts against the Phillies this year, Strasburg has allowed two earned runs on 13 hits while striking out 16 in 13 innings.

Rick Porcello, Tigers (@ Royals)– Porcello is coming off his worst start of the season but has had success against the Royals this year. In his lone start against them, Porcello held them to two runs and struck out six in seven innings.

Infielders

Starlin Castro, Cubs (vs. Braves, Mike Minor)– Castro is hitting .329/.380/.438 this season. Make sure to check on the weather, though, as it is supposed to rain in Chicago.

Adrian Beltre, Rangers (vs. Angels, Jered Weaver)– Beltre’s riding a 15-game hit streak, putting up a 24-for-56 with five homers and 12 RBI during the run.

Outfielders

Matt Holliday, Cardinals (@ Brewers, Jimmy Nelson)– Holliday has been mashing recently, slashing .324/.439/.500 in July.

Adam Jones, Orioles (vs. Yankees, Shane Greene) – After a huge June, Jones is hitting .317/.333/.439 in July. He should feast on the rookie Greene.