Daily Fantasy: Kluber, Martinez, Ellsbury 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
Corey Kluber, Indians (vs. Reds) -- Kluber has been phenomenal in his last two turns, going nine innings in both and allowing zero earned runs (one unearned) against the Royals and the Mariners. In the two gems, he surrendered a total of five hits while striking out 10. Three starts ago, he was one out short of a complete game in a 10-strikeout effort against the Tigers. He has double-digit strikeouts in three of his last five starts, and has won each of his last four decisions.
Infielder
Victor Martinez, Tigers (@ Yankees, Brandon McCarthy) -- Martinez has taken some time to get going again after missing a few weeks in July with an injury stint sandwiched around the All-Star break. He showed signs of life over the weekend, hitting his first home run since July 3 on Saturday. He should be happy to see McCarthy, a pitcher he has owned, on Monday. In 24 career plate appearances against the righty, Martinez is slashing .333/.417/.667 with a homer and four doubles.
Outfielder
Jacoby Ellsbury, Yankees (vs. Tigers, Max Scherzer) -- Scherzer may be the defending AL Cy Young Award winner, but he wouldn’t be anywhere near the award if every lineup were filled with Ellsburys. The Yankees’ center fielder has had Scherzer’s number in their respective careers, going 6-for-13 with a homer, double, six RBI and five walks. While Ellsbury has struggled recently, his history against Scherzer makes him a good play today.
Other Recommendations
Pitchers
• Jeff Samardzija, A’s (vs. Rays) -- Samardzija gave up four runs against the Astros in his last start, but the Rays’ offense has been lacking all season. Samardzija should get back on track here.
• Zack Greinke, Dodgers (vs. Angels) -- In his last two starts, Greinke has allowed one run while striking out 23 batters in 15 innings.
Infielders
• Lucas Duda, Mets (vs. Giants, Tim Hudson) -- Duda has been on a power binge as of late, leaving the yard six times in his last 10 games.
• Carlos Santana, Indians (vs. Reds, Alfredo Simon) -- Santana is 18-for-38 with six homers, 13 RBI and 11 walks in his last 11 games.
Outfielders
• Josh Reddick, A’s (vs. Rays, Alex Cobb) -- Reddick is 9-for-22 with a homer, two doubles and three RBI in his last six games.
• Michael Brantley, Indians (vs. Reds, Alfredo Simon) -- Brantley is 4-for-6 with a pair of doubles, three RBI and a walk against Simon in his career.
