Daily fantasy baseball: Start Arrieta, Abreu to win today's games

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

Jake Arrieta, Chicago Cubs (@ Reds) -- Arrieta has been absolutely dealing in his last three starts. He has allowed just three runs while striking out 18 in a total of 21 1/3 innings. One of those starts was against the Mets, but the others were against strong offensive teams in the Orioles and Brewers. Arrieta made one start against the Reds this year, surrendering two runs on three hits and fanning nine batters in seven innings. He’s the best play in Baseball Throwdown on Thursday.

Infielder

Jose Abreu, Chicago White Sox (vs. Indians, Carlos Carrasco) -- Guess who’s back? After a slow start to August, Abreu has been on fire of late. In the last two weeks, he’s hitting .422 (19-for-45) with two homers and 10 RBI. He may carry the highest projection among infielders on Thursday at four points, but he’s well worth it given the way he is swinging the bat.

Outfielder

Jacoby Ellsbury, New York Yankees (@ Tigers, Kyle Lobstein) -- Like Abreu, Ellsbury has been one of the hottest hitters in the majors over the last 10 days or so. He’s 17-for-35 with three homers and eight RBI in his last nine games. He has always loved hitting at Comerica Park, slashing .348/.413/.507 with a pair of homers in 80 career plate appearances.

Other Recommendations

Pitchers

Jeremy Hellickson, Rays (@ Orioles) -- Hellickson has allowed six runs while striking out 22 batters in his last 24 1/3 innings.
Mike Minor, Braves (@ Mets) -- Minor has righted the ship in his last three starts, putting up a 2.49 ERA with 19 strikeouts in his last three starts.

Infielders

Chris Carter, Astros (vs. Rangers, Nick Tepesch) -- Carter has homered in three straight games, driving in a total of six runs in those contests.
Victor Martinez, Tigers (vs. Yankees, Hiroki Kuroda) -- Martinez is 8-for-18 with two homers and five RBI in his last four games.

Outfielders

Alex Gordon, Royals (vs. Twins, Tommy Milone) -- Gordon is 6-for-19 in his last five games, belting two homers and driving in three runs. He’s 2-for-5 with two doubles and two walks against Milone in his career.
Hunter Pence, Giants (vs. Rockies, Jordan Lyles) -- Pence is on a nine-game hitting streak, going 12-for-36 with two homers and five RBI during the run. He’s 2-for-5 with a homer in his career against Lyles.