Daily fantasy baseball: Start Carter, Hamilton to win Friday'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 picks 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, Seattle Mariners (vs. Nationals) -- Hernandez has looked like a mere mortal in his last two starts, allowing a total of five runs with 10 strikeouts in 10 2/3 innings. The Mariners pushed back his start to Friday from Wednesday this week to get him some extra rest, and that’s bad news for the Nationals, who otherwise would have avoided him in their weekend series in Seattle. These are two of the hotter teams in the majors, and both could be in the postseason, but the Mariners have the edge any time King Felix takes the mound.

Infielder

Chris Carter, Houston Astros (vs. Rangers, Scott Baker) -- Carter is in the midst of a power run at the plate, hitting homers in three consecutive games before the streak ended on Thursday. Still, he’s 5-for-16 with three bombs, six RBI and a walk in his last four contests. He loves hitting at Minute Maid Park, slashing .241/.311/.542 with 18 home runs in his home park. He’s a bit of a risk in the Baseball Throwdown format, but you want to take advantage of Carter when he’s on one of his power binges.

Outfielder

Billy Hamilton, Cincinnati Reds (@ Pirates, Edinson Volquez) -- After a mini-slump in which he went 0-for-10, Hamilton has gotten back on track over the last two days. He is 4-for-7 with two RBI, two walks and two steals in those games, helping the Reds take two of three from the Cubs. Volquez has been a bit better than a replacement level pitcher this season, so the bet here is htat Hamilton will be able to get on base, then wreak havoc on the basepaths once he does so.

Other Recommendations

Pitchers

Andrew Cashner, Padres (vs. Dodgers) -- Cashner looked good in his return from the disabled list, allowing two runs in five innings against the Diamondbacks. He’s a great play whenever he pitches at Petco Park.
Jason Vargas, Royals (vs. Indians) -- Vargas has finally found a team that suits his fly-ball heavy ways, as the Royals have the three best defensive outfielders in the majors by defensive runs saved.

Infielders

Lucas Duda, Mets (vs. Phillies, David Buchanan) -- Duda is in the midst of a true breakout season, with 26 homers and an .845 OPS.
Billy Butler, Royals (vs. Indians, Danny Salazar) -- Butler is 5-for-8 with three doubles and two RBI against Salazar in his career.

Outfielders

Adam Jones, Orioles (vs. Twins, Trevor May) -- Jones is 5-for-15 in his last four games, and is slashing .303/.327/.496 at home this year.
Mike Trout, Angels (vs. A’s, Jon Lester) -- Over the last week, Trout is 10-for-29 with three homers, a double, five RBI and three walks.