Daily fantasy baseball: Start Strasburg, Bautista on Saturday

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

Stephen Strasburg, Nationals (@ Mariners) – Strasburg made it through just four innings his last time out, allowing five runs on eight hits against the Giants. In his two previous starts, though, he allowed a grand total of one earned run and six hits with 12 strikeouts in 15 innings. The Mariners are struggling recently, having lost their last two games and going jut 5-5 in their last 10 games. Strasburg can take advantage of this lineup.

Infielder

Chris Carter, Astros (vs. Twins, Kyle Gibson) – Carter has slowed down a bit from his pace set a earlier this week, but he still has five hits and three homers in his last five games. He’s a better hitter at home than on the road, slashing .236/.309/.532 at Minute Maid Park. He’s also 2-for-6 in his career against Gibson. Daily fantasy gamers might need a homer out of Carter for him to turn a profit, but that’s a solid bet on Saturday.

Outfielder

Jose Bautista, Blue Jays (vs. Yankees, Michael Pineda) – Bautista has been on a power binge at the plate, hitting home runs in each of his last three games. He’s 4-for-12 with those three bombs, four runs, three RBI and a walk in his last three games. He has struggled against Pineda in his career, but he’s a great player to ride given the way he is swinging the bat.

Other Recommendations

Pitchers

Jake Odorizzi, Rays (vs. Red Sox) – Odorizzi should be able to bounce back from his worst outing of the season against the Red Sox on Saturday. Look for big strikeout numbers, here.

Zack Greinke, Dodgers (@ Padres) – Greinke had a rough pair of starts earlier this month, but has allowed just three runs in his last 12 innings, and is always a good play against the Padres in San Diego.

Infielders

Evan Longoria, Rays (vs. Red Sox, Allen Webster) – Longroria is 7-for-16 with a homer, double and four RBI in his last four games.

Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays (vs. Yankees, Michael Pineda) – Encarnacion has made his hits count since coming off the disabled list, getting four extra-base hits and six RBI in the last 10 days.

Outfielders

Andrew McCutchen, Pirates (vs. Reds, Alfredo Simon) – McCutchen is hitting .294/.368/.471 with a homer against Simon in his career.

Michael Brantley, Indians (@ Royals, James Shields) – Brantley hasn’t hit for much power against Shields, but he’s 10-for-30 with four RBI when facing the Kansas City righty.