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Daily fantasy baseball lineup: Start James Shields, Andrew McCutchen

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

James Shields, Royals (@ White Sox) — Shields has been very good in his last five starts, allowing a total of seven runs in 36 innings, good for a 1.75 ERA. He started against the White Sox two outings ago, allowing three runs and fanning six batters in seven innings. The Royals can clinch a playoff spot on Thursday with a win and a Seattle loss. Expect Shields to contribute positively to that effort.

Infielder

Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays (vs. Mariners, Tom Wilhelmsen) — Encarnacion took an 0-for-3 on Wednesday, but he went 9-for-18 with two homers, a double and 10 RBI in his previous five games. He's now slashing .305/.387/.561 with six jacks in September. Encarnacion is just 1-for-5 against Wilhelmsen in his career, but he's swinging a hot-enough bat to trust him on Thursday.

Outfielder

Andrew McCutchen, Pirates (@ Braves, David Hale) — McCutchen has been right at the center of the Pirates' charge back into the playoffs, as expected: He's 10-for-22 with two homers, two doubles, a triple and three RBI in his last eight games. McCutchen is also a career .291/.394/.557 hitter in 94 career plate appearances at Turner Field.

Other Recommendations

Pitchers

Andrew Cashner, Padres (@ Giants) — Cashner has been great since returning from the disabled list and has allowed two runs in his last 17 innings.

Jose Quintana, White Sox (vs. Royals) — Quintana has allowed just one run in each of his last three starts, a stretch covering 20 1/3 innings. He has 26 strikeouts in that span.

Infielders

Ian Kinsler, Tigers (vs. Twins, Trevor May) — Kinsler went 4-for-8 with a double, three RBI and three walks in the last two games of the Tigers' series with the White Sox.

Freddie Freeman, Braves (vs. Pirates, Edinson Volquez) — Freeman has had a rough September, but he's hitting .300/.397/.489 against righties this year.

Outfielders

Nelson Cruz, Orioles (@ Yankees, Hiroki Kuroda) — Cruz is swinging a hot bat, going 7-for-10 with a homer in his last two games.

Starling Marte, Pirates (@ Braves, David Hale) — Marte is riding a nine-game hitting streak, during which he has gone 13-for-35 with two homers and a double.