It’s hard to believe that the Cleveland Indians won’t keep it rolling today. They have scored 26 runs over the last two games and step into another great match-up today with Twins starter, Phil Hughes. To say Hughes has struggles is an understatement. He owns the 4th worst xFIP on the slate today and combines that with the second lowest K/9 (4.85). That’s a bad combination for trying to get Major League hitters out. The Indians provide everything you like in a team stack. They are inexpensive with Michael Brantley ($4,400) being the most expensive hitter in the lineup today. Additionally, they are leading off Jose Ramirez who will only cost you $2,600 and have three other players in the lineup at $2,500 or cheaper. You could pick four Twins and have your choice of other studs to roster with them.
The first base position is always integral when it comes to winning a GPP and the guy that may be able to help you do it today is David Ortiz ($4,000). Ortiz has been the only productive member of the Red Sox over the L14 days, boasting a .327 average with 3 doubles and 6 (!!) HRs. He faces the inconsistent Justin Verlander today who Ortiz has owned for a .320 average (8-25) with 3 doubles and a HR in his career.
I’ll stick with another big name at second base with Ian Kinsler ($4,300). No one around the industry is talking about this guy and he has been scorching for the Tigers in the L14. Hitting .423 with 4 XBH and only 3Ks in his last 55 plate appearances. Gets a date with lefty Henry Owens today and Kinsler has always hit LHP well. A career .305 hitter against southpaws.
Is Robinson Cano ($4,100) back? It certainly feels like it. Averaging 10.1 DK points over his L10 and hitting .317 in the L14. Faces the miserable Colby Lewis who he has owned for a .429 (9-21) in his career.
As usual, I will end with the best BvP numbers I can find. Today, that honor goes to Lorenzo Cain ($4,600). The Royals outfielder loves to see any lefty on the hill as he is a career .300 hitter versus lefties. However, he will be especially pleased to see the lefty on the hill today is Jose Quintana who Cain has seen for 40 ABs in his career. Cain boasts a .375 average (15-40) with 6 doubles and only 5 Ks.
That’s today’s hitters preview based on DraftKings strategy and scoring. Good luck!