DFS Picks:
John Lackey (SP-STL) - Any pitcher who faces the Phillies has an immediate fantasy value. The Phillies are the lowest scoring team in the majors, only averaging 2.58 runs per game. Their team batting average and OBP are .214 and .269 respectively. Lackey, a fairly polished pitcher, will be pitching at home. In his lone home game this season, Lackey threw a seven-inning shutout. His 1.12 WHIP and .275 BABIP spell disaster for the slumping Phillies. Lackey doesn't strikeout a ton of hitters as conveyed by his 6.27 K/9, but he will occasionally surprise you. You can expect a quality start and a win from Lackey Monday night. The Cardinals have been playing great baseball, and the Phillies couldn't buy a run right now.
FanDuel Value Price: $7,400
Nick Markakis (RF-ATL) - Nick Markakis is one of the few National League players with long-term success against the pitcher he is facing on Monday night. Markakis and the Braves will be taking on Doug Fister and the Nationals. In his career against Fister, Markakis is 8 for 22 with a home run and only three strikeouts. Markakis is bound to reach base. He is hitting .359 against righties and his .412 BABIP, 88% contact rate, 14.7% BB rate and .339 AVG are astonishing. Fister is a good pitcher, but don't be fooled by his 2.37 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and .248 BABIP. Fister has already faced the Phillies twice. The only other team he pitched against was the Cardinals, who mashed Fister for four earned runs on two home runs and seven hits. It is worth noting Markakis is 15 for 36 with seven walks and eight runs scored in his last 10 games. He is as hot as anyone at the plate, and still reasonably priced in DFS leagues. FanDuel Value Pick: $2,800
Gregory Polanco (RF-PIT) - Gregory Polanco will be a solid FanDuel value pick on Monday night. Polanco has scored a run in nine of his last 10 games. During this stretch he has 14 hits in 42 at bats. Overall , Polanco has 21 hits, seven stolen bases, a .362 BABIP, and eight extra base hits. Monday night, Polanco will face Jason Hammel, who he is 3 for 9 against in his career. Hammel comes into the matchup with a 5.19 ERA and a .354 BABIP. Lefties have no trouble hitting Hammel. Hammel has given up nine hits and a walk to the 27 lefties he has faced this season. This .360 BAA indicates that Polanco has a pretty good chance to reach base. If he gets on base, expect a stolen base attempt and a run scored if he doesn't get caught stealing. FanDuel Value Price: $3,200
Must Adds:
Andre Ethier - (RF-LAD) Yasiel Puig officially went on the D.L. today. This means Andre Ethier is the Dodgers right fielder until further notice. Ethier hasn't been a starter in quite sometime, but everyone knows he can swing the stick. In his limited 38 at bats, Ethier has 13 hits including five for extra bases. His .342 AVG and .435 OBP won't be a downgrade by any means. Until Puig returns, Ethier is a must own in all fantasy leagues. His career .285 AVG, .320 BABIP, .360 OBP, and .823 OPS indicate that Ethier will continue to hit no matter where he bats in the lineup.
Adeiny Hechavarria (SS-MIA) - Adeiny Hechavarria is finally hitting. Hechavarria has always been a great fielder, but until recently his bat has been a question mark. Over his last 10 games, Hechavarria is 16 for 39 with 11 RBIs. Due to this hot streak, Hechavarria's average is up to .333 and his RBI total is 13. Additionally, Hechavarria has 15 runs scored and seven extra base hits. His all around performance has been All-Star worthy. If he hasn't been picked up in your fantasy league, I would suggest dropping someone for Hechavarria right away. Not many shortstops can hit like this, so even if you have no use for Hechavarria, don't let your opponents get him.
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Time Frame: Season
