DFS Picks:
Billy Burns (OF-OAK) - How couldn't you pick Billy Burns in DFS leagues right now? Over his last seven games, Burns is 11 for 32 with six runs scored, four RBIs, and three stolen bases. On Saturday, Burns will look to continue his hot streak in Boston against Joe Kelly and the Red Sox. Kelly, as many baseball fans are aware of, is one of the most volatile pitchers in the league. His ERA is 5.83 and his WHIP is 1.46. The reason I think Burns has the upper hand in this matchup is because Kelly relies on his 7.67 K/9, and 95.8 MPH fastball to get him out of messes. Burns' 14.8% K rate should negate Kelly's above average K/9. Thus, it should also make Burns' .378 BABIP a bigger factor. The icing on the cake is Kelly's 61.1% strand rate. Even if Burns only reaches once, he'll have a near 40% chance of scoring. In DFS leagues, Burns should be a safe choice. His worst possible day against Kelly still shouldn't be awful, and his ceiling is high. DraftKings Value Pick $3,800
Josh Donaldson (3B-TOR) - Generally, I try not to suggest big name players as DFS picks. However, some superstars deserve an extra boost on a given day. On Saturday, this superstar is Josh Donaldson. Right now, Donaldson is hitting .311 with 15 home runs and 39 RBIs. What these numbers don't convey is that Donaldson is hitting .450 against lefties, like his Saturday opponent Brett Oberholtzer. In his career against Oberholtzer, Donaldson is 6 for 15 with four doubles, three walks, and a home run. Considering that Oberholtzer only strikeouts 6.48 batters per nine, Donaldson should be making a lot of contact. Additionally, against lefties this season, Donaldson is averaging a home run every ten at bats. All things considered, Donaldson's ceiling is extremely high on Saturday, making him a must have DFS pick. DraftKings Price $5,200
Drew Hutchison (SP-TOR) - Whenever Drew Hutchison is at home, he is a totally different pitcher. On the road, Hutchison's ERA is 7.80. In comparison, his ERA at home is 2.97. On Saturday, Hutchison will take on the extremely strikeout prone Houston Astros, who punch out an average of 9.16 times per game. This high strikeout rate will play well into Hutchison's 7.67 K/9. Additionally, Hutchison has already proved that he could mow down the Astros lineup. On May 14th, he threw six innings of two run, nine-strikeout baseball against Houston. If you decide to pick Hutchison in DFS leagues, be mindful that the Astros are a true first place team. This isn't to say Hutchison won't pitch well, but that his chances of picking up a win are lower than usual. DraftKings Value Pick $7,000
Rookies:
Aaron Sanchez (SP-TOR) - Aaron Sanchez gave the MLB a little taste of what he's capable of if he throws strikes. For the first time all season, Sanchez didn't walk a batter. The result was eight innings of two run baseball and his fifth win of the season. Sanchez completely stunned the first place Houston Astros despite striking out a miniscule three batters. After a rough start to the season, his ERA is down to 3.55. Overall his outing was impressive, but Sanchez isn't waiver wire consideration yet. His control is still questionable, and his road ERA is 5.13. For now, look to use Sanchez in spot start situations when he plays at home. In Toronto, his ERA is 2.72. Across the remainder of the season this will likely even out, but until then, only use him at home.
Pat Venditte (RP-OAK) - Switch pitcher Pat Venditte didn't get called up just to sell tickets. Venditte earned his promotion by posting a 1.36 ERA in 33 innings at Triple-A Nashville. If you don't believe the whole switch pitcher thing helps, just look at Venditte's splits. At the time of his call up, righties were hitting .208 against Venditte, while lefties were only hitting .095. Friday night, Venditte got his first taste of big league action. He threw two scoreless innings and struck out one. In the future, Venditte could become the closer if anything happens to Tyler Clippard. Clippard definitely has the stuff to be an effective closer, but his control is always an issue. Also, the switch pitcher aspect makes Venditte much more dangerous. Moving forward, make sure to keep an eye on the A's bullpen and Venditte's status.
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Time Frame: Season
