DFS Picks:
Yovani Gallardo (SP-TEX) - It's time to give Yovani Gallardo the respect he deserves. This season Gallardo has cruised through lineups to the tune of a 3.35 ERA. On Friday Gallardo will matchup against the Seattle Mariners, who have the MLB's 10th lowest scoring offense. In the midst of a disappointing season the one thing Seattle does have going for them is their 96 road home runs. This total ranks second highest in the MLB. Fortunately for Gallardo, his 2.12 GB/FB ratio should neutralize Seattle's power. It certainly won't hurt that he owns a 3.03 home ERA. With 10 scoreless outing this season, you have to be itching to give Gallardo a chance in DFS leagues. He comes at an affordable price and stands a good chance to add to his win total. DraftKings Value Pick $5,900
Salvador Perez (C-KC) - Not many guys can say they have a career .488 AVG against Justin Verlander. In 41 at bats, Salvador Perez has 20 hits against the former AL Cy Young winner. Of those 20 hits, seven have gone for doubles and two have left the yard. Considering Perez's .45 XBH/H ratio against Verlander, it's not much of a surprise that he also has 13 RBIs and five runs scored when Verlander is on the hill. One thing that has helped Perez dominate Verlander is his .530 wOBA. I emphasize this because Kansas City strikes out less than any other team and Perez only walks 2.2% of the time. Balls will be flying all over the place and with the high quantity of runners on base, Perez should have plenty of opportunities to pad his stats. DraftKings Value Pick $3,300
Kendrys Morales (1B-KC) - If Justin Verlander wasn't pitching well this season then I would've suggested a Royals stack. Instead, I'm just sticking with Kendrys Morales and Salvador Perez. Much like Perez, Morales has demolished Verlander. His lifetime stats include 11 hits, a .367 AVG, two home runs, and a .457 wOBA. Since there is more to a matchup then career stats I'll throw a few other numbers out there. Right now Morales is approaching the end of a magnificent season. With half of a month left, Morales has 17 dingers, 101 RBIs, 69 run scored, and a .290 AVG. His K rate is respectably low at 15.5%, and his 8.0% BB rate is also adequate. Amongst Morales' best qualities are his .322 BABIP and his .177 ISO. This combination has kept his RBI total high, and his batting AVG toward .300. With patience, good contact numbers, and a consistent bat, Morales has all the tools needed to thrash Verlander again. DraftKings Value Pick $3,800
Player to Avoid: Johnny Cueto vs the Tigers:
How come Johnny Cueto can beat anybody in the NL Central but he can't win as a member of the AL's best team? Since joining the Royals Cueto is 2-6 with a 5.43 ERA. That's not even the bad part. Through his first four starts with KC Cueto was 2-1 with a 1.80 ERA. Over his last five starts Cueto is 0-5 with a 9.57 ERA. During this cold streak his H/9 is 16.41. There's no doubt in my mind Cueto will come around. He's too good of a pitcher not too. However, with a matchup against the Tigers looming, I wouldn't take my chances.
The Best Pitcher No one Talks About:
Marco Estrada (SP-TOR) - Despite Adam Lind's big season, I'm sure Toronto is content with Marco Estrada. Estrada picked up his 13th win of the season on Thursday. He defeated the slumping Braves and held Atlanta to five base runners and no runs. This level of performance has become the usual for Estrada. Using his 89.3 MPH fastball and straight change, Estrada has held opposing hitters to a .206 AVG and a .235 BABIP. Because of this efficacy his ERA is 3.14. Estrada's lone weakness has been his 0.69 GB/FB rate. This fly ball tendency has caused Estrada to take on a 1.18 HR/9. Nonetheless, Estrada has been awesome all year. At this point, he looks like a lock to start his first ever playoff game.
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Time Frame: Season
