Today’s theme is all about hot streaks.
We have a 10-game slate this evening (5 in the early slate, but we aren’t focusing there).
Pitching on this slate is dreadful. The fact that Gio Gonzalez is the top-priced pitcher tells you all you need to know about the slate.
The Index has been on a run of bad pitcher takes, so today is not the slate to revive picking a pitcher or two.
Instead, we will be focusing on guys who are stroking it at the plate. And no, Giancarlo Stanton will definitely not be on this list. Not because he’s not worth play, but because people are going to be all over him today. I know he’s facing a lefty, but for me, BvP has me hopping off today.
At any rate, here’s today’s picks. We will get back to rankings on Friday when we are back to a full slate of action.
Freddie Freeman – 1B – Atlanta Braves – $5,100
Analysis: Zach Eflin was a great matchup for Freeman last night and Freeman went yard. Jerad Eickhoff is a better pitcher, but the matchup is still solid for Freeman. Eickhoff has been awful against lefties, allowing a .356 wOBA, a 1.36 HR/9, a 5.46 xFIP and a 33% hard contact rate. Freeman is the best RH masher on his team and SunTrust Park was built for Freeman and his lefty power. Freeman also has BvP against Eickhoff – 6-for-18, 1 double, 2 HRs, 4 walks, 2 steals. Oh, and Free Money Freddie has 8 hits in his last 6 games.
Travis Shaw – 3B – MIlwaukee Brewers – $4,400
Analysis: The Brewers are going to be the chalky stack of the night, but rightfully so. They get to head home to Miller Park and take on the ghost of Bartolo Colon. While Eric Thames is a wild card for me (but cheap and likely chalky), it’s Travis Shaw and another guy below that I have my eye on for multiple lineups. Shaw is this team’s best left-handed power bat. And against lefties this season, Colon has allowed a .374 wOBA, a 1.65 HR/9 rate, a 5.66 xFIP and 40% hard contact rate. Shaw is starting to warm up again with hits in his last four games.
