Saturday’s main slate features nine games starting at 7:05 pm ET. We will be using Bales Model to highlight some of the top options to consider.
Pitchers
The four pitchers projected to score the most fantasy points today are:
- Corbin Burnes (R)
- Lucas Giolito (R)
- Zac Gallen (R)
- Julio Urias (L)
The highest priced pitcher on the slate for both DraftKings and FanDuel is Corbin Burnes from the Milwaukee Brewers. Burnes is truly deserving of this honor as he has been incredible the entire season. In 165 innings, Burnes has a 2.29 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 11-4 record, and 230 strikeouts. The high strikeout figure ranks fifth in MLB as he will get his last start of the season before playoffs begin.
Burnes will be on the mound tonight against the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are projected for an implied runs total of four. Burnes is coming off three consecutive quality starts and will look for a similar performance today against a tough opponent. In their last three games, the Dodgers have scored 27 runs as their offense seems to be heating up at the right time. Although this is a tough task for Burnes, he has proven himself against similar ballclubs during this year.
The highest rated pitcher on Bales Model for both DraftKings and FanDuel is Lucas Giolito from the Chicago White Sox. Giolito has been solid this year as the White Sox secured first place in the American League Central Division. In 173.2 innings, he has a 3.58ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 11-9 record, and 198 strikeouts. Giolito will be pitching against the Detroit Tigers tonight in a favorable matchup.
The Tigers are projected for the second-lowest implied runs total on the slate (3.4 runs) and there is a projected wind blowing in from right-center field. The wind is not the only concern in the game, as there is also a potential for rain. Please keep an eye closer to start time for updates with the possibility of delays. If the game goes on as planned, look for Giolito to take advantage of his inferior opponent as he is coming off a strong six inning performance in which he allowed only five hits and no runs.
Zac Gallen from the Arizona Diamondbacks has been a bright spot for a team that has been abysmal this season. Gallen will be on the hill against the Colorado Rockies, who he had a very impressive performance against earlier this year. Over seven innings, Gallen allowed only three hits, no runs against, and struck out nine. This time around he will be at home rather than Coors Field which is a much more favorable venue for pitchers. If he is able to replicate his stellar performance, Gallen may be one of the best options on the slate.
Rounding out the top four, Julio Urias from the Dodgers will be looking to increase his league high win total (19). In 179.1 innings, he has a 3.01 ERA, 188 strikeouts, 1.04 WHIP, and 19-3 record — 19-3, yes you read that right. I think the most impressive part of Urias’ game is that he just turned 25 years-old and this is his sixth MLB campaign. Urias has collected a win in six of his last seven outings and will be on the mound tonight against the Milwaukee Brewers. The Brewers are projected for the lowest implied runs total on the slate (3.2 runs) in a game that figures to be a pitcher’s duel.
Value
A pitcher projected for a high points/salary in the Bales Model is Griffin Jax from the Minnesota Twins. As the Twins have all but given up on their 2021 year, they have turned to younger arms as they look to build for the future. This is Jax’s first year pitching in the major leagues and he has been serviceable. A major concern with Jax is that he has allowed at least one home run in each of his last 10 starts. Today, he will be pitching against the Kansas City Royals, who rank 27th in MLB with only 163 homers. If Jax can keep the ball in the yard tonight, he may be in line for a breakout performance at a very reasonable price.
Hitters
Notable Stack
Today’s top projected points stack comes to you from the -153 Houston Astros:
- Jose Altuve (R)
- Michael Brantley (L)
- Alex Bregman (R)
- Yordan Alvarez (L)
The Astros are projected for the fourth-highest implied runs total on the slate today (five runs). On FanDuel, this stack will cost you $14k in salary and is projected for a combined 49.9 fantasy points. Although the Astros have only won two of their last eight games, they did score six runs yesterday which was more than they scored in each of their past seven.
The Astros have secured a playoff spot but will hope to see their bats heat up before it is too late. This may be a great opportunity to bounce back as they will be up to bat against Paul Blackburn, who has an ERA of 4.71 in 36.1 innings.
Other Hitters
The highest rated batter in the Bales Model for DraftKings is Tim Anderson from the Chicago White Sox. Anderson has collected a hit in 12 of his last 13 games, including four multi-hit games. Yesterday, Anderson had four hits as he continued his red hot batting in the month of September.
Value
Lastly, here is a handful of batters to consider while completing your lineups today that are projected for a high fantasy points/salary:
- Matt Duffy
- Brandon Marsh
- Jose Rojas
- Roberto Perez
- Khris Davis
