Saturday’s main slate features nine games starting at 7:05 pm ET. We will be using Bales Model to breakdown the slate.
Pitchers
The four pitchers projected to score the most fantasy points today are:
Yu Darvish (R)
Aaron Nola (R)
Brandon Woodruff (R)
Kyle Muller (L)
The highest rated pitcher on Bales Model for both DraftKings and FanDuel today is Yu Darvish from the San Diego Padres. Darvish has been great throughout his 2021 campaign so far. In 115.2 innings pitched, he has struck out 134 opposing batters, has a 3.27 ERA, and 7-5 record. Although these stats rank well amongst most MLB pitchers, Darvish has struggled in his last four outings. Recently the home run bug has affected the Padres righty as he has allowed six home runs in these past four starts. Hoping to regain his early season form, Darvish will be pitching against the Colorado Rockies who have the least number of wins away from their home ballpark (12) wins).
The highest priced pitcher on FanDuel tonight is Aaron Nola from the Philadelphia Phillies. Nola was extremely impressive in his last start. Although he missed out on a complete game by only one out, in those 8.2 innings he allowed only four hits while striking out nine batters. If you’re looking for a flaw in Nola’s recent performances, like Darvish, he has also allowed six home runs to opposing batters in his last four starts. A strong reason to have Nola in your lineups today is that he will be on the mound against the Pittsburgh Pirates who have the second lowest implied runs total on the slate (3.3 runs).
A pitcher that is projected for a high number of fantasy points today but does not rate highly on Bales Model for FanDuel is Brandon Woodruff from the Milwaukee Brewers. The main reason for this low rating is that he is priced at $10,800 on FD. Although he has been elite this year, Woodruff has yet to earn a win decision since June. Hoping to get back in the win column, Woodruff will be facing the Atlanta Braves who have a +43 run differential. Another reason to maybe fade Woodruff is that the Braves are projected for an implied runs total of 4.2 today.
In what figures to be a pitching duel, Kyle Muller from the Atlanta Braves will be on the opposite side of the diamond from Woodruff. In his first season pitching at the major league level, Muller has done well. In 24 innings pitched, Muller has struck out 26 batters, has a 2.55 ERA, and 2-3 record. Although he threw only 75 pitches last start, he is projected to throw more than 90 pitches tonight. With more pitches also comes the potential to score more fantasy points.
Value
The pitcher projected for the most fantasy points/salary today on Bales Model for both DraftKings and FanDuel is Rich Hill from the New York Mets. In his first start since being traded to the Mets, Hill threw five innings in which he allowed five hits including three earned runs. Hoping to make a stronger impression on his new manager, Hill will be on the mound tonight against the Cincinnati Reds who are currently on a four-game winning streak.
Hitters
Notable Stack
Today’s top projected points stack comes to you from the -185 Los Angeles Dodgers:
- Chris Taylor (R)
- Max Muncy (L)
- Justin Turner (R)
- Cody Bellinger (L)
The Dodgers are projected for the highest implied runs total on the slate as they take on the Arizona Diamondbacks. As you may know, the Dodgers have one of the best lineups top to bottom even while missing some key players. Through 105 games played, the Dodgers have a +147 run differential which is second best in MLB. On FanDuel, this stack will cost you $14.3k in salary and are projected for a combined 45.9 fantasy points.
Other Hitters
The highest rated floor play on Bales Model for both DraftKings and FanDuel is Juan Soto from the Washington Nationals. Soto is currently on a four-game hitting streak in which he is batting .500 with two walks. The month of July has been great for Soto and he will be hoping to end the month on a high note. All indications say to roster the Nationals outfielder.
A highest rated batter on Bales Model for FanDuel’s main slate is Kolten Wong from the Milwaukee Brewers. Wong has collected a hit in 10 of his last 11 games and has been very influential to the Brewers 7-game division lead. Projected to bat leadoff tonight, he will be looking to take advantage of the Atlanta Braves rookie Kyle Muller.
It is worth nothing that the Chicago Cubs are sellers at the trade deadline. They have moved numerous big-name players to opposing teams in hopes of rebuilding. It may be worth taking a chance on batters facing Cubs pitchers as the team morale may have just hit an all-time low. As a Brewers fan, I am thrilled to see the division get easier.
Value
Finally, here is a handful of batters to consider while completing your lineups today that are projected for a high fantasy points/salary:
- Ian Happ
- Myles Straw
- Brandon Nimmo
- Adam Frazier
- David Dahl
