:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46961278/usa-today-8738396.0.jpg)
Reminder: Always double check the lineup card before rosters lock to make sure that a player you've chosen to roster is playing that day, and check the weather to make sure your players won't get rained out of their game.
Pitcher
Corey Kluber ($12,000) vs Minnesota Twins
Kluber's run prevention doesn't match how well he's actually pitched this year. His ERA is nearly a full run higher than his Fielding Independent Pitching, and while he hasn't been quite as dominant as last year, he still boasts a significantly above average 27% K% and less than a 5% BB%. Kluber faces a Twins offense that has the 8th highest K% vs RHP at 20.8% and the 7th worst wRC+ at 90. The Twins toss Trevor May, who is fresh out of the bullpen and has not built up his arm yet, so his pitch count will be capped at a low number. This opens up the door for the Indians to face the Twins bullpen, which has the 3rd worst FIP and 7th worst ERA among bullpens on the year.
Hitting
Salary relief plays
In order to fit some expensive bats into a lineup, such as Coors Field bats (the Padres travel to Coors this weekend), a fantasy owner will need some salary relief plays. Here are three that I like that are priced at just above the minimum:
C: Stephen Vogt ($2,300), OF: Josh Reddick ($2,300) vs Ubaldo Jimenez
Both Vogt and Reddick have had about 300 PA vs RHP this year and have hit them to a 136 and 138 wRC+. Vogt's ISO sits at a strong .222 while Reddick isn't too far behind at .188. They get a large park upgrade by traveling to Baltimore and face an average RHP.
2B: Wilmer Flores ($2,300) vs J.A. Happ
Flores' 2015 splits come with a small sample size disclaimer, but he has hit LHP to a 146 wRC+ and .234 ISO and it comes with a modest .311 BABIP. That doesn't mean it will continue, but at 24 years old, it's possible Flores has improved through natural progression with repetition against MLB pitching. He faces a below average lefty and will probably be low owned.
Middle tier plays
3B: Evan Longoria ($3,100) vs Martin Perez
Longoria's overall star is declining and his power is down as he approaches 30 years old, but he still hits LHP quite well. Longoria has a 141 wRC+ and .177 ISO in 287 PA the last two seasons and faces a below average lefty in a better park in Arlington. Arlington isn't quite the same hitter's haven as it has historically been because of changes in the wind patterns due to new construction, but the ball still travels well through the hot summer air this time of year.
OF: Yasiel Puig ($3,000) vs John Lamb
Puig is having a down year as he has battled through injuries this year, but he's still hit LHP to a 133 wRC+/.224 ISO and owns a career 142 wRC+ and .175 ISO over 330 career PA. He faces a rookie lefty that the projection systems peg at a tick below average. Lamb has a 3.56 ERA and 4.49 FIP over his last two minor league seasons.
You can follow me on Twitter at @TimFinn521