:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49982763/usa-today-9354787.0.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.
FanDuel has made some tweaks to their scoring criteria for 2016. Check that out here. FanDuel is also only available to play for money in specific states. See their website for more details to see if FanDuel is playable for cash in your home state.
Early
Kyle Hendricks ($9,000) faces a poor Reds offense that ranks 4th worst in wRC+ vs RHP at 81 and has the 7th highest K% vs RHP at 23%. Top prospect Cody Reed opposes Hendricks, but the Reds bullpen backing him up ranks last in ERA at 6.08, which is almost unbelievably high. The Cubs offense ranks 5th best by wRC+ vs LHP, and Hendricks should get enough run support to be in position for the win. Hendricks takes a 2.76 ERA, 3.37 FIP and 23% strikeout rate into today's start.
A cheaper but riskier option is Archie Bradley ($6,700) vs the Phillies. Bradley has been better since returning to the majors at the end of May, posting a 3.53 ERA, 4.36 FIP and 29% strikeout rate. Bradley faces the third worst offense vs RHP by wRC+ at 78, although he pitches at home in Chase Field, a tough park for pitching. Using Bradley will allow a fantasy owner to load up on hitting. Some Blue Jays hitters are incredibly expensive today as they face a lefty in Coors, so some salary relief from the pitching slot can help squeeze them into the cap.
Late
The best option for me in the late game is Max Scherzer ($11,800) vs a largely anemic Mets offense, who have been struggling to score runs since dealing with some injuries to key players like Lucas Duda (back), David Wright (neck) and Michael Conforto (wrist). The Mets offense will be without Curtis Granderson today, too, as he recovers from a tight calf. Scherzer has a 3.52 ERA, 3.84 FIP and an elite 33% strikeout rate. The below average Logan Verrett pitches for the Mets. I expect Scherzer to be in position for the win and rack up a good strikeout total.
Danny Salazar ($10,700) is the next best option. Salazar faces the Braves, who rank 2nd worst vs RHP by wRC+ at 76. The matchup takes place in a National League park, the second time Salazar gets to pitch without the DH this year. Salazar brings a 2.40 ERA, 3.29 FIP and 28% strikeout rate into the start and is opposed by Joel De La Cruz, a pitcher who had a 4.67 ERA in triple A this year.