The Thursday slate is small, the margin for error is less, the probability of hitting the right batters is higher. With that, let us get into the selections, focusing on FanDuel prices.
1B: Edwin Encarnacion ($3800) @ J.A. HAPP
The matchup is pretty, Encarnacion is on fire! The lefty is hanging his pitches, the ballpark is HR ready, Encarnacion hit a HR on Wednesday. There is really nothing bad pointing to this matchup, so roll with it.
2B: Rougned Odor ($2800) @ Wade Miley
When Odor is swinging his HR stick like this, it does not matter it is a lefty vs. lefty matchup. Odor has the tools to be a fantasy stud, and when he is hot you play him no matter what.
3B: Ryon Healy ($2800) @ J.A. Happ
This price is outdated for this matchup. Healy is playing for a future job when Kyle Seager returns, and this matchup should be what the doctor ordered to continue his BEAST season.
SS: Elvis Andrus ($4100) @ Wade Miley
The matchup is perfect. Even though Andrus will likely not steal off the lefty despite the two stolen bases yesterday, Andrus is too hot to ignore. The potential for a HR is possible, a multi-hit game seems guaranteed.
OF: Domingo Santana ($3700) @ J.A. Happ
Take the chance Santana will carry the momentum of his hot season into a matchup against Happ on Thursday. Santana hit 30 HRs when he got full-time starts with the Brewers, he is showing that potential to do it again. Matchups like these keep him going.
OF: Mitch Haniger ($3900) @ J.A. Happ
There is not a hotter hitter in the game right now. Haniger has a couple HRs over the last two days and hitting in that leadoff spot should lead to magic. Haniger is hitting too well to disappoint against the struggling Happ.
OF: Brett Gardner ($3700) vs. Mike Leake
Gardner could see a lot of RBI opportunities in this matchup. I like the potential and if you have the budget to make it happen, do it. Leake does not blow anything by hitters, Gardner plays very well at home and is capable of launching a big HR.