There was a 15-game slate yesterday including a contest south of the border in Mexico. Here is a look at some of the winners and losers for Saturday May 4th. Salaries and points are based off DraftKings.
Winners
Michael Chavis ($4500)
The Boston Red Sox rookie had a huge day on the diamond yesterday, producing 40 DFS points. Chavis notched four hits, including two home runs, a double and three runs batted in. The upstart rookie is now batting .354 with six homers in just 14 MLB games.
Chavis’ Outlook
The third baseman is hitting over .400 with four round-trippers in his last seven games and proving he is the real deal and should not be overlooked in DFS play. The Red Sox draw White Sox pitcher Dylan Covey and his 6.75 Earned Run Average today, so expect Chavis and company to continue their offensive onslaught and get the Chicago’s bullpen in short order.
Alex Bregman ($4300)
It would appear that Alex Bregman likes hitting in Mexico, as the slugger belted a pair of home runs while notching four ribbies en route to a four-hit day and an impressive 37 DFS points. The offensive outpouring catapulted Bregman’s season average to .275 with eight homers as the hot corner specialist remains a solid DFS play moving forward at an affordable price.
Bregman’s Outlook
The Astros and Angels continue their series in Monterrey, Mexico today, as Matt Harvey will toe the rubber opposite Bregman. The Angels hurler was solid in his last outing, limiting the Royals to one run over seven innings of work, however, he still sports an inflated 6.54 Earned Run Average. Bregman is hitting .277 with five homers versus right-handed pitching and the Astros should be able to exploit Harvey for what he really is, a shell of his former self. Expect another good day today for Bregman.
Josh Bell ($4800)
Josh Bell, not to be outdone by Chavis and Bregman, also had two gopher balls of his own yesterday, pacing the Pirates to a victory over the Athletics. Bell’s power surge also included three runs batted in, earning him 32 DFS points. The lumbering first baseman is now hitting .291 with eight home runs on the season from the cleanup spot in the Pirates order.
Bell’s Outlook
Bell will face Athletics hurler Frankie Montas for the first time today at PNC Park. Montas has the potential to shut down the most potent of offensive attacks and owns a respectable 2.97 Earned Run Average in six starts this season. Bell is hitting .310 over his last seven games but this may be a matchup to stay away from today.
Mike Soroka ($8900)
Mike Soroka became the youngest pitcher with four straight starts surrendering one ER or less to start a season since Fernando Valenzuela in 1981. The rookie was lights out yesterday, dominating the lifeless Marlins over seven frames. Soroka did not allow an earned run while fanning six en route to 28.15 DFS points. The 21-year old is now 3-1 with a 1.14 Earned Run Average while striking out 27 over 23.2 innings of work. Soroka is becoming a reliable commodity in DFS land.
Soroka’s Outlook
There is a ton to like about the makeup of this kid and he has to be on your DFS radar every fifth day moving forward. He has limited right-handed hitters to a measly .161 average and has yet to surrender a big fly thus far. Soroka will take the ball versus the Arizona Diamondbacks the next time on the bump. The rookie faced the desert dogs on April 18th, limiting them to one run over five frames while fanning six. Expect more of the same this time around, as Arizona will once again not have an answer for the young Braves hurler.
Losers
Yu Darvish ($9600)
Yu Darvish once again broke the hearts of DFS owners, compiling a pitiful 0.4 DFS points on Saturday. Darvish lasted only four innings, surrendering five runs to the Cardinals offense, including a homer at the hands of Jose Martinez. Darvish now owns a dreadful 5.79 Earned Run Average and has allowed three runs or more in four of his seven starts this season.
Darvish’s Outlook
Yu Darvish is proving he cannot be trusted as a premier pitcher in the league, especially at his current price point. Darvish showed signs of life in his previous start, allowing a single run while fanning eight Diamondbacks over six innings. Darvish will face the Marlins in his next outing, but at his price point, it is not worth the risk, regardless if it is only Miami.
Paul Goldschmidt ($4600)
What has happened to Paul Goldschmidt? The slugger went 0-4 with the whiff hat trick, yesterday lowering his season average to an unimpressive .244. Goldy stranded four runners yesterday, which was crucial in a one-run loss to the Cubs. The first baseman failed to earn any DFS points and is hitting .103 over his last seven games. Time to take a break from Goldschmidt until he can reassert himself as a reliable DFS option.
Goldschmidt’s Option
The slugger has nine homers on the campaign but he is becoming an all or nothing offensive player which is very uncharactic of Goldschmidt. The first baseman hasn’t hit a home run since April 22nd but will face veteran Adam Wainwright today. The aging hurler is not the same talent he once was, although he sports a respectable 3.73 Earned Run Average. Goldy has 2 career homers versus Waino is eight carerr at-bats but I am still avoiding him until he breaks out of his funk.
Injury Report
Adam Jones left yesterday’s contest for precautionary measures after feeling lightheaded. It doesn’t appear serious at this point and may have been a result of the thin air in Colorado.
Michael Taylor left Saturday’s game after jamming his wrist diving in the outfield, He will be re-evaluated today and is considered day-to-day.
Cody Bellinger should be back in the lineup today after sitting out Saturday with a sore right shoulder.