Aaron Nola

While there aren’t a whole lot of pitchers I like on this slate, there are some guys I absolutely love. That’s why I’ve only provided six selections here, as any one of these guys could be a great pick for your lineup. I’ve also included two Monkey Knife Fight Picks and I’ve actually hit on 10 of my last 15 recommendations!

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Cash Game Pitcher of the Day 

Chris Sale, BOS vs. TOR

DK ($12,000)   FD ($11,900) 

This one really doesn’t take much explanation, as Sale is arguably the best pitcher in the league right now. After getting off to a slow start, Sale has pitched to a 2.24 ERA and 0.83 WHIP over his last 11 starts. What’s more impressive is the fact that he has 116 Ks across 72.1 innings in that span, which is simply the best K rate around. That rate, paired with this matchup makes Sale an easy choice as our cash game pitcher of the day, with the Blue Jays ranking 21st in K rate, 26th in runs scored and 27th in wOBA. That’s why the southpaw enters this matchup as a –360 favorite. 

Top-Tier Pitchers 

Trevor Bauer, CLE vs. DET 

DK ($11,100)   FD ($11,500) 

Bauer’s inconsistency can drive fantasy owners mad but it’s hard to overlook the strikeout upside in a matchup like this. Dating back to 2017, Bauer is one of the league leaders with a 28 percent K rate. He also has a 2.67 ERA and 1.10 WHIP dating back to last year and this dude is simply one of the most talented pitchers around. What makes him particularly intriguing here is this matchup though, is Bauer pitched a complete game shutout in his last start against these Tigers on June 16. That’s really no surprise when you consider the fact that the Motor City Kitties rank 29^th in runs scored, 28^th in wOBA and last in K rate. Vegas agrees with this assessment, making Bauer a –200 favorite in this fixture. 

Matt Boyd, DET at CLE 

DK ($9,700)   FD ($10,000) 

It’s strange to recommend pitchers from the same game but we should be looking at a lot of whiffs in Cleveland on Friday night. Boyd is actually one of the league leaders with a 112:17 K: BB rate and that number pairs majestically with a 3.35 ERA and 1.08 WHIP. That stat line obviously puts Boyd in play against anyone, but especially an offense like the Indians. Cleveland currently ranks 22^nd in runs scored, 23^rd in OPS and 21^st in wOBA. If you’re a betting man, don’t be afraid to bet the under in this game too, as this eight-run total is too high with these two studs toeing the rubber. 

Middle-Tier Pitchers 

Aaron Nola, PHI vs. MIA

DK ($8,000)   FD ($8,700) 

Nola has taken a major step back from his 2018 breakout campaign but a start against the Marlins could be just what the doctor ordered. A 4.81 ERA and 1.51 WHIP will scare off most DFS owners but we’re talking about a guy who has a 3.37 career xFIP and 26 percent K rate. That means he definitely has some positive regression headed his way and a matchup with Miami is a good way to tip the scale back in his favor. In fact, the Marlins currently sit last in runs scored, wOBA and OPS. That’s why Nola enters this matchup as a –230 favorite with Miami projected for only 3.5 runs. Those sorts of projections are unheard-of from a player below $9,000 on both sites. 

Yu Darvish, CHC vs. NYM 

DK ($7,200)   FD ($6,900) 

This play is only available if you’re playing the day slate but I had to get my boy Darvish in here. The talented righty has had trouble with his control all season long but recent results are extremely encouraging. Over his last eight starts, Darvish is pitching to a 3.86 ERA and 1.18 WHIP while posting a 10.8 K/9 rate. More importantly, he’s walked three guys or fewer in seven straight starts and that’s what we’re really looking for from a guy with such nasty stuff. A 10-K gem against the Dodgers in his most recent start was the outing that made me realize that Darvish has really turned the corner and I truly believe Yu will be above $8,000 this time next month. We also anticipate Darvish entering this matchup as a –200 favorite, facing a Mets team that ranks 22^nd in K rate is and 23^rd in xBA.  

Cheap Pitcher of the Day 

Joe Musgrove, PIT vs. SD

DK ($5,500)   FD ($7,500) 

Recent results will make you run for the hills when using Musgrove but I’m sensing a major bounce-back here. Okay, you can’t possibly use Musgrove on FanDuel at $7.500 but he’s tough to overlook on DK at $5,500. While he’s had some massive struggles recently, Musgrove has shown signs of brilliance throughout his career. His start to this season was especially impressive, pitching to a 1.54 ERA and 0.89 WHIP over his first six starts. The last nine starts have obviously been frustrating but a lot of that can be chalked up to tough matchups. Facing San Diego is just the way to get him back on track, with the Padres ranking 27^th in K rate, 24^th in OBP and 26^th in xwOBA. The only scary bats on the Padres are Manny Machado, Franmil Reyes and Hunter Renfroe, and they all happen to be righties. That just adds to Musgrove’s intrigue with the platoon advantage in his favor, especially in a pitcher’s park like PNC.   

Monkey Knife Fight Picks of the Day 

Trevor Bauer/Matt Boyd Over 14.5 Strikeouts

After my previous write-ups, this play really doesn’t take much explanation. I think both of these guys are in play for double-digit strikeouts against weak offenses and it really wouldn’t surprise me if they combine for 20 Ks. Even if one of these guys struggles, there’s enough K-upside here to pass this prop with at least one of these pitchers going off.

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Joe Musgrove Over 4.5 Strikeouts

Musgrove has been terrible recently but he’s shown flashes of brilliance. All we need is a little spark of promise to clear this prop, as two or three elite innings could cash this. We’re talking about a guy with a 20.4 percent career K rate facing a club that is sitting 27th in K rate while throwing out a ton of swing-happy righties. That’s a recipe for a lot of strikeouts and five is not asking for much.