Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws against the New York Mets during the first inning in Game 1 of baseball's National League Division Series, Friday, Oct. 9, 2015 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
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A night after the Astros staved off elimination in the ALCS and the Dodgers clubbed their way back into the NLCS, we have another two-game, playoff slate today. Things are much more cloudy in terms of pitching but let's dig in and discuss what we do know and a few players who we should be rostering in our lineups.
As of about 9:00 am ET this morning, there are no starters announced for this game thus no odds have been posted at this point. There is a chance the Rays throw out Blake Snell on short rest but I just don't see the point up 3-1 in the series. It will most likely be an opener or possibly Josh Fleming who hasn't pitched since the end of the regular season.
For the Astros, Greinke(pitched yesterday), Valdez(started game 1), and McCullers(started game 2) are all out of the mix and Cristian Javier came into the game in relief yesterday. Watch for possibly Luis Garcia or Chase de Jong to get a start but I am not at all expecting a lengthy outing from either. Both are dirt cheap, however, if you just want to punt one spot on DraftKings to load up on bats.
Opponent - HOU (Undecided) Park - HOU
FD - 10.62 DK - 8.15
Opponent - HOU (Undecided) Park - HOU
FD - 9.17 DK - 7.09
On the Tampa Bay side of things, when looking at what bats to target, I don't think there is any reason to fade the top of the lineup here. Manuel Margot was moved to leadoff in game three and if he remains there he will be a top value play on this slate once again. While the price has gone up, Randy Arozarena cannot be faded here as he has been the Rays MVP and arguably the best player in the entire playoffs leading everyone with a whopping 19 hits and 12 runs scored.
Opponent - TB (Undecided) Park - TB
FD - 10.22 DK - 7.82
On the Astros side, I am looking at Jose Altuve at second base. After making a key error in game three that led to a Rays win, Altuve responded with a double, home run, and two RBI last night to help the Astros get back into the series. He now has hits in six straight and seven of his last eight playoff games including five multi-hit efforts. The price is rising again but this is one spot I will be paying up today.
Also Consider: Outfielders George Springer leading off or Michael Brantley who comes cheap like Margot on both sites.
Opponent - ATL (Bryse Wilson) Park - ATL
FD - 37.07 DK - 20.98
Kershaw was scratched before his start in game two with back spasms but will be the go-to guy here for the Dodgers in game four as they try to even the series at two. That is great news for the Dodgers who have found their offense lately scoring 22 runs over the last two games. Kershaw has also shaken off the "he can't pitch in the playoffs" narrative as he has been dominant allowing just nine hits and three earned runs over his first two starts(14 IP) this postseason. He has also been more than consistent striking out 19 batters(37%) while walking just one. He is easily my top pitcher today.
Opponent - ATL (Bryse Wilson) Park - ATL
FD - 9.44 DK - 7.03
I will be riding the Dodgers as my core offense once again as they have exploded with 22 runs over the last two games. They have an absolutely stacked lineup at the top that doesn't really need much introduction and we should have tons of exposure. For value, I will be anxiously awaiting the starting lineups as Joc Pederson is firmly on my radar on both sites. He hits down in the order when he gets in the lineup but has been terrific this postseason with seven hits in 15 at-bats.
Pederson and the Dodgers will face Bryse Wilson who has limited innings in the majors and tallied a 1.41 WHIP and gave up a .282 average to lefties in a full season at AAA in 2019. Lock and load on the Dodgers.
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