FanDuel daily picks: Fantasy baseball lineup-July 27
First Baseman
High-Salary Option: Paul Goldschmidt-Arizona Diamondbacks (4,500): While Anthony Rizzo is a good play, he’s over 5K, and I think that Goldschmidt is just as good a play at $600 less. Goldschmidt has gone 5-10 so far in the series in Milwaukee with two RBI, a run scored, and even a stolen base. He has over 22 fantasy points in two of his last three games and is 7-22 (.318) with a homer in the last week. In his career, Goldschmidt is 2-4 against Jimmy Nelson with two walks and two doubles. He has been crushing the Brewers all series, and I expect that to continue tonight. ∗∗∗∗
Mid-Range Option: Albert Pujols-Los Angeles Angels (3,500): Pujols has collected multiple hits in each of his last two games and driving in five runs in the first two wins the Angels have picked up in KC. Pujols is now 23-81 in July for a .284 batting average and a .861 OPS. He has hit lefties well all season with a .889 OPS and is 2-7 with two walks in his previous meetings with tonight’s starter Danny Duffy. Pujols is a very solid play at 3.5K tonight although Duffy has been one of the few bright spots for the Royals lately.∗∗∗
Mid-Range Option: Kennys Vargas-Minnesota Twins (3,000): Vargas has hit safely in four straight and posted at least six fantasy points in seven of his last ten. He’s gone 16-49 (.327) since being called up to the Majors earlier this month and has three homers to go with seven RBI and 13 runs scored. He has a great 1.127 OPS on the year and is 1-1 with a homer against tonight’s starter for the Braves, Mike Foltynewicz. Vargas is a nice option at 3K with plenty of upside if the rain allows the Twins-Braves contest to happen as scheduled.∗∗∗
Mid-Range Option: David Freese-Pittsburgh Pirates (3,000): Freese didn’t start last night against King Felix, but he should be back in there tonight. In his career Freese is 0-21 against Hernandez who started last night but has had good success against tonight’s starter James Paxton. Freese has gone 5-17 in his career against the Mariners’ southpaw with a double, two homers, and three RBI. Reese has been solid this month (15-60, .250, 3 HR, 10 RBI) but not spectacular making him a good but not great play tonight. ∗∗
High-Value Option: Jose Abreu-Chicago White Sox (2,800): The White Sox have suddenly started rolling since the “Sale incident,” but it’s likely much more due to the turnaround of their offense than any clubhouse shenanigans. Abreu is one of the hitters who has been heating up lately and has at least nine fantasy points in four of his last five contests. Abreu is 9-24 (.375) over the last week and is hitting .329 for the month although he’s still looking for his first long ball of July. Abreu will take on Jason Hammel for the first time in his career tonight, but at this price I think he’s a great play since he’s really gotten rolling lately.∗∗∗∗
High-Value Option: James Loney-New York Mets (2,600): Loney played both halves of the double-header yesterday finishing 1-8 with a walk and three strikeouts against St. Louis. He is now hitting .279 since joining the Mets and has five homers to go with his 20 RBI. The reason Loney is worth a look tonight is not just that he’s an inexpensive starter, but he has also has a great history against Cardinals’ starter Adam Wainwright. For whatever reason, Loney is 14-28 (.500) in his career against Wainwright with four doubles and a home run for a 1.267 OPS. That’s a pretty large BvP sample size which is enough to make Loney an intriguing play tonight as the two wild card contenders meet for the important rubber game of the three-game set.∗∗∗
Next: Second Baseman