Yahoo Sports Yahoo DFS Baseball: Friday Plays and Strategy
Both League Championship series will be in action Friday. The Astros and Rangers are knotted at two games apiece, while the Phillies hold a 2-1 lead over the Diamondbacks. Let's dive into some players to consider adding to your Yahoo lineups.
Pitcher
Despite the Astros losing, Justin Verlander ($46) performed well when he faced the Rangers earlier in this series. He went 6.2 innings, allowing two runs and recording five strikeouts. That came on the heels of him pitching six shutout innings in the previous round against the Twins. With his career 3.51 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in the playoffs, he's an excellent option as the Astros try to win their third game in a row.
Top Target
Ketel Marte ($17) came through with the winning hit in Game 3 to get the Diamondbacks on the board in the NLCS. He finished the game 3-for-5 with two doubles, extending what has been a stellar playoff run for him. Across the Diamondbacks' eight games, he is 13-for-35 with two home runs and four doubles. Combine that with his .482 wOBA against left-handed pitchers during the regular season and he's a great option for a matchup against Cristopher Sanchez ($38).
Bargain Bat
Chas McCormick ($10) came through with a big hit for the Astros on Thursday, launching a home run off reliever Will Smith. It was yet another productive plate appearance for him against a left-handed pitcher after he recorded a .285 ISO and a .426 wOBA against them during the regular season. Even though Jordan Montgomery ($40) has been excellent, McCormick is still worth considering at his cheap salary.
Stack to Consider
Phillies vs. Joe Mantiply ($25), Diamondbacks: Bryce Harper ($26), Trea Turner ($25), Kyle Schwarber ($19)
The Diamondbacks' lack of depth in their starting rotation is not good. They will roll with Mantiply as an opener in this game with Ryne Nelson expected to follow and log multiple innings. Nelson struggled during the regular season, allowing 1.5 HR/9 and posting a 1.42 WHIP. His propensity for giving up home runs could be trouble against this trio, especially with how hot each of them is. Even with the Phillies scoring just one run in Game 3, Turner had a hit, Schwarber had a walk and Harper had two walks and a run scored.
