Elton John said it best. “Saturday night’s alright.” He was obviously talking about spending your weekend playing daily fantasy baseball. So, assuming you’re one to take the Rocket Man at his word, or even if you’re not, Draftstreet has daily leagues waiting for you. While you’re there, consider these pitchers to help you take home a win tonight.
Best Bet
John Danks – $12,002
Danks is not what one would generally call a power pitcher, but he knows what he needs to do to pitch well. And, so far this year, that’s what he’s done. In four games, three of which have come against playoff teams of last year, he has posted a 2-0 record with a 2.84 ERA, and opponents are batting just .220 against him. He has turned in a quality start in each of his four outings, totaling 25.1 innings on the year. In his last two starts, he has held the Tigers and Red Sox offenses to one run in six innings each. Those were the two best lineups in baseball a year ago. Now, he’ll face a Rays team that is on a three-game losing streak.
Double Down
Dallas Keuchel – $13,111
Astros fans have very few things to be excited about on this young season, but one of them is Keuchel. He is one of just two Houston pitchers with two wins on the year and he has rattled off three very good starts in a row. After beginning the year with a five-inning outing against the Angels, during which he gave up four runs, he has bounced back nicely. He is working out three straight quality starts, allowing a total of five runs during 19 innings. His strikeout totals have also been good, too, averaging exactly one strikeout an inning. If there is one thing that is a little concerning about using him today it’s his matchup. He’ll face an Oakland team that has scored 22 runs against the Astros in the last two games.
Roll the Dice
David Hale – $12,777
Unlike the other two starters on this list, Hale has made only three starts, getting a 10-day layoff in between his second and third. And it seemed to benefit him. In his second outing on the year, Hale labored through 4.1 innings and allowed four runs to the Mets. 10 days later, against that same New York team, he turned in a quality start, getting through six and holding the Mets to just two earned runs while adding five strikeouts. Coupled with his first game of the year, a five-inning shutout performance against the Nationals, Hale has pitched well two of his three times on the mound this year. Another one tonight against the Reds will make it three out of four.
