This has been a light week for night games across Major League Baseball, but there is a full MLB schedule tonight, which means plenty of options for our Star Fantasy Leagues daily lineup. For tonight, my theme is hitting streaks. I’ve put together a lineup consisting mainly of players who have streaks of a few games or more. There’s nothing wrong with players swinging a hot bat. If you’d like to fill out your own lineup, join me over at SFL and use the promo code “SJN” for a 40% deposit bonus.
(C) Wilin Rosario $8,226 – Rosario has been one of the best offensive catchers in baseball this year with a mix of average and power. Lately, it’s been a very good average. During his current five-game hitting streak, he has 10 hits in 20 at bats. He is also 4-for-8 in his career against Barry Zito, whom he’ll face tonight.
(1B) Paul Goldschmidt $8,449 – The Diamondbacks’ first baseman is continuing his MVP-caliber season with a six-game hitting streak, during which he has a .423 average. That’s just one more reason to feel good about using him.
(2B) Ryan Flaherty $3,500 – You’re not often going to find as hot a hitter as Flaherty at this low a price. The Orioles’ second baseman has 12 hits over his last seven games, three home runs, six RBI, and five runs. He’d probably be worth the play at twice the price.
(3B) Miguel Cabrera $12,219 – What else can you say about Cabrera? He is quite possibly having a better season than last when he won the Triple Crown. He’s working on a 12-game hitting streak. During that time he’s batting .447/.519/.787 with four homers, nine RBI, and 7 runs.
(SS) Hanley Ramirez $7,320 – Ramriez is still working on a .375 average this season, and he faces John Lannan tonight, against whom he is 10-for-23. He had a walk in his only plate appearance last night after not getting the start, but had a nine-game hitting streak prior to that.
(OF) Michael Cuddyer $10,217 – Cuddyer has not gone hitless yet in June. He is working on a 24-game hitting streak, which is the best in the Majors this year. In his last four games alone, he has 10 hits, three home runs, six RBI, and five runs.
(OF) Yasiel Puig $9,344 – Not even a wall can stop the Dodgers’ new star. After crashing hard into the right field fence last night, he proceeded to deliver a game-winning, two-RBI single. Let’s find out how he tops it tonight.
(OF) Leonys Martin $5,449 – Martin is putting together a nice little stretch, with hits in his last 11. He’s worked his batting average up to nearly .300 on the season and is a speed threat on the base paths, with 13 steals this year.
(U) Pedro Alvarez $6,722 – Not only is Alvarez working his power numbers, he’s working on his average now, too. He’s bumped his average by 28 points in just the last six games, thanks to his 12 hits in 24 at bats. This week he also had a stretch of four games with a home run and is working on a 10-game hitting streak.
(SP) Gerrit Cole $8,115 – Cole is my first starting pitching choice and it’s an easy one. He has won each of his three Major League starts and he’s beaten two Cy Young Award winners and another pitcher who finished second. His strikeout numbers aren’t quite as high as I’d expect, but with a fastball that hits 100 mph and a nasty slider, he’s going to get some swings and misses. He’ll face the Brewers tonight and comes at a great price.
(SP) Ricky Nolasco $11,442 – Could this be Nolasco’s last start as a Marlin? Whether it is or isn’t, there will be a lot of eyes on him tonight. He’s made quality starts in five of his last seven outings and fell an out short of another his last time out. He’ll surely like to make a strong impression on his suitors and he’ll have that opportunity tonight against San Diego. I like him in this situation.
(RP) Jason Grilli $2,688 – The National League saves leader hasn’t pitched since Sunday after giving up three runs against the Angels. While not his best effort, he’s rested now, and he’s saved two of Cole’s three wins. He’s been so good all season, I expect he’ll bounce back tonight.
(P) Martin Perez $6,189 – Perez is making his third start of the year tonight and is 1-1 with a 3.65 ERA in his first two. He pitched very well against a good Cardinals lineup last time out, going seven innings and allowing just two runs. He also posted a 1.75 ERA in six starts in AAA. He should be able to put together a decent outing against Cincinnati.
