Welcome to the MLB GPP Pivots article, where we’ll be looking to uncover some sneaky-good DFS plays away from the popular lifts. These recommendations are usually risk/reward commodities meant to be used in large-field tournaments. Typically, blending these low-owned hidden gems with well-aligned staples contributes to a viable GPP strategy.
Keep in mind that the following player write-ups were constructed earlier in the day, and sometimes injury/rest situations can alter the fantasy landscape. Monitoring our MLB News & Headlines Feed throughout the day will keep you in the loop while giving you the subsequent DFS consequences of each information piece.
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We will be looking at the 14-game main slate starting at 7:10 ET.
PITCHER
Jeff Samardzija - San Francisco (at San Diego)
Samardzija’s most recent start (7/20 vs NYM) was disappointing, but there’s still some upside in his back pocket. The San Francisco hurler allowed just four earned runs through 21.2 innings (18 K’s) over his previous three outings, which includes a quality start against the same Padres’ offense he’ll see tonight. Samardzija’s main vulnerability comes in the form of a .355 wOBA split to left-handed bats. Well, San Diego doesn’t have many lefty hitters to take advantage, so “the shark” (does anyone call him that anymore?) could bounce-back with a satisfying DFS line.
FIRST BASE
Brandon Dixon - Detroit (at Seattle)
Things haven’t gone according to plan for Yusei Kikuchi’s first MLB season, as he currently holds a 5.37 ERA after surrendering nine hits and seven earned runs against the Angels last Saturday. Tonight’s matchup against Detroit is much more forgiving, but certain Tiger hitters could jump on those recent struggles. Brandon Dixon is an underrated piece within that, swinging a confident bat with three multi-hit performances over his last four starts.
SECOND BASE
Jonathan Schoop - Minnesota (at Chicago White Sox)
Schoop is an underrated piece within Minnesota’s “Bomba Squad”. He holds capable power at a second base position that doesn’t offer much in terms of upside. Tonight’s matchup looks great against White Sox RHP Dylan Cease and a non-imposing Chicago bullpen. The hitter-friendly atmosphere of Guaranteed Rate Field doesn’t hurt either.
THIRD BASE
Renato Nunez - Baltimore (at LA Angels)
If you frequent this column series, then you already know the deal with Nunez. He’s a sneaky-good hitter who almost always carries a lower-than-deserved ownership rate while playing for an otherwise forgettable offense. Nunez doesn’t have much name recognition for DFS backers to latch onto either. Tonight’s draw looks favorable against Angels’ rotational filler Nick Tropeano, who has allowed eight earned runs and five homers across 8.2 innings this season. Nunez, Trey Mancini, Jonathan Villar, and Anthony Santander make for an appealing Baltimore stack in tournaments.
SHORTSTOP
Andrelton Simmons - LA Angels (vs. Baltimore)
Let’s look to the other dugout of the same game, finding Simmons with a bargain salary and promising matchup to boot. The Angels’ shortstop has been very mediocre at the plate recently, but he’ll retain a premium lineup spot for an LAA offense that carries one of the highest run-scoring projections of the night. Simmons should see plenty of RBI and run-scoring opportunities against Baltimore RHP Asher Wojciechowski and a weak Orioles’ bullpen.
OUTFIELD
Tommy Pham - Tampa Bay (at Toronto)
I’m not sleeping on Tampa’s offense tonight, as they’ll enjoy a park upgrade in an appealing draw against Toronto RHP Jacob Waguespack and company. Waguespack has allowed 12 earned runs and 24 hits through 19 innings this season, and the Rays could get to him here. Tommy Pham and Austin Meadows are my two favorite Tampa bats in this situation, and I’m especially looking towards Pham, who is rounding into form with four hits, two doubles, one homer, three RBIs, and one stolen base over his past three games.
Nicholas Castellanos - Detroit (at Seattle)
Castellanos is arguably the best hitter Detroit has to offer right now, so it makes sense to target him while holding the platoon advantage over the aforementioned struggles of Seattle LHP Kikuchi. The Tigers’ outfielder is swinging a confident bat with six hits, three doubles, and one homer over his past four games. He has all the makings of a rewarding tournament pivot this evening.
