Welcome to the MLB GPP Pivots article, where we’ll be looking to uncover some sneaky-g
ood 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 four-game main slate starting at 7:07 ET.
PITCHER
Mike Soroka – Atlanta (vs. Philadelphia)
There are only four games on the evening slate, which makes it tricky to find a sneaky-good pitching option. I’m assuming that most people will stay away from Mike Soroka due to inconsistencies (10 ER, 17.1 IP) over his past three starts. However, let’s not forget that Soroka has been one of the best National League pitchers over the first half of the season, as he currently holds a 2.07 ERA. The matchup against Philadelphia is tricky, but Soroka has the talent to post a rewarding quality start. Atlanta’s offense has the ability to give him plenty of run support as well.
FIRST BASE
Justin Smoak – Toronto (vs. Boston)
Toronto represents one of the best pivot situations of this brief, four-game slate. Smoak has struggled while currently holding a discouraging .222 average at this point in the season. However, he smacked a pair of homers last Sunday against the Royals, something that could jump-start his upside moving forward. Tonight’s matchup looks good against mediocre Boston RHP Hector Velazquez.
SECOND BASE
Rougned Odor – Texas (vs LA Angels)
Odor is the definition of a boom-or-bust candidate while owning a .189 average with 10 homers and 38 RBIs. Let’s not forget that Texas checks in with the highest run-scoring projection on this slate, and the hitter-friendly environment of Globe Life Park doesn’t hurt. Angels’ RHP Griffin Canning has been respectable this season, but he could run into trouble on the road.
THIRD BASE
Danny Santana – Texas (vs LA Angels)
The previous write-up of Odor spills into that rationale for his teammate, Santana. The Rangers’ utility man is enjoying a rejuvenating season similar to the likes of his breakout rookie campaign in 2014 with Minnesota. Santana will enjoy a premium lineup spot for a team with the highest run-scoring projection, and he’s a candidate for multiple hits, runs, RBIs, etc.
SHORTSTOP
Freddy Galvis – Toronto (vs. Boston)
Shortstop is especially tricky tonight. Xander Bogaerts and Elvis Andrus are reasonable options, but I’m having a difficult time justifying the salary. Fernando Tatis Jr has a tough matchup, as does Jean Segura. Meanwhile, Galvis checks in with a moderate salary and promising home draw against Boston RHP Velazquez. He’s swinging a hot bat too, notching seven hits with two doubles, two homers, and four RBIs over his past three starts.
OUTFIELD
Willie Calhoun – Texas (vs. LA Angels)
Calhoun doesn’t hold as much name recognition as his fellow outfielders like Shin-Soo Choo, Joey Gallo, or even Nomar Mazara. In other words, he could be underrated tonight despite playing a legitimate part for the highest run-scoring team of the night. Calhoun hasn’t done much over his past four starts, but he has flexed capable upside on several occasions since getting activated from the injured list on June 17.
Nick Markakis – Atlanta (vs. Philadelphia)
Markakis is another player who may slip through the cracks tonight. He’s more of a contact hitter that isn’t very exciting for DFS purposes. In other words, DFS enthusiasts will probably look towards his teammates (Austin Riley, Ronald Acuna, etc) or other options before considering Markakis in tournaments. However, let’s not forget that Markakis has recorded multiple hits in three of his past six contests, smacking two homers along the way. In other words, he does carry some “pop” to go along with those high-contact ways. That could be on full display tonight against Philadelphia RHP Zach Eflin and his .356 wOBA split to lefty hitters.
