This article is part of our PrizePicks MLB series.
We have the customary packed Friday slate with 15 games, leaving plenty of options to sift through on PrizePicks. For those unfamiliar with the platform, it provides a unique spin on DFS in which you pick two, three or four players and predict if each will go over or under their projected fantasy score.
If this is your first time playing on PrizePicks, be sure to sign up using our promotional offer. New members who sign up and make their first deposit get a free 2-pick entry to win $25 and a 25% first deposit instant match. For the instant match promotion, the maximum deposit is $4,000 for $1,000 in Promo Money. If downloading the app, use promo code: WIRE.
Here are some players to target and avoid while creating your entry.
Players to Target
Gary Sanchez vs. Chris Sale (Red Sox): Under 9 FP: Say what you want about his abilities behind the plate, but there is no question that Sanchez can rake. Between injuries and a .197 BABIP, 2018 was a season to forget. Although he did spend some time on the IL already this year, he's been a monster in the power department with 17 home runs in just 37 games. With that being said, I'll take the under against Sale, who has allowed two earned runs or fewer in six of his last seven starts. He's also regained his strikeout prowess, which could be a problem for Sanchez and his 28.4 percent strikeout rate.
Austin Meadows vs. Jose Berrios (Twins): Over 7 FP: The Rays aren't going away anytime soon. They continue to have success relying on the opener strategy and have some dangerous hitters in their lineup, the best of whom is Meadows. Finally getting a chance to play every day, he's shown why he was so highly thought of in the minors by producing a .460 wOBA. There is no way his current .400 BABIP holds up, but his 47.3 percent hard-hit rate and 19.6 percent strikeout rate are very encouraging. He's on a tear right now that has seen him go 16-for-32 with three home runs, four doubles, 11 RBI, nine runs and two steals over his last seven games, so take the over.
Juan Soto vs. Tyler Mahle (Reds): Over 7 FP: Speaking of hot hitters, Soto enters comes in on a 13-game hitting streak. His numbers have been outstanding during that stretch, going 22-for-49 (.449) with three home runs and six doubles. He even has eight walks compared to just 10 strikeouts. Meanwhile, Mahle has allowed a career .404 wOBA against left-handed hitters, so the odds of him holding Soto to the under are not very good.
Players to Avoid
Mookie Betts vs. J.A. Happ (Yankees): 9 FP: It's been hard to read Happ this year. He couldn't have pitched much better after being acquired by the Yankees in the middle of last season, which resulted in him signing a hefty deal to remain with the team. However, he's posted a 4.75 xFIP across his first 11 starts this year. Keeping hitters inside the ball park has been his biggest problem considering he's allowed 14 home runs in 58.1 innings. Betts could get a hold of one and hit the over, but Happ has pitched very well against the Red Sox in recent years, including allowing three runs over 6.1 innings earlier this season. This is a big fantasy score for Betts to hit, so it might be best to avoid picking a side.
Ronald Acuna Jr. vs. Spencer Turnbull (Tigers): 9.5 FP: Acuna's numbers are down compared to his amazing rookie campaign, but he's certainly not struggling with a .351 wOBA. In fact, he's even lowered his strikeout rate by nearly two percentage points, and he's already hit 11 home runs. If it wasn't for his power upside and improved ability to avoid strikeouts, taking the under on this lofty projection might be the way to go, especially since Turnbull has only allowed seven home runs in 77 career innings. I do want to lean towards taking the under, but Acuna has the ability to excel against any pitcher based on his talent. With so many other viable options, avoiding this one might be the safest route.
Yasiel Puig vs. Patrick Corbin (Nationals): 6.5 FP: Puig is a bit of a fantasy enigma. With his combination of speed and power, he has the potential to put up gaudy numbers any given night. However, he's struggled to provide consistent stretches of production. He is on a bit of a heater, having hit three home runs over his last seven games, but facing Corbin and his 28 percent strikeout rate is no easy task. I'd probably lean towards the under, but again, I like some of the other options a lot better, so I'm not taking a chance here.
