This article is part of our PrizePicks MLB series.
There is no shortage of action in the majors Friday with 14 games on the schedule. That leaves us with plenty of opportunities to win some cash 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
Francisco Lindor vs. John Means (Orioles): Under 10 FP: The dangerous Lindor against the Orioles porous pitching staff seems like a match made in heaven. However, he'll face arguably the Orioles best starter in Means, who is expected to be activated from the IL after missing time with a shoulder injury. Means' 4.09 FIP does point to some regression for his 2.67 ERA, but he also has just a 1.15 WHIP. Lindor doesn't always have a ton of RBI opportunities with the lack of weapons in the Indians lineup, so I'll take the under on this lofty projection.
Joey Gallo vs. Yonny Chirinos (Rays): Over 7.5 FP: This seems like an awfully low fantasy score for the powerful Gallo to reach. He launched two more home runs Thursday, leaving him with an outstanding .397 ISO this season. Chirinos' 4.33 FIP indicates he hasn't pitched as well as his 3.00 ERA would lead you to believe, and he's allowed at least one home run in four of his last five starts. It only takes one swing with Gallo, making the over the way to go here.
Lance Lynn vs. Tampa Bay Rays: Over 30 FP: At first glance, Lynn doesn't appear to be having the best of seasons with a 4.32 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP. However, his FIP stands at 3.06, and his 25.7 percent strikeout rate would be his highest mark since 2011. The Rays played 18 innings against the Twins on Thursday, so they might have some tired bats coming into this game. It helps Lynn that this contest is on the road as opposed to being at hitter-friendly Globe Life Park in Arlington. I'll take the over.
Players to Avoid
Austin Meadows vs. Lynn (Rangers): 8.5 FP: After getting off to a blazing start, Meadows is 10-for-61 (.164) with no home runs over his last 16 games. He hasn't been the only problem, but it's not a huge surprise that the Rays have slipped in the standings during his struggles. While the under might seem to be the way to go here, Meadows is a dangerous hitter who has a 158 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers. Avoiding this all together might be a wise move.
Jacob deGrom vs. Atlanta Braves: 41.5 FP: The Mets are a disaster right now. After another bullpen implosion Thursday, they find themselves 11 games out in the NL East. deGrom certainly hasn't been a problem during their slide given that he has allowed two runs or fewer in each of his last seven starts. He can be dominant any time he takes the mound, leaving him with a realistic chance to hit the over. It's hard to feel good about that, though, based on how well the Braves are playing and the lack of support deGrom has behind him in the bullpen. Adding deGrom to your entry doesn't seem like a risk worth taking with so many other quality options.
Pete Alonso vs. Mike Soroka (Braves): 8 FP: This is a really intriguing matchup. Alonso has been everything the Mets could have hoped for, hitting 27 home runs on his way to posting a .348 ISO. Soroka has been equally as impressive for the Braves with his 2.07 ERA and 0.97 WHIP. One of the keys to Soroka's success has been allowing only three home runs across 78.1 innings, a rate that will make it hard for Alonso to go deep in this matchup. Still, Alonso's homer upside can't be ignored in any matchup, so it's difficult to feel good about picking either side of this projection.
