This article is part of our PrizePicks MLB series.
We have the customary busy night across the majors Friday and weather that looks great across the board, leaving us with a lot of options to consider 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.
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Here are some players to target and avoid while creating your entry.
Players to Target
Aaron Judge vs. Sean Reid-Foley (Blue Jays): Under 9 FP: The Yankees are as hot as it gets right now having won nine straight games. Their offense has led the way by averaging 8.6 runs per contest. However, Judge must have missed his invitation to the party, as he is only 8-for-33 (.242) with a home run and two RBI during that stretch. While he's not getting hits, he did record a .405 OBP on the strength of a 19 percent walk rate. That's nothing new since he has a .401 OBP for the season, overall. While this is a favorable matchup, I'll take the under with Judge mired in a slump.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. vs. J.A. Happ (Yankees): Over 7 FP: Even though their pitching staff is a disaster, at least the Blue Jays have a fun lineup. Guerrero has really taken off at the plate, hitting 29-for-74 (.392) with five home runs, seven doubles and 23 RBI across his last 18 games. Happ has struggled this season with a 5.44 FIP while allowing 26 home runs over 115 innings. He allowed 27 home runs over 177.2 innings all of last season. Considering Guerrero is already swinging a hot bat, the over on this low projection stands out as an appealing option.
Whit Merrifield vs. Edwin Jackson (Tigers): Over 8.5 FP: The Tigers seem to have hit rock bottom in terms of their rotation depth. Things are so bad that they are going to give Jackson a start Friday. He was a disaster for the Blue Jays earlier this season, posting an 11.12 ERA and 8.97 FIP. He also allowed a staggering 3.8 HR/9 to go along with a 2.19 WHIP. The Royals could be in line for one of their better offensive performances of the season with Merrifield likely being right in the thick of the action. He already has three straight multi-hit games and is having the best power season of his career with a .175 ISO.
Players to Avoid
Anthony Rizzo vs. Trevor Bauer (Reds): 6.5 FP: It's not too often that you see Rizzo with a projection this low. He continues to be a rock for the Cubs, recording a .381 wOBA to go along with 21 home runs. The problem is that he'll be facing Bauer, who has the stuff to dominate a lineup whenever he steps onto the mound. Bauer's strikeout rate has declined compared to last season, but it's still excellent at 27.5 percent. With that being said, he's already allowed 22 home runs, so he's no stranger to giving up the long ball. I don't feel good about this either way, so this could be one to stay away from.
Joey Votto vs. Yu Darvish (Cubs): 6 FP: Things were looking bleak for Darvish at the beginning of the season. Through his first 11 starts, he had a 5.40 ERA and a 1.62 WHIP. He dealt with control issues, giving up 6.2 BB/9. However, across his last 12 starts, Darvish has a 3.55 ERA and a 0.90 WHIP on the strength of allowing just 1.6 BB/9. He can still rack up strikeouts in bunches, so this could end up being a long night for the Reds. On the flip side, lefties have a .340 wOBA against him and if there is anyone who could draw a walk or two, it's Votto. This isn't a low projection for Votto to hit, so it wouldn't be a huge surprise if he went over. Still, this one doesn't seem like a risk worth taking.
Brian Anderson vs. Julio Teheran (Braves): 6 FP: The Marlins had a rare offensive outburst by scoring nine runs against the Braves on Thursday. It's no surprise that Anderson was heavily involved, finishing the game 3-for-4 with two home runs. He's one of the Marlins most dangerous hitters and has now gone deep four times over his last six games. However, Teheran has absolutely dominated the Marlins in his previous three starts, recording 15 strikeouts and a 0.78 WHIP over 18 shutout innings. Again, with such a low projection like this, it's not difficult to envision this hitting the over despite the unfavorable matchup. With their being so many other more enticing options, keeping Anderson out of your entry might be the right choice.
