This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Baseball series.
If you like pitching, Thursday is the night for you. Although there are only eight games, the slate is loaded with high-end pitchers. That might make runs hard to come by, so let's dive into the matchups to try and help you win some cash on Yahoo.
Pitching Overview
The Indians have brought themselves back into the discussion in the AL Central and have particularly feasted on the Tigers in this series. With Trevor Bauer ($51) on the mound, they have an excellent chance to close things out on a high note. Despite having his share of bad starts this season, he's remained an elite strikeout option. He's been particularly productive in that department of late, recording 38 of them over 25.2 innings in his last four starts.
Working our way down to some of the cheaper options brings us to Mike Fiers ($43). Facing the Twins probably won't make him a popular option, so he could be worth considering in tournament play. He hasn't allowed more than three runs in any of his last 14 starts, which included him giving up two runs (one earned) across six innings against the Twins earlier this month. If you are looking to deploy some of the expensive hitters who do have favorable matchups, adding Fiers at pitcher could be key for your budget.
With the Giants on the outside of the playoff picture, Madison Bumgarner's ($36) days with the team might be numbered. He certainly hasn't done anything to harm his trade value, posting a 3.80 FIP, 1.22 WHIP and a 24.9 percent strikeout rate. He'll look to continue to build on his strong resume against the Mets, who have a 93 wRC+ on the road compared to a 113 wRC+ at home.
Key Values/Chalk
Sticking with the A's and Twins game brings us to the A's hitters. Kyle Gibson will be on the mound for Twins and he's struggled of late, posting a 5.09 ERA and a 1.57 WHIP over his last 23 innings. Matt Olson ($20) stands out as one of the top targets at first base, hitting 21-for-68 (.309) with eight home runs over his last 17 games
The Cardinals might not be the best team to stack since they have Marcell Ozuna (finger), Matt Carpenter (foot) and Yadier Molina (thumb) all on the IL. However, that doesn't mean they don't have a hitter or two worth considering against Tanner Roark and his 1.37 WHIP. Tyler O'Neill ($11) has found himself in an everyday role and stands out as a viable target after hitting 16-for-40 (.400) with four home runs and three doubles over his last 11 games.
The Diamondbacks have a dangerous hitter in Ketel Marte ($21) who is a viable DFS option more often than not. He's on one heck of a heater, hitting 38-for-89 (.427) with four home runs and eight doubles over his last 23 games. Zach Davies does not have an overwhelming repertoire with his 15.7 percent strikeout rate, so don't be surprised if Marte keeps things rolling.
Stacks
Astros vs. Matt Harvey (Angels)
Yuli Gurriel (3B - $27), Yordan Alvarez (OF - $27), Michael Brantley (OF - $20)
The Astros are shaping up to be the chalk stack of the night. Although he pitched well in his first start off the IL, Harvey has had a terrible season with his 5.97 FIP and 1.49 WHIP. Gurriel is having a breakout power campaign while Alvarez has been no slouch in that department, either, with his .354 ISO. Left-handed hitters have recorded a .399 wOBA against Harvey, making Brantley another enticing option.
Brewers vs. Merrill Kelly (Diamondbacks)
Christian Yelich (OF - $26), Mike Moustakas (3B - $14), Keston Hiura (2B - $20)
Kelly has been average at best for the Diamondbacks with his 4.41 FIP and 18.5 percent strikeout rate. Yelich has been a monster this season with his .383 ISO, which should make him a popular option. This could also be a great opportunity to roster Moustakas, who has shown much more power this season with a .278 ISO. Hiura is making his case to finally stick with the Brewers, hitting 14-for-23 (.609) with two home runs and five doubles across his last six games.
Rays vs. TBD (Yankees)
Tommy Pham (OF - $19), Yandy Diaz (3B - $15), Travis d'Arnaud (C - $22)
After rain postponed Wednesday's matchup, the Rays and Yankees will be forced to play a doubleheader Thursday. Domingo German will start the first game and the Yankees have decided to use a bullpen game for the nightcap. They could use left-hander Nestor Cortes to pitch the bulk of the innings since he's followed an opener before, but he just threw 20 pitches Tuesday. Chance Adams could also be recalled from the minors since he's on normal rest. He has a 6.60 FIP for his career in the majors and isn't much of a strikeout pitcher, so the Rays could be in for a big night if he pitches. Keep your eye out for updates as several Rays' hitters could be in play here.
