Why do you play fantasy sports? For most people, it’s because of the competition. Well, how would you like to compete for a share of DraftTeam’s MLB $2,000 Tuesday Triple Play?
New York Mets SP Jonathon Niese ($16,784) is mired in the longest winless streak of his career — now stretching eight starts, during which he’s gone 0-5 with a 5.87 ERA. He’s actually looked much better during the second half of this run with four straight quality starts, suggesting he’s ripe for a win. However, given his history against the Cubs (3-5, 5.23 ERA over nine starts), we’re avoiding Niese Tuesday.
Who knows? With word that he’s on the trade block, this could be his final start as a Met. The fact is that home runs have become a bigger problem for Niese, and it’s being reflected in his bottom line results this season. Keep in mind that he was the Mets’ Opening Day starter just two seasons ago (see video below). We’d rather spend more money and play it safe by having Chris Sale as our pitcher Tuesday.
Texas C Carlos Corporan ($6,489) only plays every few days, so it’s highly doubtful he’s playing Tuesday after being in the lineup Monday. Still, you should take note when he plays as he’s been getting it done recently, hitting safely in each of his last three starts with a homer, a double, four RBI and a walk. Corporan’s first season with the Rangers has not exactly gone well, but he’s coming around now, so if he’s playing and you need a cheap option, we recommend him right now.
Just over a year ago, we took a shot on Boston 1B Mike Napoli ($7,907) and he wound up going 0-for-3 with a walk. We’re not making the same mistake Tuesday. He’s just been too inconsistent to peg this season, and he’s currently in one of his down cycles (0-for-7 over the last three games). Despite the fact Napoli has stayed healthier this year, he’s struggling through his worst season ever. Try Pittsburgh’s Pedro Alvarez at first base instead.
DFS Notes
- Avoid using any pitchers facing Detroit right now. The Tigers’ offense is back in a big way, having hit a combined .306 and scored 46 runs over the last seven games.
- Washington SP Jordan Zimmermann ($18,216) has gone four weeks since his last win. Mostly, that’s been about his ineffectiveness, but he tossed eight shutout innings his last time out only to see the bullpen blow it for him.
- After a slow first couple of months, Minnesota SP Phil Hughes ($21,616) is rounding into form with four straight quality starts. In each of the last two, he’s gone eight innings and given up just one run.