I think I had bad karma on Monday when I recommended stacking the Braves against Chad Bettis, who was making his return to the big leagues after undergoing chemotherapy to treat testicular cancer. Both Bettis and Julio Teheran were great Monday, and Luis Cessa was pretty good as well. I am sure things will turn around Wednesday, as both slates have intriguing stacking opportunities. As always, these stacks are listed in order of preference.
Colorado Rockies vs. Atlanta Braves (Michael Foltynewicz, R)
Charlie Blackmon, Nolan Arenado, Gerardo Parra, Carlos Gonzalez
I’m going back to the well with the Rockies at home, where they have a .362 wOBA. Getting Nolan Arenado back in the lineup should help, though I am still rooting for Pat Valaika or Ryan McMahon to get in the lineup. It looks like Carlos Gonzalez may be on one of his patented hot streaks, going 9-for-26 with five RBI during his six-game hitting streak. Foltynewicz has allowed at least five earned runs in each of his last two road starts. For the season, Foltynewicz has a 4.88 ERA on the road.
Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds (Homer Bailey, R)
Kris Bryant, Ben Zobrist, Anthony Rizzo, Alex Avila, Jon Jay, Tommy La Stella, Kyle Schwarber, Albert Almora Jr.
In their current series against the Reds, the Cubs scored 15 runs Monday and just one on Tuesday. I think I speak for most Cubs fans when I say it feels like the entire season has gone that way. Homer Bailey has a 8.49 ERA since the All-Star Break, and he has allowed a .473 OBP against right-handed batters over the last 30 days. This should set the stage for an offensive explosion.
Ben Zobrist is the cheapest Cub on DraftKings, and was batting fourth before Neck stiffness knocked him out of the lineup. It would not be surprising for Joe Maddon to shake up the lineup after Tuesday’s disappointing result, but Jon Jay and Tommy La Stella are playable if they remain at the top of the order.
Washington Nationals vs. Los Angeles Angels (Ricky Nolasco, R)
Daniel Murphy, Anthony Rendon, Ryan Zimmerman, Adam Lind, Wilmer Difo, Howie Kendrick
This game could really go either way, given the nature of Nolasco’s skills and Washington’s injury situation. Nolasco has allowed five or more earned runs in five of his last 10 starts, which is why Washington still makes this list even with Bryce Harper and Brian Goodwin hitting the DL. On the other hand, Nolasco has allowed one earned run or fewer in four of his last 10 starts. The only truly surprising outcome would be if Nolasco goes six innings and allowed three earned runs.
As much as Washington’s injuries have hurt their lineup, they still have Murphy, Rendon and Zimmerman in the middle of the order. Murphy is 5-for-12 with a home run over his last three games, while Zimmerman is 9-for-23 with three homers over the last week. Howie Kendrick is probably overpriced on DraftKings, but he and Wilmer Difo have to at least be in consideration at the top of the order.
San Diego Padres vs. Philadelphia Phillies (Nick Pivetta, R)
Cory Spangenberg, Jose Pirela, Wil Myers, Yangervis Solarte, Hunter Renfroe, Carlos Asuaje
Nick Pivetta has an 8.80 ERA since the All-Star Break. Cory Spangenberg is absolutely on fire right now, going 12-for-27 with four home runs, eight runs, 10 RBI and two stolen bases over the last seven days. Yangervis Solarte is 5-for-13 over his four-game hitting streak, and Jose Pirela is a nice value in the middle of the lineup.