This article is part of our PrizePicks MLB series.
Friday's packed MLB slate presents a great opportunity if you're looking to play Prize Picks for the first time. 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. Entries must consistent of at least two players on different teams. For a breakdown of the scoring rules, click on "FANTASY SCORING CHART" located on the home page:
https://www.myprizepicks.com/index
If this is your first time playing on Prize Picks, 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.
Without further ado, here are three players to target and three players to avoid while crafting your entry.
Players to Target
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. vs. Mike Fiers (Athletics): Over 7.0 FP: The day we've all been waiting for is finally here. Guerrero was really ready to make his big-league debut last year, but the Blue Jays left him in the minors to "work on his defense" -- code for controlling his service time. With that no longer a concern, Guerrero is set to make his debut Friday. His contact skills are off the charts, which helped him record a 7.8 percent strikeout rate at Triple-A last year. Yes, you read that correctly. He also had a .227 ISO, so he provided plenty of power. Fiers has been awful with a 1.72 WHIP though six starts, so look for Guerrero to start his career off on a high night and hit the over here.
Ronald Acuna Jr. vs. Antonio Senzatela (Rockies): Over 8.0 FP: Although it's hard to match the fanfare that has surrounded Guerrero, Acuna's arrival came close a year ago. He certainly didn't disappoint, recording a .388 wOBA and a .259 ISO. There has been no sophomore slump, as he has posted a .413 wOBA and a .256 ISO out of the gate this year. What's even more impressive is that his walk rate has increased from 9.2 percent last year to 15 percent this season. While he doesn't receive the benefit of playing in Coors Field on Friday, he does have a favorable matchup against the underwhelming Senzatela, who recorded a 1.37 WHIP last year and has a career 17.7 percent strikeout rate. I like the over.
Fernando Tatis Jr. vs. Max Scherzer (Nationals): Under 6.0 FP: While the Blue Jays let Guerrero toil away in the minors to control his service time, the Padres had Tatis break camp with the big league club this year. He's rewarded their faith in him by posting a .393 wOBA and a .287 ISO while swiping five bases. However, his 28.9 percent strikeout rate is concerning. Things won't get any easier for him in that department against Scherzer, who hasn't finished with a strikeout rate below 30.7 percent since 2014. Take the under.
Players to Avoid
Juan Soto vs. Matt Strahm (Padres): 6.5 FP: Soto showed an impressive eye at the plate during his rookie campaign, recording a 16 percent walk rate and a 20 percent strikeout rate. While his walk rate has remained high this season, his strikeout rate has jumped up to 26.5 percent. He only has three multi-hit games so far, although he does have a .382 OBP. His talent is off the charts, but he also has a tough matchup against the left-handed Strahm, so I could see this one going either way. It might be best to just avoid making a selection here.
Pete Alonso vs. Chase Anderson (Brewers): 6.5 FP: Alonso's power was unquestioned throughout his minor league career, and he has wasted no time showing it off in the big leagues with a .376 ISO. He's also batting a robust .306, which is impressive considering his 27.3 percent strikeout rate. He has been pretty lucky, owning a .360 BABIP, so expect to see some regression in that category. Anderson isn't the most overpowering of pitchers, but he does a good job limiting baserunners, posting a WHIP of 1.19 or lower the last three seasons. Although Alonso is a threat to go deep, he very well could also have a hard time finding his way on the basepaths, making picking a side of this projection very tricky.
Eloy Jimenez vs. Daniel Norris (Tigers): 6.0 FP: Jimenez is expected to return from bereavement list for this contest. His rookie campaign isn't off to the best of starts with him recording a .285 wOBA and a 29.8 percent strikeout rate. The strikeouts are surprising since he had just a 13.2 percent strikeout rate at Triple-A last year. The initial reaction might be to take the under based on his struggles, but Norris has been awful with a career 1.44 WHIP. This might just be a situation that is better left alone when making your selections.
