This article is part of our PrizePicks MLB series.
After a bit of an odd schedule Thursday, we have tons of action across the majors Friday with 15 games on the schedule. With so many players set to take the diamond, this slate also provides another opportunity to cash in 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.
If this is your first time playing on PrizePicks, 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.
Here are some players to target and avoid while creating your entry.
Players to Target
Zack Wheeler vs. Miami Marlins: Over 40.5 FP: Playing alongside Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard doesn't leave a lot of headlines for Wheeler, but he's also an excellent pitcher. He had the best season of his career in 2018, finishing with a 3.81 xFIP, 1.12 WHIP and a 24.1 percent strikeout rate. While his 4.64 ERA to start off this year might not look great, his 3.68 xFIP indicates that he's pitched well. He's also increased his strikeout rate to 25.8 percent and seen his average fastball velocity increase by one mile-per-hour compared to last year.
As far as favorable matchups go, it doesn't get much better than facing the Marlins. They've scored the fewest runs (102) and posted the lowest OPS (.595) in the league. To put how bad the Marlins lineup has been into perspective, they've scored 19 fewer runs than the next worst team and their OPS is 49 points lower than the next worst team. Wheeler is set up to dominate. Take the over.
Mookie Betts vs. Erik Swanson (Mariners): Over 9.0 FP: Although he got off to a slow start, it was only a matter of time before Betts turned things around. He's certainly righted the ship, hitting 26-for-68 (.382) with four home runs and six doubles across his last 18 games. Just as impressive is the fact that he has 16 walks compared to 10 strikeouts during that stretch.
When Betts is locked in like this, it's hard to resist taking the over. He certainly has a juicy matchup against Swanson, who has recorded a 5.08 xFIP in his first taste of big league action this year. Just as concerning is the fact that Swanson has allowed five home runs over just 23.2 innings.
Jose Abreu vs. Clay Buchholz (Blue Jays): Over 7.0 FP: Abreu has been one of the most consistent hitters since coming to the majors in 2014, finishing with at least a .290 batting average, 25 home runs and 100 RBI in each of his first four seasons. However, those streaks all ended last year when he was limited to a .265 average, 22 home runs and 78 RBI over 128 games. He's healthy this season and rebounding in a big way, including hitting 28-for-73 (.384) with six home runs, seven doubles and a whopping 24 RBI across his last 18 games.
Meanwhile, Buchholz is off to an awful start for the Blue Jays. It's actually hard to find an encouraging stat since he has a 5.23 xFIP, 1.54 WHIP and a measly 11.1 percent strikeout rate. With how hot Abreu is, taking the over for this reasonable fantasy projection is very appealing.
Players to Avoid
Tommy Pham vs. Domingo German (Yankees): 6.5 FP: Pham has continued to build on his success since being dealt to the Rays last season, recording a .381 wOBA to go along with five home runs and six steals out of the gate. He has an excellent eye at the plate, which has helped him record more walks (26) than strikeouts (25).
The problem is that he'll be facing a pitcher in German who has a 25.8 percent strikeout rate and has only allowed two home runs across 38.1 innings. I could see Pham hitting either side of this projection, so it might be best to just avoid adding him to your entry.
Brett Gardner vs. Tyler Glasnow (Rays): 5.5 FP: The Yankees are in a tough spot here against Glasnow, who has been marvelous with a 2.95 xFIP and a 28.8 percent strikeout rate. Glasnow has dealt with control issues on his way up to the majors, but he's really improved this year with a 4.4 percent walk rate.
Gardner is batting .211 this year, although he's been unlucky with a .200 BABIP. He's provided added power with a .211 ISO and has as many walks as he does strikeouts (17), so he can be troublesome. Since this fantasy projection is so low, it might be best to avoid picking a side.
Gleyber Torres vs. Glasnow (Rays): 5.5 FP: Torres is continuing to show improvement at the plate, reducing his strikeout rate from 25.2 percent last year to 20.5 percent this season. However, he's also walking less, which has contributed to his .321 wOBA. While facing Glasnow is no easy task, this is again a low fantasy score for him to hit. He's one of the most promising young players in the league, so it wouldn't be all that surprising to see him find his way on base a time or two. With that being said, this is difficult to call either way, so avoid Torres when creating your entry.
