Happy Saturday!  Let’s take a look at today’s slate, and see where we can exploit the matchups! You can find me on twitter @RyNoonan if you have player specific questions.

If you haven’t jumped into the daily action yet…what’s wrong with you?!?! Good news though, it’s not too late and we here at The Fantasy Fix have a great deal that’ll help you get started. What are you waiting for?

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Game times and Weather

The first pitch of the day happens at 1:05pm ET in New York with the Yankees hosting the Reds. Weather could be an issue today in a few places, so watch out. The Indians and Tigers will try and play two today, but rain looks likely for their 1 o’clock start. They’re expecting rain in Atlanta too, which takes some players off the board, including Cole Hamels.

Positional Breakdown

Starting Pitchers

Tyson Ross has been quite the find this season. He’s pitching at home tonight against the Mets and is my favorite play of the day. Over the past month, Ross has elevated his game to the next level. He’s a good bet for strikeouts every time out, with his league-leading SwStk%, and he’s kept his walks in check lately, with just three over his past 36 innings of work. It’s hard to predict a win for the Padres, but I expect Ross will keep the Mets in check, just in case the Padres stumble into a run or two. My next play is also on the west coast, as Garrett Richards faces the Mariners. Few Mariners’ have had success against the young right-hander, and just like Tyson Ross, few starters in the game have been better than Richards so far this year. He goes toe to toe with Felix Hernandez, who’s always appealing but will cost you a pretty penny. The discount pitcher pick of the day is Rubby De la Rosa, who’ll solidify his rotation spot with a nice outing today against the Royals.

Catcher

I’m expecting the Alfredo Simon bubble to burst here soon, and it could start today in the Bronx. The Yankees haven’t face Simon a lot in the past, but I’m looking at Brian McCann today as a nice value at catcher. Across the diamond, Devin Mesoraco is an option today as well. Brandon McCarthy has struggled with keeping the ball in the park this season, and Mesoraco could be a problem for McCarthy today.

First Baseman

We’ll need to watch the weather in Detroit today, but if things are clear than Miguel Cabrera is always in play. In particular today, we want to play him in his matchup against Corey Kluber. Kluber has been a beast, but he probably has nightmares of Miggy, who’s 12/24 career against Kluber, with three home runs. A more cost effective play today is Mark Teixeira, as we look to pile on Alfredo Simon.

Second Baseman

If the rain holds off for the Phillies and Braves today, than Chase Utley is an enticing play. It looks like they’ll be facing Aaron Harang, who Utley owns a .433 career batting average against. He’s not the only one in that lineup with strong career numbers against Harang, making Utley even more appealing. If the weather is an issue here, look to save money at second.

Third Baseman

Let’s get some power from the hot corner today. No one gets hit harder than Hector Noesi. He’s at the top of the hard-hit rate charts, and this young Astros team can and will take him deep today. I like Matt Dominguez to leave the yard today, and it’ll come at a discount. Those same hard-hit rates tell us that as good as Josh Donaldson has been at times this season, he’s been quite unlucky. He’s a second half trade target for those in need of power, and he could get started today.

Shortstop

The shortstop position leaves a lot to be desired today. Some of the bigger names at the position have so challenging matchups, so I’d avoid Troy Tulowitzki, Starlin Castro and Ian Desmond. I’m going back to the Phillies, and dusting off the ageless Jimmy Rollins today. A lifetime .302 hitter against Harang in 43 career at-bats, Rollins makes for a perfect middle infield stack with Chase Utley.

Outfield

The outfield can help round out some of the best stacks of the day. Jacoby Ellsbury has a few teammates mentioned above, and he’s fared well against Simon in the past. You should play yet another Phillie’, Marlon Byrd. He’s taken Harang deep three times in his career, and owns a .450 average against him. It’s difficult to start hitters against Felix Hernandez and Max Scherzer, but two all-stars have enjoyed success against these two aces. Mike Trout, which comes as no surprise even against King Felix, and Michael Brantley has hit Scherzer hard in the past and could round out a strong team today.

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