As alluded to in our last breakdown, Thursdays are typically quieter days in the MLB, operating as a travel day between series for much of the league.
While there were only eight total games on Thursday’s slate, the offense did not disappoint. Eight of the 16 teams in action scored at least 5 runs, while four of the eight games went for at least 10 total runs. With such hitter-friendly outcomes, SuperDraft scores were higher than normal, especially if you followed along with Thursday’s hitter recommendations.
Let’s recap the results from the day’s recommended targets.
Carlos Carrasco, New York Mets (2x multiplier)
Carrasco didn’t blow anybody away, but he got the job done in an effective way. Not only did he strike out five batters in only 5.1 innings while somewhat limiting the damage (four hits, three earned runs), he was also able to walk away as the winning pitcher. Given that a win is an additional four points on SuperDraft, it proved vital given his 2x multiplier. Finishing with a total of over 32 fantasy points, Carrasco was a catalyst in winning lineups on what was an offense-driven slate.
Shane McClanahan, Tampa Bay Rays (1.95x)
Despite an overall poor outing in which he allowed eight hits and four earned runs in only five innings, McClanahan was able to salvage his night with eight strikeouts. Totaling 25.85 fantasy points, McClanahan didn’t hit the ceiling we were hoping for with the juicy 1.95x multiplier, but this should be considered a win based on how bad he looked early on, allowing two runs in the opening two frames.
Atlanta Braves stack
Targeting a high-powered offense is always a wise strategy, but doing it in Coors Field typically pays off far more than it doesn’t. That was once again the case with the Braves Thursday, as they scored six runs on seven hits, driven by some of the players included in Thursday’s breakdown.
Freddie Freeman (1.1x) and Austin Riley (1.35x) headlined the Braves, as Freeman went 1-4 with a run while Riley went 2-3 with a double, two RBIs, two runs and a walk, totaling 22.95 fantasy points for the latter. Odds are, if you started your lineups with these two, especially Riley, you were off to a good start.
Other Braves included were Adam Duvall (1.4x), Joc Pederson (1.2x) and Dansby Swanson (1.1x). While Pederson got a day off and simply went 0-1 in a pinch-hit appearance, Duvall went 1-4 with a home run and pair of RBIs while Swanson went 0-3 with a sacrifice fly. The Braves offered plenty of upside in Coors Field on Thursday and certainly delivered against Chi Chi Gonzalez, operating as an anchor in winning lineups.
Patrick Wisdom, Chicago Cubs (1.6x)
The top one-off bat on the slate was Cubs utility man Patrick Wisdom, who’s posted an ISO over .300 and a wOBA over .360 against righties. Matching up with Brad Keller of the Pirates, Wisdom was unable to capitalize on the opportunity but did scorch a double off reliever Chad Kuhl, salvaging an otherwise-hitless night. Given his 1.6x multiplier, the double alone helped him end up with 6.4 fantasy points on a 1-5 showing isn’t the worst outcome in the world.
All in all, it was a successful night considering that no single pitcher had a ceiling game given the amount of offense that produced on the slate. Carrasco proved to be a difference-maker given his ability to limit damage and pairing him with McClanahan’s strikeout upside and a Braves stack made for winning lineups.
This article expresses the personal views of the writer and does not reflect the view(s) of SuperDraft in any way.
Like this content? Subscribe to FTN today to receive the latest in fantasy news. Use promo code: SUPERDRAFT to receive 10% off on all packages on all 3 sites (FTNFantasy, FTNDaily, FTNBets).
