With only nine games on the MLB schedule Thursday, many of the league’s biggest stars are not in action.
This adds to the challenge for DraftKings daily fantasy players, who must rely heavily on scoring points from unlikely sources. The lack of big names is particularly evident on the mound, where Corey Kluber is the only pitcher priced above $11,000.
Here are five inexpensive sleeper picks for September 17.
Afternoon
SP Sean Nolin, Oakland A’s ($6,800) at Chicago White Sox
In early contests, consisting of just two games, the pitching prospects are not enticing. Rather than spend $8,900 or more on Charlie Morton, Kyle Hendricks or Jose Quintana, why not save over $2,000 and go with Sean Nolin instead?
The 25-year-old has made two starts for Oakland this year after being called up from Triple-A. Nolin allowed three runs over six innings in a mediocre first appearance, but his second outing was quite good. The above video features highlights of Nolin’s victory over the Texas Rangers on September 12, in which he yielded one run in 5.2 innings while striking out five.
Also working in Nolin’s favor, the White Sox’s .648 OPS when facing left-handed pitchers is the worst in the American League.
SS Starlin Castro, Chicago Cubs ($3,000) at Pittsburgh Pirates
Starlin Castro went hitless on Wednesday, but as ESPNChicago.com’s Jesse Rogers noted, the Cubs shortstop did drive in a run on a rare suicide squeeze:
Before the 0-for-4 showing, Castro had 11 hits in the seven previous games he started this month. In addition to his hot September, Castro has an excellent track record against Morton. Over 27 at-bats versus the Pirates righty, Castro has a .444 batting average and an .815 slugging percentage.
In more than 3,700 plate appearances spanning the course of his five-year career, Castro has a total of just 59 home runs. However, he slugged three of them off of Morton in 12 at-bats last season.
Evening
SP Jarred Cosart, Miami Marlins ($4,900) at Washington Nationals
Jarred Cosart recently returned from an extended stint on the disabled list, which is reflected in his sub-$5,000 salary. Through two turns back in Miami’s rotation, his stats are highly encouraging:
Cosart faced Washington in his last start, striking out five batters in five scoreless innings of the Marlins’ 2-1 win.
The 25-year-old averaged 14 fantasy points per game in his two outings this month. It’s nothing special for a pitcher, but it is a great number for a player at his price.
2B/3B Anthony Rendon, Washington Nationals ($3,900) vs. Miami Marlins
The Nationals infielder may not qualify as a sleeper, but with what he’s done lately, Anthony Rendon is a bargain at $3,900. After being moved to the leadoff spot in the batting order, Rendon has scored six runs in Washington’s last four contests.
Rendon currently owns an eight-game hitting streak, including multiple hits in four of five. He’s also reached base safely in 11 straight games and 23 of 24 since August 22. In that time, Rendon has raised his season batting average from .250 to .289, going 36-for-99 in the process.
He’s only 2-for-11 in his career against Cosart, but one of Rendon’s hits was a home run.
C Matt Wieters, Baltimore Orioles ($2,500) at Tampa Bay Rays
Matt Wieters is a part-time player, but he’s a good bet to be in the Orioles lineup after getting Wednesday off—not to mention because of his outstanding success when facing Rays starter Matt Moore. Wieters has eight hits in 14 at-bats versus the Tampa Bay lefty:
The veteran backstop is averaging 5.3 fantasy points per game for the season, but he’s totaled 42 over his past six starts.
Wieters costs less than 21 catchers available in evening contests, a rather startling number considering there are only 14 teams playing. At a position where quality scoring options are hard to come by, Wieters should provide solid production at a bargain-basement price.
All prices courtesy of DraftKings. Statistics via MLB.com unless otherwise noted. Mark Vandeusen is an MLB featured columnist for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @LucidSportsFan.
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