So far the Yankees are doing to Tampa what they should be doing to a sub-.500 team — beating them.
Yankees MLB Fantasy Baseball Cheat Sheet for Saturday, June 16, 2018
The following suggestions are for the 1:05pm EST Yankees-Rays matchup in Draft Kings’ Classic mode.
Ryne Stanek Scouting Report
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Ryne Stanek ($4,000). Stanek was a first round pick (29th overall) by Tampa in the 2013 Amateur Draft, and made his pro debut on May 14, 2017. He’s made 4 “starts” this season but all have come in ‘bullpen’ games, and this should be another one.
Stanek is a hard-throwing right-hander whose arsenal features a 99mph four-seam fastball, a change up and cutter that both hit the gun at 90mph. Over 16.1 innings of work through 14 games, he has allowed 9 walks while striking out 21, and letting up 2 long balls. Of five Yankees who have faced Stanek, none have more than 1 at-bat, and this will be his first time in action against New York this season.
PREDICTION: What’s to predict? Stanek will face 10 batters, 6 if he’s lucky with this crazy ‘bullpen’ strategy. And obviously don’t draft him as your pitcher — although he could deliver more DKFP than a certain Corey Kluber (“Gibson sharp in win; Twins jump on Kluber early“) did for me last night, so you never know!!!
Who Might Give Stanek Trouble?
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Miguel Andujar ($4,600) The sweet-swinging third-baseman is overdue to hit one in the cheap seats, and should at least pound a pair of doubles if not.
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Didi Gregorius ($4,500) They’re not chanting ‘M-V-P!’ again (yet) at The Stadium, but Didi has certainly rediscovered his groove at the plate. Expect a multi-hit afternoon if not a long ball.
Severino Shoots for 10 Again
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Luis Severino ($13,900). The Yankee ace is gunning for his 10th victory of the season, and can’t be far out of Cy Young consideration, which a complete game shutout today wouldn’t hurt that argument. Sevy is 9-2 with a 2.27 ERA over 14 starts with 109 strikeouts over 91 innings, and a WHIP of 0.96.
PREDICTION: Due for a masterpiece, the youthful Rays lineup may be just what he needs. Look for Severino to be on his game this afternoon, as we like him at home and during the day.
Who Might Give Severino Trouble?
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Mallex Smith ($3,200) A solid value pick for the ducats. Smith will make contact and is dangerous on the bases.
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C.J. Cron ($3,600) Cron has been stinking it up lately, with 1 hit in his last 14 at-bats, but that was a three-run homer, which worries me. He’s hit 15 already and can get ahold of one if it hangs.
Check back before game time for any critical updates.
Remember this is for speculation only, not meant to be taken as gospel. And don’t forget to double-check your lineup(s) just prior to game time as the weather may create havoc for you. We exist under the manta that “You can’t predict baseball” but it’s fun trying. Good luck with your lineup and let’s go Yankees!
