After a close game one which was won by the Dodgers, all the momentum has been with the San Diego Padres who are primed to eliminate their arch-rivals. The Dodgers injuries at pitcher were of concern and with the season on the line tonight, Dave Roberts will be throwing out a bullpen game while the Padres will have Dylan Cease on the mound. This has been the most playoff-feeling series as both sides clearly have disdain for each other but it might all culminate with the new team that runs California.
Dodgers at Padres Start’em
Dodgers 3B Max Muncy($8,000 on DraftKings)
Muncy is known for being one of the most clutch players on the roster. The infielder has had a lot of playoff moments that will be remembered forever and in a game like tonight, Muncy is made for games like this. Muncy has had an ok series which includes a solo home run in game two.
On paper with a pitcher like Cease, this could be a multi-strikeout game for Muncy. But, the context of the importance of the game also needs to be taken into consideration. Muncy hits at a point in the lineup where the majority of the time, guys will be on base for him to drive in. It is a pretty high price point but the risk should set up a great reward tonight.
Padres 1B Luis Arraez($6,400 on DraftKings)
The leadoff man for San Diego is considered one of the best hitters in the game of baseball but he has not flashed enough over the last couple of months. That hasn’t changed the fact that the Padres still keep him as their leadoff hitter in front of their superstars.
The most valuable thing for DFS players is they will get the most at-bats in the game and will get pitches to hit so players like Fernando Tatis and Manny Machado have no players on base. Arraez continues to be relentless with putting balls in play as he has struck out only one time in 14 at-bats in the series. With those numbers, it’s only a matter of time before it turns into more hits at the plate.
Dodgers at Padres Sit’em
Dodgers C Will Smith($7,400 on DraftKings)
Outside of the first four hitters in the Dodgers lineup, it has been tough sledding for the Los Angeles offense which includes their catcher. Smith has no hits in the series thus far but has four walks. Walks get DFS players some points but you need people who are going to produce and Smith just hasn’t.
This is also a very high price point for a guy who has been struggling to drive in runs consistently. Cease is a bad matchup for Smith as Cease is a strikeout pitcher. Even though this is a win-or-go-home game for the Dodgers, I wouldn’t put my money on Smith turning things around tonight.
Padres SS Xander Bogaerts($7,000 on DraftKings)
The Padres shortstop was seen as one of the many superstars they have acquired and when they did get him from the Red Sox, he was. But Bogaerts just hasn’t made a big enough impact to put him in the same realm as Machado or Tatis.
In this division series, Bogaerts is three for 12 but he isn’t producing enough runs or hitting the ball out of the ballpark. Because the Padres do have so much high-end talent, that makes it fun as a DFS player to figure out which one to pull the trigger on but don’t let the value of Bogaerts trick you into picking him over four or five other reliable Padres.
For More Great Content
Craving top-tier content that covers it all? From electrifying sports highlights and insider entertainment news to expert gaming tips and sharp betting advice, we’ve got you covered. Dive into our curated articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the lowdown on gaming strategies that could level up your play.
Plus, our betting advice will sharpen your edge and boost your chances of winning big. Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, our content is your go-to source for all things exciting and relevant. Don’t miss out—explore now and power up your knowledge! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports, to stay informed.