A loaded list of probable pitchers on Friday will make for some tough decisions when it comes to your daily fantasy baseball lineup.
The two starting pitcher spots can make or break your team, so you have to make sure to get the right players on the right night. However, a few aces and other big names create some questions about whether you want to spend big or find value.
No matter what you want to do with your team, here is a look at the top options at various price ranges for April 24.
Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners ($11,300)
This certainly qualifies as an obvious pick, but you don't have to be sneaky to win money. Sometimes the best answer is right in front of you the whole time.
After a quad issue limited him in his April 12 start, Felix Hernandez bounced back with an impressive performance against the Texas Rangers, allowing just two hits in seven innings while striking out 12. Pitching at home against a Minnesota Twins lineup that has struggled all year should present another opportunity for a huge day.
Just be ready to save money elsewhere in your lineup.
Jordan Zimmermann, Washington Nationals ($8,300)
The last two games have been very uncharacteristic for Jordan Zimmermann.
First, he was rocked by the Boston Red Sox in Fenway Park, allowing eight runs in 2.1 innings. In his most recent start against the Philadelphia Phillies, he only allowed two earned runs in 6.1 innings but walked four in a loss.
The good news is that control has never been a real issue for Zimmermann, and it shouldn't be a lingering problem. Additionally, his next start will be against the Miami Marlins in a ballpark that doesn't allow many home runs.
Zimmermann is too talented to let these poor starts pile up, so you can expect a turnaround for a decent price.
Andrew Cashner, San Diego Padres ($8,100)
After a 1-2 start, Andrew Cashner should have plenty of issues with the defense behind him. Out of the 12 runs allowed in 17 innings, seven of them have been unearned.
On the plus side, the pitcher still has a solid 2.65 ERA and 20 strikeouts through three starts. Most importantly, he will return home to spacious Petco Park, where he has a career ERA of 2.01, according to Baseball-Reference.com.
It won't be easy outdueling Zack Greinke of the Los Angeles Dodgers, but Cashner has the tools to put together a strong outing, win or lose.
Carlos Martinez, St. Louis Cardinals ($7,200)
The St. Louis Cardinals have a habit of finding quality pitchers seemingly out of nowhere. Well, they did it again with Carlos Martinez, who moved from the bullpen to become an effective starter so far.
Martinez has gone six innings in each of his first two starts while allowing a combined seven hits and three runs. Although it might not always be smooth sailing as a member of the rotation, don't expect much trouble in his next start against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Considering Milwaukee comes into the series with just three wins and an average of 2.9 runs per game, Martinez should be just fine on Friday.
Shane Greene, Detroit Tigers ($7,100)
DraftKings is finally starting to raise the price for Shane Greene (he cost $6,000 in his last start), but he still remains a bargain if he continues to pitch at his current level.
ESPN's Buster Olney noted how well the 26-year-old pitcher has fared to start the season:
In three starts, Greene has totaled 23 innings with just one earned run. While you can wait for him to fall back to earth if you want, don't be afraid to ride the hot streak for as long as it lasts. With the Detroit Tigers providing plenty of run support, he should be a solid bet to earn his fourth win.
Chris Heston, San Francisco Giants ($4,900)
If you are really looking to save money Friday and want a bargain at pitcher, it makes sense to take a chance on Chris Heston.
The 27-year-old rookie currently ranks second in the National League with a 0.87 ERA through three starts, and he will face a Colorado Rockies offense that has slowed down significantly since the first week of the season.
Although it is always a risk betting on a pitcher at Coors Field, the extremely low price might make it worth the chance.
Note: All prices courtesy of DraftKings. Unless otherwise noted, all stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com.
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