It’s tough going for tonight’s expert MLB fantasy plays.

Allen Craig is a must play at DraftDay for only $8,950.

I say it all the time with our expert MLB fantasy plays. The shorter the slate, the tougher it is to glean the top overall plays with conviction. Sometimes factors outside of performance, matchup, etc, need to be taken into account, and tonight is one of those times.

Two legitimate “aces” take the mound this evening, and though I’m wary of one I will likely end up paying up for both arms. I’m simply not confident in the other available options, and there are enough valued-costed bats that a formidable roster can still be constructed. Let’s take a look at tonight’s expert MLB fantasy plays.

Five Guys Expert MLB Fantasy Plays

All salaries listed are for DraftDay player pricing.

Zach Greinke $21,350 - Yes you’ll have to pony up the big bucks, but you’re opponent WILL have him on their roster. You can’t afford to fall that far behind. Unappreciated amidst the Clayton Kershaw buzz has been Greinke, whose dominance has been downright historic. With his last outing, Zach became the first pitcher since 1914 to hold opponents to two or fewer runs in 21 consecutive starts. The Mets bat .218 against righties and fan 22.1% of the time. Start him.

Chris Sale $18,150 - I don’t love the matchup with the Yankees, as they’ve hit very well against lefties this season. Sale is no average lefty though, and stands alone as the clear cut second option behind Zach Greinke tonight. Since returning from injury he’s tossed 27.1 innings with 29 strikeouts, and only seven earned runs.

Robinson Cano $11,550 - This pick is all a matter of opportunity cost. Cano is catching fire like we all knew he would, and there are simply no other options vying for top second baseman honors. Opposing pitcher Jarred Cosart is prone to mistakes too often to pass on Robbie.

Allen Craig $8,950 - Craig is a premiere lefty-masher, touting an elite .317 batting average, .395 wOBA, and .261 ISO against them since 2011. I don’t see much success tonight for Wade Miley versus the tough Cardinals lineup.

Seth Smith $8,050 - I’m not a fan of the park factors or low total here, but Smith’s price point is compelling against Jake Arrieta. A .282 batting average, .364 wOBA, and .202 ISO since 2011 when facing right-handers gives me optimism in regards to Smith’s chances today.

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