This article is part of our PrizePicks MLB series.
With all 30 teams in action Tuesday, we have a lot of options to consider on PrizePicks. For those unfamiliar with the platform, it provides a unique spin on DFS in which you pick two, three or four players and predict if each will go over or under their projected fantasy score.
If this is your first time playing on PrizePicks, be sure to sign up using our promotional offer. New members who sign up and make their first deposit get a free 2-pick entry to win $25 and a 25% first deposit instant match. For the instant match promotion, the maximum deposit is $4,000 for $1,000 in Promo Money. If downloading the app, use promo code: WIRE.
Here are some players to target and avoid while creating your entry.
Players to Target
Aaron Judge vs. John Means (Orioles): Under 9.5 FP: Judge is one of the few superstars on the Yankees who is actually healthy right now. Their lineup continues to roll along despite having to rely on several backups and they just hammered the Orioles for 19 runs during their doubleheader Monday. One of the few players who isn't swinging the bat well right now is Judge, who is 11-for-67 (.164) with only one home run and two RBI over his last 18 games. If there is a pitcher on the Orioles with the potential to put forth a strong outing, it's Means. This is a pretty high projection for any player scuffling like this, so I'll take the under.
Mookie Betts vs. Mike Clevinger (Indians): Under 8 FP: Another big name in the AL East who is struggling is Betts. The Red Sox are starting to fade in the playoff race and part of that might be because Betts is only 6-for-38 (.158) with one home run over his last 11 games. This matchup is going to be a tough one to break out of his slump considering Clevinger has a 1.83 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP across his last seven starts. Clevinger has held right-handed batters to a .232 wOBA this season, making the under an appealing option.
Nicholas Castellanos vs. Jason Vargas (Phillies): Over 8 FP: Before he was ultimately traded, Castellanos wasn't shy about his disliking for Comerica Park in Detroit. Not only is it a difficult park to hit home runs, but the lack of talent around him wasn't helping his counting stats, either. He seems rejuvenated since being dealt to the Cubs, hitting 17-for-46 (.370) with four home runs and six doubles over 11 games. Add in his 184 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers this season and he could give Vargas a lot of problems in this contest.
Players to Avoid
Freddie Freeman vs. Zack Wheeler (Mets): 8 FP: This is a huge series with the Mets racing towards a playoff spot and the Braves trying to maintain their lead in the NL East. Freeman continues to be a force in the Braves' lineup, recording a .400 wOBA to go along with a .259 ISO. This isn't a very high projection for Freeman to reach, so the over might look appealing. However, Wheeler is one of the main reasons why the Mets are on a hot streak, having thrown 15 scoreless innings in his last two starts. With how well Wheeler is pitching, it might be best to just avoid picking a side with Freeman.
Bo Bichette vs. Lance Lynn (Rangers): 7.5 FP: As if Blue Jays' fans didn't have enough to be excited about with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bichette has stormed onto the scene with a 209 wRC+ through his first 15 games. He torched the Rangers in the first game of this series, finishing 4-for-6 with two doubles and three runs scored. The problem is he'll be facing Lynn, who has done a good job of limiting baserunners (1.19 WHIP). Lynn has allowed two runs or fewer in six of his last eight starts. With so many other viable options, avoiding Bichette could be a wise choice.
Trey Mancini vs. Domingo German (Yankees): 7 FP: If there is a bright spot in the Orioles' lineup, it's Mancini. He's having the best season of his career, recording a .364 wOBA to go along with a .263 ISO. While his power numbers are on the rise, his strikeout rate has actually dropped to 21.3 percent. As good as the Yankees' lineup has been, their pitching staff has struggled. The bad news for Mancini is that German has been one of the best starters for the Yankees. However, he has allowed 1.9 HR/9, which plays right into Mancini's wheelhouse. This one feels like it could go either way based on the low projection, making adding him to your entry a risk that likely isn't worth taking.
