The following Spotlight Stacks were selected by Awesemo.com writer Jake Hari. For more analysis on the slate, check out the MLB Strategy Video and Night Shift Podcast.
HOU (vs. BOS)
The Astros’ run total is only 4.4 right now, so we may get them at low ownership against a lefty, which is always an attractive proposition. After a slow start to the season, Houston has been raking against lefties, posting a 133 WRC+, .371 OBP, .835 OPS, and just a 17.4% K-rate over the last 30 days. David Price has looked much better as of late, but he’s posted a 4.36 WHIP with 33.6% hard-contact against righties with over 4 BB/9. Correa and Springer are the favorites here, but this lineup is one I’ll be targeting heavily 1-8 as Max Stassi and JD Davis will go underowned, but they have hit lefties very well this year.
LAA (vs. TEX)
Stacking against Cole Hamels hasn’t been a profitable strategy this season, but this looks like a spot in which he could finally get blown up with likely 8 righties in the Angels lineup. Hamels has a 4.24 xFIP with over 45% hard-contact against righties with 3.6 BB/9. We know what guys like Trout and Upton can do against lefties, but I’m also targeting Kinsler, Pujols, and Marte for cheap.
LAD (@COL)
It’s hard to leave off a 5.7 total in a stacks column, especially against a guy like German Marquez who has gotten in trouble with lefties this season. On the year, he has a 4.82 xFIP, 1.50 WHIP, and only 17.3% K-rate versus left-handed hitters. Pederson, Muncy, Grandal, and Bellinger are all great candidates to take Marquez deep in Coors tonight, plus Justin Turner is just a phenomenal hitter that shouldn’t be overlooked. You know what you’re getting yourself into as far as ownership, but the Dodgers are a top-3 option for me tonight on this mid-sized slate.
