This article is part of our PrizePicks MLB series.
The customary busy Friday slate across baseball brings us plenty of options to sift through on PrizePicks. For those unfamiliar with the platform, it provides a unique spin on DFS in which you select two, three or four players and predict if each will go over or under their projected fantasy score.
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Here are some players to target and avoid while creating your entry.
Players to Target:
Marcus Semien vs. CC Sabathia (Yankees): Over 8.5 FP: There's been a lot to like about Semien this season, as he has emerged as one of the most dangerous hitters in the A's lineup. He has shown an improved eye at the plate, producing an 11.3 percent walk rate to go along with a 14.3 percent strikeout rate. He's also on pace to set career-highs in both ISO (.217) and wRC+ (127). This is a prime matchup against Sabathia, who has struggled to be effective during his final season in the majors and has really had trouble keeping hitters inside the ballpark, which has resulted in him allowing 2.4 HR/9.
Aaron Judge vs. Brett Anderson (Athletics): Over 9.5 FP: While the Yankees continued their surge towards a playoff spot, Judge was scuffling along at the plate. At one point, he went through a 31-game stretch in which he hit 27-for-120 (.225) with only two home runs. However, he's finally found his groove, hitting five home runs across his last six games. When he's hot like this, Judge can produce tremendous stat lines. Add in his career 182 wRC+ at home and I like the over despite this being a fairly high projection to hit.
Austin Meadows vs. Shane Bieber (Indians): Under 8 FP: The trade with the Pirates that brought the Rays both Meadows and Tyler Glasnow (forearm) for Chris Archer looks to be a steal at this point. Meadows has thrived now that he finally has the chance to play every day, recording a .253 ISO and a .360 wOBA. He's put on quite the power display with the Rays making a push for the playoffs, recording a .690 slugging percentage across his last 10 contests. Still, this is not a favorable spot for him to continue his recent run of success. Bieber has been among the top pitchers in baseball this season with his 3.41 FIP, 1.01 WHIP and 30.8 percent strikeout rate. He's also done a good job of limiting the long ball, allowing 1.3 HR/9.
Players to Avoid:
Ronald Acuna Jr. vs. Ivan Nova (White Sox): 11 FP: As good as Acuna has performed this season, this is a lofty projection for him to hit. Nova has also been locked in for the White Sox, recording a 0.94 ERA and a 0.90 WHIP across his last seven starts. During that stretch, he faced a few really tough lineups, including the Astros and Twins (twice). His overall numbers for the season aren't great considering his 4.89 FIP, so it's difficult to project what type of outing he will provide whenever he steps onto the mound. With so many other viable options, picking a side for Acuna might not be a wise choice.
Bryce Harper vs. Zack Wheeler (Mets): 9 FP: With his elite power, Harper is always one swing away from hitting the over. He's on hot streak heading into this contest, hitting 16-for-54 (.296) with eight home runs, 20 RBI and 16 runs scored over his last 14 games. Wheeler has been all over the map lately, allowing 14 runs (13 earned) across 16 innings in his last three starts. However, entering that stretch, he had thrown 15 shutout innings in his previous two outings. If he's on top of his game, Wheeler can shut down even the most potent of lineups. The risk here might not be worth the reward.
Michael Conforto vs. Aaron Nola (Phillies): 6.5 FP: Normally, a projection this low for Conforto would be an easy over based on his power upside. He's hit at least 27 home runs for the third straight season while lowering his strikeout rate to 22 percent. However, the reason for this low number is his tough matchup against Nola, who has a 2.27 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP across his last 13 starts. He's also given up just nine home runs over 87.1 innings during that stretch. Stay away from this matchup.
