Hitters ----

Play of the Day: Charlie Blackmon- Blackmon recorded three hits in the first game of this series, and recorded at least two hits, four times during his current six-game hit streak.  Detroit’s starter, Michael Fulmer, has lost five-straight decisions, going 0-5, with a 5.97 ERA over his last six games. Once again, the Rockies check in with the highest projected run total of the slate.  

Top Play: Byron Buxton- Buxton is coming off his three home run game, and is batting .330, with eight homers, eight stolen bases, and 21 RBI in August. He went 0-4 in the last game that Shields started for the White Sox, in which he pitched much better than expected. Vegas believes the Twins get to him tonight, and I agree.  

Value Play: Ian Desmond- Desmond received the start last night in his first game back with the Rockies after Carlos Gonzalez become a late scratch. Y! has not increased his price tag, making him the cheapest projected starter for the Rockies tonight. Desmond went 2-for-4 in his return last night.

GPP Play: Jose Altuve- There are plenty of value options at second tonight, as well as Dozier, a top option with the Twins. Altuve is 10-for-30 lifetime off of Martin Perez, and hit his 20th home run of the season on Sunday. Perez is coming off his best start of the season, but has allowed six or more runs in three of his five previous starts.

Pitchers ----

Play of the Day: Chris Sale- Sale has pitched 15 innings vs. the Blue Jays this season, and has yet to allow a run to them. He’s 5-2, with a 1.68 ERA over his career vs. Toronto. As long as he is not facing the Indians these days, Sale is the top pitcher whenever he takes the mound.

Top Play: Jake Arrieta- Arrieta is 5-1, with a 1.78 ERA over his last eight starts. He allowed two runs or less in all eight. Arrieta is 0-2, with a 4.50 ERA in three starts vs. the Pirates this year,  but has struck out 24.8% of Pirate batters over the last two years.

Pivot Play: Ervin Santana- Santana is 3-0, with a 2.33 ERA in four starts vs. the White Sox this year. The Sox are playing better, going 6-3 over their last nine, but are still the worst team in the A.L., and playing on the road vs. a team holding on to their playoff spot. The White Sox have a projected run total in the bottom three tonight. Sanatana’s last start came against the White Sox, allowing just one earned run over seven innings, while striking out eight.  

Value Play: Luke Weaver- Weaver threw seven innings without allowing a run, and striking out 10 in his last start.  He went 6.2 innings back on August 2nd vs. the Brewers, allowing just two earned runs, while recording eight strikeouts.  Weaver is 1-1, with a 2.95 ERA in three career starts vs. the Brewers. He works as a #2 SP for both cash and GPPs tonight.