Matt Olson, 1B, Atlanta Braves ($4,500)

Atlanta boasts an impressive implied team total of 5.22 runs, making them a prime candidate for explosive fantasy production. In this context, it’s hard to overlook Matt Olson in your FanDuel lineups. Olson’s dominance this season cannot be overstated. He’s leading MLB in both homers (52) and RBI (129), and he ranks sixth among all batters with a remarkable 161 wRC+. His second-half performance has been outstanding, with a slugging percentage of .674.

Tonight, Olson faces Phillies starter Cristopher Sanchez, who has allowed a 1.44 HR/9 rate this season. Sanchez, in his third-year breakout, has already pitched 82.1 innings this season, a significant increase from his previous two seasons. This could potentially lead to a decline in performance down the stretch. Keep an eye on Olson as he aims to join the exclusive club of players with at least 53 home runs in a single season tonight.

Marcus Semien, 2B, Texas Rangers ($3,600)

Semien has been a key contributor this year, ranking fifth in runs scored with 113. His second-half improvement is evident, with his batting average climbing from .271 to .289, and an increased rate of home runs during the warmer months. Houck, on the other hand, has struggled in his transition to a full-time starter, with a sub-par 4.26 SIERA and a 1.33 WHIP. His numbers have worsened since returning from the injured list in August.

Facing a pitcher like Houck should offer the Rangers a chance to bounce back, and Semien is poised to benefit from this opportunity.

Hitting Breakdown

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Detroit Tigers

The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to face a Detroit Tigers bullpen game, and they boast one of the highest implied team totals on the slate at 5.04 runs. While Detroit’s collective xFIP suggests a neutral matchup, the Tigers had to tap into their bullpen early due to an injury in their previous game. Moreover, they have just one left-handed reliever.

Considering this, it’s wise to prioritize left-handed batters like Freddie Freeman ($4,100) and Max Muncy ($3,600). MVP candidate Mookie Betts ($4,500) is always a strong choice. Value options like David Peralta ($2,500), Jason Heyward ($2,700), and James Outman ($2,800) can be crucial in a night where budget allocation for pitchers is crucial.

Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies

The Atlanta Braves share a similar high implied team total at 5.22 runs. However, they face the challenge of left-handed pitcher Cristopher Sanchez, who may also be accompanied by right-hander Michael Lorenzen.

Sanchez showed his mettle against the Braves in his last outing, striking out 10 over 7 1/3 innings but allowing 4 earned runs. However, facing the same lineup twice in a row could favor Atlanta. Sanchez’s performance is notably weaker against right-handed batters, with a lower strikeout rate and ground-ball rate in such matchups.

While top Braves hitters come at a premium, there’s value lower in the order with Marcell Ozuna ($3,400), Sean Murphy ($3,300), and Orlando Arcia ($2,800). Don’t disregard lefties entirely, as Lorenzen struggles against them.

Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals

The Cleveland Guardians, an unconventional stacking choice, benefit from warm and windy conditions in Kansas City. Double-digit mph winds blowing out to left and high temperatures create an enticing environment for hitters. This game also features the slate’s highest over/under at 10.0.

Kansas City’s Alec Marsh, expected to be the bulk reliever, has been prone to giving up home runs to both left and right-handed batters. This should favor the Guardians, who don’t strike out much as a lineup.

Consider power bats like Jose Ramirez ($3,700) and Josh Naylor ($3,300). The rest of the order offers value, making this a suitable stack to pair with one of the slate’s top pitchers.