It’s a full slate of games today, but I want to focus on the early games this week. With just eight early games, and rain expected at three of them, there’s an opportunity to strike now. Four high end pitchers (Max Scherzer, Corey Kluber, Stephen Strasburg and Chris Sale) are on tap to throw, and a myriad of top hitters 
(Bryce Harper,Jose Altuve, Aaron Judge and Kris Bryant, among others) are facing pitchers other than those top four. So, being the contrarian that I am, I’m recommending two players who at first glance just donât figure to succeed. Hear me out, these two, along with some of the higher priced players, may very well lead you to victory.
Miles Mikolas ($14,400): It’s not about Mikolasâ talent, but instead itâs about the Redsâ ineptitude. Cincinnati is last in the league in runs scored, 14th in home runs, 14th in OBS, and 14th in Slugging Percentage. The Reds have five home runs against right handed pitching thus far all season. Other than Homer Baily, no Red has faced Mikolas. Mikolas should cruise through the overmatched Reds lineup twice through, amassing seven strikeouts and a win in just under seven innings. Caution, rain is in the forecast, but the early start should allow this game to go.
Nomar Mazara ($6,000) Historically, the left handed swinging Mazara is significantly better against righties, like Charlie Morton. In a small sample size, Mazara has two hits in five at bats against Morton. Mazara also has four dingers in just 53 at bats at Minute Maid. Mazara is only getting better. Morton?? Not so much. This is an ideal game for Mazara to continue his breakout.
