Sometimes if you want to win a DFS prize pool, you have to be a little contrarian.
That’s why I am going to suggest using some Orioles tonight vs. the Rays.
And yes, I know Shane McClanahan is pitching, and he is the highest-priced pitcher on the slate.
I told you, it’s contrarian!
Hang with me here…
The Orioles are proving to be a much better team than people expected. Not only are they second in AL East behind the Rays with 22 wins, they also have the second-best run differential (+29).
The two teams have almost identical bullpen ERAs, both among the best in the league.
Tommy Gilligan/USA Today Sports
McClanahan is the far superior starter in this matchup against Kyle Gibson for the O’s, but with the run total set at 8.5, I don’t think this game is one-sided. Yes, the Rays will score runs (their run differential is an incredible +129, by the way), but the Orioles will, too, if history is any guide.
Check out these numbers for Orioles hitters vs. McClanahan:
- In 17 career at-bats, Cedric Mullins has two home runs and an OPS of 1.095.
- In 17 career at-bats, Anthony Santander is hitting .294.
- In 13 career at-bats, Ramon Urias is hitting .308 with three extra-base hits.
- In 10 career at-bats, Jorge Mateo is hitting .400 with an OPS of .863.
So use Rays tonight, but don’t forget those pesky Orioles. They just might surprise you.
