MLB Cash Game Picks 8-16-15

Pitcher

Sale went through a mini-cold stretch over the past month, but most of that was BABIP related, with just bad luck and no other major flaws in his metrics (strikeout rate, etc). That suggested it was only a matter of time until Sale got things back on track, which happened last time out against the Angels (7.1 IP, 2 ER, 7 K's). Now he'll face the Cubs at home, who rank fourth in strikeout rate vs lefties (23.1%), and they don't have many right-handed hitters (aside from Bryant) to give him problems.

If you can't quite squeeze Sale (or any other top tier ace) into your lineup, you can dip down to Martinez and feel pretty good about it. Martinez actually has the highest win probability of the day, checking in with a -220 moneyline. The Marlins haven't been good over the past month, ranking 28th overall in wOBA. Combine that with Martinez's tendency to pitch much better at home, and you have a nice, safe cash game selection.

Catcher

Texas pitcher Yovani Gallardo has been pretty bad as of late, allowing 4+ earned runs in three of the past five games. Insert Jaso, batting leadoff for the Rays, which is a nice lineup position (especially considering the price point) for a catcher. Derek Norris is the top overall play, but Jaso is the reliable, cheap commodity if you are looking for some savings.

First Base

Aaron Harang is a fly-ball pitcher with a .353 wOBA split against left-handed hitters. Insert Lind, batting cleanup for the Brewers in Milwaukee's hitter friendly park. He is a little on the expensive side over at DraftKings, but he fits very well into a hearty FanDuel cash game lineup, presenting nice upside as well ... Ben Paulsen of Colorado is another first baseman worth considering.

Second Base

It's really tough to feel confident with Gyorko at this price level, but just remember the fact that he's facing a bad lefty in Coors Field. Gyorko has made the most of this tremendous park shift so far, going 4-12 with a HR, 6 RBI's in the first three games of the series. If you can squeeze him in, go ahead and take your chances, as a high-upside opportunity awaits you. If you need some savings (paying up at pitcher), Chase Utley makes for a nice fallback commodity.

Third Base

Drew Smyly is making his first appearance in 3+ months, and this isn't exactly the ideal landing spot to get back in the mix. Opposing pitchers often struggle in Texas' heat, as the high temperatures make the ball carry, and they also tend to fatigue pitchers more quickly. Either way, the Rangers are in a nice position, and Beltre checks in as their best hitter vs lefties. The salaries on both sites are very workable.

Shortstop

Jose Ramirez has done very well in the leadoff role for Cleveland. He's looking at a quality matchup against Tommy Milone, who has given up 5+ runs in his three past games. On top of that, Milone is allowing a .380 wOBA mark against right-handed bats this season, and Jose Ramirez is a switch-hitter that won't lose the platoon advantage in a bullpen situation.

Outfield

It's a tough debate between Matt Kemp and his teammate Justin Upton as the top overall play of the day. I'm leaning towards Kemp, who is swinging a confident bat with 2 homers and 7 RBI's in the first three games of this series. Now he'll face left-hander Chris Rusin (.364 wOBA), which is probably his best matchup of the weekend.

Gomez hasn't been great as of late, but he'll step into a matchup that brings high upside to the table. Detroit pitcher Matt Boyd has really struggled with the long-ball this season, giving up 5 round-trippers (2 games) in his previous home ballpark of Toronto's Rogers Centre. Houston's Minute Maid Park isn't quite as hitter-friendly as Toronto, but it ranks right up there. The Astros could get the power bats going today, and Gomez is in a fine position to take advantage.

Blanco has been absolutely on fire as of late. He has stepped back into the leadoff role with Angel Pagan going back to the disabled list. Blanco has gone 7-13 over the past five games, accumulating 7 total runs and 3 stolen bases. Even though Washington pitcher Joe Ross has impressed over his brief MLB tenure, he is allowing a .375 wOBA against leftt-handed hitters.