Jonathan Villar has gotten off to a scorching hot start this season, posting a .308 average with a .558 slugging percentage and an .878 OPS through 12 games. He owns six extra-base hits (three home runs), eight RBIs, and two steals over that span, as well. Overall, Villar has flashed a surprising combination of power and speed. He has cooled down a bit over his last two games, but still owns double-digit fantasy points in seven of his last 10 contests. Villar gets a plus matchup against Aaron Brooks in a hitter friendly stadium, and he’s hitting third in the Baltimore Orioles lineup. The projected run total of this game is set at 9.5 runs, and I’m expecting Villar to get back on track today.
Mallex Smith is another fantasy option, who has found plenty of success early this season. He’s hitting .244 with a .366 slugging percentage and a .713 OPS through 10 games. While the power hasn’t been there for Smith, he owns five stolen bases on the season. He also gets a plus matchup against Jorge Lopez, and he enters this game with 0.013 wOBA and 0.022 ISO differentials against right-handed pitching. Smith is leading off for the best offense in the MLB at the moment. He could find the over with a walk, steal, and run, which is a very realistic sequence in this game. The total is set at 10 runs, and Smith will see extra at-bats from leading off. He makes a great option on this slate.
Play $25 on Jonathan Villar OVER 7.5 fantasy points and Mallex Smith OVER 7.5 fantasy points to win $62.50 (2.5x)
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