Counterattack - Don't Close The Curtain on the Stro Show
Here are the top low-ownership plays for Sunday, May 1:
SP Marcus Stroman, Blue Jays (at Rays)
Although Stroman doesn't have the high-strikeout upside of the elites on this slate like Chris Sale or Max Scherzer, he does have a very strong 1.03 WHIP and piles up fantasy points in more ways than just one.
He has a terrific sinker/cutter combination and owns a stellar 60.9 ground ball percentage while the league average is sitting at just 44 percent.
The Blue Jays offense has failed to support Stroman in his first five starts which makes it even more impressive that the young eccentric starter owns a 3-0 record. He's a tournament play only but is a terrific option with one of the elites on sites that offer two pitchers while Stro plays the Rays in pitcher-friendly Tropicana Field.
OF Mike Trout, Angels (at Rangers)
Just when DFS owners thought he was heating up with a refreshing eight-game hit-streak that saw him crush two homers and four RBI against the Royals in a three game series, he has only registered two extra base hits in his last 10 outings.
Trout has failed to return value more often than not and his salary still sits among the most expensive outfielders. He was ineffective Saturday night against the Rangers, striking out twice while going 0-for-4. His counting stats have returned to its typical level after a slow start, so the production will come.
He will remain heavily faded and his superstar upside is worth paying up for more often than not, especially in the always hitter-generous Globe Life Park.
3B Matt Carpenter, Cardinals (vs. Nationals)
Though he started off the season relatively slow, Carpenter has generated 17 RBIs but is hitting a measly .230 with just one multi-hit game over his last 15 outings.
Despite his lackluster batting average, he is reaching base more often than not and sports a .370 OBP. The Cardinals offense was scorching hot against the Diamondbacks, totaling 31 runs scored in just four games. Since then, they only have five in their last three.
Carpenter continues to hit second in the lineup which suggests plenty of run scoring opportunities. His price may never be lower this season due to his daunting matchup against Nationals' RHP ace Scherzer, which makes him a superb GPP play.