MLB

3 MLB FanDuel Studs to Target on 8/23/18

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Cole Hamels, P, Chicago Cubs

Price: $9,200

Sometimes in sports a player has outlived his usefulness in one place and has ceased being effective there, making that person a "change of scenery" candidate. Never has that been more true than for Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Cole Hamels, who has thrived since being traded from the Texas Rangers to the Windy City.

In four starts since joining the "North Siders", Hamels has given up two earned runs in 25 innings of work, good for an ERA of 0.72, with a 23/6 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Those numbers are in line with his home/road splits with the Rangers this year, as Hamels struggled in Arlington with a 6.41 ERA and .911 OPS allowed, while away from Texas, he had a 2.33 ERA and .668 OPS allowed. Needless to say, this change of scenery has worked out well for Hamels.

Hamels is facing a Cincinnati Reds team that has averaged 4.53 runs per game this year, 15th out of 30 MLB teams. This is a solid offensive ballclub, but their production has slowed a bit, with their 49 runs scored over the last 14 days tied for 21st-most over that span. They're also without one of their top players, first baseman Joey Votto, who is on the 10-day disabled list with a leg bruise.

The Cubs are big favorites to win the game, with the highest money line (-217) on the schedule, and Hamels should lead the way.