Squad Up Daily MLB Early Fantasy Dose: A Giants stack set to topple Chicago

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Here is a look at the Squad Up daily MLB fantasy picture for the seven-game slate beginning at 12:05 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 25. Note that all statistics exclude results from Wednesday, May 24.

Hitter Stacks

• San Francisco Giants at Chicago Cubs (RHP Eddie Butler): Butler has pitched just nine innings this year. His career 6.26 ERA and 4.17 BB/9 reflect the control issues which were present his last start. Butler pitched just three innings last time out, giving up three hits and five walks while facing 17 batters. 3B Eduardo Nunez and C Buster Posey have both hit above .300 over the past two weeks.

3-player stack: Posey (61K), Nunez (49K), 2B Joe Panik (56K)

• Colorado Rockies at Philadelphia Phillies (RHP Vince Velasquez): With a 5.98 ERA and 4.12 BB/9, Velasquez may not be cut out for a starting gig. Through eight starts this year, Velasquez has pitched more than six innings just twice. Colorado's offense has come alive on the road in their past three series, with OF Charlie Blackmon leading the way.

2-player stack: Blackmon (58K), 3B Nolan Arenado (62K)

Pitcher Breakdown

• TARGET - RHP Jeff Samardzija (62K), Giants (at Cubs): Samardzija's statistical dominance is overshadowed by a 1-5 record and 4.57 ERA. With a 10.48 K/9 and 2.89 FIP, there's no reason to shy away from the resurgent righty. Through his past five outings, Samardzija has four quality starts and a phenomenal 41:1 K:BB ratio.

• BARGAIN - RHP Ivan Nova (48K), Pirates (at Braves): Nova's 2.63 ERA shouldn't be this cheap. While his 5.25 K/9 limits his upside, Nova should have no problem notching his ninth quality start of the year on his way to returning supreme value. Expect Nova to be heavily used by other owners at this price.

• CONTRARIAN - LHP Ariel Miranda (45K), Mariners (at Nationals): Miranda has been solid in four of his past five starts. Excluding one blowup against Philadelphia, Miranda has accumulated 29 strikeouts and given up just five earned runs in those four starts. A difficult matchup against Washington will lead many to fade the left-handed sophomore.

Bargain Plays

• SS Andrelton Simmons (41K), Angels (at Rays): Simmons is 14-for-32 with six runs scored and four RBIs over his past eight games. Considering his .432 average during the span and the fact Simmons has hit fifth in five of L.A.'s past six games, Simmons should really have a few more RBIs. His productivity and spot in the lineup, however, are hard to beat at this price.

• C Yan Gomes (38K), Indians (vs. Reds): After notching a horrid .167 average in 74 games last season, Gomes has opened this year hitting .255 while knocking four homers and driving 12 RBIs. Gomes had an off-day Wednesday, so expect him to draw back into the lineup against RHP Tim Adleman. Adleman owns a 6.19 ERA and 1.97 HR/9 this year.

Top Fades

• 1B Ryan Zimmerman (53K), Nationals (vs. Mariners): Zimmerman is hitting a solid .309 through the month of May. Unfortunately, his counting stats have taken a steep dive relative to his absurd April. Through 18 May games, Zimmerman has just two homers and nine RBIs. At this price tag, a healthy average simply isn't enough.

• OF Matt Kemp (52K), Braves (vs. Pirates): Kemp has registered just one RBI in his past three games. 1B Freddie Freeman's absence ahead of him in the lineup will continue to limit Kemp's production in the category. Pittsburgh SP Ivan Nova has been superb this year, posting a 2.63 ERA and 1.05 WHIP.

Contrarian Plays

• 1B Matt Adams (50K), Braves (vs. Pirates): After going hitless in his debut with Atlanta, Adams has gone 5-for-9 with two homers and four RBIs in the following two games. While the entire Atlanta lineup loses value against Nova, Adams is clearly trying to make an impression with his new team. His home run upside is worth the mid-tier investment.

• C Devin Mesoraco (44K), Reds (at Indians): With Mesoraco constantly floating in and out of the lineup, some owners won't be bothered to roster him. Considering Mesoraco has sit two of Cincy's past three games, he should be good to go Thursday. Mesoraco is hitting .283 with a .457 SLG percentage through 17 games this year.

For up-to-the-minute starting lineups, check out Baseball Press.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)