This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
We have a packed night of baseball ahead of us with 14 games making up the main slate on DraftKings. Let's get right to it and highlight some pitchers and hitters who could thrive based on their respective matchups.
Pitchers
The Mariners have been one of the worst hitting teams in baseball this season, posting the third-worst OPS. With that in mind, Frankie Montas ($8,700) is someone to target. He's also pitching well heading into this matchup, having allowed two or fewer earned runs in six of his last seven starts. During that stretch, he recorded a 1.13 WHIP and 47 strikeouts over 42.1 innings
Johnny Cueto's ($7,500) numbers don't stand out in any one particular category. He's been serviceable for the Giants, though, with a 4.05 FIP and a 1.29 WHIP. Of note, he has pitched better at home, recording a 1.09 WHIP over 47.2 innings. Not only will he pitch there Friday, but it's in a favorable matchup against the Pirates, who have the fourth-worst OPS in baseball.
Entering the season, it looked like the Dodgers had a wealth of starting pitching options. However, injuries have taken their toll on the team, and there hasn't been any indication whether Trevor Bauer will return this season. That means David Price ($6,300), who has mostly pitched out of the bullpen, has been moved back into the starting rotation. He's been building up his pitch count and logged four innings in his last outing against the Rockies. His final line was impressive as he allowed one run and recorded four strikeouts at Coors Field. This start will be at home, which is a much more pitcher-friendly environment. Add in the possibility that he pitches at least five innings, and he could provide value.
Top Targets
Chi Chi Gonzalez ($5,300) will be making his second straight start against the Dodgers, who lit him up for seven runs across four innings in his last outing. He's in the midst of another disappointing campaign, posting a 5.99 ERA and a 5.24 FIP over 18 appearances, 14 of which were starts. This could be an excellent matchup to deploy Chris Taylor ($5,700) who is having arguably the best season of his career with a 136 wRC+.
Trey Mancini ($5,200) has two factors working in his favor for his matchup against Patrick Corbin ($6,900), who already isn't having a great season with a 5.15 FIP and a 1.47 WHIP. First, Mancini has a 151 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers. Second, he has a 144 wRC+ at home. Add it all together, and he has the makings of an excellent hitter to target.
Bargain Bats
Mancini isn't the only player on the Orioles who could have a productive evening against Corbin. Ryan Mountcastle ($3,800) is someone to consider at a cheaper salary given his .378 wOBA at home. Also, 10 of his 15 home runs have come there this season.
It wouldn't be a surprise if the Tigers dealt away Robbie Grossman ($3,700) before the trade deadline. He's had a productive season, posting a 112 wRC+. He's been even better against left-handed pitchers, recording a .245 ISO and a .391 wOBA. That makes him an intriguing option against Kris Bubic ($5,000), who enters with a bloated 5.85 FIP and 1.52 WHIP.
Stacks to Consider
Nationals vs. Jorge Lopez ($6,000), Orioles: Juan Soto ($5,600), Trea Turner ($5,700), Josh Bell ($4,000)
With his career 6.03 ERA and 1.54 WHIP, Lopez is someone to attack whenever he takes the mound. He's been even worse at keeping hitters off base this season, posting a 1.63 WHIP. In addition to that, he's allowed 14 home runs over 89.1 innings. That could be a recipe for a disaster against Soto, who is 20-for-43 (.465) with seven home runs and two doubles over his last 12 games.
Astros vs. Kolby Allard ($5,500), Rangers: Jose Altuve ($5,300), Carlos Correa ($4,700), Yuli Gurriel ($4,600)
Allard hasn't been a disaster this year, but he hasn't been great, either, with a 4.06 ERA and a 4.29 FIP. He's made dramatic improvements with his walk rate, which has helped him record a 1.11 WHIP. However, he's allowed 1.6 HR/9. That could be troublesome against this trio. Altuve is someone to consider whenever a left-handed pitcher is on the mound, given that he has a 144 wRC+ against them for his career.
Angels vs. J.A. Happ ($6,100), Twins: Shohei Ohtani ($6,500), David Fletcher ($4,500), Jose Iglesias ($3,400)
In what should have been a favorable matchup against the Tigers in his last start, Happ allowed seven runs over seven innings. The Twins would probably love to move him at the deadline, but it will be difficult given his 6.15 ERA and 5.32 FIP. Iglesias could be an under-the-radar addition to an Angels stack. While he doesn't bring much power to the plate, he's a good contact hitter, recording a 12.5 percent strikeout rate for his career.
