This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
Friday brings a packed slate of games full of playoff implications. It could also be a high-scoring night in several games with struggling pitchers set to take the mound. Some of them include Keegan Akin, Matt Moore and Mitch Keller. There will be some aces in action, too, such as Lucas Giolito and Walker Buehler. Giolito's start is noteworthy given that he will be facing the red-hot Rays. Let's dig into the matchups and highlight some players to consider for your DraftKings entries.
Pitchers
Chris Sale ($9,700) gave up a couple of home runs in his season debut against the Orioles, but they were both solo shots. He allowed just those two runs and recorded eight strikeouts over five innings, showing that he can still be a dominant force on the mound. Up next is a favorable matchup against the Rangers, who have the worst OPS in baseball.
Alex Wood ($8,900) was struggling heading into his last start against the Rockies, but he rebounded to allow only two runs and record six strikeouts over 6.2 innings. He's had a strong season, overall, with a 4.14 ERA and an even better 3.76 FIP. He'll look to keep things rolling against the A's in their pitcher-friendly home park. This will mark his second time facing the A's, and in the first game, he pitched 5.1 innings, allowing two runs (one earned) and recording eight strikeouts.
A bit of bad luck has left Sonny Gray ($8,400) with a .335 BABIP allowed, which is more than 50 points higher than his career mark. His 32.6 percent hard-hit rate allowed certainly isn't the problem, either. Better results could be coming his way against a Marlins team that has the fourth-worst OPS in baseball.
Top Targets
The Yankees' lineup has started to pick things up down the stretch, which has helped the team move into the lead for the AL Wild Card. One of their more consistent hitters all season has been Aaron Judge ($5,100), who entered Thursday with a .384 wOBA. He has an excellent opportunity to remain hot against Charlie Barnes ($5,500) given his career .406 wOBA versus left-handed pitchers.
A lack of control has left Keller ($6,400) with a 11.5 percent walk rate and a 1.85 WHIP. That makes him a great pitcher to target in DFS despite his FIP (4.76) being better than his ERA (6.86). A matchup against the Cardinals means Nolan Arenado ($5,000) stands out as a top option. He's shown an excellent eye at the plate, entering Thursday with just a 13.7 percent strikeout rate.
Bargain Bats
The Yankees now have a bit of a logjam at first base with Anthony Rizzo ($3,600) and Luke Voit ($3,400) both finally healthy. They could move Giancarlo Stanton ($4,600) to the outfield, which would allow Voit to DH and Rizzo to play at first base. If they squeeze Voit into the lineup Friday, he could provide value against the lefty Barnes.
Continuing to attack the Cardinals' matchup against Keller, Tyler O'Neill ($3,500) is someone to consider at a cheaper salary. He has been among their best hitters this season, entering Thursday with a .237 ISO and a .361 wOBA.
Stacks to Consider
Padres vs. Matt Moore ($7,200), Phillies: Fernando Tatis Jr. ($5,700), Manny Machado ($5,400), Tommy Pham ($4,500)
Talk about a performance that came out of nowhere. In his last outing, Moore threw six hitless innings against the Reds. Even with that stellar stat line, though, he has a 5.52 FIP and a 1.49 WHIP for the season. That makes the Padres a potentially excellent team to stack. Tatis and Machado are the big names on the Padres to pursue, but don't forget about Pham, who has a career .376 wOBA against left-handed pitchers.
Braves vs. Keegan Akin ($6,100), Orioles: Ozzie Albies ($5,800) Austin Riley ($5,700), Adam Duvall ($4,600)
Akin hasn't been as bad as his 8.13 ERA would lead you to believe, given that his FIP stands at 4.78. Part of his problem is that he doesn't leave himself with much of a margin for error given his 19.6 percent strikeout rate. This a tough matchup for him against a locked-in Braves lineup that has helped the team climb the standings in the NL East. Albies is noteworthy whenever a lefty is on the mound, given that he has a career 149 wRC+ against them.
Blue Jays vs. Tyler Alexander ($5,100), Tigers: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ($6,100), Marcus Semien ($4,900), Teoscar Hernandez ($5,000)
Alexander was never a significant source for strikeouts in the minors and he hasn't been this season with the Tigers, either, given his 18.9 percent strikeout rate. He's been mostly underwhelming across the board with a 4.57 ERA and a 4.48 FIP. This matchup against a Blue Jays team that has the highest OPS in baseball likely isn't going to help matters. Among their players who are having standout seasons is Hernandez, who has a career-high 144 wRC+.
