This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
We've got Hyun-Jin Ryu taking on Wade Miley, with Los Angeles looking to close out Milwaukee in Game 6. Since there is only one game, contests will be done under Showdown rules. You will pick six players, at least one from each team, and no more than four batters from either team. With that in mind, here are the players I'd choose for a lineup…
Manny Machado, LAD at MIL ($10,300): You know what kind of batter Machado is. He's hit at least 33 homers over each of the last four years, including 37 this season. The power has continued into the playoffs, as he's added three more dingers to his resume. He's worth playing in any matchup, and Wade Miley isn't a major threat.
Chris Taylor, LAD at MIL ($9,800): With a lefty starting, Taylor is pretty much a lock to get a start as well. He broke out with 21 homers and 17 stolen bases last year, and while he wasn't quite as good this season he had 17 home runs and nine swiped bags. As noted earlier, Wade Miley had a 2.57 ERA this year, but a 3.63 FIP. Beyond that, his career FIP is 4.11.
Justin Turner, LAD at MIL ($9,100): With Wade Miley starting, and Josh Hader looming in the bullpen, the Dodgers' lefty bats will likely be glued to the bench. Then there's Turner, who slashed .336/.448/.580 against southpaws. The 33-year-old has hit for a considerable amount of power ever since donning the Dodger blue, and Miley may have a 2.57 ERA, but a 3.63 FIP.
Ryan Braun, MIL vs. LAD ($5,900): Braun has hit well in the playoffs, which has not been common for Brewers. However, unlike Orlando Arcia, Braun is actually a good hitter. He also has a .916 OPS against southpaws since 2016, and Hyun-Jin Ryu is a lefty. Plus, if you are scared off by Ryu's 1.97 ERA, know that he had a 3.58 ERA on the road.
Mike Moustakas, MIL vs. LAD ($5,400): Though Moustakas is a lefty, he's hit his fellow southpaws reasonably well. Meanwhile, Hyun-Jim Ryu actually has something of a reverse platoon split, as he has a BAA of .297 against left-handed batters. Additionally, since 2016 he's allowed 1.6 homers per nine innings on the road, and Moustakas certainly has power potential.
Josh Hader, MIL vs. LAD ($3,500): Relief pitchers get more points per innings pitched, and per strikeout, than starters as per DraftKing's rules. I would not be surprised if Hader pitches more than Wade Miley in this game, especially with the Brewers facing elimination. If you want strikeouts, Hader whiffed 15.82 batters per nine innings, and he's death to lefty batters.
