This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
After a week of uncertainty, MLB continues to press on with their season, which is great for sport fans and DFS alike but it's obviously a fluid situation that needs to be monitored every day. For now, we get a 12-game slate featured on DraftKings with the White Sox taking on the Royals at 7:05 EST. As usual, the contest in Colorado should garner the most attention. But in tournaments, maybe taking a different approach is the way to go if you want to separate yourself from the pack.
Pitchers
Tyler Glasnow, TB at BAL ($9,300): Originally, I had wrote up Jack Flaherty but that game has since been canceled. Glasnow faces a pesky Baltimore team that is surprisingly top-10 in runs scored per game at 5.17. Despite that, it doesn't scare me off Glasnow who comes off a nine-strikeout, 72-pitch performance against the powerful Braves' lineup. The Orioles possess a few decent bats at the top, but starting with Chris Davis on down they have combined for 24 strikeouts in the first six games of the season. That should give Glasnow a great opportunity to reach his ceiling, especially if he can get a longer leash with his pitch count.
Tyler Chatwood, CHC vs. PIT ($8,200): Despite the price increase, Chatwood gets to face the same Pirates the aforementioned Flaherty was able to decimate only a week ago. In his first start, Chatwood scorched the Brewers for eight strikeouts on 84 pitches on his way to 28.5 fantasy points. The Pirates sit in the bottom of the league in almost every statistical category, including a .177 team batting average that coincides with their league worst .240 OBS%. This should be a great spot for Chatwood to build off his previous performance, and should have a solid chance at the win with the Cubs listed as heavy favorites.
Top Targets
Nolan Arenado, COL vs. SDP ($5,500): Arenado is set to face Joey Lucchesi in Coors. In 19 at-bats against Lucchesi, the Rockies slugger has seven hits - four of those extra bases - along with two home runs. His fellow teammate, Trevor Story, also has enjoyed strong success when facing Lucchesi by going 6-for-21 with two homers and four extra base hits. That could get him on early, setting up a prime spot for Arenado to take advantage.
Nelson Cruz, CLE at MIN ($4,300): Cruz takes on Carlos Carrasco and the Indians. He's managed 27 at-bats versus Carrasco in his career, and he's struck for seven extra base hits and four home runs. Carrasco looked solid in his first start against the Royals, but has shown wild inconsistency when facing a team loaded with power bats like the Twins. He missed most of the 2019 season but allowed a .301 batting average to right handed batters in the few games he started. Look for Cruz to continue his success at the plate and hopefully be able to knock in some runs.
Best Values
Andrew Benintendi, BOS at NYY ($3,700): It's no secret the Red Sox have struggled to start the year. Maybe today they can get things back on track facing Masahiro Tanaka at Yankee Stadium. Benintendi leads off and has produced a 9-for-29 record versus Tanaka, including two home runs and four extra base hits. This could just be the jumpstart the Red Sox need to get their season going.
Michael Brantley, HOU at LAA ($2,900): I wrote him up yesterday and will continue while he remains at an absurdly low price. Brantley is close to a .300 career hitter and usually bats forth or fifth in the Astros' high octane offense. There is no reason he should be under 3k considering his pedigree and the team he plays for. He faces Griffin Canning today, who's decent but did give up eight home runs to left-handed batters in 2019. Brantley gets that platoon advantage today and makes for one of the best one-offs on the slate to help fit in the high projected stacks we are looking to roster.
Stacks to Consider
Rockies vs. Joey Lucchesi: Nolan Arenado ($5,500), Trevor Story ($5,900), Matt Kemp ($3,400)
I highlighted Nolan Arenado previously with his success versus Lucchesi. Trevor Story has had equal success going 6-for-21 with two home runs and four extra base hits. Both are very expensive but adding Matt Kemp helps alleviate the cost to make the stack work. Kemp has also been tremendous when facing Lucchesi by going 5-for-9 and should bat fourth today due to his platoon advantage.
Athletics vs. Yusei Kikuchi: Matt Chapman ($4,500), Matt Olson ($5,100), Khris Davis ($3,900)
This is more of an off-the-radar stack compared to the expected popularity of the Padres and Rockies. Kikuchi was hammered in his first start by surrendering five runs to the Astros. The trio listed here could be problematic for the Mariners' pitcher as they have gone a combined 9-for-25 with three home runs. It was a rough year for Kikuchi in 2019 versus right-handed batters with a .304 batting average and allowing 28 long balls, so he could see similar damage today.
