This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
The players featured in this piece will be building blocks that can work in several lineup configurations (cash and GPP). The majority of Saturday's games have an afternoon start time, so let's take a look at some favorable matchups for the early slate on DraftKings.
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STARTING PITCHERS
Julio Teheran, ATL vs. BAL ($8,900): Teheran's 3.97 ERA looks nice, but his 5.27 FIP indicates he isn't quite pitching that well. He continues to have problems keeping hitters inside the ballpark, following up his 1.5 HR/9 last year with a 1.6 mark this season. Teheran has been better at limiting baserunners, resulting in a 1.21 WHIP. He's not someone you want to roll with every time he takes the mound, but he can provide value in the right matchup. The Orioles qualify one of those favorable opportunities, entering Friday having scored the fewest runs in baseball.
GPP Fade: Miles Mikolas, STL at MIL ($9,400): Mikolas has shown superb control with a 1.0 BB/9, helping him post a 0.99 WHIP. He has allowed two runs or fewer in nine of his 14 starts, leading to a 2.69 ERA. The problem is he doesn't have a lot of strikeout upside with just a 6.6 K/9. He's also had some troubles against the Brewers this season, allowing eight runs over 12 innings in two starts. He's the third most expensive pitcher on the slate, so it might be better to stay away from using him – especially with his lack of strikeouts.
Cheap GPP Consideration: Andrew Suarez, SF vs. SD ($7,900): Suarez's 3.58 FIP and 1.23 WHIP suggest he has pitched better than his 4.70 ERA would lead you to believe. Home runs posed a problem for him to start the season, but he's only allowed one long-ball in his last four starts. He doesn't walk many batters and sports an 8.6 K/9, so he possesses the kind of strikeout potential you should be looking for in a cheap tournament play. The Padres are struggling to score runs and Suarez found success against them earlier this season, allowing two runs and recording five strikeouts in seven innings.
CATCHER
Wilson Ramos, TB vs. NYY ($3,500): Ramos may not get a lot of headlines playing for the Rays, but he's been one of the best offensive catchers this year. He has at least one hit in 11 of his last 13 games and is pushing closer to a .300 batting average. Ramos has close to even splits against both lefties and righties, so don't shy away from him Saturday just because he doesn't have the platoon advantage against Sonny Gray.
FIRST BASE
Matt Olson, OAK at CWS ($3,900): Olson's power numbers are down significantly this season as he entered Friday with a .451 slugging percentage after finishing with a .651 mark last season. He's not hitting for average either at .237, but he does have a .342 wOBA against righties. He'll face Dylan Covey, who has a nice ERA at 2.90, but has played with fire sporting a 1.41 WHIP.
SECOND BASE
Brian Dozier, MIN vs. TEX ($3,500): The Rangers starting rotation is a mess. It's so bad right now they have had to turn to Yovani Gallardo, who has finished with an ERA of at least 5.42 in back-to-back seasons. His first start against the Rockies didn't go well, giving up five runs in five innings. Dozier actually has a higher wOBA against righties this year and is priced low enough to warrant consideration in tournament play despite his early struggles.
THIRD BASE
Brian Anderson, MIA at COL ($5,000): Anderson has been one of the few bright spots in the Marlins' lineup, entering Friday batting .299 with a .377 OBP. He's done a lot of damage against left-handed pitchers with a .366 wOBA, making him a great option even at this expensive price considering he is facing Tyler Anderson in Coors Field.
SHORTSTOP
Brandon Crawford, SF vs. SD ($3,800): Crawford entered Friday batting a career-high .310, but he's been aided by an abnormally high .366 BABIP. Jordan Lyles will start this game for the Padres, who has allowed a .356 wOBA against lefties in his career. Crawford also has a .360 wOBA against righties this year, so it might be worth taking a chance on him continuing his hot start in this favorable matchup.
OUTFIELD
Eddie Rosario, MIN vs. TEX ($5,400): Rosario sat Thursday due to shoulder discomfort, but he returned to the lineup Friday. He's been one of the best surprises in baseball this season, entering Friday hitting .320 with a .938 OPS. With the struggling Gallardo on the mound, he's another Twins' hitter to target for your entry.
Odubel Herrera, PHI at WAS ($4,900): Herrera has been one of the hottest hitters in baseball, entering Friday hitting 13-for-33 (.394) with five home runs in his last seven games. The Nationals have some strong starting pitchers, but Herrera will face underwhelming righty Erick Fedde, who has underperformed with a 5.63 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP across his first three starts. With a .369 wOBA against right-handed pitchers, Herrera has excellent upside again in this game.
Jason Heyward, CHC at CIN ($4,100): Heyward is still struggling to hit for power, but he entered Friday batting .283 for the season. He only has a 39 wRC+ against lefties, but he's been much better against righties with a 127 wRC+. He'll be facing Anthony DeSclafani, who has had trouble keeping runners off base with a 1.47 WHIP.
