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). There are only a few day games Saturday, leaving 11 games to choose from for the main evening slate on DraftKings.
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STARTING PITCHER
Justin Verlander, HOU at LAA ($13,500): Verlander allowed six runs – five earned – over six innings in his last start before the All-Star break, but he salvaged his performance with 12 strikeouts. He's allowed at least four runs in three of his last five outings, but he posted 42 strikeouts across 30.2 innings during that five-game stretch. He still carries tremendous upside even at this lofty price. This will be his third start of the season against the Angels, after holding them to two runs and recording 16 strikeouts over 16 innings over the first two contests.
GPP Fade: Clayton Kershaw, LAD at MIL ($11,900): When Kershaw is on, he's an extremely valuable commodity in DFS regardless of his price. However, he hasn't been the same pitcher since returning from the DL. He boasts a sparkling 2.70 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP, but also sports a disappointing 8.4 K/9. If you are going to spend big at starting pitcher, getting a lot of strikeouts is crucial. Until Kershaw corrects things in that department, it might be best to avoid him altogether.
Cheap GPP Consideration: Vince Velasquez, PHI vs. SD ($7,800): Velasquez's 4.39 ERA doesn't stand out, but his 3.78 FIP indicates he's pitched better than that. After finishing with a 1.50 WHIP last year, he's made significant progress with a 1.24 WHIP this season. Not only is he limiting base runners, but he also has improved his strikeout rate to a career-high 10.5 K/9. The Padres struggle to score runs in general, but they also entered play Friday with the lowest OPS in baseball against right-handed pitching. If you're looking for a cheap option in tournament play, Velasquez could provide significant value.
CATCHER
Kurt Suzuki, ATL at WAS ($3,600): The Nationals will start Gio Gonzalez in this game, who comes in with a respectable 3.72 ERA that is supported by a 3.99 FIP. But he also allows a ton of base runners, with a 1.46 WHIP and has recorded four or fewer strikeouts in seven straight starts. Suzuki entered Friday with a .352 wOBA against left-handed pitchers.
FIRST BASE
Matt Carpenter, STL at CHC ($4,800): Carpenter had the game of a lifetime Friday as he finished 5-for-5 with three home runs, two doubles, seven RBI and four runs scored. After a horrible start to the season, Carpenter is now batting .274 with a .381 OBP and 23 homers. He'll face left-hander Mike Montgomery in what will be the second game of a doubleheader, but he hasn't exactly struggled with a .360 wOBA against lefties this year.
SECOND BASE
Dee Gordon, SEA vs. CWS ($3,900): The Mariners will likely be a popular stack against Dylan Covey, who has allowed 29 runs – including 26 earned – across 20 innings in his last five starts. He doesn't have an overpowering arsenal with just a 7.0 K/9, while allowing plenty of hitters to reach base – as his 1.65 WHIP proves. Gordon has virtually no power upside, but he could be on base plenty in this game.
THIRD BASE
Kyle Seager, SEA vs. CWS ($3,500): Seager entered Friday batting only .233 with a .282 OBP, but he's still done some damage with 16 home runs and 23 doubles. Covey has allowed a .365 wOBA against lefties and Seager comes pretty cheap, so playing him at third base could provide you with significant salary relief while also giving you some upside.
SHORTSTOP
Francisco Lindor, CLE at TEX ($5,500): Lindor is certainly making a case to be considered for the AL MVP. He's provided plenty of power with 25 home runs and 30 doubles entering Friday, while his .367 OBP has gone a long way to him already scoring 85 runs. He'll face Bartolo Colon and while he does have better numbers against lefties, Lindor's .374 wOBA against right-handers is certainly nothing to shy away from.
OUTFIELD
Nelson Cruz, SEA vs. CWS ($4,200): Cruz was limited to pinch hitting duties in the Mariners last series against the Rockies due to the games being played in Colorado. Add in the All-Star break and the veteran has had plenty of time to recharge his batteries. His .267 batting average entering Friday would be his lowest mark since 2013, but he's still mashing with a .538 slugging percentage. If you decide to go with a Mariners stack, Cruz looks to be one of the top options.
Ian Happ, CHC vs. STL ($4,100): Happ sports an ugly 35.3 percent strikeout rate, but his 15.8 percent walk rate has helped lead him to a .381 OBP. The Cardinals will start right-hander John Gant, which is good news for Happ since he has a .381 wOBA against righties this season.
Marcell Ozuna, STL at CHC ($3,600): After finishing with a .548 slugging percentage with the Marlins last year, Ozuna has dipped to a .384 mark this season. He has also slumped with a paltry .312 OBP, leaving him as one of the bigger fantasy disappointments. He has a career .351 wOBA against lefties, so he could be a viable option in tournament play against Montgomery at this cheap price despite his overall struggles.
