This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
The players featured in this piece will be building blocks who can work in several lineup configurations (cash and GPP). Only nine games make up the main evening slate Saturday on DraftKings, but there are still plenty of excellent pitching options available.
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STARTING PITCHER
Aaron Nola, PHI at SD ($9,800): Nola is locked in, allowing two earned runs or fewer in seven of his last eight starts. He's been one of the most consistent pitchers in baseball this season, posting a 2.37 ERA that is supported by a 2.78 FIP. Not only has he done a great job limiting baserunners with a 0.99 WHIP, but he's also allowed just eight home runs across 148 innings. The Padres entered Friday with the second-lowest OPS against right-handed pitchers, setting up Nola for another productive outing.
GPP Fade: Charlie Morton, HOU vs. SEA ($11,500): This is more about Morton's price than anything else. He's certainly not struggling as he has allowed three runs or fewer in four consecutive outings. He's also given up only two runs while recording 16 strikeouts over 13 innings in two previous starts against the Mariners this season. The problem is he's going to eat up a big chunk of your budget. With other cheaper options like Nola and Jack Flaherty ($9,600) having favorable matchups, paying up for Morton might not be the wise move to make.
Cheap GPP Consideration: Dan Straily, MIA vs. NYM ($6,600): Straily's 4.35 ERA isn't terrible, but his 5.45 FIP and 1.39 WHIP indicates he's not pitching well. He's allowed 4.5 BB/9 and 1.6 HR/9, which isn't exactly a recipe for success. He does come into this start on a bit of a hot streak, though, allowing two earned runs or fewer in four of his last six outings. With the Mets struggling mightily to score runs, Straily might be worth the risk at this cheap price in tournament play.
CATCHER
Yadier Molina, STL at KC ($3,900): Molina continues to be a rock behind the plate for the Cardinals, entering Friday with a .285 batting average and 15 home runs. His .801 OPS would be his highest mark since 2013 and has a great shot at topping the 20 homers for just the second time in his career. He'll face Danny Duffy, who has handled lefties well this year, but has allowed a .341 wOBA to righties.
FIRST BASE
Yonder Alonso, CLE at CWS ($4,000): Alonso's .247 batting average entering Friday is disappointing, but he's been a bit unlucky with a .267 BABIP. He's still hitting for power with 20 home runs and has had far more success against right-handed pitchers with a .344 wOBA this season. He faces one in James Shields.
SECOND BASE
Jedd Gyorko, STL at KC ($4,000): After slugging 30 home runs in 2016, it's been all downhill for Gyorko in the power department. He finished with 20 homers last year and he only has eight entering play Friday. He's almost unplayable with a 75 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers, but he's someone to consider against Duffy since he has a 170 wRC+ against lefties.
THIRD BASE
Johan Camargo, ATL vs. MIL ($4,100): Speaking of hitters who excel versus lefties, the switch-hitting Camargo has a .382 wOBA against them entering Friday. He faces an underwhelming one in Wade Miley who has a sparkling 2.10 ERA, but isn't pitching that well based on his 3.91 FIP and the fact that he has issued 18 walks compared to just 22 strikeouts across 34.1 innings.
SHORTSTOP
Asdrubal Cabrera, PHI at SD ($4,600): The Padres will start Walker Lockett, who will be making just his fourth career appearance in the majors. He didn't exactly dominate Triple-A before being recalled, posting a 4.92 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP over 19 starts. He's been even worse with the Padres, allowing 11 runs over 10.2 innings. The Phillies present an excellent staking opportunity with Cabrera being one specific player to target based on his .366 wOBA against righties entering Friday.
OUTFIELD
Shohei Ohtani, LAA vs. OAK ($4,500): Ohtani is still trying to work his way back to the mound, but that hasn't slowed him any at the plate. He's already slugged three home runs in August entering Friday and has raised his batting average from .258 to .273 since the month began. He has a paltry 52 wRC+ against lefties, but he has posted a 181 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers. With Edwin Jackson starting for the Athletics, Ohtani carries significant upside.
Odubel Herrera, PHI at SD ($4,400): Herrera finished with just 14 homers in 563 plate appearances last year, but he showed power potential with 42 doubles. He's been able to convert more of those doubles into home runs this season with 19 long balls in almost 100 fewer plate appearances entering Friday. With Lockett's struggles already detailed, Herrera is an excellent cost-effective option to consider.
Kole Calhoun, LAA vs. OAK ($4,100): Calhoun got off to an embarrassingly slow start as he entered July batting .162 with three home runs. He's been a completely different hitter since, batting .308 with 12 homers entering Friday. He has a staggering 246 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers over that stretch as well.
