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). With a lot of early start times Saturday, there are only eight games to choose from for the main evening slate on DraftKings.
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STARTING PITCHER
Jose Berrios, MIN vs. KC ($8,000): Berrios has struggled down the stretch, allowing 17 runs – including 16 earned – over 21.2 innings over his last five starts. He's given up at least one home run in each of those games after going five consecutive contests without one. His last good start came against the Royals when he allowed two runs and recorded six strikeouts across seven innings. It's no coincidence that start came at Target Field, since Berrios sports a 3.26 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP at home compared to a 4.76 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP on the road. With the Royals inability to score runs, Berrios could provide significant value at this price.
GPP Fade: Lance Lynn, NYY at SEA ($7,400): Lynn has posted a bloated 5.09 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP since joining the Yankees. He pitched fewer than six innings in five of his six starts, lasting just 3.2 innings in his last outing against the Tigers. He's been unlucky, though, based on his 1.88 FIP and .412 BABIP allowed. Those numbers would tend to indicate his ERA is in line for some improvement, but that might not come Saturday against a Mariners team that boasts some dangerous hitters in Nelson Cruz, Robinson Cano and Mitch Haniger.
Cheap GPP Consideration: Kyle Freeland, COL vs. LAD ($7,000): Freeland is finishing the season strong, pitching at least six innings and allowing three runs or fewer in six straight starts. One of those outings came against the Dodgers when he allowed two runs and recorded 10 strikeouts over seven innings pitching at Coors Field. Freeland has actually been a better pitcher at home with a 2.27 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP compared to a 3.51 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP on the road. He doesn't have much strikeout upside with a 7.7 K/9, but he's still priced low enough to warrant consideration in tournament play.
CATCHER
Gary Sanchez, NYY at SEA ($4,100): Things couldn't have gone much worse for Sanchez this season. He got off to a terribly slow start offensively, struggled mightily behind the plate and has battled a groin injury. He's batting .186 for the season, but has been incredibly unlucky with a .191 BABIP. He does have 15 home runs in 300 plate appearance entering Friday, one of which came in his last game Wednesday against the Athletics. He'll face Felix Hernandez in this game, who hasn't looked particular promising with a 1.38 WHIP while allowing 1.5 HR/9.
FIRST BASE
Jesus Aguilar, MIL vs. SF ($4,600): Aguilar has shed the stigma that he struggles against right-handed pitching, posting a .381 wOBA against them entering play Friday. Chris Stratton will start this game for the Giants and he's having another underwhelming season with a 1.41 WHIP and a 6.8 K/9.
SECOND BASE
Travis Shaw, MIL vs. SF ($4,300): Shaw's .243 batting average going into Friday leaves a lot to be desired, but his increased walk rate has helped him produce a .340 OBP. He's still hitting for plenty of power with 27 home runs, 26 of which have come off right-handed pitching. Add in a .366 wOBA at home and he's another Brewer to target against Stratton.
THIRD BASE
Evan Longoria, SF at MIL ($4,200): Longoria is not only batting a paltry .244 entering Friday, but his 4.4 percent walk rate has led to a career-low .282 OBP. He's struggled with a 74 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers, but his 120 wRC+ against lefties makes him a viable option against Gio Gonzalez and his 1.53 WHIP.
SHORTSTOP
Jorge Polanco, MIN vs. KC ($4,000):Jorge Lopez will start for the Royals, who is coming off his best start of the season after allowing one run over seven innings against the Orioles. He's largely struggled pitching for both the Royals and Brewers, recording a combined 4.24 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP. He's issued 4.7 BB/9 to go along with only 7.4 K/9. He also struggled pitching at Triple-A this year, with a 5.26 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. Polanco has a .373 wOBA against righties heading into Friday, making this a matchup to potentially exploit.
OUTFIELD
Lorenzo Cain, MIL vs. SF ($4,600): Cain has at least one hit in 16 of his last 17 games entering Friday. He's been exceptional over that stretch with a .421 wOBA. He's managed better numbers against lefties, but with the potential for the Brewers to hang a crooked number on Stratton, Cain could be in for a big night at the top of their lineup.
Kole Calhoun, LAA at CWS ($3,900): Calhoun is only 2-for-15 over his last five games before Friday, but he walked seven times during that stretch. He's been a different hitter after a horrible first two months of the season, bringing him just two homers away from hitting at least 20 for only the second time in his career. He's posted a 188 wRC+ against righties since July 1, leaving him as a viable option at this reduced price against James Shields.
Max Kepler, MIN vs. KC ($3,700): Kepler has been horrid on the road this season with a .271 wOBA heading into Friday, but that number jumps to .368 at Target Field. He doesn't reach base a lot, but he's a power threat with 18 home runs and 26 doubles. He won't cost you much, so he might be worth the risk in tournament play.
