This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
The majority of teams will be playing during the day Saturday, leaving us with only six games to choose from for the main evening slate on DraftKings. Even though we don't have a ton of options, there are still some players who stand out as being in favorable spots to provide value.
Pitching Overview
When Max Scherzer ($12,000) is on the mound, he's usually going to be a popular choice. Amazingly, he's produced a 3.06 ERA despite opponents having a .353 BABIP against. Expect Scherzer's ERA continue to decline as his luck improves, especially when you consider his 2.13 FIP. His strikeout rate is once again spectacular at 33.4 percent, leaving him with tremendous upside for this matchup against the Padres with their second-most strikeouts in baseball.
Right behind Scherzer on the price scale is Rich Hill ($11,000), who continues to dominate when healthy. He checks into this game with a 2.25 ERA, although his 3.95 FIP indicates that number could eventually be on the rise. He's still providing plenty of strikeouts with his 28.4 percent strikeout rate and he doesn't walk many batters, which has helped him record a 1.05 WHIP. Facing a Giants team that has scored the third-fewest runs, Hill is set up to shine.
If you're looking to take a chance on cheap pitcher in tournament play, Steven Matz ($6,800) might be worth considering. If it wasn't for a start against the Phillies in April in which he allowed six earned runs without recording an out, his ERA would look much better. In fact, he's allowed two earned runs or fewer in eight of his 11 starts. Taking the mound against the Rockies away from Coors Field isn't early as daunting of a task considering they are tied for the second-lowest wRC+ on the road at 75.
Key Values/Chalk
The A's and Rangers will be playing a doubleheader with Adrian Sampson expected to start the nightcap for Texas. These games will be at Globe Life Park in Arlington, so runs might not be hard to come by. Sampson has allowed 1.9 HR/9 for his career, making Matt Chapman ($5,000) and Khris Davis ($4,200) two excellent targets. Davis is particularly appealing at his price.
Antonio Senzatela will start for the Rockies and he's done a great job versus right-handed hitters this season by holding them to a .299 wOBA. However, lefties have had plenty of success with a .417 wOBA. That immediately brings Michael Conforto ($4,200) and Jeff McNeil ($3,700) into the discussion for hitters to consider.
If a lefty is on the mound, Anthony Rendon ($5,500) could cause trouble. He's mashed lefties throughout his career and has continued that this season with a 180 wRC+ against them. Eric Lauer is off to a respectable start for the Padres with a 4.18 ERA that is supported by a 4.07 FIP, but Rendon should still be a popular option.
Stacks
Dodgers vs. Jeff Samardzija (Giants)
Cody Bellinger (1B/OF - $5,600), Corey Seager (SS- $4,300), Max Muncy (1B/3B - $4,400)
The Dodgers expected an excellent matchup against the struggling Drew Pomeranz on Friday, but only managed to push one run across the board. They'll look to get back to their hitting ways against Samardzija, who enters with a 4.77 FIP that suggests he hasn't pitched as well as his 3.61 ERA would lead you to believe. Bellinger obviously brings tremendous upside to the table while Seager is swinging a hot bat after going 20-for-60 with four home runs and seven doubles over his last 16 games. Muncy is also on a stellar run, hitting .350 with three home runs and five doubles across his last 10 contests.
Mariners vs. Dillon Peters (Angels)
Edwin Encarnacion (1B - $4,600), Domingo Santana (OF - $4,100), Tim Beckham (SS - $3,700)
If you decide to pay up at starting pitcher, this is a cost-effective trio to consider. Peters is either expected to start or pitch the bulk of the innings if the Angels choose to deploy the opener strategy. He's struggled to make a mark during his brief tenure in the majors, recording a 5.22 FIP and a 1.71 WHIP across 62 innings. Santana might be the best bargain of the three, considering he's enjoyed a .359 wOBA against lefties this year and has hit three home runs over his last three contests.
Angels vs. Yusei Kikuchi (Mariners)
Mike Trout (OF - $5,800), David Fletcher (3B/OF - $4,200), Cesar Puello (OF - $$4,100)
The Angels have given Kikuchi problems, scoring 10 runs over 8.1 innings against him in their two previous matchups. Kikuchi has pitched poorly in general lately, allowing 17 runs - including 14 earned - over 18.2 innings in his last four starts. Outside of the obvious with Trout, Fletcher should also be a tough out based on his .342 wOBA and minuscule 6.3 percent strikeout rate. After shining at Triple-A with a .409 wOBA, Puello has stormed onto the scene by hitting .391 with two home across six games since being called up.
