This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
There will be no shortage of action across the majors Saturday with eight games making up the main evening slate on DraftKings. Among the exciting matchups includes the Dodgers hosting the Cubs and the Phillies taking on the Braves. Here are some of the better options to consider when filling out your DFS entry.
Pitching Overview
There are some bad lineups to take advantage of on the pitching side of things. Jake Odorizzi ($10,900) is already off to the best start of his career, recording a microscopic 1.92 ERA that is supported by a 2.70 FIP. Although opponents have been a little unlucky based on his .251 BABIP allowed, his 0.97 WHIP is extremely impressive. He's even increased his strikeout rate to 28.6 percent. With a matchup against the Royals on tap, he should be one of the more popular pitchers.
Mike Minor ($9,700) also has a matchup to exploit with his start against the Reds, who rank in the bottom third of the league in runs scored and OPS. Minor has been almost as impressive as Odorizzi with his 2.52 ERA and 3.46 FIP. He's even become an asset in the strikeout department with his 25.7 percent strikeout rate, which is almost four percentage points higher than his career mark.
As far as matchups go, Frankie Montas ($9,900) doesn't have the easiest one against the Mariners. While they do have plenty of power in their lineup, it should also be noted that they have struck out the most times in baseball. Montas has already made improvements in that area with his 24.8 percent strikeout rate, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see him excel in that category. He's also been spectacular, with a 3.05 FIP and 1.18 WHIP.
Key Values/Chalk
The Rockies are playing at Coors Field, so expect to see plenty of their players among the ownership leaderboard. With left-hander Eric Lauer on the mound for the Padres, Nolan Arenado ($5,500) and Trevor Story ($5,500) are the two Rockies that stand out. For their careers, they own a .421 wOBA and a .414 wOBA, respectively, against lefties. Story was forced to leave Friday's game after taking a grounder off his head, so be sure to monitor his status leading up to first pitch.
The Padres are also a team to consider, especially Fernando Tatis Jr. ($5,400), who is .387 with two home runs and two doubles across eight games since being activated from the IL. Manny Machado's ($4,400) price tag has declined due to his slow start, but he's enjoyed the first two games of this series at Coors Field, hitting 7-for-12 with three home runs.
Outside of making three starts at the beginning of the season, Sean Newcomb has largely worked out of the bullpen for the Braves. He's pitched well in that role, allowing three runs and recording 21 strikeouts over 19 innings. However, with Kevin Gausman (foot) on the shelf and Dallas Keuchel not yet ready to join the team, he'll be forced to start this game against the Phillies. The right-handed duo of Rhys Hoskins ($4,400) and Jean Segura ($4,100) hit lefties well, making them intriguing options to consider.
Stacks
Yankees vs. Reynaldo Lopez (White Sox)
Luke Voit (1B - $4,800), Aaron Hicks (OF - $4,400), Didi Gregorius (SS - $4,200)
Lopez has been a disaster through his first 14 starts, posting a 5.87 FIP and a 1.61 WHIP. After allowing 1.2 HR/9 last year, he's allowed 2.2 HR/9 this season. That makes the powerful Voit someone to consider. Lopez has struggled by allowing a .381 wOBA against left-handed hitters, leaving Hicks and Gregorius with plenty of upside. Gregorius has wasted no time since being activated off the IL, hitting .364 with a home run and a double over six games.
Rangers vs. Tanner Roark (Reds)
Shin-Soo Choo (OF - $4,900), Nomar Mazara (OF - $4,300), Rougned Odor (2B - $3,900)
Roark is enjoying a fine season for the Reds with his 3.74 ERA that is supported by an even better 3.45 FIP. However, a key stat for this matchup is his .397 wOBA allowed against left-handed hitters. That makes this a dangerous trio with plenty of upside who also won't destroy your budget. Odor is particularly appealing at his cheap price since he seems to be coming out of his slump, hitting 9-for-31 with a home run and three doubles across his last nine games.
Twins vs. Glenn Sparkman (Royals)
Max Kepler (OF - $5,200), Jorge Polanco (SS - $5,000), Eddie Rosario (OF - $5,000)
Even though these three aren't cheap, Sparkman has allowed a .358 wOBA against lefties, so they are still worth considering. Polanco had his 14-game hitting streak snapped Friday, but he was a stellar .349 with six doubles during that stretch. Kepler is on pace to smash his career-high in the home run department, while Rosario is also setting his best power season with a .263 ISO.
