This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
There are only a few day games Saturday, leaving us with a bevy of options to choose from for the night slate on DraftKings. Not only are there several aces set to take the mound, but plenty of lineups carry significant upside. Here are some of the players that stand out as viable targets.
Pitching Overview
Walker Buehler ($10,900) has hit a bit of a rough patch for the Dodgers, allowing at least six runs in three of his last five games. They haven't all been earned runs, which has helped keep his ERA at 3.38 to go along with a 1.03 WHIP. Buehler's ERA sits at 3.11 FIP and a 27.8 percent strikeout rate makes him one of the more exciting pitching options for this slate. With the Padres striking out the fourth-most times in baseball, there is plenty of upside here.
Another top-tier pitcher who will be in action is Aaron Nola ($10,100), who has actually been a letdown since his breakout 2018 campaign. His FIP has jumped up all the way to 4.30 while his WHIP has ballooned from 0.97 last year to 1.30 this season. One stat that really jumps out is Nola's hard-hit rate, which has increased from 25.1 percent to 38.4 percent. Still, this could be a prime opportunity to deploy him against the White Sox, who have averaged only two runs across their last 10 games. They will also be without the benefit of the DH with this game being played in Philadelphia.
As far as pitchers who have provided consistent production, it doesn't get much more reliable than Mike Fiers ($8,000). Entering this matchup with the Cardinals, he's allowed three runs or fewer in 16 straight starts. His 4.73 FIP indicates he hasn't pitched as well as his 3.54 ERA would lead you to believe, but he also finished with a 3.56 ERA last season despite having a 4.75 FIP. Even though Fiers likely won't accumulate a lot of strikeouts, he could still provide value at this reasonable price.
Key Values/Chalk
The Mets not only held onto some of their better starting pitchers at the trade deadline, but they also acquired Marcus Stroman from the Blue Jays. They'll continue their quest for a playoff spot against Chris Archer, who they hammered for six runs - including five earned - over five innings last weekend. With his 5.73 FIP, it wouldn't be surprising to see him struggle this time around. Archer has also allowed 2.2 HR/9, making the powerful duo of Pete Alonso ($4,700) and Michael Conforto ($4,500) excellent options.
Another team trying to fight their way into the playoffs is the Red Sox, who will be playing a doubleheader against the Yankees. With the Yankees likely set to use an opener, Nestor Cortes could be the pitcher to follow and pitch the bulk of the innings. The lefty has had his moments, but his 1.34 WHIP isn't helping his cause. Expect to see J.D. Martinez ($5,000) and Mookie Betts ($5,400) included in a lot of entries.
The Indians may have traded away one of their better pitchers in Trevor Bauer, but their lineup has received a boost due to the additions of Yasiel Puig ($4,200) and Franmil Reyes ($4,000). They'll look to flex their muscles against Felix Pena, who has been pedestrian at best with his 4.55 FIP. He's allowed a .359 wOBA against left-handed hitters, making the switching-hitting trio of Francisco Lindor ($5,300), Jose Ramirez ($4,600) and Carlos Santana ($4,600) all appealing options. Lindor has been especially hot of late, hitting .415 with three home runs, six doubles and four steals over his last 14 games.
Stacks
Phillies vs. Ross Detwiler (White Sox)
Rhys Hoskins (1B - $4,600), Bryce Harper (OF - $4,500), Scott Kingery (3B/OF - $4,400)
The White Sox continue to churn over pitchers at the back of their rotation. They'll give Detwiler a chance to start this matchup, but he has hardly been impressive by allowing 19 runs - including16 earned - across 22.2 major-league innings. Hoskins and Harper represent the highest upside on the Phillies, while Kingery also serves as a great option based on his .351 wOBA against left-handed pitching.
Angels vs. Adam Plutko (Indians)
Mike Trout (OF - $5,700), Shohei Ohtani (OF - $5,100), Kole Calhoun (OF- $4,700)
With Bauer now a member of the Reds, Plutko will be required to stay in the Indians' rotation. He's someone to attack with power hitters, not only because of his 6.20 FIP but also because he's allowed 2.5 HR/9. Although Ohtani is currently slumping, this trio can certainly do plenty of damage with the long ball. And Calhoun enters this matchup with a career-high .247 ISO.
Blue Jays vs. Dylan Bundy (Orioles)
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (3B - $4,800), Bo Bichette (SS - $4,300), Cavan Biggio (2B - $4,500)
There's nothing like a series against the Orioles to pad a team's offensive stats. The Blue Jays will look to hang a crooked number on Bundy, who is once again struggling with a 5.34 FIP and a 1.38 WHIP. Home runs have been his downfall, so Guerrero should be locked into any Blue Jays' stack. It's also hard to argue against deploying Bichette, who has immediately made an impact by hitting 9-for-22 with a home run and three doubles since being called up.
