This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
There are several early start times Saturday, but we still have 10 games to choose from for the main evening contest on DraftKings. There are some exciting series in the bunch, including the Mets facing the Nationals and the Twins hosting the Indians. While working your way through the options, consider the following players with favorable matchups.
Pitching Overview
The Rays' rotation is in shambles, but at least Charlie Morton ($11,900) remains healthy. He's proven to be a stellar addition, posting a 2.71 ERA that is backed by a 2.81 FIP. He's only allowed 0.7 HR/9 while recording a fantastic 30.2 percent strikeout rate. With the Mariners striking out the most times in baseball and having already been no-hit twice this season, the sky is the limit for Morton here.
Kyle Hendricks ($9,200) represents a very different type of pitcher compared to Morton, but he's still found a way to be successful. Despite a 21.6 percent strikeout rate, he's thrived with a 3.06 ERA and a 3.67 FIP. Hendricks' 1.09 WHIP has proven to be a big reason for his success and he's only allowed 14 home runs over 126.2 innings. He's handled the Reds in his first three starts this season by allowing six runs and recording 21 strikeouts over 20 innings, making him an appealing option for their rematch.
The A's made a couple of moves to bolster the back end of their starting rotation, one of which was bringing over Tanner Roark ($8,200) from the Reds. While not a sexy name, he's managed a respectable season with a 4.14 ERA and a 4.23 FIP. Roark's first start with the team went well by only allowing one run and recording six strikeouts over five innings against the Cardinals. With a matchup against a White Sox team that has scored the third-fewest runs in baseball on tap, Roark is at least worth considering in tournament play.
Key Values/Chalk
The Astros are going to be a popular team to stack more often than not, but they should really be sought after for their matchup against Aaron Brooks and the Orioles. Brooks has been no exception to the struggles of their staff by posting a 5.58 FIP and a 1.34 WHIP. He's also given up 15 home runs in only 69.1 innings combined for the Orioles and A's, so expect to see the powerful trio of Yordan Alvarez ($5,800), George Springer ($5,600) and Yuli Gurriel ($5,300) included in a lot of entries.
Another team that will likely be targeted heavily is the Twins. They promise a great matchup against Adam Plutko, who sports a pedestrian 4.55 ERA and an even worse 5.85 FIP. His problem has been limiting the long ball considering he's allowed 2.3 HR/9. Max Kepler ($5,400) figures to be in a lot of entries, while Miguel Sano ($5,000) also carries plenty of appeal with his .322 ISO.
Despite the absence of Joey Gallo (wrist), the Rangers still possess some dangerous hitters. They'll look to score in bunches against Adrian Houser, who continues to start for a Brewers team that is dealing with several injuries to their rotation. He's struggled to keep runners off base with his 1.40 WHIP and left-handed hitters have a lofty .418 wOBA against, making Shin-Soo Choo ($4,800) and Rougned Odor ($4,500) intriguing options. If Choo doesn't play due to their being no DH, Willie Calhoun ($4,900) is also worth considering.
Stacks
Brewers vs. Pedro Payano (Rangers)
Christian Yelich (OF - $5,900), Mike Moustakas (2B/3B - $4,300), Trent Grisham (OF - $3,300)
While Payano was recording plenty of strikeouts during his stop at Triple-A this season, it wasn't all positive as he recorded a 1.52 WHIP. Those struggles have carried over into the majors with a 1.53 WHIP through his first four appearances. Not much of an argument needs to be made for Yelich and Moustakas, who both carry tremendous power upside into this matchup. Yelich has been sidelined the last few games with a back injury, but the team hopes to have him return to the lineup this weekend. Grisham represents a more cost-effective option to consider who has quickly acclimated himself to the majors by hitting a home run and two doubles over his first 27 plate appearances.
Padres vs. Chi Chi Gonzalez (Rockies)
Fernando Tatis Jr. (SS - $5,600), Manny Machado (3B - $4,400), Eric Hosmer (1B - $4,500)
While this would be even more exciting if this game occurred at Coors Field, the Padres are still in a spot to thrive in their home park against Gonzalez. He carries an unsightly 1.73 WHIP across his first five appearances, which isn't a surprise given his career 1.50 WHIP. Tatis has gone .327 with six home runs during his current 13-game hitting streak, making him someone to build your lineup around. Hosmer has also gone deep four times over his last 10 contests.
Cardinals vs. Joe Musgrove (Pirates)
Paul Goldschmidt (1B - $4,000), Marcell Ozuna (OF - $4,600), Kolten Wong (2B - $3,600)
The Cardinals have owned Musgrove this season, scoring 19 runs - including 17 earned - off of him in 12.2 innings. He also allowed eight runs against the Mets in his last start, so he's not exactly on top of his game right now. Goldschmidt has cooled off lately, but this could be just the matchup he needs to get back on track. Left-handed hitters boast a .351 wOBA against Musgrove, leaving Wong as a cheaper option with some upside.
