This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
While there are several early start times Saturday, we still have nine contests to choose from for the main evening slate on DraftKings. We have a few very intriguing matchups from a hitting perspective, including the Rockies being in another excellent spot to score in bunches at home. Here are some of the better options to consider when constructing your lineup.
Pitching Overview
The Mets continue their push for a playoff spot against the lowly Royals, setting them up with an excellent chance to emerge victorious. To tilt this matchup even more in their favor, Jacob deGrom ($11,600) will be taking the mound. He's been as good as it gets, allowing no more than two earned runs in 12 of his last 13 starts. deGrom also has recorded a 31.6 percent strikeout rate for the season, so expect him to be one of the more popular pitching options.
Eduardo Rodriguez ($9,000) has been a hit-or-miss option for DFS, recording a 4.43 FIP and a 1.37 WHIP. He's allowed nine runs over 12.2 innings in his last two starts, but he had only allowed nine runs over 36.1 innings through his previous six outings. As far as favorable matchups go, Rodriguez has one against the Orioles. In two previous starts against them, he's given up three runs across 13.2 innings. Since Rodriguez is not overly priced, he's at least worth considering if you want to fade deGrom.
Starting German Marquez ($8,800) at Coors Field poses a dicey proposition. He's excelled with a 0.91 WHIP on the road, but that number balloons to 1.58 at home. Marquez can still rack up strikeouts in bunches when he's at the top of his game, promising a great matchup against the Marlins and their second-fewest runs scored in baseball. If there was ever a chance to risk rolling with him at home in tournament play, this is it.
Key Values/Chalk
The Rockies figure to be the chalk stack of the night facing Hector Noesi. After being out of the league since 2015, he's allowed 10 runs and four home runs over 11 innings in his first two starts with the Marlins. It's not difficult to make an argument for deploying just about anyone on the Rockies, but Ryan McMahon ($4,700) might be one of the better options considering his reasonable price tag. He went deep in the first game of this series and owns a .379 wOBA at home.
Another stadium that usually attracts attention in DFS is Globe Life Park. The Twins will have the benefit of playing there Saturday with Ariel Jurado given the difficult task of trying to slow them down. He comes in with a 4.81 FIP to go along with an unsightly 1.45 WHIP, leaving the Twins with plenty of upside. The big names like Max Kepler ($5,100) and Eddie Rosario ($5,400) are very appealing, while Luis Arraez ($4,800) also deserves consideration. He's come on strong down the stretch, hitting .329 with more walks (nine) than strikeouts (six) over his last 22 games.
The Padres suffered a crushing blow with Fernando Tatis Jr. (back) expected to miss the rest of the season. With his potent bat out of the lineup, the Padres aren't nearly as imposing. Still, they could have a couple of hitters worth considering with Zach Eflin on the mound for the Phillies. Eflin has been pitching out of the bullpen due to his struggles, but he'll be forced to start again with Jake Arrieta (elbow) on the IL. Left-handed hitters have recorded a .361 wOBA versus Eflin, leaving Eric Hosmer ($4,200) and Josh Naylor ($3,800) as viable options.
Stacks
Angels vs. Hector Santiago (White Sox)
Mike Trout (OF - $5,400), Shohei Ohtani (OF - $4,500), David Fletcher (3B - $3,400)
The White Sox' search for viable starting pitchers will lead them to starting Santiago in this matchup. He was shelled in his last outing against the Tigers, giving up five runs - including four earned - across 4.2 innings. That doesn't bode well for his chances of having success against a much more dangerous Angels' squad. Trout and Ohtani bring plenty of power to this stack while Fletcher is starting to heat up again, hitting .423 with four doubles and a triple over his last six games.
White Sox vs. Jose Suarez (Angels)
Jose Abreu (1B - $4,600), Tim Anderson (SS - $4,400), Eloy Jimenez (OF - $3,800)
This promises the potential to be a high scoring game, in general, with Suarez on the mound for the Angels. He probably wouldn't continue to start if the Angels could roll out any better options based on his 6.63 FIP and 1.64 WHIP. Abreu remains a must for any White Sox stack when you also factor in his 161 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers. Jimenez has also looked much better at the plate lately, hitting 11-for-40 with two home runs and two doubles over his last 10 contests.
Nationals vs. Jordan Lyles (Brewers)
Anthony Rendon (3B - $5,000), Juan Soto (OF - $5,000), Adam Eaton (OF - $4,100)
Lyles has actually helped to stabilize the back of the Brewers' rotation, allowing five runs - including three earned - over 17 innings in his last three starts. However, this could be a tough outing against a Nationals' team boasting a 107 wRC+ at home - in stark contrast to their 89 wRC+ on the road. Rendon and Soto can hurt even the best of pitchers, likely making them key to any Nationals' stack. Eaton represents an intriguing option at a cheaper price who has gone .400 with a home run and a double across his last seven games.
