This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
We've hit the final weekend of the MLB regular season. There are some early start times on the schedule, but we will have 10 games to choose from for the main evening slate on DraftKings. Lineups will likely be fluid, but here are some matchups to consider exploiting.
Pitching Overview
Justin Verlander ($12,800) will look to put a bow on his potential Cy Young award-winning season in a road matchup against the Angels. He's been locked in with the Astros pushing for the best record in baseball, allowing 10 runs and recording 71 strikeouts across 54.1 innings in his last eight starts. The Angels are missing most of their top hitters due to injuries, so expect Verlander to be one of the more popular pitching options - and rightfully so.
The Yankees haven't let their myriad of injuries stop them from enjoying a spectacular season. One player who was able to return for their stretch run is Luis Severino ($10,100), who could end up being a difference maker in the playoffs. He's been as good as it gets in his two starts since coming off the IL, recording 13 strikeouts over nine scoreless innings. Severino likely won't be limited with the Yankees wanting to build up his pitch count, making him a great player to consider for his matchup with the Rangers.
With nothing left to play for, the Cubs are sitting several of their star players for the remainer of the season. That immediately should put Adam Wainwright ($9,400) on your radar. Not only could this be a juicy matchup, but Wainwright is rolling right now after posting a 2.02 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP across his last six starts. To top it off, this game will be played at Busch Stadium, where he has compiled a 3.56 FIP and a 1.22 WHIP this season.
Key Values/Chalk
In a bit of a surprise, the Brewers continue to thrive despite the loss of Christian Yelich (knee). Their hitters have an excellent chance to keep things rolling in their matchup against Chi Chi Gonzalez at Coors Field. He's been eating up innings for the Rockies due to injuries, but hasn't been doing it well since he's posted a 5.78 FIP and 1.53 WHIP. Left-handed hitters have a .369 wOBA against Gonzalez, making Yasmani Grandal ($5,000), Mike Moustakas ($5,100) and Trent Grisham ($5,300) all viable targets.
No matter who has appeared in the Yankees' lineup, they have remained one of the most potent teams in baseball. That could spell disaster for the Rangers, who gave up 14 runs to the Yankees Friday and are set to have Luke Farrell serve as their opener for this contest. The important thing with the Yankees it to check back before first pitch to see who they actually deploy since they have thrown out a lot of different lineup combinations lately. If he plays, Aaron Judge ($5,300) is extremely appealing after hitting 14 home runs over his last 31 games.
The Reds might not boast the most potent lineup overall, but they still possess some dangerous hitters to consider for a favorable matchup against James Marvel. He's been hit hard across his last two outings, allowing 12 runs and three home runs over 7.1 innings. Aristides Aquino ($5,200) and Eugenio Suarez ($4,800) carry the highest upsides with their power and Joey Votto ($4,000) is also worth targeting since he has hit .317 with two home runs and six doubles over his last 18 games.
Stacks
Rockies vs. Gio Gonzalez (Brewers)
Trevor Story (SS - $5,400), Nolan Arenado (3B - $5,200), Garrett Hampson (2B/OF - $3,900)
A lefty on the mound at Coors Field is usually a recipe for success for Story and Arenado. They love hitting in the friendly confines of their home part and come in with a .387 wOBA and a .416 wOBA, respectively, versus southpaws this season. Hampson is firing on all cylinders right now, hitting 23-for-59 with five home runs and seven steals over his last 14 games.
Astros vs. Jose Suarez (Angels)
Alex Bregman (3B/SS - $5,300), Jose Altuve (2B - $4,700), George Springer (OF - $5,200)
The end of the season is almost mercifully here for the Angels, who have spent a lot of time just trying to patch together their pitching staff. Suarez has managed to log 76 innings, but he's looked terrible with a 7.34 ERA and a 6.87 FIP. If you think Boyd has struggled to keep hitters inside the ball park, Suarez has allowed a whopping 2.6 HR/9. That could end up being his downfall against the Astros, specifically the powerful Springer since he has crushed 11 home runs over his last 21 games.
Cardinals vs. Cole Hamels (Cubs)
Paul Goldschmidt (1B - $4,200), Tommy Edman (2B/3B - $5,000), Yadier Molina (C - $3,600)
With the Cubs out of the playoff hunt and Hamels battling shoulder soreness, it's a bit surprising he's even going to make this start. While he's been a valuable member of the Cubs' rotation, he has struggled to the tune of a 4.64 FIP and a 1.70 WHIP on the road. That brings the Cardinals into play as they continue to push for the NL Central crown. Edman stands out as one of the top options to build a Cardinals stack around since he is .436 with four home runs, three doubles, two triples and four steals over his last 14 games.
