This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
The players featured in this piece will be building blocks that can work in several lineup configurations (cash and GPP). After a busy Friday that included four playoff games, things quiet down Saturday with only two games to choose from for your DraftKings entry.
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STARTING PITCHER
Gerrit Cole, HOU vs. CLE ($9,600): Cole's first season with the Astros turned into a massive success, finishing with a 2.88 ERA supported by an even stronger 2.70 FIP. He did a great job limiting baserunners with a 1.03 WHIP and allowed a miniscule 0.9 HR/9 this year after only giving up 1.4 HR/9 in 2017. Of all Cole's improvements, maybe the most significant was his 12.4 K/9, as he had never finished with more than a 9.0 K/9 previously in his career. After allowing three runs or less in each of his last five starts, Cole possesses excellent upside again Saturday.
GPP Fade: David Price, BOS vs. NYY ($6,800): Price was limited to just 16 games in 2017, but he was able to stay mostly healthy and start 30 games for the Red Sox this season. He finished with a 3.58 ERA, but his 4.02 FIP registered as his highest mark since 2009. The Yankees gave him plenty of problems this year, scoring 20 runs – 18 of which were earned – across 15.2 innings. The Yankees also boasted the second-highest OPS against left-handed pitching (.800) during the regular season, so it might be best to avoid Price.
Cheap GPP Consideration: Masahiro Tanaka, NYY at BOS ($5,300): With only four starting pitchers to choose from, if you want to take a chance on a cheap option in tournament play, you might as well take the cheapest one. Tanaka is significantly discounted compared to the other three options and he's had a nice season, finishing with a 3.75 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and a 9.2 K/9. He's looked even better on the road, sporting a 3.47 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP over 15 starts.
CATCHER
Gary Sanchez, NYY at BOS ($4,200): This season could best be described as a disaster for Sanchez. He only played 89 games due to injury and was awful defensively. Known for offensive skills, he recorded an unsightly .186 batting average. On the bright side, he still hit 18 home runs and was extremely unlucky considering his .197 BABIP. Not only does Sanchez carry a .367 wOBA against lefties for his career, but he is 6-for-13 with five home runs against Price.
FIRST BASE
Luke Voit, NYY at BOS ($5,000): Voit has saved the Yankees from the struggling Greg Bird at first base. Bird didn't even make the roster for this series after Voit mashed to the tune of a .689 slugging percentage over 39 games since being acquired from the Cardinals. Add in his 212 wRC+ against lefties and he could be a tough out for Price.
SECOND BASE
Jose Altuve, HOU vs. CLE ($4,100): Altuve came through with a home run off Corey Kluber in Game 1, helping the Astros take a 1-0 series lead. Injuries limited Altuve to 137 games during the regular season, the first time he played in less than 140 games since 2011. Facing Carlos Carrasco isn't exactly an easy task, but Altuve did record a .372 wOBA against right-handed pitchers compared to a .336 wOBA against lefties.
THIRD BASE
Alex Bregman, HOU vs. CLE ($4,600): Bregman got the Astros on the board in Game 1 with a home run in the fourth inning and finished the game 2-for-3 with a walk and two RBI. He was an extra base machine this season with 31 home runs and 51 doubles and even finished with more walks (96) than strikeouts (85). With his .390 wOBA against righties, Bregman provides plenty of upside.
SHORTSTOP
Xander Bogaerts, BOS vs. NYY ($4,700): The Red Sox have so many great hitters that Bogaerts can sometimes be overlooked. He shouldn't be after finishing the season with career highs in both doubles (45) and home runs (23) despite playing in just 136 games. Lefties held him to a .350 wOBA this year, but he posted a .379 wOBA against righties.
OUTFIELD
Giancarlo Stanton, NYY at BOS ($5,000): Stanton couldn't replicate his monster 2017 campaign where he finished with 59 home runs, but he rebounded from a slow start to slug 38 homers in his first year with the Yankees. He's always exceled versus left-handed pitching and this year was no different as he posted a 174 wRC+ against them.
George Springer, HOU vs. CLE ($4,200): Springer joined in the Game 1 party with a home run of his own. It was a continuation of his hot hitting down the stretch after recording a .374 wOBA in September. He's also not that expensive, making him a great option if you choose to use an Astros stack.
Josh Reddick, HOU vs. CLE ($3,800): Reddick was a prime candidate for regression this season as his .314 batting average in 2017 was aided by an abnormally high .339 BABIP. His BABIP went to the other end of the extreme at .258 this year, resulting in a .242 average. He did show some power upside with 17 home runs and actually became more selective at the plate, posting a 10.1 percent walk rate. At this cheap price, he's a viable option worth considering.
