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). Saturday brings Game 2 of the NLCS between the Brewers and Dodgers and the first game of the ALCS where the Red Sox will take on the Astros.
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STARTING PITCHER
Justin Verlander, HOU at BOS ($9,500): Verlander had one of the most dominant seasons of his career, finishing with a 2.52 ERA that was supported by a 2.78 FIP. Not only was his 12.2 K/9 the highest mark he's recorded, but he also managed a microscopic 0.90 WHIP. In the Astros ALDS series against the Indians, Verlander allowed two runs to go along with seven strikeouts over 5.2 innings. Facing the Red Sox offense at Fenway Park is no easy task, but Verlander's excellent strikeout upside still makes him a strong option to consider.
GPP Fade: Wade Miley, MIL vs. LAD ($4,500): Miley is certainly cheap, but he still might not be worth taking a chance on. He failed to pitch more than five innings in each of his last four starts during the regular season and only lasted 4.2 innings during his start in the NLDS against the Rockies. His 5.6 K/9 doesn't leave him with much strikeout upside and the Brewers might be quick to deploy their bullpen, making Miley a risky option even at this price.
Cheap GPP Consideration: Hyun-Jin Ryu, LAD at MIL ($7,300): Ryu was limited to 15 starts during the regular season due to injury but he was excellent when healthy, recording a 1.97 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP. He made significant improvements in several areas, including posting a career-high 9.7 K/9. Another key to his success was allowing 1.0 HR/9 after giving up at least 1.6 HR/9 in each of the last two seasons. The Brewers may sit a couple of their better hitters in Mike Moustakas and Travis Shaw with the left handed Ryu on the mound, which would take two significant power bats out of their lineup.
CATCHER
Erik Kratz, MIL vs. LAD ($3,300): The catching position looks very thin Saturday. Yasmani Grandal ($4,400) represents the most expensive option, but he only posted a .324 wOBA against left-handed pitching this year. A smart strategy might be to save money at catcher so you can load up elsewhere. Kratz recorded five hits in the NLDS, making him a viable option if you want to go the cheap route at catcher.
FIRST BASE
Tyler White, HOU at BOS ($4,000): White provided the Astros with a jolt of power this year, slugging .533 across 237 plate appearances. He'll have his hands full facing Chris Sale, but White did have a 176 wRC+ against left-handed pitching this year. Runs might be hard to come by in this game, but White is still someone to consider for your entry.
SECOND BASE
Hernan Perez, MIL vs. LAD ($3,500): Perez got the start in Game 1 against Clayton Kershaw and will likely start Saturday with another lefty on the mound in Ryu. Righties held Perez to a .270 wOBA this year, but posted a .329 wOBA against lefties. At this dirt cheap price, he could be an option in tournament play.
THIRD BASE
Justin Turner, LAD at MIL ($5,000): Turner logged at least one hit in all four games of the NLDS, but went 0-for-5 in Game 1 against the Brewers. After striking out just 54 times across 426 plate appearances in the regular season, he went down on strikes four times Friday. He's set up to potentially bounce back in a big way against Miley, considering his .433 wOBA against lefties.
SHORTSTOP
Manny Machado, LAD at MIL, ($5,200): Machado got the Dodgers on the board first with a home run in Game 1, marking his third home run over five playoff games. He then recorded another hit and two RBI during a late-inning comeback attempt that ultimately fell short. Playing for a big contract over the winter, Machado has picked the perfect time to get hot. He posted a stellar .383 wOBA against lefties during the regular season and should be a tough out for Miley.
OUTFIELD
Matt Kemp, LAD at MIL ($4,900): Kemp came away with two hits and his first RBI of this postseason in Game 1. He's hitting in a favorable spot in the lineup with Turner and Machado batting ahead, which helped him record 85 RBI this year. Lefties have had a tough time slowing him down during his career considering his .384 wOBA against them.
Enrique Hernandez, LAD at MIL ($4,600):Brian Dozier's struggles at the plate since being acquired by the Dodgers has resulted in him moving to the bench and Hernandez getting significant playing time in his place. Hernandez racked up a career-high 462 plate appearances this year and flashed power with a .470 slugging percentage. His .360 career wOBA against lefties makes him another Dodger to consider for your entry.
Lorenzo Cain, MIL vs. LAD ($4,200): Cain collected three hits in Game 1 after a quiet series against the Rockies that saw him hit 1-for-12. He posted a .395 OBP during the regular season, which was aided by his 11.5% walk rate. With his .422 wOBA against lefties, Cain has a favorable opportunity to provide value at this price.
