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). There are 11 games to choose from for the main afternoon slate on DraftKings, and there could be plenty of scoring based on some of the pitching matchups.
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STARTING PITCHER
Corey Kluber, CLE at DET ($13,600): Kluber is making a case to win back-to-back Cy Young Awards with a 1.96 ERA and a 0.85 WHIP in his first 13 starts. He hasn't allowed more than three runs or pitched fewer than six innings in any of his outings. His strikeout rate is down from the 34.1 percent that he recorded last year, but it's still excellent at 27.5 percent. He also owns impeccable command with a 95:10 K:BB. The Tigers have a .786 OPS against left-handed pitchers but struggle against righties with a .692 OPS. Kluber will eat up a significant portion of your budget, but he also has tremendous upside.
GPP Fade: Nathan Eovaldi, TB vs. SEA ($7,600): Eovaldi hadn't pitched in the majors since 2016 due to Tommy John surgery, but he sure returned in style, throwing six hitless innings against the Athletics in his first start this year. However, he did only record four strikeouts and hasn't been a big strikeout pitcher in his career with only a 6.6 K/9. He finished with an ERA of at least 4.20 and a WHIP of at least 1.31 in each of his last three seasons, so he hasn't exactly been great. The Nationals brought him back to reality in his last outing, scoring four runs against him in five innings. Even with Robinson Cano (hand, suspension) out, the Mariners still have some great hitters, making Eovaldi a risky play.
Cheap GPP Consideration: Clayton Richard, SD at MIA ($7,300): The Padres don't have a lot of quality starting pitching options, leaving Richard as one of the best pitchers on their staff despite his 4.67 ERA. He's had a few big blowups this year, but he has allowed three runs or fewer in eight of his 13 starts. This is, on the other hand, a promising matchup against the Marlins, who have the fewest runs scored and home runs in baseball. Richard already faced them once this season and allowed two runs to go along with five strikeouts in seven innings. His strikeout upside isn't great, but he's still priced low enough to be a viable option in tournament play.
CATCHER
Max Stassi, HOU at TEX ($3,800):Brian McCann was recently activated from the disabled list, but he might not play Sunday against lefty Matt Moore. Stassi did an excellent job filling in for McCann when he was sidelined, although his .349 BABIP might not be sustainable. His .441 wOBA against lefties, however, makes him a backstop to consider.
FIRST BASE
Yonder Alonso, CLE at DET ($3,800):Artie Lewicki didn't exactly impress in his first start last week against the Red Sox as he allowed four runs (two earned) in 3.2 innings. He allowed five hits and three walks, but he'll get another start Sunday because, frankly, the Tigers don't really have any other options. Alonso had a .351 wOBA against righties entering Saturday and could be one of several Indians hitters who'll be in for a big day.
SECOND BASE
Matt Carpenter, STL at CIN ($4,100): Carpenter is batting just .232 this season, but he is on a five-game hitting streak. His .284 BABIP is still well below his .319 career mark, so he has further room for improvement. He has a .336 wOBA against righties despite all his struggles and will face another one in Anthony DeSclafani.
THIRD BASE
Alex Bregman, HOU at TEX ($4,400): Moore has allowed a staggering amount of baserunners this year, resulting in a 1.96 WHIP. He's not a big strikeout pitcher and gives up plenty of home runs, making him someone to stack against most times when he takes the mound. Bregman also excels against lefties with a .371 wOBA against them for his career.
SHORTSTOP
Francisco Lindor, CLE at DET ($4,900): Lindor batted at least .301 in his first two seasons in the majors but only hit a combined 27 home runs. He mashed 33 homers last year, but it was somewhat at the expensive of his average, which dropped to .273. He's provided the best of both worlds this year, batting .291 with 14 home runs entering play Saturday. Although he has historically had better numbers against left-handed pitchers, his .361 wOBA against righties this year is still excellent.
OUTFIELD
George Springer, HOU at TEX ($5,100): As we continue to look for righties to stack against Moore, Springer jumps out as one of the top outfield options for the day. He has finished with a wRC+ of at least 157 against lefties in each of the last three seasons and has a 169 wRC+ against them entering Saturday.
Marcell Ozuna, STL at CIN ($3,800): Ozuna got off to a really slow start with his new team as he entered May hitting only .250 with two home runs. He still only has four home runs since then, but he's been hitting much better overall. Since May 21, he is 22-for-55 (.400), and his average for the season is now up to .274. He won't get the platoon advantage against DeSclafani, but he is still priced low enough to warrant consideration.
Max Kepler, MIN vs. LAA ($3,500): Kepler only has a .269 wOBA against lefties for his career, but he has a .334 wOBA against righties. He will face Nick Tropeano, who allows too many base runners with a 1.33 WHIP this year and a 1.38 WHIP for his career. Tropeano has also allowed a .342 wOBA to lefties in his career.
