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). Sunday brings a packed schedule with 12 games making up the featured slate on DraftKings, so let's get right down to business and examine matchups to exploit.
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STARTING PITCHER
Chris Sale, BOS vs. SEA ($13,400): Sale is making a case to finish toward the top of the Cy Young Award race again this season, posting a 2.74 ERA, a 2.66 FIP and a 0.94 WHIP in 16 starts. He does a tremendous job keeping runners off base: This would be the third time in the last five years he has finished with a WHIP of 0.97 or lower. He hasn't disappointed in the strikeout department either with a 12.4 K/9. The Mariners have put up some crooked numbers in this series against Steven Wright and Eduardo Rodriguez, but facing Sale is a totally different story. With his strikeout upside, Sale is still an excellent option even at this expensive price.
GPP Fade: Blake Snell, TB vs. NYY ($10,500): Snell is enjoying a breakout campaign with a 2.48 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 9.8 K/9 through 16 starts. Not only is he striking out more hitters than last season, but his walk rate has also dropped from 10.8 percent to 9.6 percent this year. He's been consistent, allowing four or more runs in only three starts. The problem: Two of those three outings came against the Yankees. Those happened in Yankee Stadium, but the Yankees lineup is still one of the most dangerous in baseball even on the road. This might not be the day to pay the premium required to get Snell into your lineup.
Cheap GPP Consideration: Rich Hill, LAD at NYM ($8,600): Hill pitched poorly to start the season, then found himself on the disabled list with a blister problem. The end result has been a 4.99 ERA, a 5.51 FIP and a 1.56 WHIP in only seven starts. However, he was excellent in his first start off the DL against the Cubs earlier this week, recording six strikeouts in six scoreless innings. If he is past his blister issues, he could be in line for a strong finish to the season. This is an excellent matchup for him against the Mets, who have the lowest OPS against left-handed pitchers in baseball.
CATCHER
Yan Gomes, CLE vs. DET ($3,900): Gomes' overall numbers don't jump off the page, but he is batting .294 with three home runs in June. He struggles mightily against righties, but he has a 175 wRC+ against lefties this season. He'll face lefty Matt Boyd, who is pitching well with a 3.63 ERA, but he doesn't exactly have an overpowering arsenal with a 3.5 BB/9 and a 7.3 K/9.
FIRST BASE
Justin Bour, MIA at COL ($4,400): Right-hander German Marquez will start this game for the Rockies, and he has been absolutely crushed this season in Coors Field, allowing a 7.45 ERA and a 1.81 WHIP. Left-handed hitters have a .350 wOBA against him this season as well, potentially setting up the powerful Bour for a big performance.
SECOND BASE
Enrique Hernandez, LAD at NYM ($3,300): With Jason Vargas on the mound for the Mets, the Dodgers will likely by a popular stack. Vargas is off to a disaster of a start for his new team, posting an 8.60 ERA and a 1.83 WHIP. He also can't keep hitters in the park with a 2.6 HR/9. Hernandez had a .390 wOBA against lefties last year, and while he hasn't been as successful against them this season, he still has a respectable .341 wOBA. At this cheap price, he could be worth the risk in tournament play.
THIRD BASE
Justin Turner, LAD at NYM ($4,000): Continuing our run of Dodgers righties against Vargas, Turner checks in as a great option at third base despite his unusually low .248 batting average this season. He's been hurt by a .256 BABIP, but he's still had success against lefties with a 175 wRC+.
SHORTSTOP
Trevor Story, COL vs. MIA ($5,500): Story loves hitting at home, entering Saturday hitting .317 with a 1.169 OPS at Coors Field compared to a .224 average and a .612 OPS on the road. He's also dominated lefties with a .423 wOBA this season, making him an excellent option even at this high price against Caleb Smith.
OUTFIELD
Eddie Rosario, MIN vs. TEX ($5,200): Rosario sat out Thursday with shoulder discomfort but played Friday and Saturday, and he looks to be fine moving forward. He showed no signs of the injury slowing him down Saturday as he finished 2-for-5 with a double and a home run. The Rangers will start Bartolo Colon, who has allowed at least six runs in three of his last six starts.
Matt Kemp, LAD at NYM ($4,400): The Dodgers couldn't have asked for much more from Kemp in his second stint with the team as he entered Saturday batting .320 with 12 home runs. With a 180 wRC+ against lefties, he should also be a part of any Dodgers stack against Vargas.
Mark Canha, OAK at CWS ($3,500): Canha is almost unplayable against righties due to his 81 wRC+ against them this season. Facing the lefty Carlos Rodon swings in his favor, though, since Canha has a 162 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers. Seven of his nine home runs have come off of lefties as well.
