This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
The players featured in this piece will be building blocks who can work in several lineup configurations (cash and GPP). With games spread out throughout the afternoon Sunday, let's take a look at some players with favorable matchups for both the early and late afternoon slates on DraftKings.
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STARTING PITCHERS
James Paxton, SEA vs. KC ($12,100): Paxton had a couple of rough outings against the Red Sox and Yankees recently, but he bounced back by allowing two runs and recording 10 strikeouts over seven innings in his last start against a much easier opponent in the Orioles. His overall numbers are still excellent with a 3.65 ERA, 3.03 FIP and 1.11 WHIP across 17 starts. He broke out with a 28.2 percent strikeout rate last year and has been even better with a 32.0 percent mark this season. This will be Paxton's second start against the Royals after he allowed two runs and recorded 10 strikeouts across six innings in their first meeting. Considering the Royals have scored the fewest runs in baseball, Paxton is once again a great option in their rematch.
GPP Fade: Mike Foltynewicz, ATL at STL ($10,000): The Braves have several exciting young arms, including Foltynewicz, who's in the midst of a breakout campaign with a 2.14 ERA and 3.08 FIP. After allowing a 1.48 WHIP last year, he's done a great job limiting baserunners with a 1.13 WHIP. He's also stepped things up in the strikeout department with a 10.5 K/9. However, he doesn't normally pitch deep into games, throwing five innings or fewer in six of his last nine outings. A lot of that has to do with all of his strikeouts -- but also his 4.0 BB/9. There are a lot of other great starting pitchers to choose from, so it might not be worth paying up for Foltynewicz based on his struggles to provide length.
Cheap GPP Consideration: Steven Matz, NYM at MIA ($6,800): Matz had a disastrous 2017 season in which he dealt with injury and ineffectiveness. His strikeouts were way down, and he allowed a ton of baserunners with a 1.53 WHIP. He's righted the ship this season, posting a 3.69 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP in 15 starts. His strikeouts are back with an 8.1 K/9, but his 1.5 HR/9 is a bit concerning. He's allowed three runs or fewer in six of his last seven starts, though, and gets to face a Marlins offense that struggles mightily to score runs and doesn't hit many homers, possibly making Matz worth the risk if you are playing the early slate.
CATCHER
John Ryan Murphy, ARI vs. SF ($3,800): With Alex Avila (hamstring) on the disabled list, Murphy only has to battle with Jeff Mathis for playing time behind the plate. Murphy has been the far superior hitter, batting .250 with nine home runs entering Saturday. Murphy has a .385 wOBA against lefties this year, leaving him as a viable option against Derek Holland.
FIRST BASE
Paul Goldschmidt, ARI vs. SF ($5,300): Many fantasy owners were panicking about Goldschmidt's incredibly slow start, but he has done his best to put those fears to rest by hitting .379 with 10 home runs and a staggering 1.242 OPS in June entering Saturday. Here's another way to pick on Holland: Goldy has always been a good hitter versus left-handed pitching, and this season has been no different with a 193 wRC+ against them.
SECOND BASE
Javier Baez, CHC vs. MIN ($4,900): Baez was right in the middle of a 14-run outburst for the Cubs on Saturday, finishing 2-for-6 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored. Not only would his .559 slugging percentage be the highest of his career, but he is still hitting for average as well at .285. He's actually been better against righties with a .371 wOBA this year, so don't shy away from him just because he doesn't have the platoon advantage against Lance Lynn.
THIRD BASE
Max Muncy, LAD vs. COL ($4,700):Chad Bettis will start for the Rockies and like most of their pitchers, he has much better numbers on the road. However, Muncy has a .418 wOBA against righties entering Saturday and has homered in four of his last seven games, making him a viable option despite this game not be played at Coors Field.
SHORTSTOP
Brandon Crawford, SF at ARI ($4,000): The Giants have generally had a hard time scoring runs, but Crawford has been one of the bright spots in their lineup. He entered Friday batting a career-high .313, but some of that can be attributed to his .368 BABIP. He is hitting the ball well with a 37.6 percent hard-hit rate, and he does have a .367 wOBA against righties. He'll face Zack Godley, who has allowed a .347 wOBA to lefties.
OUTFIELD
Juan Soto, WAS at PHI ($4,400): Soto was a highly regarded prospect coming up through the Nationals system, but it's still surprising how dominant he has been since being called up. His numbers are outstanding with a .336 average and eight home runs in 139 plate appearances entering Saturday. What might be just as impressive is that the 19-year-old has only 26 strikeouts compared to 23 walks. Jake Arrieta will start this game for the Phillies, and although his 3.54 ERA is very respectable, he's not striking out nearly as many hitters anymore, and his 1.27 WHIP would be his highest mark since 2013.
Avisail Garcia, CWS at TEX ($3,800): The White Sox haven't scored many runs this year, but some of that can be attributed to Garcia playing only 26 games due to injury. His overall numbers aren't great, but he entered Saturday batting .281 with two home runs in eight games since being activated from the DL. After posting a 177 wRC+ against lefties last year, he's a cheap option to consider against Cole Hamels.
Ian Happ, CHC vs. MIN ($3,600): The Cubs have a lot of players who can play multiple positions, which has come in handy with Kris Bryant (shoulder) on the DL. His injury has opened up regular playing time at third base for Happ, who is 11-for-25 (.440) in his last eight games. He only has a .307 wOBA against lefties, but he's another Cub to consider against Lynn with a .354 wOBA against righties.
