This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
The players featured below are building blocks who can work in several lineup configurations (cash and GPP). There aren't a lot of great starting pitchers scheduled to take the mound Sunday afternoon in the main slate on DraftKings, so there could be plenty of offensive production to take advantage of for your entry.
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STARTING PITCHER
Shane Bieber, CLE at KC ($8,600): Bieber's 4.36 ERA and 1.36 WHIP aren't great, but his 3.02 FIP indicates he hasn't pitched poorly. Opponents have a .364 BABIP against him, so luck hasn't exactly been on his side. He's generated a 10.8 percent swinging-strike rate, which has helped him record a 9.2 K/9. He's done a good job keeping hitters inside the ball park as well, allowing one home run across his last five starts. Considering the Royals have scored the fewest runs in baseball, Bieber could be in line for a productive afternoon.
GPP Fade: Jose Berrios, MIN vs. OAK ($8,400): The Twins' season has been a disappointment, but it's not because of Berrios. He's certainly one of the key pieces of their future, posting a 3.69 ERA that is supported by a 3.84 FIP. Not only is his 2.6 BB/9 the lowest of his career, but so is his 1.13 WHIP. Add in his 9.1 K/9 and he might seem like a viable option at this price. However, he's faced with slowing down the red-hot A's, who entered Saturday with the highest road OPS in baseball. This might be the day to shy away from using Berrios.
Cheap GPP Consideration: Kevin Gausman, ATL at MIA ($8,100): The move away from the DH in the American League to facing the pitcher in the National League can be a big boost for a starting pitcher's value. Add in the fact that Gausman was stuck facing the Red Sox and the Yankees as a member of the Orioles, and being traded to the Braves was certainly a win for him. He's been excellent over four starts since being dealt, posting a 2.00 ERA and a 3.15 FIP. Home runs have been a significant problem for him throughout his career, but he's given up just one homer in 27 innings with the Braves. The Marlins don't hit many home runs and struggle to score, in general, leaving Gausman as a viable option for your entry.
CATCHER
Chris Iannetta, COL vs. STL ($3,900): Iannetta has been terrible on the road this season with a .281 wOBA. However, like many hitters on the Rockies, he's received a boost at Coors Field with a .335 wOBA entering Saturday. He also has a .366 wOBA for his career against left-handed pitchers, making him someone to consider against Austin Gomber.
FIRST BASE
Anthony Rizzo, CHC vs. CIN ($5,100):Homer Bailey will start for the Reds, meaning the Cubs likely will be a very popular stack. Bailey's season has been a disaster with his 6.21 ERA and 1.62 WHIP. He's also allowed 2.0 HR/9. Rizzo is batting .316 with six homers in August and could be set up for a productive game.
SECOND BASE
Daniel Murphy, CHC vs. CIN ($4,200): The Cubs have to be loving their early returns from acquiring Murphy. He hit another home run Saturday and is 7-for-19 with two homers since joining the team. He was slowed at the start of this season by a knee injury and even though his power numbers are down overall, he's still on pace to hit over .300 for the third consecutive year.
THIRD BASE
Anthony Rendon, WAS at NYM ($4,300): The Mets will start Steven Matz, who has allowed 24 runs (22 earned) across 18.2 innings in his last five starts. Although the Nationals traded Murphy and Matt Adams recently, they still have some dangerous hitters in their lineup. One is certainly Rendon, who has a .371 wOBA against lefties entering Saturday.
SHORTSTOP
Trevor Story, COL vs. STL ($5,800): Story has two significant splits working in his favor for this game. First, he entered Saturday with a .422 wOBA at home compared to just a .335 wOBA on the road. Second, he has a .425 wOBA against left-handed pitchers compared to a .356 wOBA against righties.
OUTFIELD
Kyle Schwarber, CHC vs. CIN ($4,200): Schwarber is still not hitting for a high average, but he's been more selective at the plate this year with a 15 percent walk rate. He's providing plenty of power with 23 home runs, making him another Cubs hitter to consider against Bailey.
Greg Allen, CLE at KC ($4,100): Allen has become an important part of the Indians' outfield, batting .360 with a .407 OBP in August entering Saturday. He doesn't provide a ton of power, but he did record seven stolen bases during that stretch. He's a cheap option with upside facing Jorge Lopez, who has a 1.60 WHIP during his brief time in the majors after recording a 1.38 WHIP at Triple-A.
Jason Heyward, CHC vs. CIN ($3,900): Heyward has been battling an ankle injury, but he returned to the lineup Saturday. He hasn't provided many home runs this season, but his .271 batting average would be his highest mark since joining the Cubs. With Bailey on the mound, Heyward could be a valuable part of a Cubs stack in tournament play based on this price.
