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). The Dodgers and Brewers both have a chance to advance to the National League Championship series with wins Sunday.
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STARTING PITCHER
Walker Buehler, LAD at ATL ($9,500): The Dodgers might have their ace of the future in Buehler. He was spectacular in his first season as a member of the starting rotation, posting a 2.62 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP. One big reason for his success is that he allowed just 0.8 HR/9. His 11 percent swinging-strike rate also helped him generate a 9.9 K/9. Opponents have been limited to two runs or fewer by Buehler in each of his last four starts – in two of them, he didn't allow a single run. This certainly will not be an easy task for the Braves to stay alive in this series.
GPP Fade: Sean Newcomb, ATL vs. LAD ($8,100): Newcomb was one of the anchors of the Braves staff to start the season, entering July with a 2.71 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP. However, he couldn't maintain that rate of success, recording a 5.45 ERA and a 1.52 WHIP after July 1, but the young arm slipped up with a 1.4 HR/9 and 5.2 BB/9. This game being at home might not help his cause: Newcomb posted a bloated 5.12 ERA and 1.44 WHIP at SunTrust Park this year.
Cheap GPP Consideration: German Marquez, COL vs. MIL ($9,000): The two cheapest pitchers for the slate are Newcomb and Wade Miley ($4,300). Neither has a matchup that deserves an optimistic daily play. The Rockies thrive at home and had the third-highest OPS against left-handed pitchers (.799) during the regular season. Going with the combination of Buehler and Marquez won't be cheap, but it might be the way to go. Marquez has tremendous strikeout upside with his 10.6 K/9 and has allowed three earned runs or fewer in 13 straight starts.
CATCHER
Austin Barnes, LAD at ATL ($2,900): Barnes played a lot against left-handed pitching this year since Yasmani Grandal only had a .324 wOBA against them compared to a .361 wOBA against righties. Barnes' .316 wOBA against lefties wasn't great, but he only had a .237 wOBA against righties. If he's in the lineup, taking a chance on him in tournament play at this cheap price can go a long way to helping fit Buehler and Marquez into your pitcher spots.
FIRST BASE
Ian Desmond, COL vs. MIL ($4,600): Desmond saw his batting average drop significantly this year, but he still hit for power with 22 home runs and 21 doubles. Righties limited him to a .296 wOBA, but he's a great option against Miley considering his .357 wOBA versus lefties.
SECOND BASE
DJ LeMahieu, COL vs. MIL ($4.400): With how well the Rockies hit left-handed pitchers as a team this year, a lot of their hitters have great numbers against them. LeMahieu is no exception, recording a .380 wOBA against lefties compared to a .295 wOBA against righties. He also loves hitting at Coors Field as he had a .344 wOBA there versus a .298 wOBA on the road.
THIRD BASE
Justin Turner, LAD at ATL ($4,600): Turner was limited to 103 games during the regular season due to a wrist injury, but he finished with a .518 slugging percentage that was the second-highest mark of his career. He could give Newcomb plenty of problems based on his 179 wRC+ against left-handed pitching.
SHORTSTOP
Manny Machado, LAD at ATL ($5,000): Machado came through with a home run in Game 2 that helped the Dodgers take a commanding lead in this series. His numbers declined after being acquired from the Orioles, but he's one of the most dangerous hitters in the Dodgers' lineup and posted a .383 wOBA against lefties this year.
OUTFIELD
Enrique Hernandez, LAD at ATL ($3,800): The Dodgers may have thought they were acquiring their everyday second baseman when they brought over Brian Dozier from the Twins, but he hit only .182 for them and eventually found himself in a bench role. Hernandez has started the first two games of this series at second base and hit a home run in Game 1. He was stellar in September, as well, with a .411 wOBA across 81 plate appearances.
Matt Holliday, COL vs. MIL ($3,700): Holliday spent the first five seasons of his career as a member of the Rockies and was brought back this year in late August. He only had 65 plate appearances, but he showed little rust by hitting .283 with a .849 OPS. There is a chance he starts this game based on his .386 wOBA against left-handed pitchers for his career, making him an intriguing option in tournament play.
Nick Markakis, ATL vs. LAD ($3,300): If you go with the duo of Buehler and Marquez at pitcher, you're going to have to take some chances on cheap hitters. This isn't the best of matchups for Markakis against Buehler, but he had a strong regular season and finished with a .353 wOBA against righties.
