This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
The Red Sox staged a comeback to win Game 4 and take a commanding 3-1 lead in the World Series. With the Dodgers looking to force a Game 6 with a win Sunday, let's examine some players to target in what could be the final MLB DraftKings contest of the season.
Clayton Kershaw, LAD ($12,800): The Dodgers will rest their hopes of forcing this series back to Boston on the shoulders of Kershaw. The Red Sox hit him hard in Game 1, scoring five runs across four innings. In his two road starts this postseason, Kershaw has allowed 10 runs – nine of which were earned – across seven innings. It's been a different story during his two starts at home, allowing just one run across 15 innings. After finishing the regular season with a 2.58 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP at home, Kershaw could be in line for another strong outing Sunday.
Mookie Betts, BOS ($10,300): Betts logged a hit and drew a walk Sunday, but his power stroke has disappeared in the playoffs. He's still looking for his first home run, but he has one of the highest upsides of any hitter taking the field in this game. With his 212 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers, he could be a tough out for Kershaw.
Manny Machado, LAD ($9,400): Machado has one hit in each of the four games against the Red Sox but has little to show for them outside of the three RBI that he posted in Game 1. Without an extra-base hit since Game 3 of the NLCS, the Dodgers could really use a big performance from Machado if they are going to stay alive. Even with his recent power outage, he's someone to consider against David Price based on his .383 wOBA versus lefties.
Justin Turner, LAD ($7,800): Turner certainly didn't disappoint Saturday, finishing 3-for-4 with a double and a walk. With all of the left-handed starting pitchers the Red Sox have, this series is a great matchup for Turner with his .433 wOBA against lefties. At this reasonable price, Turner is an excellent option to consider.
Yasiel Puig, LAD ($6,400): It looked for a moment like Puig would be the hero of Game 4 with his three-run homer off Eduardo Rodriguez in the sixth inning. The Red Sox ultimately rallied for the win, but Puig now has at least one hit in each of the last three games. Puig had better numbers against right-handed pitchers than he did lefties this year, but he's still worth considering based on his power upside.
David Freese, LAD ($6,300): In order to fit a few of the more expensive options into your entry, you need to take chances with cheap players. Freese should start again with a lefty on the mound and has logged three hits in this series. He may be removed for a pinch hitter once a right-handed pitcher comes in, but his .377 wOBA versus lefties leaves him with some potential for as long as Price toes the rubber.
Steve Pearce, BOS ($6,200): Pearce was one of the heroes Saturday for the Red Sox, finishing 2-for-4 with a home run and four RBI. Those were his first hits of the series, but they couldn't have come at a better time. Facing Kershaw is no easy task, but Pearce had a 158 wRC+ against lefties during the regular season and makes a lot of sense at this price.
