This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
We have plenty of options to wade through on DraftKings with 11 games making up the main Sunday slate. There aren't many top-tier pitchers set to start, so offense might not be hard to come by. Let's break down the matchups and highlight which ones could help lead to a profitable afternoon.
Pitching Overview
The most expensive pitcher by a wide margin is Trevor Bauer ($11,200). That's a hefty price tag when you consider his FIP has jumped from 2.44 last year to 4.36 this season. His strikeout rate has also dropped almost five percentage points to 26 percent. However, it doesn't get much better than a matchup against Tigers, who have scored the second-fewest runs in baseball. If there ever was a day to pay up for Bauer, this is it.
After spending last season in the bullpen, Brad Peacock ($8,800) couldn't be pitching much better as a starter this year. His 3.42 ERA is supported by a 3.54 FIP and his WHIP stands at a mere 1.08. In this homer-happy environment, he's also allowed just 0.9 HR/9. While his matchup isn't as juicy as Bauer's, he'll also be facing an inept lineup in the Blue Jays that has scored the fourth-fewest runs.
Martin Perez ($7,300) has hit a bit of a wall after his strong start, allowing 15 runs - including 12 earned - across 12.1 innings over his last three starts. He's also had problems providing length, logging five innings or fewer in five of his last six outings. If he's going to right the ship, he certainly has a favorable opportunity to do that against the Royals. Their lineup has generally looked poor, but they've been even worse with a 74 wRC+ against left-handed pitching.
Key Values/Chalk
Dakota Hudson is death on right-handed hitters, holding them to a .225 wOBA for his career. However, lefties have experienced plenty of success with a .389 wOBA. That could spell doom for him in his matchup with Mets, who own their fair share of dangerous lefties. This is a great opportunity to deploy Michael Conforto ($4,500) and Jeff McNeil ($4,000).
Despite all their injuries, the Astros have still managed to average 5.5 runs across their last 15 games. They encounter another favorable spot to score in bunches against Trent Thornton, who enters this matchup with a 4.78 ERA and a 4.62 FIP. He allows way too many base runners with his 1.41 WHIP, leaving the Astros with plenty of players worth considering - including Alex Bregman ($5,200) and Yordan Alvarez ($4,600).
Mike Foltynewicz has not been able to get himself right after missing the start of the season due to injury. He's allowed at least four earned runs in five of his nine starts. This has resulted in a bloated 6.02 ERA and an even worse 6.32 FIP. He's also allowed 15 home runs over 49.1 innings, making the powerful duo of Rhys Hoskins ($4,800) and Bryce Harper ($4,500) potential difference makers for this slate.
Stacks
Yankees vs. Odrisamer Despaigne (White Sox)
DJ LeMahieu (2B/3B - $4,600), Aaron Hicks (OF - $4,400), Didi Gregorius (SS - $4,100)
After scoring eight runs Saturday, the Yankees have an excellent chance to keep things rolling against Despaigne and his career 1.42 WHIP. LeMahieu has been a tremendous asset at the top of their lineup, recording at least two hits in six of the last 10 games. Gregorius has gone 10-for-27 since being activated from the IL. This trio brings plenty of upside and won't destroy your budget, making them very appealing.
Twins vs. Jakob Junis (Royals)
Max Kepler (OF - $4,900), Jorge Polanco (SS - $5,000), Eddie Rosario (OF - $4,700)
It's not hard to make a case for stacking the Twins just about any day. Their lineup is loaded with excellent hitters, which has resulted in them scoring the most runs in baseball. Junis is enduring another disappointing campaign with a 4.84 FIP and has allowed 1.6 HR/9. He has held righties to a .310 wOBA, but lefties have enjoyed plenty of success with a .377 wOBA against. With the prices for Kepler and Rosario both coming down a little after Saturday, rolling with these three will also lighten your budget.
Braves vs. Cole Irvin (Phillies)
Freddie Freeman (1B - $5,500), Ronald Acuna Jr. (OF - $5,200), Dansby Swanson (SS - $4,600)
Whether he starts or follows an opener, Irvin is expected to pitch the bulk of the innings for the Phillies in this game. His first stint in the rotation was certainly shaky, including a start against the Cubs where he allowed seven runs over 4.2 innings. Freeman and Acuna will cost a pretty penny, but they could do plenty of damage. Swanson has made significant improvements this season - including in the power department - raising his ISO to .213 compared to his .157 mark last season.
