This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
We close out the weekend with nine games making up the main afternoon slate on DraftKings. There are a lot of quality pitchers set to take the mound, so finding viable hitters might not be that easy despite the bounty of games. Let's dive into the matchups and discuss which ones stand out.
Pitching Overview
The most expensive pitcher is Jacob deGrom ($10,800) for his matchup with the Marlins. Even though he hasn't been able to duplicate his stellar 2018 campaign, he hasn't been pitching poorly with his 3.27 ERA and 3.14 FIP. deGrom once again a dominant force with his 30.7 percent strikeout rate and he does a great job of limiting baserunners, leaving him with a 1.09 WHIP. The Marlins haven't been nearly as inept as they were earlier this season, but they are still lacking talent in their lineup. Although he won't leave you a lot to spend on your hitters, this is a prime opportunity for deGrom to thrive.
Working our way to the more cost-effective options brings us to Anibal Sanchez ($8,300), who sometimes is a forgotten man in the Nationals deep rotation. It's hard to argue with the results, since he's allowed two runs or fewer in six of his last seven starts. He'll be facing a Phillies' lineup that is no walk in the park, but they only have recorded a 92 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers. Sanchez likely won't be included in a lot of lineups, making him worth considering in tournament play.
Sandy Alcantara ($6,300) doesn't overwhelm many hitters, resulting in just a 16.1 percent strikeout rate. He's been a bit lucky to post a 3.82 ERA based on his 4.61 FIP and 1.40 WHIP. However, working in Alcantara's favor is the fact he's only allowed 0.9 HR/9. He'll be facing a Mets team with a 92 wRC+ on the road compared to a 113 wRC+ at home, making him another intriguing tournament option since this game will be played in Marlins Park.
Key Values/Chalk
Trevor Williams will be facing the Cubs for the second time in as many starts. His last outing did not go well with him allowing five runs over 5.2 innings. Over his last three starts, he's allowed 16 runs over 17.1 innings, so to say he's been struggling lately would be an understatement. Left-handed hitters have recorded a .340 wOBA against Williams this season, making Anthony Rizzo ($4,600), Kyle Schwarber ($4,000) and Jason Heyward ($4,200) all viable targets.
Normally, the Giants don't possess a lineup worth targeting in DFS. However, facing Jhoulys Chacin in a more hitter-friendly environment at Miller Park could bring them into the discussion in tournament play. Chacin certainly has not pitched well, posting a 5.61 FIP and a 1.49 WHIP. Evan Longoria ($4,600) has smacked six home runs across his last eight games, so this might be an excellent spot to take advantage of his hot streak.
Like the Giants, the Royals aren't exactly busting at the seams with prolific hitters. With that being said, they could still be in line for a productive evening against Jordan Zimmermann and his bloated 1.56 WHIP. He's allowed at least five runs in five of his 10 starts to go along with a paltry 15.1 percent strikeout rate. Rolling with the trio of Whit Merrifield ($5,000), Adalberto Mondesi ($4,900) and Hunter Dozier ($4,300) could prove to be profitable.
Stacks
Nationals vs. Jake Arrieta (Phillies)
Juan Soto (OF - $5,200), Anthony Rendon (3B - $5,400), Adam Eaton (OF- $4,000)
Arrieta has been battling a bone spur in his elbow, but he's going to continue to try and pitch through the pain. The injury may be impacting his performance since he's allowed 29 runs - including 28 earned - over 38 innings in his last seven starts. With his .387 wOBA allowed to left-handed hitters, Soto and Eaton could provide significant production. Rendon is also a great target despite his lack of a platoon advantage, as he is enjoying the best season on his career with a 150 wRC+.
Brewers vs. Tyler Beede (Giants)
Christian Yelich (OF - $5,800), Mike Moustakas (2B/3B - $4,600), Eric Thames (1B - $4,800)
There aren't many stats working in Beede's favor. His 5.64 ERA is backed by a 5.55 FIP and he's allowed 1.6 HR/9. That's a recipe for disaster when you also factor in his 1.66 WHIP. To pile on even further, Beede has underperformed with a 5.83 road FIP compared to a 4.82 FIP at home. This left-handed trio all carries tremendous power upside and could be in line for a big afternoon considering Beede has allowed a .368 wOBA versus lefties.
Rays vs. TBD (Orioles)
Tommy Pham (OF - $4,400), Nate Lowe (1B - $3,600), Kevin Kiermaier (OF - $4,700)
This is about as bad as it gets for the Orioles. Their pitching staff is already one of the worst in baseball, but now they are coming off a doubleheader Saturday. To make matters worse, they also traded Sunday's scheduled starter Andrew Cashner to the Red Sox on Saturday. As of early Sunday morning, they had yet to name a starter. They could even go the opener route. Regardless, they will likely be sending a bad pitcher to the mound. Pham remains one of the most dangerous hitters in the Rays' lineup, while Lowe has launched five home runs across his last six games. Kiermaier has been hot in his own right, hitting 12-for-34 with a home run and two doubles over his last nine games.
