This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
Sunday brings another busy afternoon in the majors with 10 games making up the main slate on DraftKings. Based on some of the starting pitchers who are scheduled to appear, several lineups could be in line for huge performances. Let's discuss which hitters stand out, as well as a few pitchers who could help lead you to a winning entry.
Pitching Overview
The Rays will wrap up their series against the White Sox with Blake Snell ($11,000) on the mound. This matchup has to be a welcome sight for him, as he's endured a stretch with tremendously tough opponents. Over his last seven starts, he faced the Red Sox, Angels, Twins, Rangers and the Yankees three times. While he was hammered in a couple of outings, he allowed four runs - including three earned - and recorded 21 strikeouts over 16 innings in his last three starts. Look for him to miss plenty of bats here with the White Sox striking out the ninth-most times in baseball.
It's pretty crazy the Yankees own such a huge lead in the AL East despite numerous injuries. And they've also received underwhelming production from James Paxton ($9,500), their big addition to the starting staff over the winter. His 1.43 WHIP would rank as his highest mark since 2015, although he has been somewhat victimized by a .357 opponents BABIP. Paxton's started to look more like his old self lately, allowing two runs or fewer in five of his last six starts. With the Rockies posting the worst wRC+ (66) on the road, this could be a great spot to deploy him.
Zach Plesac ($7,000) was rolling in his last start against the Tigers, throwing three shutout innings before a lengthy rain delay ended his evening. While not the most overpowering of pitchers, he's shown he can take advantage of favorable matchups. Plesac even held both the Red Sox and Yankees to two runs or fewer the two times he faced them. With the Royals ranking in the bottom-third of the league in most major offensive categories, he makes a lot of sense in tournament play.
Key Values/Chalk
One of the most futile lineups in baseball at the start of the season, the Indians have looked significantly more potent of late. They should keep things rolling against Glenn Sparkman, who has only managed a 4.54 ERA and an even worse 5.42 FIP. Left-handed hitters have recorded a .351 wOBA against him, making Francisco Lindor ($5,100) and Jose Ramirez ($4,600) two big names to consider. Cheaper options like Tyler Naquin ($4,400) and Jason Kipnis ($3,700) could also provide significant value.
The Phillies are one of the contending teams rumored to be looking for a starting pitcher before the trade deadline. Some of that has to do with the poor performance of Vince Velasquez, who has struggled with a 5.88 FIP and a 1.39 WHIP. The Pirates will receive the benefit of facing him Sunday, leaving a few of their hitters as intriguing options. Bryan Reynolds ($4,700) has looked excellent with his 145 wRC+ and Adam Frazier ($3,900) is swinging a hot bat by going .393 with a home run and eight doubles over his last 14 games.
The Orioles will look to take advantage of the warm weather and their former teammate Andrew Cashner when they close out their series with the Red Sox. His first start since being traded did not go well when he allowed six runs - including five earned - over six innings against the Blue Jays. And Cashner's posted a mediocre 4.09 ERA and a 4.53 FIP for the season. Not only could this be a great spot to deploy Trey Mancini ($4,300), but Anthony Santander ($4,100) remains a viable target since he's hit .385 with two home runs in his last 10 games.
Stacks
Red Sox vs. Asher Wojciechowski (Orioles)
Xander Bogaerts (SS - $5,600), Rafael Devers (3B - $5,500), Brock Holt (2B - $4,000)
After John Means held them in check Friday night, the Red Sox bounced back with 17 runs Saturday. It's not a surprise they struggled against Means, who has been by far the best pitcher on the Orioles. However, they are set up to feast again versus Wojciechowski, who has allowed 10 runs over 15.2 innings with the Orioles. It's not hard to make a case for rostering most of the Red Sox's hitters here, but these three particularly stand out based on their recent hot streaks.
Rangers vs. Rogelio Armenteros (Astros)
Joey Gallo (OF - $5,000), Shin-Soo Choo (OF - $4,600), Danny Santana (2B/OF - $5,400)
For a squad as solid as the Astros, the back of their rotation leaves a lot to be desired. Armenteros has made three appearances out of the bullpen, but this will mark his first start with the team. Considering he recorded a 5.05 ERA and 4.98 FIP at Triple-A, the Rangers could be in line to score plenty of runs. Gallo could particularly do some damage since Armenteros also allowed 1.6 HR/9 during his time in the minors this year.
Yankees vs. German Marquez (Rockies)
Aaron Judge (OF - $4,900), Aaron Hicks (OF - $4,600), Didi Gregorius (SS - $3,900)
Marquez enjoyed a breakout campaign for the Rockies last year, finishing with a 3.77 ERA and a 3.40 FIP despite having to pitch his home games at Coors Field. While his FIP still isn't bad this year at 3.91, his ERA has jumped all the way to 5.12. Part of the reason for that might be due to missing fewer bats and posting a 23.2 percent strikeout rate compared to a 28.2 percent mark last year. Judge is normally a good target whenever the Yankees play at home, since he's managed a career 189 wRC+ there. Hicks could also so some damage based on his .357 wOBA against righties this season.
