This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
With 10 games making up the main slate on DraftKings, we have plenty of viable options to choose from. Whether it's ace pitchers or big-time power hitters, there's something for everyone. Let's dive into the matchups and discuss which players stand out.
Pitching Overview
With the Indians playing their way back into the playoff race, they might hold onto Trevor Bauer ($11,100) through the trade deadline. He's been a big reason for their recent run of success, most notably recording 57 strikeouts over 40 innings in his last six starts. This will be Bauer's third start of the season against the Royals, against whom he has recorded 18 strikeouts against in 12.2 innings. Since they rank towards the bottom of baseball in most major offensive categories, he'll once again carry significant upside.
Robbie Ray ($10,800) boasts just as appealing of a matchup as Bauer since he will face the Marlins at Marlins Park. Despite having his ups and downs, Ray still represents an excellent strikeout option with his 31 percent strikeout rate. The Marlins don't possess much talent to speak of in their lineup, which has resulted in them hitting the fewest home runs in baseball with 82. To put how bad that is into perspective, the team with the next fewest is the Tigers at 92. Every other team in baseball has gone deep at least 100 times.
With the Mets expected to be sellers at the deadline, Jason Vargas ($6,700) could be someone they look to move. He's rebounded from a disastrous 2018 campaign to record a 3.96 ERA and a 4.66 FIP. His WHIP is even down to 1.25. Normally, Vargas is someone to avoid due to his 20.4 percent strikeout rate not leaving him with significant upside. However, if you are looking to take a chance on a cheap option in tournament play, he's at least worth considering since the Pirates have the lowest wRC+ against left-handed pitchers at 70.
Key Values/Chalk
Dakota Hudson has been playing with fire. Yes, his 3.61 ERA is impressive. However, he also has posted a 5.14 FIP and has allowed way too many baserunners, leaving him with a 1.50 WHIP. That could be prove to be disastrous against the Astros' potent lineup. In particular, Hudson has allowed a .380 wOBA against left-handed hitters. That brings Michael Brantley ($4,800) and Yordan Alvarez ($5,200) into the discussion. If Alvarez sits because there will be no DH spot available, Josh Reddick ($3,400) is also worth considering.
Chris Archer has been done in by the long ball this season, allowing 2.2 HR/9. When you combine that with his 1.42 WHIP, it's not a surprise he's struggled with a career-high 5.40 ERA. Archer will try to turn things around in this start against the Mets, but his propensity for giving up home runs could come back to bite him against Pete Alonso ($4,900) and his .340 ISO.
The Royals will be sending one of their better starters to the mound in Danny Duffy, but he's far from an ace with a 4.32 ERA and 4.59 FIP. The Indians have a few appealing options to consider, the first of which is Jose Ramirez ($4,400), who is .351 with eight home runs and 11 doubles over his last 28 games. With his 174 wRC+ against southpaws, Jordan Luplow ($4,000) could also do some damage here.
Stacks
Twins vs. Dylan Covey (White Sox)
Nelson Cruz (OF - $5,800), Max Kepler (OF - $5,300), Eddie Rosario (OF - $4,900)
The Twins figure to be the chalk team to stack. They are firing on all cylinders right now and Covey has been awful with his 5.61 FIP and 1.51 WHIP. Left-handed hitters have dominated him to the tune of a .415 wOBA, making Kepler and Rosario two prime targets. Although he doesn't have the platoon advantage, Cruz is as hot as it gets with eight home runs over his last eight games.
Rays vs. Aaron Sanchez (Blue Jays)
Austin Meadows (OF - $4,700), Tommy Pham (OF - $4,400), Nate Lowe (1B - $4,000)
Sanchez enjoyed one of his best starts in a while when he held the Indians to one run over five innings in his last outing. However, he had allowed 47 runs - with 46 of them earned - over his previous 42 innings, so don't read too much into one game. The Rays are still a great team to stack. Meadows arguably represents the highest upside on the team, while Pham has also been excellent with his .352 wOBA.
Reds vs. Peter Lambert (Rockies)
Eugenio Suarez (3B - $5,300), Joey Votto (1B - $4,000), Jesse Winker (OF - $4,100)
Lambert's first eight starts in the majors haven't gone well, leaving him with a 5.61 FIP and a 1.46 WHIP. He's also allowed 10 home runs over 41 innings and he's not missing many bats with his 17 percent strikeout rate. All that could lead to a big performance by the Reds. Suarez is hot right now, hitting 13-for-40 with seven home runs across his last 12 games. Votto has also showed signs of life at the plate again while Winker comes in with a .360 wOBA against righties.
