This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
We have a pair of pivotal Game 3s in the National League with both series tied at 1-1. Adding to the excitement is another opportunity to take home some cash on DraftKings, so let's discuss how these contests could play out and which players to consider.
Starting Pitchers
The big question mark for this slate is whether or not Max Scherzer ($10,100) will start for the Nationals. He pitched an inning in Game 2, so the Nationals might decide to go with Anibal Sanchez ($5,500) instead. Scherzer obviously carries tons of upside with his 35.1 percent strikeout rate. Sanchez isn't all that appealing in DFS based on his 4.44 FIP and 18.8 percent strikeout rate.
Hyun-Jin Ryu ($8,900) experienced a masterful regular season with a 2.32 ERA and a 3.10 FIP. While he's not a big strikeout pitcher, he posted a 1.01 WHIP and allowed only 0.8 HR/9. If Scherzer doesn't take the mound, Ryu will likely be included in a lot of entries.
The matchup between Mike Soroka ($7,500) and Adam Wainwright ($5,700) is an interesting one. Soroka emerged as a very important member of the Braves' rotation, posting a 2.68 ERA and a 3.45 FIP. His calling card was keeping hitters inside the ball park, although his 20.3 percent strikeout rate limits his upside in DFS. The Braves do possess a potent lineup, but this might not actually be a bad spot to deploy Wainwright in tournament play. He's performed better at home, recording a 4.07 FIP and a 1.29 WHIP there compared to a 4.77 FIP and a 1.59 WHIP on the road.
Correlations
If Sanchez starts for the Nationals, expect the Dodgers to be the chalk stack of the night. Max Muncy ($4,600) would be a great target based on his .265 ISO during the regular season and the fact he is 3-for-6 with a home run in the first two games of the series. Cody Bellinger ($4,900) represents another excellent top-tier option while Joc Pederson ($4,400), Corey Seager ($4,000) and Will Smith ($4,100) could also provide value.
Despite enjoying better numbers at home, stacking the Braves versus Wainwright also figures to be one of more popular routes to take. Ronald Acuna Jr. ($5,500) and Freddie Freeman ($4,500) are two bats to build around, especially Freeman when you consider his reasonable price. There is no question his upside isn't nearly as high as Acuna's or Freeman's, but Nick Markakis ($3,600) could also be a viable target. The veteran doesn't strike out much and recorded a .347 wOBA versus right-hand pitchers during the regular season.
One-Offs
For those looking to bet on Ryu having an off performance, Anthony Rendon ($4,600) and Juan Soto ($4,500) obviously carry the highest ceilings for the Nationals. With regards to a cost-effective bat to potentially deploy, Howie Kendrick ($4,100) is worth a look. He's had plenty of success versus lefties, recording a 165 wRC+ against them this season.
Tommy Edman ($4,500) was as hot as it gets for the Cardinals during their playoff push and went 2-for-5 with a double in Game 1. While he went hitless in Game 2, he's arguably one of the top hitters to pursue, regardless if you are stacking the Cardinals or not. Yadier Molina ($3,600) could provide value at the catcher's spot given his 108 wRC+ at home during the regular season, as opposed to a 67 wRC+ on the road.
