This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
The NLCS will take center stage Thursday. The Braves bounced back from a disappointing loss in Game 3 to win Game 4 on the road. With their 3-1 series lead, they'll try to close out the Dodgers with Max Fried on the mound. Making things more complicated for the Dodgers is that Justin Turner (hamstring) will now miss the rest of the playoffs. Let's discuss some players to consider as you build your Showdown lineups on DraftKings.
Captain's Pick
For those new to this format, the player that is selected for the Captain's Pick in your lineup will receive 1.5X the fantasy points. The downside is, whoever you select for that spot, you will also have to pay 1.5X their salary.
Fried ($16,500 Captain's Pick) was locked in during Game 1 of the NLCS, allowing two runs and recording five strikeouts over six innings. He logged six shutout innings against the Brewers in Game 2 of the NLDS and has yet to issue a walk in the playoffs. Coming off of a season in which he had a 3.31 FIP and a 1.09 WHIP, he could be an ideal option for this position.
As of early Thursday morning, the Dodgers had yet to name their starting pitcher for this game. Tony Gonsolin allowed four runs in relief in Game 4, so he won't be an option. If they don't go with Max Scherzer on short rest, then they will probably have to roll with a bullpen game. After slugging a home run in Game 4 and totaling five hits across the last two games, Freddie Freeman ($15,000 Captain's Pick) could take advantage of their unsettled situation.
Top Targets
As good as Fried has been, one of the top-tier hitters on the Dodgers to still consider is Mookie Betts ($10,600). He has five multi-hit performances during the Dodgers' playoff run and is 14-for-38 (.368) with a .432 OBP, overall.
The Dodgers have had a tough time trying to retire Ozzie Albies ($8,800), who has at least one hit in all four games of this series. In fact, he has at least one hit in all but one of the Braves' playoff games this season. Although he's still looking for his first home run of the playoffs, his consistency makes him appealing.
Bargain Bats
Eddie Rosario ($5,000) was the hero of Game 4, slugging two home runs in the Braves' win. He finished the game 4-for-5 at the plate, which was the second time that he's recorded four hits in a game during this series. He's turned out to be a key midseason acquisition for the Braves and his cheap salary makes him appealing in DFS.
It was a disappointing regular season for Joc Pederson ($6,600), who finished with just a 94 wRC+. His .184 ISO was his lowest mark since the 2017 season. He's done plenty of damage in this series against his former team, though, hitting 5-for-16 with a home run and four RBI. He also hit two home runs against the Brewers during the NLDS, so he's caught fire at the right time for the Braves.
