This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
PITCHER
Zach Wheeler, NYM at ATL ($9,000): The Braves haven't been a doormat against righties this season and boast an 11th-ranked .327 wOBA. However, their .316 BABIP probably has some negative regression ahead, and Wheeler also likely has some upcoming statistical correction. The righty sports an 8.54 K/9 and 22.5 strikeout percentage with a 3.88 FIP, so there is potential at his manageable salary. Just note that Wheeler shouldn't be confused as a high-floor option, and there is also potential for bad weather.
Ivan Nova, PIT at CIN ($8,700): This is another game where the weather could be a factor, so Nova's another flier. He's not going to pile up the punchouts with a 5.5 K/9 and 16.5 strikeout percentage, but he's fanned seven batters in consecutive games, and his stingy 0.75 WHIP highlight his ability to avoid bleeding back points by allowing baserunners. It's also a difficult matchup with Cincinnati sporting a .327 wOBA against righties, but Nova's form since joining the Pirates has him in matchup-proof territory (2.50 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 2.65 FIP).
CATCHER
Jett Bandy, MIL at STL ($2,700): With Adam Wainwright sporting a 4.79 ERA dating back to last season, and the Brewers averaging 5.1 runs per game to start 2017, Bandy's a serviceable low-priced flier Thursday. The backstop sports a .222 ISO and .343 wOBA against right-handed hurlers this season, too.
FIRST BASE
Chris Davis, BAL at BOS ($4,200): With Kyle Kendrick making his first start since 2015, this is a slump busting setup for Davis. The veteran first baseman sports a disappointing .315 wOBA against right-handed arms this season, so considering he posted a .390 mark over the previous four years and carries a low cap hit, Davis is worth considering.
SECOND BASE
Daniel Murphy, WAS vs. ARI ($4,800): This is a manageable salary for Murphy considering he sports a 1.001 OPS, .255 ISO and .416 wOBA against right-handed pitchers dating back to last season. It's also a cushy matchup with Braden Shipley making his first start of the season. The 25-year-old righty owns a 4.50 FIP over five Triple-A starts this season, and he allowed a .373 wOBA to left-handed hitters in the majors last year.
THIRD BASE
Travis Shaw, MIL at STL ($3,700): Dating back to last season, Adam Wainwright has allowed a .370 wOBA and 34.7 hard-hit percentage to left-handed batters, so this isn't a tough matchup. Shaw's .332 wOBA against righties this season doesn't jump of the page, but his .260 ISO and position in the heart of the Milwaukee lineup provide a high fantasy ceiling, and especially at his salary.
SHORTSTOP
Trevor Story, COL at SD ($4,400): Admittedly, Story is a high-risk, high-reward target. He received Wednesday off and lands in a potentially soft matchup, though. Additionally, while Luis Perdomo has held right-handed hitters to a .334 wOBA dating back to last season, he's also owns a career 5.63 FIP. Story's .255 ISO and 37.4 hard-hit percentage against righties since entering the league also highlight his power upside.
OUTFIELD
Mike Trout, LAA at SEA ($5,400): Dating back to the beginning of the 2015 campaign, Trout boasts a 1.109 OPS, .259 ISO and .427 wOBA against southpaws. It's not a daunting matchup against Ariel Miranda, either. The lefty has only made 15 career starts and owns a 5.21 FIP while allowing a .347 wOBA to right-handed hitters.
Carlos Gonzalez, COL at SD ($4,300): It's been an underwhelming start for Gonzalez, and even with Colorado posting 11 runs Wednesday, the outfielder turned in a disappointing 1-for-5 outing. After posting a .374 wOBA against righties last year (albeit just .339 on the road), Gonzalez's is in a rebound spot against Luis Perdomo, as the right-handed pitcher has allowed a .377 wOBA to lefty bats dating back to last season.
Seth Smith, BAL at BOS ($3,700): As noted, this is a cushy spot for the Orioles against Kyle Kendricks, while his home park was Coors Field during his last full season in 2015, the righty still surrendered a .413 wOBA to left-handed hitters. Smith has regularly been leading off against righties this season, and he owns a solid .350 on-base percentage and .341 wOBA against them dating back to last season.
