DraftKings MLB: Thursday Picks

DraftKings MLB: Thursday Picks

This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.

PITCHER

Gerrit Cole, PIT vs. MIA ($8,500): Counting on a bounce-back start from Cole could reward. He's been beat around in three consecutive outings, but put together a sterling eight-game run (2.25 ERA and 8.3 K/9) prior to that poor stretch. This is also a letdown spot for the Marlins. Miami pulled out a road win against the Cubs on Wednesday after losing the first two games of the series, and bring an underwhelming .312 wOBA against right-handed hurlers to pitcher-friendly PNC Park to face Cole.

Jake Odorizzi, TB vs. CHW ($7,900): The 27-year-old righty has drastic home-road splits, and life has been good for Odorizzi at Tropicana Field. He sports a 2.90 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 7.5 K/9 through five home starts, and Tampa Bay are significant favorites against the White Sox. Chicago enters the game with a 28th-ranked .293 wOBA and target-worthy 23.7 strikeout percentage against righties this season, too.

CATCHER

Evan Gattis, HOU at KC ($3,900):Jason Hammel has struggled mightily against right-handed hitters this season and allowed a .396 wOBA. Gattis has also shown well against righty arms with a .353 mark and 36.6 hard-hit percentage. While it isn't the traditional handedness advantage, the numbers jibe.

FIRST BASE

Mitch Moreland, BOS at NYY ($3,300): Make no mistake, this is a tough matchup with Michael Pineda allowing just a .333 wOBA to left-handed hitters over the past two seasons. However, the righty also owns a 5.16 FIP over his past five starts, and Moreland boasts a .353 wOBA and 43.7 hard-hit percentage against righties this year. The price is right, too.

SECOND BASE

Cesar Hernandez, PHI at ATL ($3,800): Locked into the leadoff spot and sporting a .368 on-base percentage and respectable .341 wOBA against right-handed hurlers, Hernandez is a potential flier against R.A. Dickey. The knuckleballer has surrendered a .365 wOBA to left-handed hitters over the past two seasons.

THIRD BASE

Miguel Sano, MIN at SEA ($4,900): While it isn't the traditional handedness advantage, Sano has destroyed right-handed pitchers this season with a 1.030 OPS, .308 ISO and .430 wOBA. Dating back to last season, opposing hurler Christian Bergman has also surrendered a .419 wOBA and 2.31 HR/9 to right-handed batters.

SHORTSTOP

Carlos Correa, HOU at KC ($5,500): Hope the price keeps Correa's ownership in check because the matchup jumps off the page, as noted. The shortstop is in the midst of a breakout campaign and sports a .398 wOBA against right-handed arms this season. Correa also boasts a high-floor, high-ceiling combo hitting in the heart of the highest-scoring lineup in the majors.

OUTFIELD

Mookie Betts, BOS at NYY ($4,100): Another Red Sox to consider against Michael Pineda in a contrarian stack, Betts' salary jumps out at this discounted salary. Pineda has allowed a 2.23 HR/9 to right-handed hitters this season, and Betts sports a rock-solid .859 OPS and .366 wOBA against righty arms dating back to the 2015 campaign.

Aaron Altherr, PHI vs. ATL ($3,400): This is a manageable salary and favorable matchup to target Altherr. He's slowed down after a torrid start to the season but remains in the heart of the Phily lineup and owns a .404 wOBA against right-handed hurlers this season. R.A. Dickey has also allowed a .389 wOBA to right-handed hitters this year to highlight, as well.

Ben Gamel, SEA vs. MIN ($3,400): With a .430 on-base percentage and .392 wOBA against right-handed hurlers this season, Gamel is a strong option, and especially at this salary. He hits second against righties, and draws a favorable matchup with Kyle Gibson having served up a .388 wOBA to left-handed hitters dating back to last season.

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire. Neil Parker plays in daily fantasy contests using the following accounts: FanDuel: naparker77, DraftKings: naparker77.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neil Parker
Neil is a former RotoWire contributor. A loyal Cubs, Cowboys and Maple Leafs fan for decades, Neil had contributed to RotoWire since 2014. He previously worked for USA Today Fantasy Sports.
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