This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
For Tuesday's All-Star Game, there's a salary cap of $50,000 for a six-player roster. Additionally, you have to select at least one player from both leagues, and you can't have more than four hitters from one team. Here's some suggestions…
Mike Trout, AL vs. NL ($9,100): Trout is the best player in baseball. He's hitting at his usual pace, as he has an 1.060 OPS and 25 homers. On top of that, he has 15 stolen bases, if he feels like trying to swipe a bag in this game. As a starter, he's likely to get a couple of at-bats, which is more than most players are going to be able to say.
Josh Hader, NL at AL ($8,600): Hader has a staggering 16.69 K/9 rate. Nobody in baseball is better. He's used to coming into a game in progress and trying to strike out the side. Pitching in an All-Star Game should feel relatively normal to him, and if he doesn't pick up at least one strikeout it would be a bit surprising.
J.D. Martinez, AL vs. NL ($8,100):The presence of the DH means Martinez gets to be a starter, but without having to worry about playing the field. He's currently leading MLB with 29 homers, and there's no reason for him not to swing away at the All-Star Game. Power and opportunity go a long way in a contest like this.
Edwin Diaz, AL vs. NL ($7,600): Diaz has arguably had an even better season than Hader, which is saying something. His K/9 rate isn't quite on the same level, but whiffing 14.81 batters per nine innings is nothing to sneeze at. Plus, his 1.46 FIP is one of the lowest in the league. Relief pitchers aren't the most fun to see in an All-Star Game, but that doesn't mean they aren't good for your daily fantasy lineup.
Bryce Harper, NL at AL ($7,400): Harper is starting for the National League in his home ballpark, so maybe they will let him have an extra at-bat before taking him out of the game. It feels like Harper would ask for that kind of thing. His batting average is abysmal thanks to a .226 BABIP, but he still has 23 homers in 94 games. Maybe he'll have more luck in this game than he's had all season.
Manny Machado, AL vs. NL ($7,100): Machado is having a career year, posting personal bests across the board in batting average, OBP, and slugging percentage. Though he has to go up against Max Scherzer to start the game, Machado could still be alright. After all, he has a 1.002 OPS against righties this season. It's not an easy matchup but, again, how often does that happen in the All-Star Game?
