This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
Tuesday brings a packed main slate on DraftKings consisting of 11 games. There are several top-tier pitchers set to take the mound, which could make scoring difficult in several games. Let's dive into the matchups and highlight some players to target as you work your way through the options.
Pitchers
Among the aces set to take the mound is Brandon Woodruff ($7,500). He was lights out last season, recording a 31.1 percent strikeout rate and a 0.99 WHIP. He's picked up right where he left off, allowing three runs and nine base runners across 11 innings in his first two starts. Also, he has 13 strikeouts already, eight of which came in his last outing against the Cubs, who he will face again Tuesday.
Luis Castillo's ($7,100) first start of the season was a disaster when he allowed 10 runs (eight earned) across 3.1 innings against the Cardinals. He didn't record a single strikeout while allowing 13 batters to reach base. That was an oddity for him, though, given that he's never finished a season with a WHIP over 1.23. He quickly righted the ship in his next start, shutting out the Pirates across seven innings. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him provide another valuable performance against a Giants team that entered Monday having scored four or fewer runs in seven of their nine games.
Ryan Yarbrough ($7,400) was torched in his last outing, allowing nine runs (six earned) across five innings against the Red Sox. He's not a big strikeout pitcher, but he has a 1.16 WHIP for his career. Tuesday brings a more favorable matchup against the Rangers, who had the second-worst OPS in baseball last season, so Yarbrough could bounce back to provide value at his cheap salary.
Top Targets
The Angels will face left-handed pitcher Danny Duffy ($7,900), who has recorded a FIP of at least 4.70 in each of the last three seasons. He has a 1.32 WHIP for his career, so his struggles to keep hitters off base could be a recipe for disaster against Mike Trout ($6,000).
Alex Bregman ($5,000) has recorded a wRC+ of at least 160 against left-handed pitchers in each of the last four seasons. Not only could he find his way on base a time or two against Matthew Boyd ($6,200), but he also has a noteworthy chance of hitting a home run given that Boyd has allowed 1.7 HR/9 for his career. Jose Altuve ($5,600) hasn't been quite as potent as Bregman, but he's not far behind him with a 146 wRC+ against lefties, making him another top target on the Astros.
Bargain Bats
After missing all of 2020, Mitch Haniger ($3,700) has played well in the early going. He has recorded at least one hit in eight of his first nine games, including two home runs and three doubles. He had recorded a wOBA of at least .379 against left-handed pitchers in both of his last two seasons, so he's at least worth considering against John Means ($7,800).
If you want to take advantage of the Astros' matchup against Duffy, but can't squeeze the high salaries of Bregman and Altuve into your lineup, consider taking a chance on Yuli Gurriel ($3,900). He's produced a wRC+ of at least 138 against left-handed pitchers in two of the last three seasons.
Stacks to Consider
Dodgers vs. Antonio Senzatela ($6,000), Rockies: Mookie Betts ($5,900), Corey Seager ($5,500), Max Muncy ($5,200)
The good news for Senzatela is that he doesn't have to pitch at Coors Field. The bad news is that he has to face the Dodgers. The Dodgers roughed him up in his season debut, scoring seven runs across 3.1 innings. Betts did not play Sunday because of a back issue, but the team indicated he could return for this game, so be sure to look out for updates on him throughout the day. Although Seager is still looking for his first home run of the season, he's off to a great start by hitting 13-for-38 (.342) with a .444 OBP.
Rays vs. Kyle Gibson ($5,600), Rangers: Randy Arozarena ($5,300), Brandon Lowe ($4,500), Austin Meadows ($4,800)
Talk about two contrasting outings. Gibson only recorded one out in his season opener against the Royals, allowing five runs before he was pulled. However, he followed that up by shutting out the Blue Jays over six innings in his last start. Given his career 1.42 WHIP, he's likely going to struggle, more often than not. Arozarena has followed up his strong playoff run by hitting 11-for-38 with two home runs out of the gate.
Orioles vs. Nick Margevicius ($5,300), Mariners: Trey Mancini ($5,000), Anthony Santander ($4,100), Ryan Mountcastle ($3,900)
Margevicius certainly isn't an overpowering force, recording an 18.1 percent strikeout rate for his career. He had very little experience before making his big-league debut with the Padres in 2019 since he had never pitched above Double-A. It's been a rough start for him in the majors, recording a 5.94 ERA and a 5.21 FIP across 103 innings. Pitching at the Orioles' hitter-friendly home park could get ugly in a hurry.
