This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
After a bevy of day games Monday, we have a full evening slate Tuesday. The top four teams in the AL East, who are all in the hunt for a playoff spot, will continue to battle each other when the Red Sox host the Rays and the Blue Jays take on the Yankees. The Yankees will have their ace Gerrit Cole on the mound, who had 15 strikeouts in his last start against the Angels. A potential spot for a lot of runs to be scored will be the Giants traveling to Coors Field to take on the Rockies. Let's get down to business and highlight some players to consider for your DraftKings lineups.
Pitchers
Blake Snell ($9,200) has caught fire when the Padres have needed him the most. Overall, he's had a disappointing season. However, over his last six starts, he has a 1.72 ERA and a 0.85 WHIP. During that stretch, he recorded 54 strikeouts over 36.2 innings. He has a 2.79 FIP and a 1.01 WHIP at home, so he could provide another valuable stat line when he starts there against the Angels, who also won't have the luxury of the DH playing in the National League park.
The Braves have to be thrilled with the performance of Max Fried ($8,600), who has turned into one of the anchors of their starting rotation. He has a 3.51 ERA that is supported by a 3.52 FIP and has done a good job of limiting base runners, leaving him with a 1.18 WHIP. Up next is another start against a Nationals team that he faced twice previously in August. Across those two starts, he allowed three runs (two earned) and recorded 12 strikeouts in 12 innings.
It's been a disappointing campaign for Zac Gallen ($7,900), who didn't have an ERA over 2.81 in either of his first two seasons in the majors. This year, his 4.34 FIP is supported by a 4.49 FIP. His 1.32 WHIP is part of the reason for his regression, as well as the fact that he's allowed 1.5 HR/9. With that being said, he could provide value in a matchup against the Rangers, who have the second-worst OPS in baseball.
Top Targets
The Cubs are continuing to piece together their starting rotation down the stretch and will send Adrian Sampson ($5,000) to the mound against the Reds. He has a 5.76 FIP and has allowed 2.1 HR/9 for his career, so the Reds could be in line for a productive evening. That includes Joey Votto ($4,900), who has a .338 ISO and a .426 wOBA against right-handed pitchers.
J.A. Happ ($7,100) initially pitched well for the Cardinals after being acquired from the Twins, allowing five runs across his last 23.1 innings prior to his previous start against the Reds. However, during that four-start stretch, he faced the Pirates three times and the Royals once, so the matchups were certainly in his favor. The Reds ended his hot streak, scoring seven runs with Happ only recording three outs. Now a matchup with the Dodgers could bring more trouble. Among the more appealing Dodgers to pursue is Trea Turner ($4,900), who has a .374 wOBA to go along with his 21 home runs and 26 steals.
Bargain Bats
When a left-handed pitcher is on the mound, it's time to target Andrew McCutchen ($3,800). He has a 160 wRC+ against them for his career, which includes a 186 wRC+ this season. He'll try to keep that level of success in a matchup versus the Brewers and Eric Lauer ($8,800).
With the right-hander Sampson on the mound for the Cubs, Tyler Naquin ($2,900) will likely be in the lineup for the Reds. He's already set a new career-high with 19 home runs and his .351 wOBA is on pace to be the second-highest mark of his career. He's been even better with a .366 wOBA versus righties.
Stacks to Consider
Giants vs. Chi Chi Gonzalez ($5,100), Rockies: Brandon Crawford ($4,600), Evan Longoria ($4,300), Brandon Belt ($4,500)
The Giants have proven to have a dangerous lineup since they have the fifth-highest OPS in baseball. A trip to Coors Field could further fuel their lineup. Also working in their favor is a matchup against Gonzalez, who has a 5.46 FIP and a 1.46 WHIP. At the center of their production could be Crawford, who has a .364 wOBA.
Padres vs. Packy Naughton ($5,900), Angels: Fernando Tatis Jr. ($6,100), Manny Machado ($5,500), Wil Myers ($3,400)
After struggling with a 1.46 WHIP at Triple-A, Naughton has allowed 16 base runners over nine innings with the Angels. In fact, he has more walks (five) than strikeouts (four). That could lead to a big night for the Padres, who certainly have some dangerous hitters in their lineup. While his salary is pricey, Tatis could be well worth it given his .353 ISO.
Royals vs. Alexander Wells ($5,000), Orioles: Salvador Perez ($5,800), Adalberto Mondesi ($4,400), Edward Olivares ($2,900)
The Orioles are set to give Wells another start, which will be his fourth of the season. He's made six total appearances with the team, posting a bloated 1.93 WHIP along the way. He's never had a strikeout rate above 21.9 percent at any of his stops in the minors, so he's not exactly an overpowering force. The Royals lineup is more dangerous with Mondesi finally healthy and he has immediately made an impact. In four games since being activated from the IL (three starts), he's already racked up six steals.
