This article is part of our FanDuel MLB series.
The players featured in this piece will be building blocks that can work in several lineup configurations (cash and GPP). Friday's slated is loaded with quality starting pitching options as Aaron Nola, Carlos Carrasco, Blake Snell, Patrick Corbin and Clayton Kershaw are all scheduled to take the mound.
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STARTING PITCHER
Aaron Nola, PHI at NYM ($11,300): Nola allowed four runs in his last start against the Cubs, which was only the third time he has allowed more than three runs in a game this season. He managed to salvage his line, though, with 11 strikeouts across 5.2 innings. Nola is racking up strikeouts down the stretch, recording 39 of them over 27.2 innings in his last four outings. This will be his fifth start of the season against the Mets after he posted a 1.44 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and a 10.4 K/9 across the first four. The Mets have the lowest home OPS (.632) in baseball, leaving Nola with tremendous upside once again.
GPP Fade: Gerrit Cole, HOU at BOS ($10,400): Cole was untouchable to start the season, entering June with a 2.05 ERA. While his torrid pace was unsustainable, he has still been great with a 3.45 ERA supported by an even better 2.91 FIP since June 1. He's been a great source for strikeouts all year, too, with a 12.4 K/9. The problem is, this is a tough matchup on the road against the Red Sox. On a night with so many quality pitching options, putting Cole in your lineup seems like an unnecessary risk to take.
Cheap GPP Consideration: Chris Archer, PIT vs. MIA ($7,400): Archer has had a disappointing start to his career with the Pirates, posting a 5.40 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP across six starts. His 4.10 FIP during that stretch indicates he hasn't exactly pitched that poorly, though, and he's still provided 9.2 K/9. He pitched exclusively out of the stretch in his last start against the Braves, allowing only one run in six innings. He started against the Marlins earlier this season while still a member of the Rays, giving up four runs (three earned) and recording 13 strikeouts in six innings. Considering his strikeout upside and the Marlins inability to score runs, Archer is someone to consider at this cheap price in tournament play.
CATCHER/FIRST BASE
Wilson Ramos, PHI at NYM ($2,900): Ramos has been a valuable addition for the Phillies, batting .362 with a .596 slugging percentage since joining the team. His .457 BABIP during that stretch is unsustainable, but he was batting .297 with a .488 slugging percentage with the Rays. With his .395 wOBA against left-handed pitching, Ramos is a viable option for your entry facing Steven Matz.
SECOND BASE
Whit Merrifield, KAN at MIN ($3,700): Merrifield slugged 19 home runs in 2017, but only has 11 as we head down the stretch this year. His slugging percentage has actually increased, though, boosted by his 36 doubles. He also has a .369 OBP and 30 stolen bases. Like Ramos, Merrifield has excelled against lefties with a .402 wOBA. Stephen Gonsalves will start for the Twins, who has a 2.90 WHIP and twice as many walks (10) as strikeouts (five) over his first three starts in the majors.
THIRD BASE
Alex Bregman, HOU at BOS ($4,800): The Astros have a lot of talented hitters, but Bregman may have the highest overall upside of any of them. He's hit for a ton of power with 29 home runs and 47 doubles while batting .298 with a .399 OBP. He has also lowered his strikeout rate to a stellar 11.5 percent. Amazingly, he's been even hotter of late, posting a 255 wRC+ over his last 20 games. David Price is starting for the Red Sox, which is another positive for Bregman based on his .430 wOBA against lefties.
SHORTSTOP
Francisco Lindor, CLE at TOR ($4,700): Lindor only had two home runs in August, but he already has four long balls in September. He has 33 home runs on the season, overall, so it was only a matter of time before he heated up again. Lindor finished with exactly 99 runs scored in both of the last two seasons, but he's already blown by that mark with 117 this year. Friday brings an excellent matchup against Marco Estrada, who has a 1.41 WHIP and has allowed 1.8 HR/9.
OUTFIELD
Jose Martinez, STL at DET ($3,600): Martinez is an excellent hitter, but he's had problems staying in the lineup at times this season due to his defensive deficiencies. He's back to playing every day now and will have the opportunity to serve as the DH with this game being played in Detroit. He'll face Daniel Norris, who hasn't been able to live up to his lofty prospect status with a 1.44 WHIP during his career in the majors. Martinez hasn't hit lefties as well as he did in 2017, but he still has a .351 wOBA against them this year.
Marcell Ozuna, STL at DET ($3,100): Ozuna is trying to finish out what has largely been a disappointing season on a high note, posting a .380 wOBA and a 141 wRC+ since August 1. He's struggled with a 93 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers this year, but he has a 126 wRC+ against lefties and is another Cardinal to consider against Norris.
Kevin Kiermaier, TB vs. BAL ($2,800): Kiermaier has been limited to 74 games due to injury and hasn't played well when he has been on the field. However, he's showing signs of turning things around, batting .358 with a 193 wRC+ across his last 15 games. He'll face Dylan Bundy in this contest, who has allowed at least five runs in six of his last 10 starts.
UTILITY
Hunter Dozier, KAN at MIN ($3,100): Dozier has been a strikeout machine with a 29.6 percent strikeout rate. He's still getting a chance to play regularly down the stretch for the rebuilding Royals and is hitting well with a .407 wOBA over his last 17 games. He has four home runs and six doubles during that stretch, so he might be worth considering in tournament play against the Gonsalves.
