This article is part of our FanDuel MLB series.
Wednesday brings us a healthy eight games for the main slate and there are some interesting matchups featuring the best starting pitching in baseball. Let's dive in to see who to consider.
Pitching
Jacob deGrom, NYM vs. CHC ($12,000): Obviously it's not a stretch to mention the pitcher with the highest salary cap hit. However, it's noteworthy as there are five pitchers carrying a salary of $9,000 or more, which could diversify roster rates at the position. The Cubs have the 10th highest strikeout rate against right-handed pitchers at 25.1 percent, and deGrom has a 0.56 ERA while averaging 55.7 fantasy points per game. Start your cash game lineup here.
Merrill Kelly, ARI at SD ($6,400): This is purely a GPP play if you want to load up on offense. Kelly has been pretty consistent over his last nine starts, averaging just over 30 fantasy points per start. The Giants have the second-highest strikeout rate at 26.6 percent against right-handed pitching and their .319 wOBA against that handedness is around league average.
Top Targets
Jose Altuve, HOU vs. TEX ($4,000): Altuve will be at home, where he has a .384 wOBA. In a season where batting averages have been down, Jordan Lyles comes into this game with a 5.37 ERA and his 1.52 WHIP supports an ERA that poor. Lyles has also had a reverse split this season, allowing a .384 wOBA to right-handed hitters. The added bonus of using Altuve is getting to fill your second base spot with a quality hitter.
Nelson Cruz, MIN at SEA ($3,900): Cruz is on the wrong side of 40 yet he's still hitting like he's in his prime. Anytime he's up against a southpaw such as Justus Sheffield, he should be in your lineup. Cruz has a mammoth .448 wOBA against left-handed pitching this season, while Sheffield has surrendered a .359 wOBA this season to right-handed hitters.
Value Bats
Harold Ramirez, CLE vs. BAL ($2,500): This is a ridiculously low salary cap hit, as Ramirez is averaging 7.9 fantasy points a game. Looking at his splits, he has a .387 wOBA against lefties (albeit in a small sample) but it's not like Keegan Akin is a top-tier prospect. Ramirez should also be batting in a good RBI spot, adding to his value, and getting a day off Tuesday should only help.
Gary Sanchez, NYY at TOR ($2,700): Sanchez has not had the greatest season in certain categories (.219 BA) but he also has eight home runs, He will be at Sahlen Field facing Ross Stripling and his 4.91 ERA. I like Sanchez given his low salary cap hit and that he usually flies under the radar being a catcher.
Stacks To Consider
Twins at Sheffield: Cruz, Jorge Polanco ($3,800), Josh Donaldson ($3,600), Miguel Sano ($3,200)
All of these players hit lefties well and the Twins are a favorite on the road in a game that has a 8.5 over/under. Sheffield has struggled against both sides of the plate this season but has been worse against right-handed batters, allowing a .359 wOBA.
Astros vs. Lyles: Altuve, Yordan Alvarez ($4,000), Alex Bregman ($3,500), Michael Brantley ($3,000)
At the low salary cap hit, Brantley could have easily ended up in the Value Bats section given his upside. I don't trust Lyles on the road and against a loaded Houston lineup. Alvarez has 18.7 fantasy points (points equivalent to a home run) or more in three of his last seven games, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see him go yard.
