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). With several day games Wednesday, only eight contests will make up the main evening slate on FanDuel.
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STARTING PITCHER
Aaron Nola, PHI vs. WAS ($11,200): Nola has thrown a career-high 188.2 innings this season, but he's certainly not fading down the stretch. Actually, he's stepped up his game in terms of strikeouts, recording 47 of them over his last 34.2 innings. He has given up five home runs across his last two outings, but that's an aberration for him considering he's allowed 0.6 HR/9 overall. This will mark his fifth start of the year against the Nationals after he posted a 1.26 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and a 9.4 K/9 over the first four. He's expensive, but he also carries tremendous upside.
GPP Fade: Luis Severino, NYY at MIN ($10,000): Severino was excellent out of the gate this season, but he's been a different pitcher since the middle of July. Over his last 10 starts, Severino has a 6.97 ERA and a 1.63 WHIP. He has been a bit unlucky based on his 4.37 FIP and .408 BABIP allowed during that stretch, but it's to the point now where the Yankees have to seriously consider starting J.A. Happ over Severino in the AL Wild Card game. Based on his price and recent struggles, it might be best to stay away from the right-hander for your entry.
Cheap GPP Consideration: Carlos Rodon, CWS at KAN ($8,600): Rodon was roughed up a bit in his last two starts, allowing nine runs – eight earned – over 11 innings. He didn't face the easiest matchups, though, against the Red Sox and Angels. Things are more in his favor Wednesday against a Royals squad that has the worst OPS (.651) against left-handed pitching in baseball. Rodon's strikeouts are down this season at 6.8 K/9, but he's priced low enough that he could still provide value in tournament play.
CATCHER/FIRST BASE
Jose Abreu, CWS at KAN ($3,600): Unless Abreu goes on a major tear to end the season, it appears he will fail to hit at least 25 home run and record 100 RBI for the first time in his career. He's still having a productive year with 22 home runs and 78 RBI, but his recent stint on the DL didn't help his cause. He has a favorable opportunity to make up some ground against Eric Skoglund, considering his .391 wOBA against left-handed pitching.
SECOND BASE
Jonathan Villar, BAL vs. OAK ($3,500): A trade to the Orioles has done wonders for Villar's value. In 279 plate appearances with the Brewers this season, Villar had six home runs, 14 steals and a .693 OPS. Since joining the Orioles, Villar has seven homers, 12 steals and an .815 OPS across just 159 plate appearances. He's currently on a nine-game hitting streak and is someone to consider against an A's team that will use Liam Hendriks as their opener as part of a bullpen day.
THIRD BASE
Miguel Andujar, NYY at MIN ($4,100): Andujar still needs to improve defensively, but he's a special player at the plate. He's wasted no time making his mark with the Yankees, batting .299 with 23 home runs and 40 doubles during his rookie campaign. He doesn't walk much, but he also only has a 16.8 percent strikeout rate. He doesn't have the platoon advantage against Jake Odorizzi, but Andujar actually has a .368 wOBA against right-handed pitchers compared to a .342 wOBA against lefties.
SHORTSTOP
Tim Anderson, CWS at KAN ($2,700): Skoglund is having a rough campaign for the Royals, posting a 6.45 ERA and a 5.29 FIP across 10 outings, nine of which were starts. He's only recorded 7.0 K/9 and he's had trouble keeping hitters inside the park, allowing 10 home runs over 51.2 innings. The White Sox could prove to be a productive stack and Anderson might be a player to target at this cheap price. His 18 home runs and 27 doubles are already the best marks of his career, and his wOBA is almost 40 points higher against lefties than righties.
OUTFIELD
Andrew Benintendi, BOS vs. TOR ($3,700): Benintendi might not grab a lot of headlines playing with Mookie Betts and J.D. Martinez, but he's having an excellent season. He's recorded 20 steals for the second consecutive year and he's slugged 16 home runs and 38 doubles. Lefties have given him trouble, but he's someone to consider against Aaron Sanchez based on his 143 wRC+ against righties.
Ramon Laureano, OAK at BAL ($3,000): The A's are rolling right now and are just two games back of the Yankees for home field advantage in the AL Wild Card game. Laureano has earned regular playing time as they've made their push, posting a .369 wOBA over 107 plate appearances since he was recalled from the minors at the beginning of August. He'll face the underwhelming Andrew Cashner in this contest, who has a 1.54 WHIP to go along with a paltry 5.8 K/9.
Avisail Garcia, CWS at KAN ($2,500): Garcia batted a lofty .330 in 2017, but he was due for some regression based on his .392 BABIP. That's certainly been the case this year as his .278 BABIP has led to a .242 average. His strikeout rate has climbed significantly, too, from 19.8 percent last year to 26.3 percent in 2018. He could be a risk worth taking against Skoglund in tournament play, though, based on his career .347 wOBA against lefties.
UTILITY
Shohei Ohtani, LAA vs. TEX ($4,200): Ohtani likely won't throw another pitch in the majors until 2020, but he's put off having Tommy John surgery and is still swinging a hot bat. Over his last 13 games, Ohtani is hitting .405 with six home runs and three doubles. He has a 190 wRC+ against righties overall and could prove to be a tough out for Yovani Gallardo.
