This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Baseball series.
After Thursday's slate that included games spread throughout the day, we have a robust 14-game evening slate Friday. With so many options to choose from, let's get right to it and discuss some pitchers and stacks that could pay off on Yahoo.
Pitching Overview
Justin Verlander ($60) continues to put up excellent numbers as an Astro, starting off this season with a 3.53 xFIP, 0.87 WHIP and 30.3 percent strikeout rate across eight starts. He'll be facing the Rangers for the third time already. The Rangers got to him in the first game that was played in Globe Life Park in Arlington, but Verlander exacted his revenge by allowing one run and recording eight strikeouts across seven innings at Minute Maid Park. With this game also being played in Houston, Verlander should be among the highest owned pitchers on the slate.
Luis Castillo's ($50) ERA increased by more than a run last year compared to 2017. However, his xFIP only increased from 3.41 to 3.69. He's rebounded to post a microscopic 1.97 ERA this season on the strength of his 0.97 WHIP and 3.17 xFIP. The most encouraging stat, though, has to be in the strikeout department with him raising his strikeout rate to 30.3 percent, which is seven percentage points higher than last season. He'll have a juicy matchup against a Giants team that has the fourth-lowest OPS (.652) in the league, so Castillo is one of the top options to consider.
Speaking of bad lineups, none are worse than the product that the Marlins continue to throw onto the field. They are last in the league with 102 runs scored, which is 19 fewer than the next worst team. In fact, three teams have actually scored at least double the runs that the Marlins have. That shouldn't happen this far into the season. Zack Wheeler ($49) will draw the start against them Friday, so expect him to also be among the ownership leaderboard.
Key Values/Chalk
Why are the Red Sox in third place in their division right now? Well, it hasn't helped their cause that they have played 24 games on the road and 15 games at home. Last year, they recorded a .353 wOBA at Fenway Park compared to a .326 wOBA on the road. Not only will they have the luxury of playing at home Friday, but they will have a favorable matchup against Erik Swanson and his 5.08 xFIP. Expect them to be one of the chalk hitting options for the evening.
The Twins needed to upgrade their offense after recording a .723 OPS last year and ranking in the bottom-third of the league in home runs. With key additions including Nelson Cruz and Jonathan Schoop, the Twins are ranked second in OPS (.822) and fourth in home runs (64). Now they'll face Tyson Ross, who has a 1.62 WHIP this year and hasn't had a strikeout rate above 19.2 percent since 2015. Look for the Twins to hang a crooked number on him here.
It's been a wild couple of days with regards to the weather in Denver. After having Wednesday's game postponed, the Rockies played in frigid temperatures and some snow Thursday. With an improved forecast for Friday, it's time to jump back in on the Coors Field advantage. It also helps their cause that they will be facing Eric Lauer, who had just a 19.8 percent strikeout rate last year and has seen his fly ball rate increase by six percentage points this season.
Stacks
Red Sox vs. Swanson (Mariners)
Mookie Betts (OF - $22), Andrew Benintendi (OF - $19), Mitch Moreland (1B- $17)
While Betts didn't exactly struggle with a .437 wOBA on the road last year, he was even better at Fenway Park with a .463 wOBA. He's 26-for-68 (.382) with four home runs and six doubles across his last 18 games, making him a great Red Sox to build around. Benintendi is also an excellent option with his career .363 wOBA versus right-handed pitching. Moreland brings plenty of power upside to this stack with his .318 ISO to start the season.
Twins vs. Ross (Tigers)
Nelson Cruz (OF - $18), Eddie Rosario (OF- $19), Max Kepler (OF - $17)
Ross held right-handed hitters to a .243 wOBA last year, but with lefties recording a .368 wOBA, Rosario and Kepler stand out as players to target. Rosario is starting to come out of his funk, slugging two home runs during his current five-game hitting streak. While Cruz doesn't have the platoon advantage, it's hard to pass on his power upside. He's also on pace to record an ISO of at least .250 for the sixth-straight season.
Rockies vs. Lauer (Padres)
Nolan Arenado (3B- $25), Trevor Story (SS - $23), Chris Iannetta (C- $13)
Don't overthink this one. If you're stacking Rockies, Arenado and Story must be included. They not only hit well at home, but they crush left-handed pitching. In order to try and offset their hefty price tags, it might be worth taking a chance on Iannetta at catcher. He recently returned from an IL stint due to a lat strain and cranked a home run against the Giants at home Tuesday.
Blue Jays vs. Dylan Covey (White Sox)
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (3B - $9), Rowdy Tellez (1B - $13), Eric Sogard (2B - $17)
For those looking to load up at starting pitcher, the Blue Jays provide a cheap stack with upside. Covey just can't seem to find a way to keep hitters off base, resulting in his career 1.57 WHIP. He's also allowed 33 home runs over 197.2 innings. Guerrero has had a difficult time getting adjusted to the majors, but this could be just the type of underwhelming pitcher that he needs to face to get on track. Covey has allowed a career .355 wOBA against lefties, which brings Tellez and Sogard into play. Tellez strikes out a ton, but he does have at least one hit in eight of his last 11 games.
