This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Baseball series.
Both the Astros and the Dodgers will be facing elimination Friday, setting up for a tense night of baseball. The two-game slate also gives us another opportunity to win some cash on Yahoo, so let's discuss how both matchups might play out.
Pitchers
The Rays have lost back-to-back games after jumping out to a 3-0 series lead. Because of that cushion, they decided not to start Blake Snell ($46) on short rest Thursday. He'll now start Game 6 in what is yet another opportunity for the Rays to advance to the World Series. While we didn't see his customary strikeout upside in Game 1, he did hold the Astros to one run across five innings. He's arguably the most appealing pitching option for this slate.
Staying in that same game, Framber Valdez ($44) is also a great target. Like Snell, he thrived in Game 1, allowing two runs and recording eight strikeouts across six innings. He was excellent during the regular season, recording a 3.57 ERA and an even more impressive 2.85 FIP. That success has carried over into the playoffs with him allowing four runs and recording 17 strikeouts across 18 innings in three starts.
Top Targets
Even with how well Valdez has been pitching, it's going to be difficult to resist Randy Arozarena ($19). He hit yet another home run Thursday, giving him six in the playoffs. On top of that, he has six multi-hit performances. Having the lefty Valdez on the mound might help continue his hot streak given that he recorded a .591 wOBA against left-handed pitchers during the regular season.
Freddie Freeman ($24) is as hot as it gets. He's currently on a five-game hitting streak that has seen him hit 8-for-18 with two home runs and a double. On top of that, he has six RBI and four runs scored in the NLCS. After recording a .499 wOBA against right-handed pitchers during the regular season, expect him to be a tough out for Dustin May ($36).
Bargain Bats
With Valdez starting for the Astros, expect Mike Brosseau ($12) to be in the starting lineup for the Rays. The right-handed hitter has a career .389 wOBA and .277 ISO against lefties. He is also coming off an impressive regular season in which he recorded a 157 wRC+.
Stacks to Consider
Braves vs. Dustin May ($36), Dodgers: Freddie Freeman ($24), Ronald Acuna Jr. ($23), Ozzie Albies ($18)
This is a tough spot for May, who will be starting only three days after pitching 1.2 innings of relief in Game 1. He hasn't logged more than two innings in any of his three postseason appearances, so it's unclear how long he'll be able to pitch here. If he can't go deep into the game, the Braves could thrive against the Dodgers' struggling bullpen. Freeman and Acuna and the big names here, but don't forget about Albies. He's having a spectacular playoff run, hitting 12-for-37 with two home runs and two doubles.
Dodgers vs. TBD, Braves: Mookie Betts ($20), Cody Bellinger ($18), Justin Turner ($15)
As of early Friday morning, the Braves had yet to announce a starter for this game. They could turn to Max Fried on short rest and might have to since their pitching staff has been decimated by injuries this year. If he does pitch on short rest, doing so against the potent Dodgers' lineup is a tall order. If they go another route, the Dodgers could feast against the underbelly of their bullpen. Either way, the Dodgers should be a popular team to stack. If Fried starts, Turner could be a key mid-tier salary player to consider given his career .356 wOBA against left-handed pitchers. He's also on a five-game hitting streak.
