This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Baseball series.
Wednesday brings another busy night of baseball with 14 games making up the main evening slate on Yahoo. There are some big name pitchers set to take the mound as well as some lineups in favorable spots to thrive, meaning you could go a few different ways with your lineup. Let's discuss some of the better possibilities to pursue.
Pitching Overview
Coors Field and the Rockies got to Walker Buehler ($55) in his last start, leaving him to allow seven runs across 5.2 innings. He had allowed three runs over 31 innings in his last four starts, so don't get too worried about one bad outing. He'll face the Diamondbacks for the second time in a month after holding them to one run and recording 11 strikeouts across eight innings in their last matchup. Don't hesitate to pay up for his services.
Mike Clevinger's ($50) season has marred by injuries, leaving him to make just four starts. His last two have been a disaster with him allowing 12 runs over 6.1 innings. That's especially concerning since one of those outings came against the Orioles and their lackluster lineup. He'll look to right the ship against the Royals, who are in the bottom-third of the league in both runs scored and OPS. Taking a risk on him at this reduced price could pay off.
Continuing to work our way down the price scale brings us to John Means ($43), who has named to the All-Star team based on his excellent first half. His 3.96 FIP isn't as promising as his 2.50 ERA, although he does a good job of limiting home runs and walks, which has been a big reason for his success. He'll be facing a Rays team that has a 105 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers, but only a 94 wRC+ against lefties. If you're looking to save a few bucks at pitcher, Means is someone to at least consider.
Key Values/Chalk
After Sean Reid-Foley was needed out of the bullpen Tuesday, the Blue Jays will activate Jacob Waguespack (shoulder) off the IL to make a start against the Red Sox. He hasn't pitched well at Triple-A this year, posting a 5.30 ERA that is supported by a 5.41 FIP. Rafael Devers ($21) stands out as one of the top hitters to target since he is 31-for-66 (.470) with five home runs and eight doubles over his last 16 games. Jackie Bradley Jr. ($20) could also be a viable option with a righty on the mound. He's been playing well in his own right by hitting 17-for-43 (.395) with two home runs over his last 11 games.
The Yankees continue to thrive despite a litany of significant injuries. They'll look to keep things rolling against Jason Vargas, who has actually been a much improved pitcher this season. With that being said, he still has a 4.37 FIP to go along with a 20.2 percent strikeout rate. DJ LeMahieu ($27) should be a popular option since he is 30-for-66 (.455) with five home runs, five doubles and 20 RBI over his last 15 games.
The Phillies will have an opportunity to hang a crooked number on Bryse Wilson, who will be making just his third start of the season for the Braves. His first two didn't go well, one of which came against these same Phillies back in March when he allowed four runs over 3.1 innings. Expect to see Bryce Harper ($21) and Rhys Hoskins ($18) included in plenty of lineups.
Stacks
Astros vs. Peter Lambert (Rockies)
George Springer (OF - $25), Alex Bregman (SS - $23), Jose Altuve (2B- $15)
Lambert is quickly learning that pitching in Coors Field is going to be no easy task. In his first two starts on the road, he's allowed four runs across 12 innings. However, he's been torched for 14 runs over 12.2 innings in three starts at home. The Astros' hitters won't come cheap, but their upside is as high as anyone on this slate. Altuve is an extremely talented hitter who has started to come around by hitting 17-for-44 (.386) with four doubles and a home run over his last 10 games, making him very appealing at this price.
Rockies vs. Wade Miley (Astros)
Nolan Arenado (3B - $21), Trevor Story (SS - $21), Ian Desmond (OF - $19)
The Astros have to be pleased with Miley, who has a 3.39 ERA through his first 17 starts. However, his FIP isn't as stellar at 4.47 and pitching at Coors Field with his inability to generate strikeouts could prove to be troublesome. The Rockies received a significant boost when Story was activated from the IL on Tuesday and have also benefited from an improved Desmond, who is 20-for-52 (.385) with four home runs and five doubles over his last 15 games. It also helps his cause here that he has a .441 wOBA against left-handed pitchers.
Braves vs. Nick Pivetta (Phillies)
Ronald Acuna Jr. (OF - $27), Freddie Freeman (1B - $27), Nick Markakis (OF - $17)
Pivetta put forth a couple of strong outings after being recalled from the minors, but his success was short lived. Over his last three starts, he's allowed 14 runs and seven home runs over 17.2 innings. Yikes. One of those appearances came against these same Braves, who scored four runs against him in 6.2 innings. With the way Pivetta has been giving up home runs, Acuna and Freeman are excellent options. Markakis could also provide value at a cheaper price since he has a .362 wOBA against right-handed pitchers.
