This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
Pitcher
Jon Lester, CHC vs. SD ($10,500): The Padres hold the lowest wOBA in the league against left-handed pitching to go along with a 25 percent strikeout rate. A spike in Lester's BABIP has led to an inflated 3.89 ERA, but he has surrendered just a 26 percent hard contact rate in 83.1 innings while striking hitters out at a 25 percent clip.
Corey Kluber, CLE at BAL ($11,700): I generally like to go a little cheaper on my secondary starters, but players will need a bit more firepower if they are fading Clayton Kershaw, and too many of the bargains carry significant risks. Kluber has done an exceptional job of missing bats this season, as evidenced by his career-best 14.5 percent swinging strike rate. The Orioles have registered a -4.2 RAA against the curveball, a pitch Kluber throws 24 percent of the time.
Catcher
Alex Avila, DET at SEA ($4,000):Sam Gaviglio has allowed a HR/9 rate greater than 2.0 to both sides of the platoon, but lefties may be the bigger issue for the 27-year-old going forward, as they have secured a 40 percent hard contact rate over 16 innings. Avila has shown tremendous power against his opposite hand this season, securing a .323 ISO in 130 at-bats.
First Base
Marwin Gonzalez, HOU at OAK ($3,800): I will sing the praises of Gonzalez for as long as his price stays depressed, as he has tallied a .311/.403/.585 slash line while logging a 13.5 RAA against the fastball over 193 at-bats. Daniel Gossett performed well in the minor leagues, but was trounced by the Marlins in his first start, allowing seven runs (six earned) over just 3.1 innings. While he is still a promising prospect, stacking against Gossett with a high-powered offense could prove to be a winning strategy, as he has yet to show signs that he is ready for the highest level.
Second Base
Eric Sogard, MIL vs. PIT ($3,700):Gerrit Cole has been crushed away from the friendly confines of PNC Park, having allowed a .547 slugging percentage and a 36 percent hard contact rate over 39.2 innings. Sogard has has tallied a .438 wOBA against right-handed pitching in 70 at-bats.
Third Base
Jose Ramirez, CLE at BAL ($4,800): Ramirez has emerged as a dominant force in the Indians' lineup in 2017. This is especially evident against righties, against whom he has tallied a .406 wOBA and .258 ISO over 151 at-bats. Dylan Bundy has had his flashes of brilliance, but he has still allowed a 37 percent hard contact rate to lefties while registering a 5.93 xFIP over 40 innings.
Shortstop
Javier Baez, CHC vs. SD ($2,900): Baez is an excellent salary relief option against lefties, as he has notched a .296 ISO and a 36 percent hard contact rate against his opposite hand over 54 at-bats. Clayton Richard has used Petco Park to his advantage in 2017 but has allowed six homers to righties in 29.2 innings on the road.
Outfield
Ben Gamel, SEA vs. DET ($4,200): Those who haven't been paying attention to Gamel have been missing out on solid production, as he has tallied a 14.2 RAA against the fastball over 182 at-bats. Opposing starter Anibal Sanchez has been tormented by home runs for the past two seasons. The problem continued at Triple-A Toledo, where he allowed three homers in just 15.2 innings.
Corey Dickerson, TB vs. CIN ($4,800): Dickerson is slugging .610 against right-handers across 187 at-bats while notching a .402 wOBA over that span. Meanwhile, Scott Feldman has kept a 1.8 HR/9 rate against his opposite hand. Dickerson should be able to put up points in this matchup, as he has logged a 4.4 RAA against the curveball, a pitch Feldman throws a quarter of the time.
Michael Taylor, WAS at MIA ($3,900):Justin Nicolino will return to the Miami rotation after spending time on the disabled list with a finger injury. He allowed six walks and two homers to right-handed hitters over 9.1 innings prior to being sent to the disabled list. Taylor has logged a .200 ISO against southpaws over 40 at-bats this season while also notching a 37 percent hard contact rate.
