DraftKings MLB: Thursday Picks

DraftKings MLB: Thursday Picks

This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.

PITCHER

Luis Severino, NYY at NYM ($12,500): After being shelled by the Red Sox last time out, look for Severino to return to his dominant form against the Mets. He's just an outing removed from a five-game stretch where he posted a 0.83 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 10.5 K/9 with four wins, after all. The Mets have undergone significant roster turnover since the trade deadline and bring a middle-of-the-pack offense into the game.

Jeff Samardzija, SF vs. PHI ($9,300): With a 3.46 FIP and 24.8 strikeout percentage for the season, Samardzija has been one of the more unlucky pitchers in the league this season. However, he's received better results of late with a 3.29 ERA over his past four outings, including three wins. A date with the Phillies should prove to be a favorable matchup for Samardzija, too. Philadelphia sports a target-worthy .307 wOBA and 23.5 strikeout percentage against righties this season.

CATCHER

Gary Sanchez, NYY at NYM ($5,400): With a 2.0 HR/9 and .365 wOBA allowed to right-handed hitters this season, Steven Matz checks out as an excellent matchup for Sanchez. The backstop sports a career .317 ISO and .359 wOBA against lefties, after all.

FIRST BASE

Freddie Freeman, ATL at COL ($5,600): With a .449 on-base percentage, .330 ISO and .457 wOBA against right-handed hurlers this season, Freeman's a strong option at Coors Field. It's also a sneaky matchup with Jeff Hoffman sporting unsustainably numbers against lefty hitters at home. He's held left-handed bats to a .324 wOBA at Coors despite allowing a 44.3 hard-hit percentage.

SECOND BASE

Kolten Wong, STL at PIT ($3,800): It's a small sample size, but Wong's .433 wOBA against right-handed hurlers in August jumps off the page. He's flashed significant upside in the past, so this salary is also a plus. The matchup also checks out with Jameson Tallion having surrendered a .364 wOBA to left-handed hitters this season.

THIRD BASE

Alex Bregman, HOU vs. ARI ($4,500): Injuries have allowed Bregman to climb into the heart of the Houston lineup, so the youngster's strong numbers against lefties carry more weight. Bregman takes a .435 on-base percentage, .234 ISO and .425 wOBA against lefties into a matchup against Patrick Corbin, who has allowed a .369 wOBA to right-handed hitters.

SHORTSTOP

Marwin Gonzalez, HOU vs. ARI ($4,300): In a shallow shortstop pool, Gonzalez stands out as a strong option considering his manageable salary, spot in the heart of the Houston lineup and strong production against southpaws. He sports a .356 wOBA against lefties, and as noted, Patrick Corbin has struggled to limit right-handed hitters this season.

OUTFIELD

Gerardo Parra, COL vs. ATL ($4,800):Lucas Sims has surrendered 12 runs through just 17.1 innings over his first three career starts, and he's making his fourth at Coors Field. Parra has posted a .423 on-base percentage and .434 wOBA against right-handed hurlers at Coors this season, and he's settled into the heart of the lineup.

Aaron Hicks, NYY at NYM ($4,200): The outfielder has been locked into the two-hole of late and enters with a rock-solid .373 wOBA against left-handed hurlers this season. As noted, Steven Matz has struggled against right-handed hitters this year, so Hicks' salary offers solid value.

Jon Jay, CHC vs. CIN ($3,600): Jay projects to return to the leadoff spot after receiving a breather Wednesday, and he offers sneaky upside and cap relief. He sports a respectable .371 on-base percentage and .341 wOBA against right-handed hurlers for the season, and Scott Feldman has allowed a .353 wOBA to left-handed hitters.

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire. Neil Parker plays in daily fantasy contests using the following accounts: FanDuel: naparker77, DraftKings: naparker77.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neil Parker
A loyal Cubs, Cowboys and Maple Leafs fan for decades, Neil has contributed to RotoWire since 2014. He previously worked for USA Today Fantasy Sports.
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