This article is part of our FantasyDraft MLB series.
PITCHERS:
Dallas Keuchel, HOU vs. OAK ($20,100):- The A's have a .290 wOBA, 79 wRC+ and 29.1 percent hard contact rate against lefties on the road since the All-Star break, while Keuchel bounced back in his last start against the Rangers after two rough outings, scoring 25.60 fantasy points. Keuchel also boasts a 1.59 ERA, .187 BAA and has allowed just a .231 wOBA over 39.2 home innings while allowing just two homers.
Erasmo Ramirez, SEA at TB ($10,800):- Ramirez gets a crack at his former squad and catches them at a good time, considering the Rays have a majors-low .229 wOBA and 41 wRC+ along with a majors-high 31.1 percent strikeout rate against right-handers at home in the last three weeks. Ramirez finally started to even things out in his new digs in his last start, firing six scoreless innings against the Angels. He also has a 4-0 record along with a solid 3.12 ERA and .214 BAA at Tropicana Field this season, and he should have plenty of motivation against his old teammates.
INFIELD
Justin Turner, LAD at DET ($9,600):- Tigers starter Jordan Zimmermann has been hammered by right-handed hitters at home for a .379 wOBA, 5.14 xFIP and 39.8 percent hard contact rate. Turner counters with a .372 wOBA and 35.1 percent hard contact rate against right-handed pitching, as well as a .571 average over seven plate appearances versus Zimmermann. Tigers relievers have also allowed a .329 wOBA, including four homers, to right-handed hitters at home in the second half.
Jose Abreu, CWS at TEX ($8,400):- Abreu has homers in back-to-back games and has a .358 wOBA, .254 ISO and 46.3 percent hard contact rate against righties on the road. He also boasts a 44.7 percent hard contact rate in August, while eight of the nine homers Rangers starter Andrew Cashner has given up this season have come off righty bats. He's allowed a 30.5 percent hard contact rate to that handedness at home, while Rangers relievers have a 4.98 ERA and have allowed a .322 wOBA, including six homers, to righty bats at home in since the All-Star break.
Jose Pirela, SD vs. WAS ($5,600):- Despite the tough matchup against Max Scherzer, Pirela makes for a viable tournament play due to his discounted price and recent production. Pirela owns a .415 wOBA over 59 August plate appearances, along with a .376 wOBA, .235 ISO and 33.3 percent hard contact rate against right-handed pitching on the season.
OUTFIELD
Giancarlo Stanton, MIA at NYM ($11,200):- Stanton has been the hottest hitter in the majors in August, as evidenced by his .582 wOBA, .632 ISO, 52.4 percent HR/FB rate and 56.1 percent hard contact rate over 65 plate appearances. He also boasts a .411 wOBA, .347 ISO and 38.9 percent hard contact rate versus righties, while Mets rookie starter Chris Flexen has allowed .442 wOBA to righty bats over a 47-hitter sample. Mets relievers have also allowed a .322 wOBA, including five homers, to right-handed hitters at Citi Field in the second half of the season.
Joey Gallo, TEX vs. CWS ($10,200):- White Sox starter James Shields has allowed a .444 wOBA (including 13 homers), a 6.87 xFIP, 3.82 HR/9 and 36.6 percent hard contact rate to left-handed hitters. Meanwhile, Gallo has a .371 wOBA and .374 ISO versus righties, along with a 47.4 percent hard contact rate against them at Globe Life Park. He also boasts a .516 wOBA (including 10 homers) and a 63.3 percent hard contact rate over 61 August plate appearances, while the White Sox bullpen has an 7.63 ERA and allowed a .448 wOBA to the 83 lefty bats they've faced on the road since the All-Star break.
Nick Williams, PHI at SF ($7,200):- Williams has thrived in same-handed matchups thus far, posting a .391 wOBA over 37 plate appearances. Those numbers dovetail favorably with Giants southpaw Matt Moore, who's surrendered a .454 wOBA, 2.08 HR/9, 5.28 xFIPand 36.4 percent hard contact rate to left-handed hitters.
UTILITY
Joey Votto, CIN at ATL ($9,600):- Votto has tagged Braves starter R.A. Dickey for a .444 average over 10 plate appearances and boasts a .438 wOBA and 38.5 percent hard contact rate against right-handed pitching. He's been punishing either handedness in August as well, as evidenced by a .527 wOBA and 44.9 percent hard contact rate over 78 plate appearances. Dickey has also allowed a 5.22 xFIP to lefty bats.
Adam Lind, WAS at SD ($7,200):- Padres starter Luis Perdomo has allowed a .376 wOBA and 33.5 percent hard contact rate to left-handed hitters, while Lind has hit all nine homers this season off right-handed pitching. He boasts a .361 wOBA against that handedness, along with a 44.7 percent hard contact rate against righties on the road.
