This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
With only three early start times Saturday, we have a packed slate of games to choose from on DraftKings. There are several underwhelming starters set to take the mound, so there's potential for plenty of offense around the league. Here are some players to consider while crafting your entry.
Pitching Overview
Mike Clevinger ($11,800) may have only lasted five innings in his last start against the Yankees, but he didn't allow a run and recorded 10 strikeouts and still provided plenty of value. After a couple of rocky outings since being activated off the IL, he has settled down to record a 2.17 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP across his last nine starts. Clevinger also recorded a whopping 74 strikeouts over 54 innings during that stretch. Expect him to be one of the chalk pitchers of the night against the Royals and their lackluster lineup.
The A's continue to thrive despite not having the most talented pitching staff. Chris Bassitt ($9,600) will take the mound for them in this contest and he's managed to record a 3.61 ERA this season, although his FIP isn't quite as encouraging at 4.49. He's enjoyed pitching in a favorable home park, recording a 3.81 FIP there compared to a 5.03 FIP on the road. With how poorly the Giants have performed, this is a prime opportunity to deploy Bassitt.
It's been a rough early go of it for Alex Wood ($8,000), who has posted a 5.92 ERA and an even worse 6.25 FIP through his first five starts. His 1.52 WHIP combined with allowing eight home runs over 24.1 innings is not a recipe for success. However, he could provide value against the Pirates since they come in with the lowest wRC+ against left-handed pitchers in baseball. If you're looking to differentiate yourself in tournament play, Wood might be your man.
Key Values/Chalk
The Astros continue their march towards the playoffs with a matchup against Dillon Peters and the Angels. Since they possess one of the most potent lineups in baseball, they are going to be a popular team to pursue in DFS more often than not. Peters enters with a 3.92 ERA, but the 5.22 FIP tells a different story about his level of success this season. He's also struggled with the long ball, allowing 1.7 HR/9. Among all of the excellent options on the Astros, maybe the most appealing one is Alex Bregman ($5,300) based on his 172 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers.
Alex Wood isn't the only player on the Reds worth targeting for this slate. Their lineup is in a position to be productive against Trevor Williams, who has slumped to an 8.03 ERA and a 1.78 WHIP over his last 10 outings. Left-handed hitters have posted a robust .405 wOBA against him, making Josh VanMeter ($4,000) and Derek Dietrich ($4,000) viable targets who won't eat up much of your budget.
Felix Hernandez (lat) hasn't appeared in the majors since May, but is set to be activated for this start against the Blue Jays. Once one of the best pitchers in baseball, Hernandez is a shell of his former self at this point in his career. Before he suffered the injury, he had recorded a 5.41 FIP and a 1.50 WHIP. The duo of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ($4,200) and Bo Bichette ($4,700) carry plenty of upside while Justin Smoak ($3,700) is also worth considering based on his .348 wOBA versus righties.
Stacks
Twins vs. Edwin Jackson (Tigers)
Nelson Cruz (OF - $5,800), Max Kepler (OF - $5,000), Luis Arraez (2B/3B - $4,300)
After a couple of strong outings against awful lineups in the Royals and Mariners, Jackson came crashing back to Earth in his last start against the Astros by allowing five runs - including four earned - over five innings. While he still manages to find a job for himself in the majors, he's looked really poor with a 7.58 FIP and a 1.88 WHIP. The Twins boast one of the most potent lineups, so this game could get out of hand in a hurry. Cruz has shown no signs of rust after being activated off the IL, hitting 8-for-19 with a home run and four doubles over four games.
Indians vs. Glenn Sparkman (Royals)
Carlos Santana (1B - $5,400), Francisco Lindor (SS - $5,100), Jason Kipnis (2B - $3,900)
The Indians have pounded Sparkman in two previous games this season, scoring 13 runs - with 12 of those earned - over 10.2 innings. They've launched five home runs against him, which has happened against just about everyone considering his 1.9 HR/9 rate. Santana carries plenty of upside in the power department with his .257 ISO. Kipnis is a more cost-effective option to target with Sparkman allowing a .383 wOBA to lefties.
Padres vs. Nathan Eovaldi (Red Sox)
Manny Machado (3B - $3,900), Francisco Mejia (C - $3,600), Eric Hosmer (1B - $3,900)
With the Red Sox running out of healthy options, they've been forced to move Eovaldi back into the starting rotation. He was torched by the Orioles in his last start, giving up five runs over two innings. He sports a 1.62 WHIP across 36.1 innings this season, so the Padres could be worth considering despite not having Fernando Tatis Jr. (back) at their disposal. Hosmer is in the midst of a strong second half that has seen him hit .310 with five home runs and four doubles over his last 22 games.
