This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
We have a single-game Showdown on DraftKings for Sunday. Game 1 between the Astros and Rays will feature two solid pitchers in Framber Valdez and Blake Snell. Normally in a Showdown format, you'd want to target the pitchers since their raw points can be extremely valuable - especially in the Captain spot where you get a 1.5 fantasy point boost. Since it's the playoffs, it's difficult to trust any pitcher to see extended innings or get a win so their high salaries don't seem optimal in this setting. Taking a shot on a relief arm could prove to be a way to make your lineup unique, as most will just plug in bats and hope for the right combination.
Captain
Carlos Correa, HOU vs. TAM ($12,900): You could really make a case for any of the Astros' hitters at the top of the order, as the team has been swinging a hot bat throughout the playoffs. Correa represents the cheapest option of the bunch and is coming off a 30-point showcase that saw him hit one over the fence while driving in five runs. He tends to bat in the middle of the order, which allows opportunities to come to the plate with multiple baserunners aboard.
Utility Plays
Alex Bregman, HOU vs. TAM ($9,000): I feel I could list just about every Houston bat here, but Bregman is definitely one that feels the safest after coming off a series against Oakland that saw him accumulate 47 fantasy points over four games. He's always a threat to put one in the stands, but his discipline at the plate makes him a solid piece to produce with only a 14.4 percent strikeout rate on the season. Bregman's .209 ISO and .357 wOBA are also attractive elements to his game and he should continue to be a big part of the Astro lineup surrounded by other power righties that could make it a short day for Snell.
Jose Altuve, HOU vs. TAM ($8,800): After a slow start to the regular season, Altuve has been showing why he's a former American League MVP by racking up double-digit fantasy points in three of his last four. He seems to have found his stroke at the plate and faces Snell, against whom he's taken deep three times in 13 at-bats over his career. Altuve gets the platoon advantage and is never at risk of being pinch hit. I think he continues his hot streak here and continued success versus Snell as the Astros will look to add runs in bunches in their quest to return to the World Series.
Randy Arozarena, TAM vs. HOU ($9,600): I don't normally like rostering Tampa bats as they are prone to being frequently pinch hit, but one guy that has been getting it done on a regular basis is Arozarena. He's been electric at the plate this season and is coming off a huge series against the Yankees that saw him homer three times in as many games. Arozarena will earn the platoon advantage against Valdez and is always a threat to steal a bag if he can get on. His .359 season ISO boggles the mind and he should be a key piece for the Rays if they want to find away to get past the Astros.
Mike Brosseau, TAM vs. HOU ($7,800): Brosseau hasn't cracked the batting order much during the playoffs, but I think he could get in here versus Valdez since he will enjoy the platoon advantage. Always a pinch hit risk, you're really just home run hunting with his staggering 46.4 percent hard hit rate this season. You could plug in Brosseau regardless if he gets the starting nod if you're feeling bold, as he will surely be called upon at some point and would most likely end up in a situation to drive in runs.
