This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
PITCHER
Jacob deGrom, NYM at SD ($11,400): While there is nothing sneaky about a deGrom endorsement, you'll likely need him in your lineup to be competitive if he delivers in the A+ matchup. San Diego has a 22.2 percent K rate against right-handed hurlers since the beginning of last season, with a .295 wOBA and 88 wRC+, and the Friars have been worse to start this year with 26.0, .270 and 66 marks, respectively. DeGrom has a career 26.2 percent K rate and has allowed just two earned runs through 17.2 innings this year.
Kevin Gausman, BAL vs. NYY ($6,900): It has been a tidy start to the campaign for Gausman (0.91 WHIP), and if he continues to limit traffic on the base paths, he should cruise through the reeling New York lineup. The Yankees have a target-worthy .291 wOBA and 84 wRC+ against right-handed hurlers, and Gausman has solid punch-out upside with a 22.7 strikeout percentage through his first two outings of the season.
Adam Conley, MIA vs.ARI ($6,600): This is by no means a cushy matchup, as Arizona is tied for the league-best ISO (.277) and boasts the third-ranked wOBA (.366) against southpaws. However, Conley has a 25.5 strikeout percentage and a cheap salary. There are a huge range of outcomes here, but there's a nice combination of upside and savings with a hopefully low ownership for tournaments. Conley isn't for the risk averse, though.
CATCHER
Buster Posey, SF vs. COL ($4,100): Even as the most expensive backstop, Posey presents value Thursday. He is at his best against southpaws with a .234 ISO, .414 wOBA and 172 wRC+ since 2012, and the salary is manageable. Posey's capable of significantly separating himself from his peers behind the dish. It is conceivable that he's priced $1,000 (two percent of the cap) below where he should be.
FIRST BASE
Ben Paulsen, COL at SF ($2,900): A date with Matt Cain projects favorably for a Paulsen flier. Since 2014, Cain has served up a .486 slugging percentage and .366 wOBA to left-handed hitters, and Paulsen enters with a .194 ISO and a .345 wOBA against righties dating back to last season. Bake in the cap relief, and Paulsen is a strong option.
SECOND BASE
Robinson Cano, SEA vs. HOU ($5,100): The American League RBI leader (26) has feasted on right-handed hurlers the past two seasons with a .370 wOBA, 142 wRC+ and 55 extra-base hits through 509 plate appearances. Thursday, he faces Chris Devenski, who has never pitched above Double-A ball before debuting with Houston this season.
THIRD BASE
Josh Donaldson, TOR vs. TEX ($5,000): The cap hit isn't preventive enough to avoid Donaldson. His 1.105 OPS, .369 ISO, .459 wOBA and 199 wRC+ against southpaws dating back to last season make him a lineup lock. He projects to be a chalky option, but he could easily produce the highest point total among hitters.
SHORTSTOP
Adeiny Hechavarria, MIA vs. ARI ($3,300): An upside source of savings, Hechavarria has excelled against southpaws dating back to last season with a .386 on-base percentage, .367 wOBA and 133 wRC+. Opposing-hurler Robbie Ray has allowed a .279/.365/.457 slash line to right-handed batters during his career with a .358 wOBA, too.
OUTFIELD
Kris Bryant, CHC vs. WAS ($4,600): A potential sneaky way to utilize Bryant is as an outfielder, and he is currently riding a 10-game hitting streak with 11 runs, two bombs, 10 RBI and a 1.187 OPS. While he doesn't have the traditional handedness advantage in his favor, Bryant has teed off on right-handed arms at Wrigley Field during his career. posting a 1.074 OPS, .322 ISO, .452 wOBA and 190 wRC+.
Carlos Gonzalez and Gerardo Parra, COL at SF ($3,800 and $3,400): Being away from Coors Field mitigates some upside, but Gonzalez and Parra are affordable pieces of a potent lineup. Add pitching-machine Matt Cain, and there is a lot to like about the duo.
Gonzalez blasted a .508 slugging percentage, .246 ISO and .348 wOBA against right-handed pitchers on the road last season, and Parra's numbers dating back to last season aren't overinflated by Coors yet. Parra has a .460 slugging percentage and .334 wOBA against righties, while Cain's .486 slugging percentage and .366 wOBA allowed to left-handed bats is a nice fit for Gonzalez and Parra.
