This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
PITCHER
Luke Weaver, STL vs. PITT ($4,700): Weaver comes in at near minimum price despite three consecutive quality starts that included 23 strikeouts over 17 innings, posting a 2.634 xFIP. PNC Park is considered a pitcher-friendly stadium and the Pirates were ranked 23rd in the league last month August with a 95 wC+.
Gio Gonzalez, WAS vs. ATL ($9,300): Gonzalez turned in a 3.29 xFIP and a 24.2 percent K rate last month. The Braves have been a much improved offense as the season has progressed, but their struggles against southpaws is still evident with the season-long wRC+ split sitting at a paltry 75. Vegas really likes Gonzalez and the Nationals, as they are the sharpest favorites on the night at -229.
CATCHER
Jonathan Lucroy, TEX at SEA ($3,300): Lucroy's split against lefties this season appears subpar compared to his righty split, but the difference is fueled more by his BABIP than subpar hitting. His ISO against lefties sits at a very healthy .243, and his career split against lefties shows a 126 wRC+. Traveling to Seattle to face James Paxton isn't the most optimal of matchups, but Lucroy's price does enough to justify playing him.
FIRST BASE
Carlos Santana, CLE vs. HOU ($3,800): Opposing starter Brad Peacock wasn't spending his ninth season in the minor leagues just for fun. Last season, Peacock pitched just 11.2 innings in total. This season, in seven innings with the Astros, he's already given up two home runs. Santana spearheads what has been a lively Indians offense over the summer with a .260 ISO against right-handed pitching.
SECOND BASE
Jason Kipnis, CLE vs. HOU ($4,200): The rationale for Kipnis is pretty similar to why Santana was chosen before, as the second baseman has a 147 wRC+ at home against right-handed pitching. The two are likely to hit first and second Tuesday, furthering their fantasy appeals.
THIRD BASE
Danny Valencia, OAK vs. LAA ($3,000): The A's batters are getting a substantial bump down thanks to Ricky Nolasco's complete game shutout in his last outing. Don't let that one good start confuse you into thinking Nolasco is somehow a very good pitcher. His 4.95 ERA (4.50 xFIP) on the season should be enough to dissuade you. If not, I can indulge you with the fact that Nolasco's last outing was bolstered by some atypical shadows during an early afternoon game. The pitcher opposing Nolasco, another unspectacular performer in Brandon Finnegan, struck out nine in seven innings. Valencia is certainly better against southpaws than righties, but at this price his 107 wRC+ is more than suitable to exploit this matchup.
SHORTSTOP
Manny Machado, BAL at TAM ($4,100): Machado is split-less and effective in every matchup, and he had a 142 wRC+ and .304 ISO in August. Jake Odorizzi is of a peculiar class of pitcher that struggles much more with batters of their same handedness (his xFIP split against lefties is 3.70, but it balloons to 5.03 against righties.).
OUTFIELD
Mark Trumbo, BAL at TAM ($3,900): Not often can you get the home-run leader at under $4,000. Trumbo falls within a peculiar set as well, as his wRC+ split against fellow righties this season is a full 84 points higher than his split against southpaws. Trumbo has 31 home runs against right-handed pitching so far this season, and combined with Odorizzi's struggles against righting handed bats (5.03 xFIP allowed), he makes for a strong play.
Gerardo Parra, COL vs. SF ($3,500): It's been a poor season at the plate for Parra, but he has shown glimpses that he may finally be rounding into form. Jeff Samardzija brings in a 4.70 xFIP against lefties into Coors Field. In a good matchup against a righty in the hitters' heaven of Coors Field, Parra looks mighty valuable at such a discounted price.
A.J. Pollock, ARI at LAD ($4,000): Pollock brings too many tools to the table to be passed up at this price. In just 36 plate appearances this season, he has already racked up four stolen bases after stealing 39 all of last season (673 plate appearances). He hit three home runs during his minor league rehab and already has one since returning after hitting 20 last year. Ross Stripling isn't a particularly bad pitcher, but he isn't particularly good either, posting an xFIP of 4.67 against righties.
