This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
PITCHER
Noah Syndergaard, NYM at MIA ($10,700) : Despite all of the velocity, Syndergaard's money pitch is his slider. Last time out, Atlanta feasted on that slider. The pitch typically sits just under 91 mph, but averaged 92 mph last time out. It's a small tick, but with a breaking ball it could be meaningful enough to take a considerable amount of curve out of the ball's path – which makes it easier to hit. In the two games prior to his Atlanta start, Syndegaard allowed just one run with 17 strikeouts in 12 innings. The Marlins second-to-last in wRC+ over the past 30 days with an 89, while in two starts against the Braves, Syndegaard has a 1.93 ERA and 38 percent K rate.
Tom Koehler, MIA vs. NYM ($5,900): In the favorable pitching confines down in Miami, Koehler has been very effective with a 3.87 ERA and 21.3 percent K-rate. The over/under in Miami is just 7.5, and given the discount on Koehler you can own both pitchers in the game for under $17K. Max Scherzer alone will put you back $14,200.
CATCHER
Evan Gattis, HOU vs. SEA ($3,800): Over his last five game, Felix Hernandez has a 5.67 ERA and a nearly identical 5.55 xFIP. He's given up five home runs, averaged fewer than six innings per start, and the strikeouts all but vanished with a K-rate of 12.5 percent. Giving up contact against the Astros in Houston doesn't typically go very well. The second half of the season has been spectacular for Gattis, who has a 150 wRC+, with 18 home runs and a solid .277 batting average over that span. Gattis is better against lefties than righties in most categories, but the power numbers are pretty even across both splits.
FIRST BASE
David Ortiz, BOS at NYY ($5,600): Sacrifice what you need to get Big Papi. Luis Cessa gives up a ton of HRs, and Yankee Stadium is possibly the best park for left-handed power hitters. Against right-handed pitching on the year, Ortiz has a 181 wRC+ and .363 ISO, while Cessa has given up 2.59 HR/9 against lefties.
SECOND BASE
Brian Dozier, MIN at KC ($4,200): In the second half of the season, Brian Dozier has 28 home runs. 28! During that span his wRC+ is 168 and ISO at .375. Ian Kennedy is not a bad pitcher by any means, but his 1.61 HR/9 against righties is enough for Dozier to exploit.
THIRD BASE
Yulieski Gurriel, HOU vs. SEA ($2,600): Picking on Felix Hernandez again, though Gurriel is more of a cheap plug in. He's been subpar at the plate, but he is always slotted into the top half of the lineup, so the value is there at such a low price.
SHORTSTOP
Jonathan Villar, MIL at TEX ($4,300): The Brewers' leadoff hitter leads the league in stolen bases (59), and he is just two home runs shy of 20 for the season. A plus hitter with a 117 wRC+ who's also the best base stealer in the league, against a mediocre A.J. Griffin in a high over/under game; Villar makes too much sense at this price.
OUTFIELD
George Springer, HOU vs. SEA ($3,900): Springer hasn't been quite the elite hitter Gattis has been, but he still has a solid 119 wRC+ over the second half of the season. The stolen bases have gone down drastically for Springer, but facing a righty still gives him a little opportunity in that department.
J.D. Martinez, DET vs. CLE ($4,200): Martinez has been the Tigers' best hitter against right-handed pitching, with team-highs in wRC+ (155), wOBA (.402) and ISO (.247). Against right-handed batters this season, Michael Clevinger has allowed a 5.29 xFIP and 2.10 HR/9.
Kendrys Morales, KC vs. MIN ($4,300): Morales with a 186 wRC+ and .321 ISO over the last 30 days, and while Jose Berrios came into this season as a highly touted prospect, it's been tough going at every stage. Over 12 starts and 48.2 innings, Berrios has an 8.88 ERA (5.48 xFIP) while giving up 2.22 HR/9. Twins catcher Kurt Suzuki is poor at preventing stolen bases, and some of the Royals' base stealers warrant attention as well.
