This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
There will be no shortage of action across baseball Wednesday with 15 games on the schedule. We have the continuation of some big series among the best teams in baseball, including the Los Angeles Dodgers facing the Houston Astros. An intriguing under-the-radar story line, though, is that of Matt Harvey's revival. While he has a 6.20 ERA for the season, he's thrown 18.1 scoreless innings over his last three starts. He'll try to keep his streak alive in what is a tough matchup on the road against the New York Yankees. Let's take a look at DraftKings' main 11-game evening slate and highlight some players to consider.
Pitchers
Kevin Gausman ($9,700) has hit a bit of a rough patch. He hasn't been able to pitch deep into games, allowing 11 runs over 11.2 innings in his last three starts. The only bright side is that he recorded 16 strikeouts during that stretch. He has a 30.0 percent strikeout rate for the season and has generally been stellar with a 2.35 ERA and a 3.01 FIP, so there's a favorable chance that he bounces back against the Diamondbacks. They also have one of the most lackluster lineups in baseball, posting the fifth-worst OPS.
After coming over from Cleveland with Francisco Lindor, Carlos Carrasco ($8,500) had yet to make his debut for the Mets before taking the mound Friday against the Reds. He only threw 58 pitchers, but he was impressive, allowing one run and recording four strikeouts over four innings. He should be stretched out more for this matchup against the Marlins, who have the third-worst OPS in baseball. It wouldn't be a surprise for him to pitch five innings, or maybe even challenge for a quality start.
Normally, rolling with a pitcher at Coors Field would be ill-advised. However, Jon Gray ($7,200) has pitched well there, recording a 3.89 FIP and a 1.28 WHIP for his career. Also, he's looking at a favorable matchup against the Cubs, who traded away most of their top hitters at the deadline. Factor in his cheap salary and Gray could provide value.
Top Targets
Chase Anderson ($6,100) has had an underwhelming season for the Phillies, recording a 5.19 FIP and a 1.52 WHIP. He only has a 17.1 percent strikeout rate to go along with his career-high 9.5 percent walk rate. This could be an ideal matchup to deploy Juan Soto ($6,100), who has been an on-base machine with his .396 wOBA.
Franmil Reyes ($4,600) is one of the few dangerous hitters left on Cleveland, posting a .321 ISO on the strength of 20 home runs. He could keep things rolling against Steven Matz ($8,200), who has allowed 1.5 HR/9 for his career. It's also worth noting that Reyes has a career .371 wOBA versus left-handed pitchers.
Bargain Bats
Whenever Raimel Tapia ($3,700) is playing at Coors Field, he should be on your radar. Despite an underwhelming .277 wOBA on the road, he has a .356 wOBA at home. Also working to his advantage is a matchup versus Alec Mills ($5,800), who has a 1.42 WHIP.
Kolby Allard ($5,000) has had difficulties keeping hitters inside the ball park, allowing 1.7 HR/9. That has included him giving up at least one home run in seven of his last eight starts. With that in mind, it might be worth taking a chance on Jo Adell ($2,000). After slugging 23 home runs at Triple-A, Adell went 3-for-4 with two doubles and a steal in his first game with the Angels on Tuesday.
Stacks to Consider
Blue Jays vs. J.C. Mejia ($5,500), Indians: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ($6,300), Bo Bichette ($6,000), Teoscar Hernandez ($5,200)
Mejia has been a prime pitcher to stack against considering he's allowed at least four runs in six of his last seven starts. He has a 1.49 WHIP for the season, so he could be in big trouble against a Blue Jays team that has one of the deepest lineups in baseball. Also of note, Mejia has allowed 10 home runs across 45 innings. While Guerrero's salary is pricey, his .326 ISO makes him a prime target considering this matchup.
Cardinals vs. Drew Smyly ($6,800), Braves: Nolan Arenado ($5,600), Paul Goldschmidt ($5,300), Tyler O'Neill ($3,500)
Smyly's 4.40 ERA is already underwhelming, but it could be worse given his 5.04 FIP. He's allowed 1.8 HR/9, which is a problem that has plagued him often given that he's allowed 1.5 HR/9 for his career. All three of these hitters bring plenty of power to the plate and could cause problems for Smyly. In particular, Arenado has a 148 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers this season.
Braves vs. J.A. Happ ($7,500), Cardinals: Ozzie Albies ($4,900), Austin Riley ($4,400), Adam Duvall ($4,100)
This could be a high-scoring affair on both sides. The Cardinals needed someone to eat innings, so they traded for Happ despite his 5.40 FIP and 1.59 WHIP with the Twins. Never one to miss a ton of bats, he's been even worse in that department this season with a 17.3 percent strikeout rate. This trio could do plenty of damage, especially Albies. He has mashed lefties to the tune of a .267 ISO and .393 wOBA this season.
