This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
The theme of Wednesday across baseball is top-tier starting pitchers set to take the mound. Brandon Woodruff and Luis Castillo will face each other when the Brewers host the Reds, Zack Wheeler will try to slow down the red-hot Rays and Walker Buehler will try to continue the Padres' recent struggles. The highlight of the evening could be Shohei Ohtani in a matchup against an Orioles team that has been an embarrassment down the stretch. Here are some players to consider for the DraftKings 10-game main slate.
Pitchers
Buehler ($9,700) has been about as reliable as it gets. He's allowed two runs or fewer and logged at least six innings in each of his last eight starts. That's helped him generate a 2.11 ERA and a 3.13 FIP for the season, overall. While facing Fernando Tatis Jr. is always dangerous, Buehler still has a favorable chance to shine against a struggling Padres team that is currently on the outside looking in for a playoff spot.
Ohtani ($8,700) is having a season for the ages with his production both on the mound and at the plate. He's been especially locked in on the pitching side of things lately, allowing seven runs over 40 innings in his last six starts. During that stretch, he had a 0.75 WHIP. He could dominate the Orioles, who rank inside the bottom-10 in baseball in OPS.
The Marlins have also struggled to score runs, thanks in large part to them having the third-worst OPS in baseball. Trying to take advantage of a matchup against them will be Josiah Gray ($7,900), who the Nationals hope will play a big role in their rebuilding process. He's already made an immediate impact with his new team, allowing seven runs and recording 22 strikeouts across 22 innings.
Top Targets
The Nationals don't exactly have an imposing lineup, but Juan Soto ($5,400) is still one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball. Although his power numbers are down, he still has 20 home runs and has used his excellent eye at the plate to record a .405 wOBA. Expect him to be a tough out for Edward Cabrera ($5,000), who will be making his major league debut after recording a 1.41 WHIP and issuing 19 walks across 29.1 innings at Triple-A.
Rhys Hoskins ($4,700) returned from the IL in impressive fashion Sunday when he slugged two home runs. He now has 26 for the season and could be on his way to setting a new career best in the category. Another big night could be in store for him against Ryan Yarbrough ($7,100) given that Hoskins has a career .388 wOBA against left-handed pitchers.
Bargain Bats
After getting lit up for 14 runs Tuesday, the Orioles had yet to officially name their starting pitcher for Wednesday as of early morning. Regardless of who takes the hill, it will likely be an underwhelming option. That means it could be a good night to take a chance on Jo Adell ($3,200), who had two hits, two runs scored and four RBI in Tuesday's drubbing.
Although he hadn't officially been named the starter as of early Wednesday morning, Mitch Keller ($6,300) would be on turn for the Pirates' matchup against the Diamondbacks. With his unsightly 1.82 WHIP, the Diamondbacks could be in line for a more productive night than usual at the plate if Keller does indeed take the mound. One of their more appealing hitters to consider is Daulton Varsho ($3,600), who is 11-for-28 (.393) with four home runs and three doubles over his last nine games.
Stacks to Consider
Indians vs. Jake Latz, Rangers: Jose Ramirez ($5,700), Franmil Reyes ($5,400), Myles Straw ($2,800)
Another pitcher who is set to make his debut in the big-leagues is Latz. It will be a big jump for him considering he's pitched a total of nine innings above Double-A. He didn't exactly dominate Double-A, either, with a 4.14 FIP and a 1.31 WHIP, so this might be one of the few times where it's actually appealing to roll out a Cleveland stack. Straw has quietly been a productive player, hitting 28-for-93 (.301) with a .369 OBP since being acquired from the Astros.
Giants vs. Taijuan Walker ($7,300), Mets: Brandon Crawford ($4,800), Kris Bryant ($5,600), Alex Dickerson ($3,000)
Looking at his overall numbers, Walker has had a strong campaign with a 3.86 ERA and a 4.28 FIP. The problem is, most of his success came early in the season. He's faltered down the stretch, posting a 7.49 ERA and a 1.57 WHIP over his last seven starts. During that stretch, he was taken deep 11 times over 33.2 innings. More disastrous results could be coming against the Giants, who have the fifth-highest OPS in baseball. They have been led by Crawford and his career-high 138 wRC+. Crawford will require some monitoring, though, after leaving Tuesday's game with back tightness.
Red Sox vs. Bailey Ober ($6,100), Twins: Rafael Devers ($5,900), J.D. Martinez ($5,100), Alex Verdugo ($3,500)
Simply put, Ober has a home run issue. Across 63.2 innings, he's given up a whopping 14 of them. That could end up bring his downfall against the Red Sox, who have a .468 slugging percentage at home. Devers has been at the forefront of their power surge, slugging 29 home runs on his way to a .272 ISO. He's shown an improved eye at the plate, too, with his career-best 9.6 percent walk rate.
