This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
PITCHER
Brandon McCarthy, LAD at STL ($9,000): The veteran has settled into a groove over his past two seasons with 11 strikeouts and just a single run allowed through 12 innings, and he's sporting a 2.95 FIP and 22.0 strikeout percentage for the campaign. St. Louis is an admirable opponent, so there is potential for McCarthy to fly under the radar and carry a low ownership percentage. The Cardinals have been in an offensive funk of late with a 27th-raned .279 wOBA over the past two weeks, too.
Alex Meyer, LAA vs. MIN ($6,900): A 6-foot-9 powerhouse with mid-90s heat and a 26.2 strikeout percentage, Meyer has the potential to pad his point total by piling up punchouts. He's struck out seven batters in each of his past three outings for a 12.1 K/9, and the Twins have a 22.3 strikeout percentage against right-handed hurlers. Just note that Meyer has significant bust potential, especially since this is his first start since being placed on the disabled list with a back injury.
CATCHER
Carlos Ruiz, SEA vs. COL ($2,600): A true flier, Ruiz opens up tremendous cap space and should draw into the lineup in a day game following Wednesday's night tilt. Ruiz owns a rock-solid 40.9 hard-hit percentage against lefties over the past two years, too. Rookie southpaw Kyle Freeland has been stingy against right-handed hitters this season (.308 wOBA), but he did post a 4.20 ERA against righty bats at the Triple-A level last year, so negative regression could be ahead.
FIRST BASE
Cody Bellinger, LAD at STL ($4,200): The rookie has exploded onto the scene, and this salary doesn't match his .891 OPS. Additionally, Adam Wainwright has struggled against left-handed batters over the past two years with a .357 wOBA allowed. Through 103 plate appearances against right-handed hurlers, Bellinger has a .308 ISO and .360 wOBA.
SECOND BASE
Chris Taylor, LAD at STL ($3,600): A value option to pair with Bellinger, Taylor has carved out a role with the club by posting a .942 OPS over 136 plate appearances. He's posted a .376 wOBA against right-handed hurlers, and Adam Wainwright is ripe for a letdown showing after allowing just a single run through his past 20.1 innings over three starts.
THIRD BASE
Nolan Arenado, COL at SEA ($4,900): Interestingly, righty Yovani Gallardo has allowed better results to right-handed hurlers with a .362 wOBA surrendered since last year. During the same timeframe, Arenado has posted a .262 ISO and .373 wOBA. The third baseman is also mired in a 3-for-21 stretch, so this is a bounce-back spot, which also comes in at an affordable salary.
SHORTSTOP
Xander Bogaerts, BOS at BAL ($4,800): The young shortstop has established himself as a high-end hitter against southpaws with a .393 on-base percentage and .379 wOBA dating back to last season. He's also locked into the three-hole of the lineup and draws a decent matchup with Wade Miley allowing a .354 wOBA to right-handed hitters since last year.
OUTFIELD
Carlos Gonzalez, COL at SEA ($4,000): With a .349 on-base percentage and .343 wOBA over the past two weeks, Gonzalez is showing better form of late. He's worth a look against Yovani Gallardo (5.53 ERA and 1.59 WHIP since last year), as Gonzalez has posted a .354 wOBA against righty arms dating back to the 2016 campaign.
Max Kepler, MIN at LAA ($3,600): The outfielder has posted a solid .368 wOBA against right-handed hurlers this season, but he's also registered a 40.4 hard-hit percentage over the past two weeks. He's squaring up the ball and draws a cushy matchup. Alex Meyer is returning from the disabled list for Thursday's start, and the righty has allowed a .383 wOBA to left-handed hitters this season.
Chris Young, BOS at BAL ($3,500): A nice stack option alongside Xander Bogaerts, Young has extended his career because of his prowess against lefties. The outfielder has posted a .208 ISO and .381 wOBA against southpaws since last season, and as noted, the matchup against Wade Miley isn't daunting. Additionally, this salary opens up spending room.
