DraftKings MLB: Thursday Picks

DraftKings MLB: Thursday Picks

This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.

PITCHER

Zach Wheeler, NYM at ATL ($9,000): The Braves haven't been a doormat against righties this season and boast an 11th-ranked .327 wOBA. However, their .316 BABIP probably has some negative regression ahead, and Wheeler also likely has some upcoming statistical correction. The righty sports an 8.54 K/9 and 22.5 strikeout percentage with a 3.88 FIP, so there is potential at his manageable salary. Just note that Wheeler shouldn't be confused as a high-floor option, and there is also potential for bad weather.

Ivan Nova, PIT at CIN ($8,700): This is another game where the weather could be a factor, so Nova's another flier. He's not going to pile up the punchouts with a 5.5 K/9 and 16.5 strikeout percentage, but he's fanned seven batters in consecutive games, and his stingy 0.75 WHIP highlight his ability to avoid bleeding back points by allowing baserunners. It's also a difficult matchup with Cincinnati sporting a .327 wOBA against righties, but Nova's form since joining the Pirates has him in matchup-proof territory (2.50 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 2.65 FIP).

CATCHER

Jett Bandy, MIL at STL ($2,700): With Adam Wainwright sporting a 4.79 ERA dating back to last season, and the Brewers averaging 5.1 runs per game to start 2017, Bandy's a serviceable low-priced flier Thursday. The backstop sports a .222 ISO and .343 wOBA against right-handed hurlers this season, too.

FIRST BASE

Chris Davis, BAL at BOS ($4,200): With Kyle Kendrick making his first start since 2015, this is a slump busting setup for Davis. The veteran first baseman sports a disappointing .315 wOBA against right-handed arms this season, so considering he posted a .390 mark over the previous four years and carries a low cap hit, Davis is worth considering.

SECOND BASE

Daniel Murphy, WAS vs. ARI ($4,800): This is a manageable salary for Murphy considering he sports a 1.001 OPS, .255 ISO and .416 wOBA against right-handed pitchers dating back to last season. It's also a cushy matchup with Braden Shipley making his first start of the season. The 25-year-old righty owns a 4.50 FIP over five Triple-A starts this season, and he allowed a .373 wOBA to left-handed hitters in the majors last year.

THIRD BASE

Travis Shaw, MIL at STL ($3,700): Dating back to last season, Adam Wainwright has allowed a .370 wOBA and 34.7 hard-hit percentage to left-handed batters, so this isn't a tough matchup. Shaw's .332 wOBA against righties this season doesn't jump of the page, but his .260 ISO and position in the heart of the Milwaukee lineup provide a high fantasy ceiling, and especially at his salary.

SHORTSTOP

Trevor Story, COL at SD ($4,400): Admittedly, Story is a high-risk, high-reward target. He received Wednesday off and lands in a potentially soft matchup, though. Additionally, while Luis Perdomo has held right-handed hitters to a .334 wOBA dating back to last season, he's also owns a career 5.63 FIP. Story's .255 ISO and 37.4 hard-hit percentage against righties since entering the league also highlight his power upside.

OUTFIELD

Mike Trout, LAA at SEA ($5,400): Dating back to the beginning of the 2015 campaign, Trout boasts a 1.109 OPS, .259 ISO and .427 wOBA against southpaws. It's not a daunting matchup against Ariel Miranda, either. The lefty has only made 15 career starts and owns a 5.21 FIP while allowing a .347 wOBA to right-handed hitters.

Carlos Gonzalez, COL at SD ($4,300): It's been an underwhelming start for Gonzalez, and even with Colorado posting 11 runs Wednesday, the outfielder turned in a disappointing 1-for-5 outing. After posting a .374 wOBA against righties last year (albeit just .339 on the road), Gonzalez's is in a rebound spot against Luis Perdomo, as the right-handed pitcher has allowed a .377 wOBA to lefty bats dating back to last season.

Seth Smith, BAL at BOS ($3,700): As noted, this is a cushy spot for the Orioles against Kyle Kendricks, while his home park was Coors Field during his last full season in 2015, the righty still surrendered a .413 wOBA to left-handed hitters. Smith has regularly been leading off against righties this season, and he owns a solid .350 on-base percentage and .341 wOBA against them dating back to last season.

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire. Neil Parker plays in daily fantasy contests using the following accounts: FanDuel: naparker77, DraftKings: naparker77.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neil Parker
Neil is a former RotoWire contributor. A loyal Cubs, Cowboys and Maple Leafs fan for decades, Neil had contributed to RotoWire since 2014. He previously worked for USA Today Fantasy Sports.
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