DraftKings MLB: Thursday Picks

DraftKings MLB: Thursday Picks

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.

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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