DraftKings MLB: Thursday Picks

DraftKings MLB: Thursday Picks

This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.

PITCHER

Jose Berrios, MIN vs. BAL ($9,600): While Berrios has had consecutive underwhelming road starts, he's at home Thursday where he sports a 2.51 ERA and 28.0 strikeout percentage. He's also held opposing hitters to a .441 OPS and .207 wOBA at Target Field. The Orioles enter with a target-worthy .313 wOBA and 22.9 strikeout percentage against righties for the year.

Sam Gaviglio, SEA vs. OAK ($6,100): A low-priced flier with limited upside, Gaviglio's biggest asset is the salary relief he provides. The Athletics own a middle-of-the-road .321 wOBA against right-handed hurlers but sport a 25.5 strikeout percentage, which is the second-highest mark in the league. Gaviglio has been better at Safeco Park (2.00 ERA), and the matchup could help him improve on his 17.3 strikeout percentage.

CATCHER

Evan Gattis, HOU at TOR ($4,200): The backstop has posted a .353 wOBA against southpaws over the past two years, which includes a .312 mark this season. Gattis is beginning to turn it on of late with a .520 slugging percentage over his past 14 games, so further positive regression is probably ahead of that modest wOBA against lefties this year. With a .370 wOBA surrendered to right-handed batters for the year, this isn't a daunting test against Francisco Liriano, either.

FIRST BASE

Ryan Zimmerman, WAS vs. ATL ($4,200): This has the potential to be a daunting matchup, but Mike Foltynewicz also allowed eight runs to Washington last time he faced them. Zimmerman enters with a manageable salary and a .406 wOBA against righties this season, too.

SECOND BASE

Jose Altuve, HOU at TOR ($5,200): As noted, Francisco Liriano has struggled against right-handed hitters, so Altuve's excellent track record against lefties makes him an excellent option. After all, he's posted a .393 on-base percentage and .381 wOBA against lefties dating back to last season, and Altuve's speed also offers sneaky upside.

THIRD BASE

Jose Ramirez, CLE vs. SD ($4,600): There's no denying Dinelson Lamet's swing-and-miss pitch arsenal, but the rookie righty has also allowed a .422 wOBA and 3.1 HR/9 to left-handed hitters. Ramirez has posted a 1.026 OPS and .426 wOBA against righties this season, and he's also locked into the heart of a clicking lineup.

SHORTSTOP

Jean Segura, SEA vs. OAK ($4,500): With Paul Blackburn making just his second career start, the Mariners will be popular targets, and Segura is a prime candidate to turn to. He sports a .380 wOBA against righties dating back to last season, and leading off is also a nice fantasy bonus as his reasonable salary.

OUTFIELD

George Springer, HOU at TOR ($5,000): This salary doesn't match Springer's elite production against lefties. He's posted a .401 on-base percentage, .321 ISO and .424 wOBA against southpaws dating back to last season, and among all qualified hitters, that wOBA ranks second in the majors. It's also a target-worthy matchup, as noted.

Lonnie Chisenhall, CLE vs. SD ($4,000): With a .285 ISO and .376 wOBA against right-handed pitchers, Chisenhall is a solid option at this salary against Dinelson Lamet. As noted, there is some risk because of how electric the young righty is, but his numbers against left-handed batters are atrocious.

Ben Gamel, SEA vs. OAK ($3,900): As mentioned, this doesn't project to be a daunting matchup, and Gamel has been an excellent contributor all season. With a .395 on-base percentage and .365 wOBA against right-handed hurlers this year and has been locked into the two-hole against righties this 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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