This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
PITCHER
Madison Bumgarner, SF vs. SD ($11,800): After going seven innings in his return from the disabled list, there is no questioning that the lefty is healthy. Bumgarner takes an 8.7 K/9, 23.7 strikeout percentage and 3.34 FIP into Thursday's start against the lowly Padres and is worth spending up for. After all, San Diego enters with a league-worst .281 wOBA and a target-worthy 25.7 strikeout percentage against lefties.
Luis Castillo, CIN vs. ARI ($6,900): A low-priced flier with an intriguing pitch arsenal, Castillo owns a noteworthy 29.3 strikeout percentage through his first five starts in the majors. In his hitter-friendly home venue, Castillo is facing a daunting matchup with Arizona sporting a fourth-ranked .341 wOBA, so he's far from a risk-free option. However, Arizona returns home Friday to face the Nationals, so this is a potential letdown spot following Wednesday's extra-inning game.
CATCHER
Gary Sanchez, NYY at SEA ($4,600):Felix Hernandez has surrendered a 2.2 HR/9 and .359 wOBA to right-handed hitters this season, and Sanchez's salary doesn't match his upside in a shallow catcher pool. After all, dating back to last season, the backstop sports an elite .284 ISO and .413 wOBA.
FIRST BASE
Hanley Ramirez, BOS vs. TOR ($4,100): Over the past two seasons, Ramirez has posted a .410 on-base percentage and .429 wOBA against southpaws. This is a soft matchup for the veteran, too. Francisco Liriano has surrendered a .380 wOBA to right-handed hitters this year and has also allowed 13 runs through 14 innings in July.
SECOND BASE
Jonathan Schoop, BAL vs. TEX (4,200):Cole Hamels has held right-handed hitters to a .289 wOBA this season, so on paper, it's a tough matchup. However, Schoop's salary is manageable, and the second baseman sports a .281 ISO and .379 wOBA against southpaws for the season. Look for the matchup to drive down the second baseman's ownership percentage.
THIRD BASE
Adrian Beltre, TEX at BAL ($4,400): Through his past eight starts, Wade Miley owns a 10.19 ERA while allowing a .481 wOBA to right-handed hitters. This is a ripe matchup for Beltre, and this salary discounts his .394 on-base percentage and .399 wOBA against lefties dating back to 2015.
SHORTSTOP
Brandon Crawford, SF vs. SD ($3,100): This year's struggles are baked into Crawford's salary, but entering 2017, he posted a respectable .200 ISO, .338 wOBA and 33.6 hard-hit percentage over the previous two seasons against righties. Hitting in the heart of the lineup boosts his upside, and Jhoulys Chacin has served up a .371 wOBA to left-handed hitters this season. Additionally, Chacin sports a 7.95 road ERA.
OUTFIELD
Aaron Judge, NYY at SEA ($5,500): With just nine games on the docket, it's always worth considering the best hitters in the player pool, and Judge obviously fits that bill. As highlighted, Felix Hernandez checks out as plus-matchup for Judge, and the slugger owns a high-end .328 ISO and .443 wOBA against right-handed hurlers this year.
Brandon Belt, SF vs. SD ($3,800): Eligible in the outfield, Belt checks out as a potential value play. As noted, it's a soft matchup against Jhoulys Chacin, and Belt sports a solid .249 ISO and.371 wOBA against right-handed hurlers this year. Hitting in the heart of the San Francisco lineup also helps his fantasy floor.
Chris Young, BOS vs. TOR ($3,200): Over the previous two seasons, Young posted an impressive .401 on-base percentage and .414 wOBA against lefties, so positive regression to his current .338 and .299 marks is in play at this salary. As noted, it's a target-worthy matchup against Francisco Liriano, and Young has been hitting in the middle of the lineup against southpaws of late.
