DraftKings MLB: Thursday Picks

DraftKings MLB: Thursday Picks

This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.

PITCHER

Jose Berrios, MIN vs. TOR ($10.800): There have been a few poor outings along the way, but Berrios boasts a solid .394 FIP, 1.17 WHIP and 22.7 strikeout percentage. The Blue Jays own a pedestrian .314 wOBA against right-handed hurlers since Aug. 1, and Toronto has struggled all season on the road against righties with a .307 mark.

Jake Junis, KC at CLE ($6,200):
Cleveland is going to lose and/or have a bad offensive game sooner than later, and Junis is a tough draw for the Tribe. The 24-year-old righty has posted a 2.48 FIP and 26.9 strikeout percentage through his past four outings and checks out at a tremendous discount. He's a contrarian flier.

CATCHER

Willson Contreras, CHC vs. NYM ($3,700): The backstop boasts a solid .352 wOBA against right-handed pitchers this season and is coming off a solid three-RBI showing Wednesday. If Contreras sits, Alex Avila ($3,500) owns an even better .383 wOBA against righties. The matchup with Seth Lugo doesn't jump off the page, but he posted a 6.46 ERA through six outings before blanking the Reds in his latest start.

FIRST BASE

Yulieski Gurriel, HOU at LAA ($3,700): Ricky Nolasco has surrendered a .393 wOBA and 2.5 HR/9 to right-handed hitters this season. Gurriel is affordable, and he sports a strong .202 ISO and .350 wOBA against righty arms for the campaign.

SECOND BASE

Starlin Castro, NYY vs. BAL ($3,600): This is a ripe matchup and salary to target Castro. He's posted a 1.013 OPS and .438 wOBA against southpaws at Yankee Stadium this season, and Wade Miley has struggled significantly against right-handed hitters with .366 wOBA allowed and a .374 mark against righties on the road.

THIRD BASE

Joey Gallo, TEX vs. SEA ($3,700): Felix Hernandez will make his first start since July 31, and the veteran righty has served up a .520 slugging percentage and .379 wOBA to left-handed hitters this season. It's a strong matchup for Gallo, and the slugger's salary is well within profit territory. After all, he's posted a .405 ISO and .399 wOBA against righties since Aug. 1.

SHORTSTOP

Carlos Correa, HOU at LAA ($4,300): This is a target-worthy salary for Correa. He's locked into the cleanup spot and sports a .370 wOBA against right-handed hurlers this season. As noted, it's a juicy matchup against Ricky Nolasco, too.

OUTFIELD

Aaron Judge, NYY vs. BAL ($5,300): As noted, Wade Miley has struggled against right-handed hitters in away games (.374 wOBA allowed), and Judge returns to the lineup after a day off Wednesday. The slugger has positive regression ahead of his second-half .160 BABIP and .241 wOBA against southpaws, especially considering he still boasts a year-long .273 ISO and .390 wOBA against left-handed hurlers.

George Springer, HOU at LAA ($4,700):
Another Houston bat to lock in against Ricky Nolasco, Springer has 22 bombs and a .370 wOBA against right-handed hurlers this season. Additionally, the outfielder has been leading off again of late and carries a manageable cap hit.

Marcell Ozuna, MIA at PHI ($4,600):
With a .345 ISO against right-handed pitchers this season, Ozuna lands in a soft matchup against Jake Thompson. Thompson posted a 5.25 ERA through 22 starts with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, and he's also surrendered a 2.8 HR/9 and .409 wOBA to right-handed hitters this season in the majors.

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.
RotoWire Community
Join Our Subscriber-Only MLB Chat
Chat with our writers and other RotoWire MLB fans for all the pre-game info and in-game banter.
Join The Discussion
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.
Farm Futures: Rookie Outfielder Rankings
Farm Futures: Rookie Outfielder Rankings
Offseason Deep Dives: Reynaldo Lopez
Offseason Deep Dives: Reynaldo Lopez
Offseason Deep Dives: Hunter Greene
Offseason Deep Dives: Hunter Greene
Farm Futures: November Dynasty Mailbag!
Farm Futures: November Dynasty Mailbag!
All-Bust Fantasy Team: Relief Pitchers
All-Bust Fantasy Team: Relief Pitchers
Collette Calls: Thinking About Pitchers Returning From Injuries
Collette Calls: Thinking About Pitchers Returning From Injuries