This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
The main event contests Thursday are comprised of eight games, including a Cincinnati-Colorado matchup at hitter-friendly Coors Field. And while exposure to that game is encouraged, it doesn't do a lot of good to fill this column with low-hanging fruit from the Rockies and Reds.
Additionally, it is worth noting the underwhelming -- albeit cheap -- pitching options, which will open up the spending room to hone in on a few players from the Reds-Rockies duel.
PITCHER
Wade Miley, SEA at SD ($8,900): Target the matchup in pitcher-friendly PETCO Park, as Miley has underwhelmed and allowed at least three runs in seven of his 10 starts. Still, San Diego's 26.6 strikeout percentage against lefties is the second-highest mark in the league, and they sport a middling wOBA (.317) and wRC+ (100) against southpaws. Miley is a prime high-risk, high-reward chase Thursday.
Matt Moore, TB at MIN ($8,100): After fanning seven batters through 6.2 innings last time out, look for Moore to continue his improved work against the Twins, who have a fourth-highest strikeout rate (24.9) against southpaws with an equally target-worthy .275 wOBA and 69 wRC+ against lefties, which both rank 28th in the league.
CATCHER
Francisco Cervelli, PIT at MIA ($3,200): Dating back to the beginning of last season, Cervelli has a solid .831 OPS, .365 wOBA and 135 wRC+ against lefties, and he hits in the heart of the second-ranked lineup in on-base percentage. He is a risk to rest Thursday, so you'll want to double-check, and pivoting to Tucker Barnhart ($3,000) is a viable alternative.
FIRST BASE
Miguel Cabrera, DET vs. NYY ($4,500): The perennial MVP candidate has found his groove through his past 24 games with 14 runs, eight home runs, 20 RBI and a 1.090 OPS, and he grabs a pitching machine Thursday. Michael Pineda has allowed a .391 wOBA and 2.4 HR/9 to right-handed hitters this season, and Cabrera has a .399 wOBA and 157 wRC+ against righties since 2014.
SECOND BASE
Josh Harrison, PIT at MIA ($3,700): A low-priced option with excellent results against left-handed hurlers dating back to the 2014 season (.825 OPS, .359 wOBA and 132 wRC+), Harrison is also a threat on the base paths with eight swipes this season.
THIRD BASE
Maikel Franco, PHI vs. MIL ($3,400): Opposing hurler Chase Anderson has allowed a .401 wOBA and 2.15 HR/9 to right-handed hitters this season, and Franco has a strong .457 slugging percentage and .331 wOBA against righties since entering the league. After a .238 BABIP in May hindered his production, Franco's salary is down, which makes him a strong candidate to return a solid profit Thursday. He'll likely be scarcely owned, too.
SHORTSTOP
Jonathan Villar, MIL at PHI ($4,900): Villar has a .370 on-base percentage against right-handed arms this season and a league-leading 19 stolen bases. Additionally, he'll face Jerad Eickhoff, who has allowed a .371 wOBA to left-handed hitters. With many likely to flock to the Zach Cozart ($4,200) and Trevor Story ($5,300), Villar is contrarian option because of his cap hit.
OUTFIELD
Giancarlo Stanton, MIA vs. PIT ($4,200): While Juan Nicaso has limited right-handed hitters to a .275 wOBA this season, Stanton's upside at this cap hit makes him a great tournament play or source of cap relief. With the rust shaken off following his seven-game injury absence, expect Stanton to cash in Thursday. He boasts a .375 wOBA and 140 wRC+ against right-handed arms since 2014, after all.
Corey Dickerson, TB at MIN ($3,600): As a cheap flier, Dickerson has a nice matchup with Kyle Gibson, who is allowing a .594 slugging percentage and .422 wOBA to left-handed hitters this season. And Dickerson has held his own against right-handed arms this year with a .537 slugging percentage, a .309 ISO, a .336 wOBA and 116 wRC+.
Hyun Soo Kim, BAL vs. BOS ($3,200): While it is a sample size of just 55 plate appearances, Kim has teed off on right-handed pitchers to the tune of a .424 wOBA and 170 wRC+. There have been 39 runs scored through the first three games of this series, so look for another high-event game Thursday, which makes Kim an excellent value at his salary.
