This article is part of our Draftster MLB series.
In their effort to provide players with the best experience possible, Draftster has begun adding designated hitters to the pool for us to select from. This presents what may be an exploitable scenario Sunday, as David Ortiz is listed in an outfield position. In my experience, finding three quality outfielders on a given day can be quite a task, but we can choose to stick a heavy-hitting DH in one of those spots at Yankee Stadium against a mediocre right-handed pitcher in Chase Whitley. This likely won't be a choice for long, as Ortiz hasn't ever actually played a game in the outfield, so use him to plug those holes while you can.
A Note on Sunday's Action
Draftster's contests start at 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday, meaning we miss out on some particularly juicy opportunities in the early afternoon. It also means we deal with just five games. While some may see this as a detriment, I think shorter schedules can really benefit the players who take advantage of the fact that we have time to meticulously research each matchup.
So let's dig in…
Pitchers
Michael Bolsinger ($3,700)
I have recommended hitters against Bolsinger in the past, but there are definitely things to like about letting him take the hill for your team Sunday. Namely, the Padres have the worst offense in the league, and his homer problems will be mitigated by Petco Park, which swallows up right-handed power. There are some no-brainers out there, but I take it you aren't reading for me to recommend Felix Hernandez or Clayton Kershaw.
Hitters
Shelby Miller seems to have forgotten how to throw strikes this season. This deficiency is particularly apparent against left-handed batters, as he has walked 24 southpaws in just 40.1 innings. His 5.36 xFIP against lefties is a good indication that some tough times are on the way.
Dee Gordon (2B) ($7,500)
Adrian Gonzalez (1B) ($4,500)
Andre Ethier (OF) ($3,000)
Homer Bailey has been very good against right-handers this season, but those darn southpaws have worn him out to the tune of a .900 OPS against in 178 plate appearances. Let's see if some of San Francisco's lefties can continue the trend.
Brandon Crawford (SS) ($5,200)
Pablo Sandoval (3B) ($3,000)
Odrisamer Despaigne is largely an unknown quantity, having defected from Cuba in 2013. What I can tell you about the 27-year-old from his brief time in the minors is he has a tendency to walk hitters. In 31.1 innings combined between Double-A San Antonio and Triple-A El Paso this season, he allowed free passes to a whopping 18 batters. He also struck out 41 men over that span. Neither of these trends showed up during his first start of the season against the Giants, as he struck out just one and didn't allow a walk over seven innings pitched. On this short day, however, it's tough to pass on a guy who seems like a potential blow-up candidate.
Miguel Montero (C) ($3,000)
Gerardo Parra (OF) ($4,400)
Ender Inciarte (Of) ($6,300)
The Week at a Glance
Zack Wheeler has been all over the map in terms of results lately, but his peripherals have been solid the whole way. He will face a Braves team Monday that strikes out nearly 22 percent of the time against right-handed pitching in a park (Turner Field) that saps righty power.
On Tuesday, our old friend Joe Saunders resurfaces at Camden Yards. There are two major right-handed power bats to consider here in Adam Jones and Nelson Cruz.
J.A Happ faces the righty-heavy Brewers lineup at home Wednesday. He has been a bit better of late, but I just can't resist the urge to take the lefty mashers in a hitter's ballpark when I have the chance. I should note here that the game begins at 12:37 p.m. ET. This may mean it won't be included in the schedule.
On the other side of the ball Wednesday, worm killer Charlie Morton faces the Diamondbacks at home. He has been suppressing offense from both sides of the platoon this season and projects well against a below-average offense in a big ballpark.
Wei-Yin Chen has surrendered 14 home runs to right-handed batters in 72.1 innings this season. He will need to fade Alex Rios and Adrian Beltre when he takes on the Rangers at home Thursday.
Soft-tossing lefty Jorge De La Rosa will face some formidable right-handed power bats when he battles the Dodgers at Coors Field on Friday.
Aaron Harang faces the Diamondbacks on Saturday. He has come back to earth a bit after a hot start but should be a profitable play at home for some of the reasons mentioned above.
