This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
The players featured in this piece will be building blocks that can work in several lineup configurations (cash and GPP). There are only four games with early start times, leaving plenty of options to choose from for the main evening slate on DraftKings.
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STARTING PITCHER
Jose Berrios, MIN vs. KC ($11,000): The Twins have had a disappointing season that unexpectedly left them sellers at the trade deadline. Their issues certainly aren't because of Berrios, who has a 3.56 ERA that is backed by a 3.65 FIP. He's shown excellent control by issuing only 2.1 BB/9, which has helped him post a 1.05 WHIP. He also has an 11.2 percent swinging-strike rate, propelling him to a 9.2 K/9. In his only previous start against the Royals this season, he allowed one run and recorded eight strikeouts in seven innings. Considering the Royals inability to score runs, Berrios has significant upside.
GPP Fade: Lance McCullers, HOU at LAD ($8,800): McCullers has hit a rough patch, allowing 15 runs (14 earned) in 13.2 innings in his last three starts. He's already thrown 122 innings, passing his total of 118.2 innings during the regular season last year. He's never pitched more than 125.2 innings during the regular season in the majors, so there is a chance he could get worn down as the season comes to a close. The Dodgers acquired two key bats in Manny Machado and Brian Dozier, giving them one of the deepest lineups in the National League. Based on McCullers' recent struggles, it might be best to avoid him Saturday.
Cheap GPP Consideration: Kevin Gausman, ATL at NYM ($8,100): Gausman makes his first start for the Braves after spending almost six years with the Orioles. His numbers aren't great with a 4.43 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP this year. He's also had a hard time keeping hitters inside the park, allowing 1.5 HR/9. However, in the six games that he allowed at least five earned runs this season, four came against teams in the American League East. The move to the National League should boost his value, especially in Saturday's matchup against a Mets team that has the lowest home OPS in baseball.
CATCHER
Yasmani Grandal, LAD vs. HOU ($4,800): With the additions of Machado and Dozier, the rest of the hitters on the Dodgers should get an opportunity for increased counting stats. Entering play Friday, Grandal has hit .341 with six home runs since Machado joined the team. He doesn't play much against lefties, but Grandal has a stellar .395 wOBA against right-handed pitchers.
FIRST BASE
Matt Olson, OAK vs. DET ($4,200): Olson hasn't carried his torrid pace from last year, but he still has 21 home runs and 20 doubles entering Friday. He faces right-hander Jordan Zimmermann, who has given up two homers in each of his last three games and has allowed 1.5 HR/9 overall. Olson has hit 18 of his 21 home runs off of righties, leaving him with upside.
SECOND BASE
Scooter Gennett, CIN at WAS ($4,700): Friday's game was postponed due to rain, setting up a doubleheader Saturday. With lefty Gio Gonzalez scheduled to pitch the first game for Washington, it's not surprising to see Gennett sit that one out and play the nightcap against Jeremy Hellickson, since he has a .383 wOBA against right-handers.
THIRD BASE
Matt Carpenter, STL at PIT ($5,100): After batting .155 through April, Carpenter has rebounded so well that he's actually having the best season of his career. His .960 OPS entering Friday is more than 100 points higher than his career mark and he's recorded at least 21 home runs and 31 doubles for the fourth straight year. He faces Ivan Nova, who is not an overpowering pitcher with a 6.5 K/9 and has allowed a .362 wOBA to left-handed hitters.
SHORTSTOP
Tim Beckham, BAL at TEX ($3,900): The Orioles' lineup doesn't have a lot of talent left after both Machado and Jonathan Schoop were traded. They weren't a potent offense, to begin with, as they entered Friday with the sixth-fewest runs scored in baseball. Beckham continues to swing a hot bat, though, hitting 17-for-56 (.304) across his last 14 games. Mike Minor will start for the Rangers and while he has held lefties to a .277 wOBA, righties have had much more success with a .342 wOBA against him.
OUTFIELD
Nelson Cruz, SEA vs. TOR ($4,900): When Cruz is hot, he can hit home runs in bunches. He's on one of those runs now, entering Friday with six homers in his last seven games. He'll have a good chance to go deep again versus Marco Estrada, who has allowed 1.4 HR/9 for his career. Cruz does have better numbers against lefties, but he's been successful against righties too with a .367 wOBA.
Max Kepler, MIN vs. KC ($4,100): The Royals have struggled to find quality starting pitching, which is one of the reasons Saturday starter Burch Smith is even in the league. Before this season, he hadn't pitched in the majors since 2013. He's been hit hard with a 6.00 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP, making Kepler an intriguing option at a cost-effective price.
Mark Trumbo, BAL at TEX ($3,900): Trumbo is having another poor season, entering Friday batting only .251 with 13 home runs. He hasn't hit the cover off the ball lately, but he does have at least one hit in eight of his last nine games, including a home run that he hit Thursday. With Minor's struggles against righties already detailed, Trumbo is a consideration in tournament play based on this cheap price.
