This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
Thursday's five-game evening slate is a bit odd in its construction, which will allow players to get value from unexpected places. There are more than a few pitchers with tough matchups, which may make things difficult on a short slate, but we can find pitchers worthy of a look based on current form.
Pitching Overview
It seems odd to have Rich Hill ($9,700) as such an expensive option on any slate, as he has turned in one decent outing and one forgetful performance in his two starts so far this year. The Nationals have logged the highest wOBA in the league against lefty hurlers in 2019, making Hill a GPP-only, scarcity play at best.
Mike Minor ($9,400) has been in fantastic form of late, having notched two 40-point outings to go along with a 30-point performance on DraftKings in three of his last four starts. Armed with two significantly above-average pitches and a 12 percent swinging strike rate, Minor can likely see consistent success going forward, but it must be noted that the Astros hold the second-highest wOBA in the league against left-handed pitching.
Patrick Corbin ($9,200) is always worth a flyer in GPP tournaments due to his strikeout upside but he is yet another expensive hurler tasked with a tough matchup, as the Dodgers have secured the 10th highest wOBA in the league against left-handed pitching while also tallying a .191 ISO in their first 518 plate appearances
Mike Soroka ($9,000) may be the first option on the slate that prospective owners can really sink their teeth into, as he has logged a gaudy looking 1.14 ERA on the strength of high strikeout totals and a 59 percent groundball rate. He will face a D-Backs team that has been solid against right-handed pitching but has hit the ball on the ground at a 49 percent clip to begin the year.
Joe Musgrove ($7,300) is the kind of pitcher who won't wow you with his stuff but the 26-year-old has managed to keep a 2.63 ERA by limiting walks and homers and keeping the ball on the ground. He will likely have his hands full against the Cardinals who have notched a top-10 wOBA against right-handed pitchers this season.
Wade Miley ($6,800) has found success in much the same way and will face an equally tough task against the Rangers, who appear to be putting 2018 in the rear-view mirror, as they are one of the top road teams this season according to wOBA.
Key Values
Gary Sanchez's ($5,300) price may seem prohibitive for a catcher but he is worth a look on a short slate, as Mike Leake has allowed six homers to right-handed hitters in just 14.2 innings.
J.A. Happ's 5.17 xFIP against right-handed hitting will likely be a liability against Edwin Encarnacion ($5,100), who has logged a .250 ISO against lefties in his first 24 at-bats.
We mentioned how strong Minor has looked this season but it likely won't stop DFS players from keying in on George Springer ($5,000) who boasts a .357 ISO against left-handed pitching,
Josh Donaldson ($4,200) may fly under the radar as a one-time star but he has been productive against right-handed pitching this season, as evidenced by the .247 ISO and .371 wOBA he has tallied in 93 at-bats. Meanwhile, Luke Weaver has had a bit of trouble keeping righty hitters in the ballpark, having logged a 1.5 HR/9 rate in 18.2 frames.
Starling Marte ($4,200) has done all of his damage against same-handed hurlers in 2019. This bodes well for a matchup against Michael Wacha, who has allowed a .521 slugging percentage against righty hitters.
Justin Turner ($4,200) should be popular despite a tough matchup against Corbin due to the .235 ISO he has logged against southpaws.
Stacks
Yankees vs. Mike Leake (Mariners)
Gary Sanchez (C - $5,300) Luke Voit (1B - $5,200) Gleyber Torres (2B/SS - $4,400)
We've set this stack up to specifically target Leake's issues with right-handed hitting, but those who wish to work lefties in should feel free to do so, as the 31-year-old has allowed a .500 slugging percentage against left-handed hitters.
Nationals against Rich Hill (Dodgers)
Anthony Rendon (3B - $4,400) Howie Kendrick (2B/3B - $3,900) Victor Robles (OF - $3,800)
It's not often I recommend stacking against the most expensive pitcher on the slate but the Nationals have more than enough firepower to take advantage of Hill's early struggles against righty hitters. That, combined with a tremendous amount of salary relief, makes this a stack worth focusing on.
