This article is part of our FantasyDraft MLB series.
PITCHERS:
Jimmy Nelson, MIL vs. CIN ($19,200):- Nelson racked up 35.35 fantasy points against the Reds back on June 29, and he's scored between 23.30 and 28.75 fantasy points in his last three starts. He's also generated a 2.43 ERA and allowed a .290 wOBA over 77.2 innings at Miller Park. Meanwhile, the Reds have just an 88 wRC+ and 29.9 percent hard contact rate against right-handed pitching on the road since the All-Star break.
Jaime Garcia, NYY vs. BOS ($11,400):- The Red Sox have mustered a majors-worst .221 wOBA and 47 wRC+ against southpaws on the road since the All-Star break, while also striking out at a 25.0 percent clip and making just 9.4 percent hard contact. Meanwhile, Garcia has eclipsed 20 fantasy points in five starts since May 21.
INFIELD
Justin Turner, LAD vs. SD ($8,800):- Turner owns a .508 wOBA, .361 ISO and 45.9 percent hard contact versus left-handed pitching, and a .500 average, a homer and two RBI versus Padres southpaw Clayton Richard in 15 plate appearances. Richard has surrendered .396 wOBA (including 10 homers), 27.0 percent HR/FB rate and 35.5 percent hard contact rate to right-handed hitters on the road, while Padres relievers have a 5.40 ERA and have allowed a .335 wOBA to right-handed hitters on the road since the All-Star break.
Robinson Cano, SEA vs. LAA ($7,800):- Cano has a .360 wOBA over his first 36 plate appearances of August, and a .361 wOBA (including 15 homers) and a 38.5 percent hard contact rate against right-handed pitching. He's also touched up Angels starter Ricky Nolasco for three homers and a .333 average overall in 22 plate appearances, while Nolasco has allowed a .388 wOBA, 6.24 xFIP and 38.3 percent hard contact rate to left-handed hitters on the road. Meanwhile, Angels relievers have a 5.06 ERA and have allowed a .355 wOBA to lefty bats on the road since the All-Star break.
Mike Napoli, TEX vs. HOU (6,000):- Napoli owns a .345 wOBA, .295 ISO, 25.6 percent HR/FB rate and 46.3 percent hard contact rate versus right-handed pitching at Globe Life Park, while Astros starter Charlie Morton has allowed a .380 wOBA to righty bats on the road. Astros relievers have been even more vulnerable, as evidenced by their 8.16 ERA and .387 wOBA against righty bats on the road since the All-Star break.
OUTFIELD
Nelson Cruz, SEA vs. LAA ($10,000):- Cruz is renowned for his work against lefties, but he boasts a .371 wOBA, including 20 homers, versus righties, along with a 37.6 percent hard contact rate. He's also posted a .364 average, including three homers, over 23 plate appearances versus Angels starter Ricky Nolasco, who's allowed a .396 wOBA and 41.8 percent hard contact rate to right-handed hitters on the road. Meanwhile, the Angels bullpen has a majors-high 15.83 ERA and has allowed a .514 wOBA to the 48 right-handed hitters they've faced on the road since the All-Star break.
Justin Upton, DET vs. MIN ($9,200):- Upton sports a .384 wOBA and .236 ISO against right-handed pitching at home, along with a 42.6 percent hard contact rate versus that handedness overall. Twins starter Kyle Gibson has allowed a .374 wOBA to right-handed hitters on the road, while Twins relievers have a 4.95 ERA and have allowed a .336 wOBA to right-handed hitters on the road since the All-Star break.
Dexter Fowler, STL vs. ATL ($7,800):- Fowler has posted a .408 wOBA, .339 ISO, 27.8 percent HR/FB rate and 38.6 percent hard contact rate versus right-handed pitching at Busch Stadium, while Braves right-hander Mike Foltynewicz has allowed a 4.44 xFIP to right-handed hitters on the road. Fowler also checks in red hot, posting a .589 wOBA, .444 ISO and 42.9 percent hard contact rate thus far in August.
UTILITY
Ryan Braun, MIL vs. CIN ($9,300):- Braun owns a .419 wOBA and 34.6 percent hard contact rate over his first 33 plate appearances of August. He's also sporting a .366 wOBA, .243 ISO and 39.5 percent hard contact rate versus right-handed pitching, and owns a .333 average, including three homers and eight RBI, over 41 plate appearance against Reds starter Homer Bailey. Bailey has been pummeled by right-handed hitters for a .479 wOBA, 2.27 WHIP and 5.13 xFIP, while Reds relievers have a 6.87 ERA and have allowed a .335 wOBA to righty bats on the road in the last month.
Jake Lamb, ARI vs. CHC ($8,800):- Lamb draws a premium matchup against John Lackey, who's allowed a .378 wOBA, 5.16 xFIP, 22.4 percent HR/FB rate and 33.9 percent hard contact rate to left-handed hitters. Lamb counters with a .410 wOBA, .293 ISO and 35.7 percent hard contact rate versus righties, and a .420 wOBA over his first 30 plate appearances of August.
