This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
PITCHER
Luis Severino, NYY vs. SEA ($7,900):There are some appealing ultra-expensive options on the mound, but those looking to spend big at other positions needn't worry about missing out. Severino posted a 2.89 ERA and 8.1 K/9 as a rookie, and the 22-year-old should only improve on those numbers now that he has some experience under his belt. You don't have to break the bank to get him in your lineup, which makes Severino an enticing option against a Mariners team that's scoring fewer than 3.6 runs per game this season.
Garrett Richards, LAA at MIN ($9,300): While it hasn't translated to wins yet, Richards has been putting hitters away with ease early on, fanning 13 in 11.2 innings. That improved strikeout rate shouldn't be hard to maintain against a Minnesota offense that leads the league with 10.44 strikeouts per game, and their league-worst 1.56 runs scored per game make the Twins even less scary. Let flashier names hog all the spotlight while Richards quietly takes advantage of an ideal matchup.
CATCHER
Jonathan Lucroy, MIL at PIT ($3,300): Milwaukee's cleanup hitter has mashed left-handed pitching to the tune of a .363 wOBA throughout his career, and he should be fresh against Pirates lefty Jeff Locke after receiving a day off from catching Thursday. His combination of role and affordability makes Lucroy tough to pass up.
FIRST BASE
Prince Fielder, TEX vs. BAL ($4,900): The savings at other positions should allow for lavish spending at first base, so don't sweat taking the most expensive option at the position considering his upside. Fielder sports a career .401 wOBA against right-handed pitching, while back-of-the-rotation starter Vance Worley gave up a .407 mark to lefty bats in his season debut. Look for the veteran first baseman to thrive in the heart of the Rangers' order in a game with an over/under of 9.0 runs.
SECOND BASE
Enrique Hernandez, LAD vs. SF ($2,700): Hernandez batted in the leadoff spot Thursday, and he deserves to be right back in the same position with another lefty on the mound Friday. The inexpensive utility man has smashed left-handed pitching to the tune of a ridiculous .612 wOBA in 2016, and his career .452 mark isn't too shabby, either. Some may be spooked because Giants starter Madison Bumgarner isn't just another lefty, but Hernandez's 7-for-13 career mark against him suggests this matchup should actually be viewed as a boon.
THIRD BASE
Yunel Escobar, LAA at MIN ($3,300): Escobar is off to a terrific start out of the leadoff spot for the Angels, posting a .642 wOBA against left-handed pitching. Minnesota lefty Tommy Milone gave up a .331 wOBA to right-handed hitters in 2015, and Escobar should put him on track for an even higher number this season by the time he's through. Considering the Angels' lineup is stacked with premier right-handed bats, it wouldn't be surprising to see Escobar cross the plate multiple times.
SHORTSTOP
Xander Bogaerts, BOS vs. TOR ($4,000): It's tough to predict success against knuckleballers like R.A. Dickey based on the infrequency with which they're encountered, but Bogaerts has been wildly effective against Dickey by nearly every measure. He went 1-for-2 with an RBI double and a walk as the Red Sox tagged Dickey for seven runs in five innings back on Apr. 9, raising his career average against the veteran to .367 in 30 at-bats. Expect more of the same success as they rematch less than a week later.
OUTFIELD
Jeremy Hazelbaker, STL vs. CIN ($3,700): Hazelbaker has crushed right-handed pitching to open his career, with a .543 wOBA against them thus far. His current price is still a massive undervaluation based on the rookie's early success, making him an obvious candidate to fill an outfield spot against a rookie right-hander. Cincinnati's Timothy Melville allowed a .454 wOBA to left-handed bats in his first start, and he doesn't figure to do much better this time around.
David Peralta, ARI at SD ($3,300): Peralta thrives against right-handed pitching, posting a .397 wOBA against them last season compared to a measly .299 against lefties. Luckily for him and fantasy owners, righty James Shields is scheduled to take the mound for the Padres. Even at the spacious Petco Park, it'd be foolish to ignore Peralta's proficiency in this split considering his bargain price, especially since he's 4-for-8 with a pair of homers against Shields.
Christian Yelich, MIA vs. ATL ($4,300): Yelich has crushed all sorts of pitching to open the season, but his impressive .450 wOBA against right-handers isn't all that farfetched considering his .357 career mark. Braves righty Williams Perez has allowed a .376 wOBA to left-handed bats in his career, creating a perfect storm of opportunity for Yelich to continue his torrid start.
