This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
PITCHER
Steven Matz, NYM vs. ATL ($9,200): The Braves are even worse against lefties than they are against righties, tallying a .248 wOBA and a 26 percent strikeout rate. Matz has shown fine form after getting blitzed by the Marlins in his first outing, allowing just two runs and striking out 21 over the last 19.1 innings (three starts).
Phil Hughes, MIN at HOU ($7,600): Hughes has become the poster child for throwing strikes, which could make things tough on the Astros, who whiff more than 27 percent of the time against right-handed pitchers. Hughes could put even more pressure on Houston with his curveball, as the Astros are the worst team in the league against the pitch, according to runs above average.
CATCHER
Brian McCann, NYY at BAL ($4,100): McCann has had strikeout issues this season, but he should be in line for some comfortable at-bats against Tyler Wilson, who has struck out just nine of the 73 batters he's faced this season. McCann has been productive against righties this year, notching a .380 wOBA over 41 at-bats.
FIRST BASE
Joey Votto, CIN vs. SF ($4,400): Opposing starter Jake Peavy has been mauled by both sides of the platoon this season, including a hard contact rate of 40 percent and a .542 wOBA against lefties. Votto has struggled a bit to open the season, but he still has a .351 OBP with a .161 ISO against righties.
SECOND BASE
Logan Forsythe, TB vs. LAD ($4,500): Forsythe is becoming a must-play against mediocre lefties, as he has tallied a .905 slugging percentage against southpaws in 21 at-bats. Meanwhile, Alex Wood has tallied just a 17 percent strikeout rate against righties, while surrendering a 32 percent hard contact rate.
THIRD BASE
Manny Machado, BAL vs. NYY ($4,500): Machado has actually faired better against right-handers while on his torrid stretch, but his .392 wOBA will be more than adequate against CC Sabathia, who has an xFIP just under 5.00 against his opposite hand in 17.1 innings. Sabathia has taken to throwing his cutter nearly 31 percent of the time this season, which should play well for the selection, as Machado's 2.2 runs above average against the pitch is the fifth-best mark in the league.
SHORTSTOP
Aledmys Diaz, STL vs. PHI ($3,500): Opposing starter Adam Morgan saw a sudden uptick in strikeouts at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, but he has spent most of his minor league career with a below average strikeout rate. He has also had home run issues at various points on his road to the show which could bode well for Diaz, who has a .722 slugging percentage against left-handed pitchers.
OUTFIELD
Christian Yelich, MIA vs. ARI ($4,000):Rubby De La Rosa has looked sharp over his last two outings, but he still has a below average strikeout rate against lefties, while walking them at a 13 percent clip. Yelich has actually walked more than he has struck out this season, while keeping a .386 wOBA against righties.
Michael Conforto, NYM vs. ATL ($3,800): Conforto has been red hot in his sophomore campaign, notching a .348 ISO against righties over 23 games. Jhoulys Chacin's strikeout rate dips to 15 percent against lefties, and Conforto should be able to take advantage of a 49 percent ground ball rate, as he has shown extreme fly ball tendencies this year.
Jay Bruce, CIN vs. SF ($4,100): We will try another lefty against Peavy, as Bruce has notched a healthy .281 ISO against right-handed pitching. Additionally, he has feasted on contact pitchers, keeping a .630 slugging percentage in 27 at-bats.
Other Options: Steven Souza Jr., TB vs. LAD ($3,900) Jose Bautista, TOR vs. TEX ($4,500) Oswaldo Arcia, MIN at HOU ($3,300)
