This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
PITCHER
Michael Fulmer, DET at TB ($10,900): Fulmer makes for a strong selection pitching in a cushy matchup on eight days rest. The streaking rookie has allowed a measly three total runs in his last seven starts, and his robust 8.48 K/9 this season is far from unsustainable given that he topped that mark at both the Double-A and Triple-A levels in 2015. Expect the former Mets prospect to continue building on those impressive numbers against a Rays offense that ranks among the five worst in baseball in both runs and strikeouts.
Ian Kennedy, KC at PHI ($8,800): Kennedy had 11 strikeouts in seven innings of one-run ball against the Astros last time out, and he should be able to build on that masterful performance against an inferior Philadelphia lineup. While they're a bit less susceptible to the strikeout, the Phillies are much less dangerous in general, with an average of just 3.48 runs scored per game. Given his strong 8.63 K/9, Kennedy should rack up his fair share of whiffs anyway as he's likely to go deep into the game against this toothless offense.
CATCHER
Kurt Suzuki, MIN vs. TEX ($3,300): While he doesn't get much fanfare playing for an awful Twins team, Suzuki has put together a strong season against left-handed pitching with a .353 wOBA. The veteran catcher also comes in hot with hits in nine consecutive games, and he was rewarded for his play with a move up to sixth in the lineup Thursday. Despite his 7-4 record, Martin Perez has actually been very pedestrian with a .341 wOBA allowed to right-handed bats, so Suzuki should be able to take advantage of this matchup with another strong under-the-radar performance.
FIRST BASE
John Jaso, PIT at OAK ($3,400): Jaso continues to be an incredibly affordable option at first base despite continually demonstrating the ability to feast on righties. He has managed a .351 career wOBA against them, while A's starter Sonny Gray has struggled with a 5.03 ERA in 2016. In a slate with some pricey middle infielders poised for huge games, it's not a bad idea to go against the grain and save a few bucks at first base without experiencing a dip in production.
SECOND BASE
Jason Kipnis, CLE at TOR ($4,500): After hitting safely in 12 straight, Kipnis is primed for another big game out of the two-hole in the Indians' lineup at the eighth-most hitter-friendly venue in baseball (Toronto's Rogers Centre). The second baseman has racked up a .347 wOBA against right-handers like Marcus Stroman, while Stroman is giving up an even higher .354 mark to lefties. Advantage: Kipnis.
THIRD BASE
Danny Valencia, OAK vs. PIT ($4,100): As shown by his otherworldly .497 wOBA against them, Valencia makes a living out of pummeling left-handed pitchers. Most of the southpaws he's managed to accrue those numbers against bring more to the table than Jeff Locke and his .357 wOBA allowed to right-handers. At just $4,100, Valencia is a no-brainer at third base in this situation.
SHORTSTOP
Brandon Crawford, SF at PIT ($4,700): Crawford is undervalued as the night's fifth-most expensive shortstop, as a number of factors working in his favor suggest he could end up being the most productive player at the position. He has jacked 27 homers since the start of the 2015 season and could easily add to that total at baseball's fifth-most hitter-friendly park against an extremely hitter-friendly pitcher. Shelby Miller has consistently demonstrated his futility in allowing seven homers and nine doubles along with an astronomical .417 wOBA in 31 innings pitched against left-handed hitters, and Crawford is more dangerous than the majority of the hitters who have accounted for those gaudy totals.
OUTFIELDER
Carlos Gonzalez, COL at LAD ($3,400): While a decrease in production away from Coors Field is to be expected, it hardly justifies the ridiculous drop in Gonzalez's price to a measly $3,400, especially in an otherwise tremendous matchup. CarGo is red hot with 11 hits and three homers in his last five games, and he has favorable history against newly acquired Dodgers pitcher Bud Norris (4-for-11 with a homer and a double). That success should come as no surprise after looking at Norris' .367 wOBA allowed to lefties this season, so don't expect a dropoff. Getting Gonzalez at this price is an absolute coup regardless of venue.
Lonnie Chisenhall, CLE at TOR ($3,700): As mentioned with teammate Jason Kipnis, Chisenhall will find himself in a very favorable hitting environment at the Rogers Centre with a subpar righty on the mound in Marcus Stroman. The left-handed batter's .358 wOBA in that favorable split makes him a tempting option in a game that shouldn't lack for production from the Indians' offense.
Alex Gordon, KC at PHI ($3,100): Now is the time to buy low on Gordon. While he has been disastrous at home and against southpaws (.259 wOBA in both cases), the veteran's numbers on the road and facing righties are at least tolerable, with wOBAs over .300 in both scenarios. He still finds himself batting in a valuable spot near or at the top of the order, and he is starting to stir a bit with six hits and four runs scored in his last six starts. Gordon represents a low-risk investment at only $3,100, and he could pay major dividends against Jeremy Hellickson pitching through a sore back.
