DraftKings MLB: Thursday Picks

DraftKings MLB: Thursday Picks

This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.

PITCHER

Jason Hammel, CHC vs. ATL ($7,400): While lambasted by the Mets in his latest outing (10 runs allowed, including five homers through four innings), Hammel's salary is significantly down from the $9,300 for that start. Through his six starts at Wrigley Field this season, Hammel has a 2.78 ERA with 26 punchouts through 32.1 innings, and the Braves enter with the league-worst wOBA (.279) and wRC+ (71). There is a chance of rain, and Hammel projects to be extremely chalky, but this is a high-floor option at a discount.

Drew Hutchison, TOR vs. DET ($6,500): A true high-risk, high-reward flier, Hutchison has a career 21-7 record, 3.58 ERA and 8.6 K/9 at Rogers Centre, including an 11-2 run in 2015 with a 2.91 ERA. The Tigers are a high-end offense (.331 wOBA and 104 wRC+), but they're also strikeout prone (22.4 percent K rate).

CATCHER

Derek Norris, SD at LAD ($3,700): Dating back to 2014, Norris has a .354 wOBA and 129 wRC+ against left-handed hurlers, and opposing starter Hyun-Jin Ryu is making his first start in almost two years. Norris is a boom-or-bust flier, but he's in solid form with six bombs, 22 RBI and a .495 slugging percentage since June 1.

FIRST BASE

Anthony Rizzo, CHC vs. ATL ($5,200): While pricey, there is still plenty of profit room given Rizzo's .435 wOBA and 175 wRC+ against righties this season. Additionally, he boasts a .305 ISO over the past 30 games, and journeyman Lucas Harrell has a career 4.74 ERA as a starter.

SECOND BASE

Devon Travis, TOR vs. DET ($3,700): Since entering the league, Travis has a respectable .360 wOBA and 126 wRC+ against right-handed hurlers. He's also been hot over the past 30 days with a .300/.330/.490 slash line and nice counting stats (13 runs, four home runs, 16 RBI and two stolen bases). Expect scarce ownership for a high-upside bat with a reasonable cap hit.

THIRD BASE

Nolan Arenado, COL vs. PHI ($5,400): Considering he's not even the most expensive option at the 5, Arenado fits the value billing. With a 1.163 OPS, .364 ISO, .476 wOBA and 186 wRC+ against southpaws at Coors Field this season, Arenado is a lineup lock since he isn't priced out of viability. Just note, he could win the popularity contest at the position.

SHORTSTOP

Troy Tulowitzki, TOR vs. DET ($4,200): With a .304/.364/.626 slash line, 10 home runs and 27 RBI through his past 30 games, Tulowitzki is in fine form and has a .437 wOBA and 176 wRC+ over the past 30 days. Justin Verlander has been inconsistent all season and has served up a .536 slugging percentage over his past four starts.

OUTFIELD

Ryan Raburn, COL vs. PHI ($3,900): As a cheap source of exposure to Coors Field, Raburn is in risk of being a popular play Thursday, especially with his respectable .346 wOBA and 117 wRC+ against southpaws since 2014. Still, the matchup makes him even more attractive with Adam Morgan allowing a .931 OPS to right-handed hitters and a 6.55 ERA as a starter this season.

Matt Kemp, SD at LAD ($3,500): The veteran has a monster .415 wOBA and 166 wRC+ against southpaws this season fueled by eight home runs. He also enters in fine form, going 6-for-13 over his last three games with five runs and four RBI. The price is right to take a stab at Hyun-Jin Ryu's first start since 2014.

Franklin Gutierrez, SEA at KC ($3,500): With a 48.5 hard-hit percentage, .384 wOBA and 145 wRC+ against lefties this season, Gutierrez is a strong value option who typically bats second in the lineup against southpaws. Since it isn't a high-end matchup against Danny Duffy, Gutierrez should fly under the radar, too.

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire. Neil Parker plays in daily fantasy contests using the following accounts: FanDuel: naparker77, DraftKings: naparker77.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neil Parker
A loyal Cubs, Cowboys and Maple Leafs fan for decades, Neil has contributed to RotoWire since 2014. He previously worked for USA Today Fantasy Sports.
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