This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
The players featured below are building blocks who can work in several lineup configurations (cash and GPP). There are four contests Saturday spread out throughout the day on DraftKings, so let's look at some players across these contests who can hopefully help you win some money.
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PITCHER
Gerrit Cole, HOU vs. SD ($12,300): Cole is the cream of the crop in terms of starting pitchers on the night slate. He is coming off arguably the worst season of his career, posting a 4.26 ERA and 4.08 FIP. One of the main reasons for his problems was that he allowed 1.4 HR/9 after never allowing more than 0.7 HR/9 in a season in his career. After striking out 11 Rangers in his first start of the season, he draws a favorable start Saturday against a Padres lineup that isn't very deep to begin with, but is also missing one of its best hitters in Wil Myers (arm).
GPP Fade: Sonny Gray, NYY vs. BAL ($9,000): Gray posted a 3.72 ERA after being acquired by the Yankees last year, but his 4.87 FIP suggests he was a little lucky. He particularly struggled at Yankee Stadium, allowing 18 earned runs in 26.2 innings over five starts. He doesn't have an overpowering arsenal, posting just a 7.8 K/9 for his career. Without a high strikeout upside, it's best to avoid him at this price.
Cheap GPP Consideration: Michael Fulmer, DET at CWS ($7,700): One thing you shouldn't expect from Fulmer is strikeouts since he has a career 6.8 K/9. However, he does a great job keeping the ball in the park, allowing just 0.8 HR/9. Batters had a hard time squaring him up in general last season as he allowed only a 30 percent hard-hit rate. The Tigers' lineup consists of a lot of right-handed hitters, which is good news for Fulmer since he held righties to a .268 wOBA in 2017. Even with his limited strikeout potential, Fulmer could be someone to take a chance on in tournament play.
CATCHER
Brian McCann, HOU vs. SD ($3,400): McCann is expected to see plenty of days off throughout the season. With a day game Sunday, he'll likely sit that out and play Saturday. He'll face Padres righty Bryan Mitchell, who allowed a .344 wOBA to lefties in 2017.
FIRST BASE
Freddie Freeman, ATL at COL ($5,800): Freeman has seen little to hit this year, drawing 12 walks in 35 plate appearances. When he has gotten decent pitches to hit, he's made them count, with five extra-base hits in his nine base knocks and only three strikeouts. He destroyed right-handed pitching last year with a 162 wRC+ that ranked seventh in the league. He's pricey, but he gets a great matchup in Coors Field against a righty in Chad Bettis.
SECOND BASE
Cesar Hernandez, PHI vs. MIA ($3,900): All the talk in Philadelphia is about hot young prospect Scott Kingery, but he hasn't eaten into Hernandez's playing time so far. Hernandez continues to hold down the leadoff spot, giving him added opportunities to provide value. A switch hitter, Hernandez posted a .345 wOBA from the right side last year, making him a consideration against lefty Dillon Peters on Saturday.
THIRD BASE
Josh Donaldson, TOR at TEX ($4,800): Donaldson has dealt with a dead arm that has given him some problems in the field, but it hasn't hindered him at the plate. He'll face left-handed starter Mike Minor on Saturday after posting a 171 wRC+ against lefties last year, which ranked 20th in baseball. He also posted a 42.2 percent hard-hit rate against left-handers compared to 34.7 percent against righties.
SHORTSTOP
Didi Gregorius, NYY vs. BAL ($5,200): The Yankees' lineup is scary with Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Gary Sanchez, but Gregorius is just as important to their success. He's been batting cleanup against right-handed starters, so expect him to be there again Saturday against Chris Tillman. Lefties destroyed Tillman last year, posting a .429 wOBA with only a 10.8 percent strikeout rate.
OUTFIELD
Charlie Blackmon, COL vs. ATL ($5,900): Blackmon excelled in Coors Field last year, posting a .503 wOBA, 185 wRC+ and 44.8 percent hard-hit rate. He gets a juicy matchup against journeyman right-hander Anibal Sanchez, who allowed a .346 wOBA to lefties in 2017.
Josh Reddick, HOU vs. SD ($4,000): The Astros' lineup is loaded with talented right-handed hitters, including Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and George Springer. They don't have great lefties, though, making Reddick a key part of their lineup. Reddick hits righties very well, finishing with a wOBA of at least .356 against them in each of the last four seasons.
Derek Dietrich, MIA at PHI ($3,500): Phillies starter Vince Velasquez has loads of potential, but he has yet to put everything together in the majors. He's had significant control issues, posting a 4.3 BB/9 last year. He has also allowed a HR/9 of at least 1.4 in back-to back seasons. He has particularly struggled against lefties, allowing a .376 wOBA and a 35.4 percent hard-hit rate in 2017.
