This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
The players featured in this piece will be building blocks that can work in several lineup configurations (cash and GPP). With games split up throughout the day, let's took a look at some players with favorable matchups for both the day and evening slates.
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PITCHER
Jameson Taillon, PIT at MIA ($12,000): Taillon had control issues in 2017, posting a 3.10 BB/9 that helped lead to an unsightly 1.48 WHIP. He finished with a 4.44 ERA, but his 3.48 FIP suggests he didn't actually pitch that poorly. He has shown no problems with his control in the early going, with two walks in 14.1 innings and 16 strikeouts. The Marlins lineup is struggling to score runs, making Taillon an excellent option for the night slate.
GPP Fade: Jon Gray, COL at WAS ($7,600): Gray surprisingly struggled more on the road in 2017, posting a 4.06 ERA compared to 3.13 at hitter-friendly Coors Field. He has a 1.50 WHIP through three starts this season, but a lot of that is because hitters have recorded an abnormally high .375 BABIP against him. It is a bit concerning, though, that two of those starts came against the Padres, who don't exactly have the most potent lineup in baseball. He faces a tougher task against the Nationals on Saturday, even though they are missing leadoff man Adam Eaton (ankle). Gray's strikeout upside usually makes him a viable option, but this might not be the time to roll with him in your entry.
Cheap GPP Consideration: Sean Newcomb, ATL at CHC ($6,900): Newcomb provided an excellent 9.7 K/9 in 2017, but his 5.1 BB/9 did a lot to offset that. The good news is that hitters didn't make great contact, posting only a 27 percent hard-hit rate. He gave up five earned runs in his first start of the season against the Nationals, but he has shown strikeout upside again this year with 15 in just 10.1 innings. That's what you want when you take a risk with a cheap tournament play, making Newcomb an intriguing option. There is a threat of rain for this game, so be sure to check in for updates leading up to first pitch.
CATCHER
Buster Posey, SF at SD ($4,200): Posey has been outstanding against left-handed pitching throughout his career, finishing with a wOBA of at least .366 against southpaws in six consecutive seasons. He'll face left-hander Clayton Richard on Saturday, who allowed a .377 wOBA to righties in 2017.
FIRST BASE
Victor Martinez, DET vs. NYY ($3,200): The Tigers have an excellent matchup against Luis Cessa, who is filling in for the injured CC Sabathia (hip). Cessa hasn't pitched well in the majors, posting a career 5.47 FIP. He's not a strikeout pitcher either (career 6.6 K/9), making Martinez a viable option at a reasonable price.
SECOND BASE
Scooter Gennett, CIN vs. STL ($3,100): Coming off a career-high 27 home runs in 2017, Gennett hasn't shown the same type of power yet this year. He's still hitting the ball well, though, with a 34.1 percent hard-hit rate. He had an impressive 138 wRC+ against righties last year, so he could provide value at this price against St. Louis starter Miles Mikolas.
THIRD BASE
Travis Shaw, MIL at NYM ($3,700): Shaw faces right-hander Matt Harvey, who has shown improvement this season but still only has a 6.3 K/9 through two starts. He had just a 6.5 K/9 last year as well. Harvey has also allowed a 45.5 percent hard-hit rate this season, but his ERA doesn't really reflect that in large part because opponents have a .281 BABIP. Without an overpowering pitch arsenal, this might be a great opportunity to take advantage by putting Shaw into your entry.
SHORTSTOP
Francisco Lindor, CLE vs. TOR ($4,900): Lindor seems to be finally breaking out of his slump, logging at least two hits in three straight games. The switch-hitting Lindor performed better against lefties last year, posting a 134 wRC+ compared to 110 versus righties. Toronto starter Jaime Garcia also struggled to get righties out last year, allowing a .333 wOBA compared to .293 against lefties.
OUTFIELD
Aaron Judge, NYY at DET ($5,200): Judge, who is on an 11-game hitting streak, is showing no signs of a sophomore slump. He faces left-hander Francisco Liriano, which is great news considering Judge's .396 wOBA against lefties in 2017.
Dee Gordon, SEA vs. OAK ($4,000): Athletics starter Kendall Graveman has really struggled out of the gate, allowing at least four earned runs in each of his first three starts. To put it into perspective, he has given up the same number of home runs (five) as he has recorded strikeouts. Look for Gordon to take advantage.
Jose Pirela, SD vs. SF ($3,600): Pirela was excellent against left-handed pitching last year, finishing with a .390 wOBA compared to .342 against righties. The Giants are starting lefty Derek Holland on Saturday, who righties destroyed for a .408 wOBA in 2017.
