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). There are a lot of back-of-the-rotation starters taking the mound Sunday, which could lead to some big offensive performances.
For those interested, we've started an MLB DFS Slack channel for paid RotoWire subscribers. (There is a season-long one as well.) To join those channels, e-mail support@rotowire.com.
PITCHER
Rick Porcello, BOS vs. TB ($10,300): After winning the AL Cy Young Award in 2016, Porcello regressed significantly last year, finishing with a 4.65 ERA and 4.60 FIP. The big reason for his increased ERA was his 1.40 WHIP, which was up significantly from the 1.01 WHIP he posted in 2016. He allowed a 38.3 percent hard-hit rate last year as well, which was much higher than his career mark of 28.4 percent. He's shown improvement with both his WHIP and hard-hit rate so far this season, resulting in a 1.93 ERA through five starts. This will actually be his third start of the year against the Rays already, having already limiting them to four earned runs across 12.2 innings in his first two outings.
GPP Fade: Luke Weaver, STL at PIT ($8,300): Weaver only pitched 60.1 innings last year, but he finished with a 3.88 ERA and 10.7 K/9. He had an 8.8 K/9 during his career in the minors, so he may be in line for some regression in that category this season. We have seen that through his first five starts, as he's posted an 8.3 K/9. Another area of concern has been his inability to provide length, averaging fewer than six innings per start last year. That's carried over into this season as well, logging five innings or fewer in three of his five outings. The Pirates have scored the sixth-most runs in baseball entering play Saturday, so it might be wise to avoid Weaver on Sunday.
Cheap GPP Consideration: Tyler Chatwood, CHC vs. MIL ($7,300): Chatwood has had control problems throughout his career, posting a BB/9 of at least 4.0 in four separate seasons. He doesn't give up a lot of solid contact though with opponents posting a 28.6 percent hard-hit rate against Chatwood in his career. He really needed to get out of Colorado after finishing with a 6.01 ERA in Coors Field last year compared to 3.49 on the road. Walks have been a problem for him so far this season, but he's allowed two earned runs or fewer in three of his four starts.
CATCHER
Yan Gomes, CLE vs. SEA ($3,200): Gomes didn't start Saturday, so he should be in line to play Sunday. It's not easy to find good catcher options Sundays with many teams resting their starting catcher after playing a night game Saturday. Gomes struggled with just a 70 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers last year, but was much better against lefties, finishing with a 123 wRC+. With the Mariners starting lefty Marco Gonzales on Sunday, Gomes is a viable option for your entry.
FIRST BASE
Justin Smoak, TOR vs. TEX ($3,500): The Rangers will be starting left-hander Martin Perez on Sunday, who allowed a .362 wOBA to righties in 2017. The switch-hitting Smoak hits lefties well, recording a lofty .412 wOBA against them last year.
SECOND BASE
Robinson Cano, SEA a CLE ($3,900): Cano might not walk a lot, but he doesn't strike out much either, recording at least 100 strikeouts in a season only twice in his career. With a career .305 average, he's a deadly hitter in the heart of the Mariners' lineup. He has a career .378 wOBA against right-handers, making him a viable option against Josh Tomlin on Sunday.
THIRD BASE
Kyle Seager, SEA at CLE ($3,400): Like Cano, Seager fares well against right-handed pitching, recording a .349 wOBA against them for his career compared to .311 against lefties. Tomlin allowed a .346 wOBA to lefties last year and doesn't have overpowering stuff with a career 6.1 K/9, making Seager someone to consider at this reasonable price.
SHORTSTOP
Eduardo Escobar, MIN vs. CIN ($3,500): Escobar had the best season of his career last year, batting .254 with 21 home runs in 129 games. He's been starting at shortstop this year with Jorge Polanco suspended for the first 80 games. He'll face Tyler Mahle on Sunday, who has struggled with a 1.45 WHIP in his brief Major League career.
OUTFIELD
Teoscar Hernandez, TOR vs. TEX ($4,200): Perez not only struggles against right-handed hitters, but he has also finished with a WHIP of at least 1.41 in three straight seasons. It presents an excellent opportunity to stack your lineup with righties on the Blue Jays, including Hernandez, who has played his way into a prominent role this season.
Max Kepler, MIN vs. CIN ($3,600): Kepler was brutal against left-handed pitching last year, posting just a 16 wRC+. Right-handers didn't give him nearly as much trouble, finishing with a 117 wRC+ against them. At this price, that's a split to consider taking advantage of against Mahle on Sunday.
Steve Pearce, TOR vs. TEX ($3,200): Speaking of significant splits, Pearce has just a .322 wOBA for his career against righties but boasts a .361 wOBA against lefties. With the struggling Perez on the mound, Pearce is yet another Blue Jays righty to consider adding to your entry.
