We’ve got some really exciting series opening up this weekend and the crown jewel gets this 10-game slate started on Friday night. The Braves visit the Bronx for some interleague play, as a pair of dominant lefties square-off in the form of Chris Sale ($10,200) and Carlos Rodon ($8,600).
Where should you be looking to build your lineups? Let’s dive in and break it down.
Set your DraftKings fantasy baseball lineups here: MLB $222K Bat Flip [$50K to 1st]
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PITCHER
Stud
George Kirby, Seattle Mariners at Miami Marlins, $9,400 - It’s hard to say Kirby’s undervalued on this slate — his average strikeout rate limits his value — but goodness has the RHP recently been in a groove. In Kirby’s last four starts, the 26-year-old has maintained a 1.50 ERA and a 1.27 FIP with an elite 9.00 K/BB ratio. Tonight, he’ll try to keep the good times rolling against the lowly Marlins. Miami has struggled to do much with the bats in June, posting league-worsts in both wOBA (.262) and wRC+ (67). I’d be shocked if it rights the ship in a matchup with a red-hot Kirby.
Value
Landon Knack, Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Los Angeles Angels, $7,600 - There’s a lot to like about Knack. First and foremost, he’s had some success at the MLB level, posting a 2.61 ERA over his first four starts with the Dodgers. That includes Knack registering an 11.1% swinging strike rate in that 20.2 inning sample. The RHP has also survived pitching in the PCL this season, which always proves to be quite the herculean task. In terms of matchup, the Angels have proven to be far less dangerous against right-handed pitching so far in 2024. To wit, Los Angeles’ wRC+ drops from 111 versus LHPs to just 92 when facing a righty like Knack.
INFIELD
Stud
Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles at Houston Astros, $6,100 - I know that Jake Bloss ($4,000) has looked legit at Double-A this season, but, I mean, that’s Double-A. The Orioles scored 17 runs against the Yankees less than 24 hours ago. I don’t think they’re afraid of Bloss’ success in Corpus Christi. Henderson owns a .332 ISO and a 171 wRC+ against RHPs in 2024. Don’t shy away from spending on the MVP candidate.
Stud
Will Smith, Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Los Angeles Angels, $5,200 - The bad news? Smith and the Dodgers are no longer in the altitude at Coors Field. The good news? His price tag is down $600 from Thursday and he’s facing another lefty. Smith has demolished southpaws in 2024, slashing .362/.444/.696 with a 212 wRC+ in his 81 plate appearances within the split. Patrick Sandoval ($7,400) and his 5.24 ERA would be wise to tread carefully.
Value
Spencer Horwitz, Toronto Blue Jays at Cleveland Guardians, $3,700 - The beginning of a mini-Jays stack. Heck, keep an eye out for Orelvis Martinez ($2,000), who could also be making his MLB debut this evening. Everyone’s viable against Carlos Carrasco ($6,800). The veteran RHP comes into this slate in possession of an 11th percentile xERA (5.13). His fastball is just gone. He’s past his prime. Conversely, Horwitz’s career is only starting. The 26-year-old is sporting a 151 wRC+ in his 40 MLB plate appearances in 2024 and he’s locked into Toronto’s leadoff spot. Nice combo.
Value
Addison Barger, Toronto Blue Jays at Cleveland Guardians, $2,200 - Barger’s looked much more competitive in his second stint with the big club, going 6-for-14 (.429) in his four recent starts. That includes some eye-opening exit velocities, with Barger registering a 108.5 mph single and a 109.5 mph double in that span. The kid can hit and he’s got some power in his bat. At this price he’s worth a look — especially in a matchup with Carrasco, who owns a 7.90 ERA in June.
OUTFIELD
Stud
Tyler O’Neill, Boston Red Sox at Cincinnati Reds, $5,000 - I’m not sure Great American Ball Park is big enough to hold O’Neill. Not only is the veteran red-hot at the moment, but O’Neill will draw the left-handed Andrew Abbott ($8,000) on Friday. In his 69 plate appearances versus LHPs this season, O’Neill is slashing .345/.478/.764 with a .505 wOBA. Those numbers are so good, they almost seem made-up.
Stud
Jesse Winker, Washington Nationals at Colorado Rockies, $4,600 - With CJ Abrams ($6,200; wrist) hobbled, Winker is the top left-handed bat in the Nationals’ lineup. The veteran is having a nice bounce-back season in Washington, hitting .286 with a 147 wRC+ against RHPs. On Friday, he’ll get the pleasure of facing Dakota Hudson ($5,000) at Coors Field. Hudson has been terrible pitching in Colorado in 2024, specifically allowing opposing LHBs to slash .387/.513/.581. Yikes.
Value
Trevor Larnach, Minnesota Twins at Oakland Athletics, $3,800 - For an asset that seems locked into the two-spot in Minnesota’s order against RHPs, Larnach is severely underpriced. The former first-round pick has been solid in 2024, managing a .353 expected wOBA and a 114 wRC+ in his 157 plate appearances. Matchup plays a factor, too. Joey Estes ($6,500) has been destroyed by left-handed hitters this season, surrendering a massive .655 slugging percentage within the split.
Set your DraftKings fantasy baseball lineups here: MLB $222K Bat Flip [$50K to 1st]
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and customer (my username is theglt13) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
