Cutch primed to post big numbers vs. Reds
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The players listed below could provide difference-making stats for DraftKings participants on Thursday.
Chris Davis (Orioles): In his career, the first baseman has produced a .258/.336/.511 line against right-handers and a .265/.342/.559 line at hitter-friendly Camden Yards. Davis will be primed to drive in multiple runs when he hits at home against Tigers righty Alfredo Simon (4.46 ERA, 1.46 WHIP in 2015).
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Adam Jones (Orioles): The outfielder will be in position to improve on his lifetime .283/.319/.474 line against right-handers when he bats against Simon (career 1.33 WHIP). Jones could also thrive late in the game against a Tigers bullpen that ranks 27th in the Majors with a 4.25 ERA.
J.D. Martinez (Tigers): The outfielder has hit 22 homers across 298 at-bats against right-handers this season, which has contributed to a .909 OPS in those matchups (.828 vs. lefties). Martinez may rip a round-tripper when he hits at Camden Yards against fly-ball-prone righty Miguel Gonzalez (career 1.3 HR/9 rate).
A.J. Pierzynski (Braves): As a big leaguer, the catcher has excelled against right-handers to the tune of a .768 OPS (.664 vs. lefties). Pierzynski could thrive when he vacates his pitcher-friendly home venue and bats at offense-inducing Citizens Bank Park against Phillies righty Aaron Harang (career 4.21 ERA, 1.35 WHIP).
Freddie Freeman (Braves): With a career .881 OPS against right-handers (.737 vs. lefties), the first baseman will be poised to drive in multiple runs when he faces Harang (4.08 ERA in 2015) at Philadelphia's hitter-friendly venue.
Jhonny Peralta (Cardinals): Hitting .286 with 14 homers across 378 at-bats, the shortstop has been among the most productive players at his premium position this season. On Thursday, Peralta could improve on his lifetime .795 OPS against left-handers (.747 vs. righties) when he meets up with Rockies southpaw Chris Rusin (career 4.66 ERA, 1.49 WHIP).
Brian Dozier (Twins): With 21 homers across 383 at-bats, the second baseman has been the most powerful player at his premium position by a wide margin this season. Dozier will maximize his opportunities to improve on his lifetime .865 OPS against left-handers (.694 vs. righties) at the expense of Mariners southpaw J.A. Happ (career 4.24 ERA, 1.38 WHIP).
Andrew McCutchen (Pirates): With a lifetime .327/.413/.565 line against left-handers, the outfielder has proven to be among the best in baseball during such matchups. McCutchen will be in a position to excel when he bats at hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park against southpaw David Holmberg (career 5.08 ERA, 1.54 WHIP).
Josh Donaldson (Blue Jays): Donaldson, who has a lifetime .296/.375/.591 line against left-handers, could post a game-changing total in DraftKings contests when he faces Royals southpaw Danny Duffy (career 1.36 WHIP) at hitter-friendly Rogers Centre.
Danny Valencia (Blue Jays): The outfielder has long fared best vs. left-handers, against whom he has posted a lifetime .866 OPS (.633 vs. righties). Valencia could be part of a productive Blue Jays offense against Duffy on Thursday, as the club leads the Majors by a wide margin with an .829 OPS vs. southpaws.
Russell Martin (Blue Jays): The catcher could provide production at a premium position when he brings his career .808 OPS against left-handers (.743 vs. righties) into a matchup with Duffy, who has a 4.03 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP this season. With 14 homers and 56 runs scored across 340 plate appearances, Martin has been among the most productive hitters at his position in 2015.
Chris Sale (White Sox): With a 170-to-24 strikeout-to-walk ratio, Sale has been among the most dominant starters in baseball this season. The left-hander -- who owns a 2.47 ERA since the start of the 2014 season -- has the skills to spin a gem when he faces a Red Sox lineup that ranks 21st in the Majors with a .678 OPS against southpaws. Sale may also pick up a win in a seemingly advantageous matchup with right-hander Steven Wright (career 4.34 ERA, 1.33 WHIP).
Carlos Martinez (Cardinals): With an 11-4 record and a 2.34 ERA, Martinez has been among the most effective starters in the NL this season. The right-hander could continue to silence the opposition when he works at his pitcher-friendly home park against a Rockies lineup that ranks 19th in baseball with a .682 OPS on the road. Once Martinez leaves the game, his quest for a win may be well supported by a St. Louis bullpen that's second in the Majors with a 2.31 ERA.
Shelby Miller (Braves): With a 2.27 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP, Miller has been among the most improved starters in the Majors this season. The right-hander could continue to compile quality frames when he takes on a Phillies lineup that ranks 29th in the Majors with a .658 OPS against righties.
Jake Arrieta (Cubs): Because Thursday's docket contains many mid-level starters with challenging matchups, DraftKings participants may opt for the consistent excellence of Arrieta. Since joining the Cubs during the 2013 season, the right-hander has posted an ace-like 2.73 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP. He will be in position to fare well in a seemingly advantageous matchup against righty Jimmy Nelson (career 4.15 ERA, 1.32 WHIP) and a light-hitting Brewers squad.
All statistics are accurate through the completion of Tuesday's games.