Rizzo leads Cubs into big fantasy matchup

Chicago, Toronto players headline stacks for Sunday's slate

April 23rd, 2016

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The players listed below could provide difference-making stats for DraftKings participants on Sunday.
Maikel Franco: With a lifetime .294/.333/.488 slash line against right-handers, Franco could be among the best hot-corner options when he faces righty Wily Peralta (career 4.17 ERA, 1.41 WHIP) at hitter-friendly Miller Park. Franco could also excel late in the game against a Brewers bullpen ranks 26th in the Majors with a 5.07 ERA.
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Adam Lind: The first baseman will be in position to rip a round-tripper when he faces Angels fly-ball-prone right-hander Matt Shoemaker (lifetime 1.3 HR/9 rate). In his career, Lind has posted an .859 OPS against right-handers that dwarfs his .587 mark vs. lefties.
Kendrys Morales: Morales has long fared best vs. right-handers, against whom he has posted a lifetime .818 OPS (.739 vs. lefties). The slugger -- who compiled 106 RBIs in 2015 -- could drive in multiple runs when he faces Orioles righty Mike Wright (career 5.98 ERA, 1.53 WHIP).

Eric Hosmer: Hitting out of the cleanup spot, Hosmer could post a notable total in DraftKings contests when he faces the right-handed Wright (career 5.79 FIP). The first baseman has logged a lifetime .801 OPS against right-handers that exceeds his .689 mark vs. lefties.
Addison Russell: The second-year shortstop -- who is also eligible at second base in DraftKings contests -- will bring his lifetime .734 OPS against right-handers (.504 vs. lefties) into a matchup with righty Alfredo Simon (career 4.24 ERA, 1.35 WHIP) at offense-inducing Great American Ball Park. Russell could thrive against Simon or a Reds relief corps that ranks last in the Majors with a 6.89 ERA.
Anthony Rizzo: With 37 homers, 118 RBIs and 18 steals since the outset of 2015, Rizzo has proven that he can produce for DraftKings squads in multiple ways. The first baseman could have a terrific game when he faces Simon (5.30 ERA, 1.48 WHIP since the outset of 2015) and a shaky Reds bullpen.
Jason Heyward: Heyward has produced pronounced lifetime splits, with an .833 OPS against right-handers in comparison to a .658 mark vs. lefties. From the two-hole in the Cubs talent-laden lineup, the outfielder could reach base often or score multiple runs when he faces the righty Simon (career 4.56 FIP) at Cincy's hitter-friendly venue.

Miguel Montero: With a lifetime .792 OPS against right-handers that exceeds his .657 mark vs. lefties, the catcher could provide production at a premium position as part of a Cubs stack -- including Rizzo, Heyward and Russell -- against the right-handed Simon and an unreliable Reds relief corps.
Ryan Raburn: Raburn is not an everyday player for Colorado, but he should get into the lineup against Dodgers left-hander Alex Wood. Not only has Wood struggled to the tune of a 5.06 ERA and a 1.75 WHIP in his first three outings this year, but Raburn is certainly equipped to thrive in the matchup. The veteran holds a lifetime .833 OPS against southpaws (.697 mark vs. righties), and he has hit a remarkable .421 with three home runs in just 22 trips to the plate this season. Add in the favorable setting of Coors Field and Raburn could be in for a big day.
Josh Donaldson: Since the outset of last season, Donaldson has produced a game-changing .307/.400/.677 slash line against left-handers. Hitting out of the two-hole in Toronto's powerful lineup, the third baseman could post a notable total in DraftKings contests when he faces A's southpaw Eric Surkamp (career 5.90 ERA, 1.70 WHIP).
Jose Bautista: Bautista has used a patient, powerful approach to build a .271/.394/.544 slash line against left-handers and a .282/.408/.595 slash line at his hitter-friendly home park since the beginning of 2010. The outfielder could go deep or reach base often when he faces the lefty Surkamp (career 5.51 FIP). Also of note: Rogers Centre especially enhances power for right-handed batters such as Bautista.

Edwin Encarnacion: As the cleanup hitter in Toronto's powerful lineup, Encarnacion could post an impactful total in DraftKings contests at the expense of the southpaw Surkamp (career 71 2/3 innings). Since the start of his breakout season in 2012, the slugger has registered a .279/.385/.543 slash line against left-handers and a .275/.374/.549 slash line when batting at home.
Mike Leake: With a season-to-date 5.71 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP, the right-hander could have a reduced price tag in DraftKings contests for a favorable matchup with the Padres at pitcher-friendly Petco Park. San Diego ranks 29th in the Majors with .576 OPS against righties.
Stephen Strasburg: With a lifetime 3.04 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP and a 10.4 K/9 rate, Strasburg could post a game-changing total in DraftKings contests when he works at home against a Twins lineup that will have to work without the designated hitter spot, and is tied for 23rd in the Majors with 57 runs scored in 2016.

Jacob deGrom: With a lifetime 2.59 ERA and 1.04 WHIP, the right-hander could post a substantial total in DraftKings contests when he works at pitcher-friendly Turner Field to face a Braves lineup that ranks 27th in baseball with a .635 OPS against righties. Coming off a right lat injury and having made just one start this season, the normally pricey deGrom could have a reduced cost on Sunday.
Drew Smyly: Things have been so far, so good for Smyly this season, as he holds a 2.91 ERA with a sparkling 0.65 WHIP fueled by a 27:4 strikeout-to-walk ratio in his first three outings. The southpaw could have another solid day against the Yankees, who lack many offensive weapons against lefties. New York has hit just .235/.324/.315 against left-handed pitching this year, their resulting .639 OPS good for just 22nd in baseball.