Donaldson, Harper set to open weekend hot

Indians' Napoli, Marlins' Phelps, Mets' Colon could join pair among day's top picks

August 25th, 2016

Welcome to DraftKings fantasy baseball, the Official Daily Fantasy Game of Major League Baseball.
The players listed below are in position to provide difference-making stats for DraftKings participants on Friday.
: Since joining the Blue Jays at the outset of 2015, the third baseman has registered a 1.009 OPS against left-handers (.926 vs. righties) and a 1.007 OPS at his hitter-friendly home park (.876 on the road). Donaldson could reach base often or score multiple runs when he hits at home against rookie lefty (5.48 ERA, 1.50 WHIP) and a Twins bullpen that ranks 24th in baseball with a 4.26 ERA.
:: Fred Zinkie's Daily Picks ::
: The shortstop will be primed to rip his 22nd round-tripper of the season or drive in multiple runs when he brings his lifetime 141 wRC+ against left-handers (115 vs. righties) into a matchup at his offense-inducing home park against the inexperienced lefty Dean (46 career innings) and an unreliable Twins bullpen.

: Hitting .303 with seven homers across 99 at-bats since the All-Star break, the catcher has been a major contributor in many recent DraftKings contests. Martin could excel when he brings his lifetime .802 OPS against left-handers (.743 vs. righties) into a matchup with the left-handed Dean and a Twins squad that ranks 29th in the Majors with a .665 defensive efficiency ratio.
: With 29 homers and 87 RBIs across 441 at-bats, the first baseman has been one of the most powerful players in baseball this season. Napoli could put a ball into the outfield seats when he brings his lifetime .393 wOBA against left-handers (.350 vs. righties) into a matchup against southpaw (career 4.24 ERA, 1.40 WHIP) at hitter-friendly Globe Life Park in Arlington.
: The outfielder could reach base often or score multiple runs when he brings his lifetime .862 OPS against left-handers (.642 vs. righties) into a matchup with the left-handed Perez (4.27 ERA, 1.41 WHIP in 2016) and a Rangers relief corps that ranks 27th in baseball with a 4.70 ERA.
: Hitting .381 since Aug. 14, the reigning National League MVP has returned to form after a midseason slump. Harper could provide a substantial DraftKings total when he faces Rockies righty , who allowed six earned runs (seven total) across four innings in his first career start on Aug. 20.

: Hitting .347 with 24 homers and 95 RBIs across 447 at-bats, the second baseman has been one of the most productive players in baseball this season. Hitting behind Harper, Murphy could drive in multiple runs when he brings his lifetime 122 wRC+ against right-handers (95 vs. lefties) into a matchup with the inexperienced righty Hoffman and a Rockies relief corps that ranks 28th in baseball with a 4.93 ERA.
: Hitting .288 with seven homers and 20 RBIs across 73 at-bats in August, the shortstop will bring a hot bat and a lifetime 102 wRC+ against right-handers (82 vs. lefties) into a matchup with Dodgers righty (4.69 ERA, 1.40 WHIP in 2016).
: With a lifetime .322/.389/.563 slash line against right-handers, the first baseman has proven to be one of the best in baseball during those matchups. Cabrera could hit his 29th homer of the season or drive in multiple runs when he tangles with Angels righty (5.22 ERA, 1.34 WHIP in 2016).
: With 19 homers, 72 RBIs and 11 steals across 455 plate appearances, the outfielder has the diverse skill set that DraftKings participants covet. Polanco could contribute in multiple ways when he brings his lifetime .778 OPS against right-handers (.605 vs. lefties) into a matchup at hitter-friendly Miller Park against righty (5.27 ERA, 1.61 WHIP in 2016).

: This season, the third baseman has produced a 1.070 OPS against left-handers in comparison to a .596 mark vs. righties. Flores could be a cost-effective member of DraftKings squads when he faces southpaw (career 5.30 ERA, 1.40 WHIP) and a Phillies bullpen that ranks 26th in baseball with a 4.39 ERA.
: The first baseman has used a patient, powerful approach to build an impressive lifetime .317/.436/.548 slash line against right-handers. Votto could reach base often or score multiple runs when he bats at hitter-friendly Chase Field against rookie righty (5.45 ERA, 1.47 WHIP) and a D-backs bullpen that ranks last in the Majors with a 5.19 ERA.
: The second baseman has long fared best vs. left-handers, against whom he has a lifetime .246 ISO (.171 vs. righties). On Friday, Dozier could thrive in a matchup at offense-inducing Rogers Centre against southpaw (5.21 ERA, 1.59 WHIP in 2016).
: With a lifetime .309/.394/.552 slash line against left-handers, the outfielder is quickly emerging as one of the most effective players in baseball during such matchups. Piscotty could have a great game when he faces A's southpaw (career 4.27 ERA, 1.45 WHIP).
: With a 1.31 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP across four starts, the right-hander has made a smooth move from the bullpen to the rotation. Phelps could continue to thrive as a starter when he works at his pitcher-friendly home park against a Padres lineup that ranks last in baseball in OPS vs. righties (.676) and second in total strikeouts (1,176).

: The veteran right-hander could improve on his solid 3.36 ERA this year when he works at home against a Phillies lineup that ranks 27th in baseball in OPS vs. righties (.700) and 28th in total runs scored (479).
: The right-hander will be in excellent position to post an outstanding DraftKings total when he works at his offense-suppressing home park against a Braves lineup that ranks 29th in baseball in ISO vs. righties (.132) and last in total home runs (89).
All statistics are accurate through the completion of Wednesday's games.