A's, Bucs and Mariners power bats gear up for Sunday

Undervalued left-hander Hill also a strong option on the mound

May 28th, 2016

Welcome to DraftKings fantasy baseball, the Official Daily Fantasy Game of Major League Baseball.
The players listed below could provide difference-making stats for DraftKings participants on Sunday.
Stephen Vogt: The catcher will be poised to deliver production at a premium position when he brings his lifetime .758 OPS against right-handers (.614 vs. lefties) into a matchup with righty Mike Pelfrey (5.55 ERA, 1.81 WHIP in 2016). Vogt could also thrive late in the game against a Tigers bullpen that ranks 22nd in the Majors with a 4.12 ERA.
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Khris Davis: With 13 homers across 182 plate appearances, the outfielder has been one of the most powerful batters in baseball this season. Davis could put a ball into the outfield seats and/or drive in multiple runs when he faces Pelfrey (career 4.55 ERA, 1.49 WHIP) and an unreliable Tigers relief corps.
Buster Posey: With a lifetime .328/.387/.561 slash line against left-handers, the catcher has proven to be among the best in baseball during those matchups. Posey could produce a game-changing total in DraftKings contests when he vacates his pitcher-friendly home park and bats at offense-inducing Coors Field against southpaw Chris Rusin (career 5.00 ERA, 1.52 WHIP) and a Rockies relief corps that ranks 21st in baseball with a 4.08 ERA.

Elvis Andrus: With a lifetime .721 OPS against left-handers (.665 vs. righties), the shortstop has the plate skills to reach base often against Pirates southpaw Francisco Liriano (4.30 ERA, 1.47 WHIP in 2016) and a Pirates bullpen that ranks 20th in the Majors with a 4.07 ERA. Andrus also has the skills to swipe a bag against Francisco Cervelli, who has allowed more steals than any other catcher since the outset of 2015.
Andrew McCutchen: With a lifetime .324/.409/.561 slash line against left-handers, the outfielder has proven to wield a potent bat during those matchups. McCutchen could have an outstanding game when he tangles with Rangers southpaw Martin Perez (career 4.03 ERA, 1.39) at offense-inducing Globe Life Park in Arlington.
Starling Marte: Batting .324 with 15 steals across 191 plate appearances, the outfielder has been a major factor in many 2016 DraftKings contests. Marte could contribute in multiple ways when he takes his lifetime .847 OPS against left-handers (.777 vs. righties) into a matchup with Perez and a Rangers bullpen that ranks 29th in the Majors with a 5.35 ERA.

Francisco Cervelli: The catcher has fared better vs. left-handers, against whom he has produced a lifetime .801 OPS (.713 vs. righties). Cervelli could reach base often or drive in multiple runs when he faces Perez and an unreliable Rangers bullpen at Texas' offense-inducing venue.
Jordy Mercer: As a big leaguer, Mercer has posted an .847 OPS against left-handers that vastly exceeds his .645 mark vs. righties. The shortstop could provide cost-effective production at a premium position when he faces Perez, who in his career has allowed right-handed batters to post a .759 OPS (.641 OPS allowed to lefty hitters).
Chris Davis: Since the start of 2013, Davis has used a patient, powerful approach to build a .259/.371/.579 slash line against right-handers. The left-handed-hitting first baseman could display his power when he faces Indians rookie righty Mike Clevinger, who will be making his third start. Also working in Davis' favor: Progressive Field has proven to be a power-enhancing venue for lefty batters.
Robinson Cano: The second baseman has recorded impressive career numbers on the strength of his lofty .317/.364/.527 slash line against right-handers. Batting .294 with 14 homers across 210 plate appearances this season, Cano will be ready to post a game-changing total in DraftKings contests when he faces Twins righty Ricky Nolasco (5.54 ERA, 1.37 WHIP in 2016).

Kyle Seager: In his career, the third baseman has produced an .802 OPS against right-handers that exceeds his .698 mark vs. lefties. Seager could go deep and/or drive in multiple runs at the expense of Nolasco, who has registered a 5.62 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP since joining the Twins in 2014.
Seth Smith: The outfielder owns notable lifetime splits, with an .831 OPS against right-handers that exceeds his .599 mark vs. lefties. Likely to hit out of a premium lineup spot, Smith could thrive against Nolasco and a Twins squad that ranks last in the Majors with a .676 defensive efficiency ratio.
Taijuan Walker: With a 2.70 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP this season, the right-hander is emerging as a viable No. 1 starter in DraftKings contests. Walker could spin a gem when he works at his pitcher-friendly home park against a Twins lineup that ranks 23rd in the Majors with a .700 OPS against righties.
Rich Hill: With a 2.18 ERA, a 1.11 WHIP and a 10.1 K/9 rate, the left-hander has been one of the most dominant starters in the Junior Circuit this season. Hill could notch a stellar start when he works at his offense-suppressing home park against a Tigers lineup that ranks 17th in the Majors with a .701 OPS against southpaws.

John Lackey: With a 2.90 ERA since the start of 2015, the right-hander has the skills to compile six-plus effective innings when he works at home against a Phillies lineup that ranks 27th in the Majors with a .660 OPS against righties. Also working in Lackey's favor: The Cubs lead the Majors by a wide margin with a .746 defensive efficiency ratio.
Jimmy Nelson: With a 2.92 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP, Nelson has emerged as the most reliable starter in the Brewers' rotation this season. The right-hander could continue his recent run of success when he faces a Reds lineup that ranks 28th in baseball with a .649 OPS against righties.
All statistics are accurate through the completion of Friday's games.