Donaldson, Cano, Kershaw set to excel Saturday

Rangers' Darvish, Angels' Trout could also rank among day's top picks

September 23rd, 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 Saturday.
: Since joining the Blue Jays at the outset of 2015, the third baseman has produced a 1.004 OPS against left-handers (.930 vs. righties) and a 1.018 OPS at his hitter-friendly home park (.872 on the road). Donaldson could post a substantial DraftKings total when he hits at home against Yankees southpaw (4.19 ERA, 1.35 WHIP in 2016).
:: Fred Zinkie's Daily Picks ::
: With 24 homers across 454 at-bats, the veteran shortstop continues to be one of the most powerful players at his premium position. Tulowitzki could go deep or drive in multiple runs when he brings his lofty lifetime .945 OPS against left-handers (.839 vs. righties) into a matchup with the left-handed Sabathia (4.64 ERA, 1.39 WHIP since the outset of 2013).

: With 13 homers and a .356 on-base percentage in the second half, the catcher has been a factor in many recent DraftKings contests. Martin could continue to excel when he bats at his offense-inducing home park against the left-handed Sabathia and a Yankees bullpen that lacks reliable options after trading away and in late July.
: Hitting .292 with 33 homers and 90 RBIs across 613 at-bats, the veteran second baseman is wrapping up another excellent season. Cano could post a substantial DraftKings total when he brings his impressive lifetime .887 OPS against right-handers (.779 vs. lefties) into a matchup with righty (career 5.34 ERA, 1.45 WHIP) and a Twins bullpen that ranks 27th in the Majors with a 4.60 ERA.
: With 29 homers and 95 RBIs across 556 at-bats, the third baseman has quietly been one of the most productive players in the American League this season. Seager could display his power when he takes his lifetime 129 wRC+ against right-handers (100 vs. lefties) into a matchup with the right-handed Duffey (6.39 ERA, 1.52 WHIP in 2016) and the Twins' unreliable bullpen.

: The outfielder owns notable lifetime splits, with a .358 wOBA against right-handers in comparison to a .267 mark vs. lefties. Smith could have a great game when he faces the right-handed Duffey and a Twins squad that ranks last in the Majors with a .664 defensive efficiency ratio.
: Hitting .315 with 25 homers and 101 runs across 653 plate appearances, the shortstop is having one of the best rookie seasons in recent memory. Seager could continue to thrive when he brings his impressive lifetime .343/.403/.572 slash line against right-handers into a matchup with righty (career 5.01 ERA, 1.47 WHIP) and a Rockies relief corps that ranks 28th in baseball with a 5.05 ERA.
: From the heart of the lineup, the first baseman could drive in multiple runs when he brings his career .225 ISO against right-handers (.153 vs. lefties) into a matchup with the right-handed Bettis (4.79 ERA, 1.37 WHIP in 2016) and a Rockies squad that ranks 28th in baseball with a .671 defensive efficiency ratio.
: With a lifetime .311/.404/.570 slash line against right-handers, the outfielder has proven to be one of the best in baseball during those matchups. Trout could post a game-changing DraftKings total when he faces Astros righty (career 4.54 ERA, 1.43 WHIP).
: The outfielder will be in prime position to reach base often when he takes his lifetime .364 wOBA against right-handers (.307 vs. lefties) into a matchup with rookie righty (7.71 ERA, 1.68 WHIP) and a Braves bullpen that ranks 22nd in baseball with a 4.07 ERA. In his career, Blair has allowed left-handed hitters such as Yelich to post a .999 OPS (.846 OPS allowed to righty batters).

: With an overall .410/.494/.640 slash line since the All-Star break, the first baseman will bring a hot bat and a lifetime .318/.436/.550 slash line against right-handers into a matchup with Brewers righty (career 4.50 ERA, 1.36 WHIP).
: Hitting leadoff, the outfielder could reach base often and score multiple runs when he brings his lifetime 128 wRC+ against right-handers (88 vs. lefties) into a matchup with righty (career 6.70 ERA, 1.49 WHIP) and a Phillies bullpen that ranks 26th in baseball with a 4.59 ERA.
: With a 12.8 K/9 rate across his past 11 starts, the left-hander has made a major contribution to many recent DraftKings squads. Ray could compile a handful of effective innings and whiffs when he faces an Orioles lineup that ranks 27th in the Majors with a .688 OPS against southpaws.

: The consensus choice as the best pitcher in baseball, Kershaw could excel in a matchup at his pitcher-friendly home park against a Rockies lineup that ranks 23rd in baseball with a .706 OPS on the road. Kershaw's chances of getting a win could be enhanced by a Dodgers bullpen that leads the Majors with a 3.25 ERA.
: Having produced a lifetime 3.34 ERA and a 11.3 K/9 rate, the right-hander has the skills to spin a gem when he vacates his hitter-friendly home park and works at offense-suppressing Oakland Coliseum against an A's lineup that ranks 27th in baseball with a .703 OPS against righties.
All statistics are accurate through the completion of Thursday's games.