Dodgers bats', Lugo set to thrive Thursday

Pirates' Polanco, Giants' Samardzija could also rank among day's top picks

September 21st, 2016

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The players listed below are in position to provide difference-making stats for DraftKings participants on Thursday.
: Hitting .316 with 25 homers and 99 runs across 644 plate appearances, the shortstop has been the most productive rookie in baseball this season. Seager could continue to pace the Dodgers' lineup when he brings his impressive lifetime .346/.406/.577 slash line against right-handers into a matchup with righty (career 4.28 ERA, 1.51 WHIP) and a Rockies relief corps that ranks 29th in the Majors with a 5.02 ERA.
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: From the heart of the lineup, the first baseman could drive in multiple runs when he brings his lifetime 140 wRC+ against right-handers (108 vs. lefties) into a matchup with the right-handed Chatwood (4.13 ERA, 1.41 WHIP in 2016) and a Rockies squad that ranks 28th in baseball with a .671 defensive efficiency ratio. Gonzalez could be part of a productive lineup, as the Dodgers rank fifth in baseball with a .767 OPS against righties.

: As a big leaguer, the third baseman has posted an .829 OPS against right-handers that exceeds his .695 mark vs. lefties. From his premium lineup spot, Turner could have an excellent game at the expense of the right-handed Chatwood (career 4.52 FIP) and an unreliable Rockies bullpen.
: Having produced 22 homers, 85 RBIs and 14 steals across 561 plate appearances this season, the outfielder has the skills to contribute in multiple ways when he brings his lifetime 109 wRC+ against right-handers (64 vs. lefties) into a matchup with Brewers righty (4.47 ERA, 1.37 WHIP in 2016).
: With a lifetime .327/.391/.555 slash line against left-handers, the catcher has proven to be one of the best in baseball during those matchups. Posey could provide outstanding production at a premium position when he faces southpaw (career 5.39 ERA, 1.54 WHIP) and a Padres bullpen that ranks 23rd in the Majors with a 4.19 ERA.
: With 34 homers and 98 RBIs across 525 at-bats, the first baseman has been one of the most powerful players in the American League this season. Napoli could have another productive game when he brings his lifetime .908 OPS against left-handers (.806 vs. righties) into a matchup with Royals southpaw , who will be making his second start since returning from Tommy John surgery.

: The outfielder has produced notable splits this season, with a 1.018 OPS against left-handers in comparison to a .630 mark vs. righties. Guyer could reach base often when he tangles with the left-handed Vargas (career 4.19 ERA, 1.31 WHIP).
: The shortstop could provide elite production at a premium position when he brings his impressive lifetime .307/.342/.457 slash line against left-handers into a matchup with the left-handed Vargas (career 4.33 FIP).
: The first baseman is a prime candidate to put a ball into the outfield seats or drive in multiple runs when he brings his lifetime .804 OPS against right-handers (.685 vs. lefties) into a matchup with Indians rookie righty (4.76 ERA, 1.41 WHIP).
: The slugger has long fared best vs. right-handers, against whom he owns a lifetime .814 OPS (.755 vs. lefties). Morales could rip his 30th roundtripper of the season or drive in multiple runs when he tangles with the inexperienced righty Clevinger (4.59 FIP).
: Eligible at first base and shortstop, Miller could enter DraftKings lineups in multiple ways when he brings his lifetime .202 ISO against right-handers (.095 vs. lefties) into a matchup against rookie righty (4.44 ERA, 2.4 HR/9 rate). He could also excel late in the game against a Yankees bullpen that lacks reliable options after trading away and in late July.
: Although the outfielder is hitting .241, he has maintained his plus power by ripping 21 roundtrippers across 465 at-bats. Dickerson could put a ball into the outfield seats when he brings his solid lifetime .879 OPS against right-handers (.653 vs. lefties) into a matchup with the homer-prone righty Cessa.
: The second baseman owns lopsided lifetime splits, with a 109 wRC+ against right-handers in comparison to a 26 mark vs. lefties. Gennett could fare well against righty (career 4.48 ERA, 1.41 WHIP) and a Pirates squad that ranks 26th in baseball with a .682 defensive efficiency ratio.

: Having posted a 4.80 ERA across his past 16 starts, the right-hander could have a reasonable price tag when he works against a Padres lineup that ranks last in baseball with a .675 OPS against righties.
: With a 3.87 ERA, the left-hander is putting the finishing touches on a solid rookie season. Snell could continue to limit the opposition when he faces a Yankees lineup that ranks 24th in the Majors with a .707 OPS against southpaws.
: The right-hander has posted a 2.21 ERA across six starts since joining the rotation on Aug. 19. Lugo could stay hot with he works at home against a Phillies lineup that ranks 29th in baseball in OPS vs. righties (.691) and 24th in OPS on the road (.703).
: With a 2.63 ERA across his past seven starts, the left-hander has found his form after an inconsistent beginning to the season. Price could continue his strong finish when he takes on an Orioles lineup that ranks 27th in the Majors with a .688 OPS against southpaws.
All statistics are accurate through the completion of Tuesday's games.