Nats' bats poised to put on show at home

Righty Ross could join Harper, Murphy, Fernandez as day's top picks

July 1st, 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 Saturday.
Daniel Murphy: Hitting .351 with 14 homers and 53 RBIs across 296 at-bats, the second baseman has been one of the most productive players in the middle infield this year. Murphy could collect multiple hits and RBIs when he brings his lifetime .803 OPS against right-handers (.690 vs. lefties) into a matchup with righty Dan Straily (career 4.54 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) and a Reds relief corps that ranks last in the Majors with a 6.01 ERA.
Bryce Harper: Since the outset of 2015, the outfielder has registered a game-changing .310/.456/.625 slash line against right-handers. Harper may be worth a major investment in DraftKings contests when he tangles with the right-handed Straily (4.38 ERA in 2016) and an unreliable Reds bullpen.

Robinson Cano: Much of the second baseman's impressive career track record can be traced to his lofty lifetime .318/.366/.527 slash line against right-handers. From the No. 3 spot in the lineup, Cano could drive in multiple runs when he faces Orioles righty Tyler Wilson (career 4.18 ERA, 1.32 WHIP).
:: Fred Zinkie's Daily Picks ::
Seth Smith: The outfielder has long fared best vs. right-handers, against whom he owns a lifetime .831 OPS (.596 vs. lefties). From a premium lineup spot, Smith could provide cost-effective production in DraftKings contests when he tangles with the right-handed Wilson (4.50 ERA, 1.29 WHIP in 2016).
Kyle Seager: With a career .812 OPS against right-handers that exceeds his .695 mark vs. lefties, the third baseman could hit his 16th homer of the season or drive in multiple runs at the expense of Wilson (career 4.32 FIP).

Xander Bogaerts: Hitting .342 with 59 runs and 50 RBIs across 351 plate appearances, the shortstop has been arguably the most productive player at his premium position this season. Bogaerts could post a notable DraftKings total when he faces Angels southpaw Hector Santiago (5.27 ERA, 1.34 WHIP in 2016).
Dustin Pedroia: From the No. 2 spot in the lineup that leads baseball with 434 runs, the second baseman could reach base often and score multiple times when he takes his lifetime .842 OPS against left-handers (.797 vs. righties) into a matchup with the southpaw Santiago (career 4.65 FIP, 1.33 WHIP).
Mookie Betts: With 16 homers, 12 steals, 67 runs and 54 RBIs across 370 plate appearances, Betts has been one of the most productive players in baseball this season. The outfielder could contribute in multiple ways when he faces Santiago, who in his career has allowed right-handed hitters such as Betts to post a .755 OPS (.634 OPS allowed to lefty batters).
Eric Hosmer: Hitting .305 with 12 homers and 48 RBIs across 298 at-bats, the first baseman may be on his way to the best season of his six-year career. Hosmer could put a ball into the outfield seats or drive in multiple runs when he vacates his offense-suppressing home venue to face Aaron Nola (4.06 ERA, 1.27 WHIP in 2016) at homer-happy Citizens Bank Park.
Buster Posey: The catcher will be in prime position to deliver outstanding production when he brings his impressive lifetime .328/.388/.560 slash line against left-handers into a matchup with D-backs southpaw Patrick Corbin (4.99 ERA, 1.45 WHIP in 2016) at hitter-friendly Chase Field.

Nomar Mazara: The rookie outfielder will be in prime position to improve on his .301/.355/.487 slash line against right-handers when he faces righty Tyler Duffey (career 4.44 ERA, 1.37 WHIP) and a Twins bullpen that ranks 26th in the Majors with a 4.54 ERA.
Shin-Soo Choo: Hitting leadoff, the outfielder may maximize his opportunities to reach base and score runs when he brings his lifetime .904 OPS against right-handers (.692 vs. lefties) into a matchup with the right-handed Duffey (5.59 ERA, 1.42 WHIP in 2016) and a Twins squad that ranks last in baseball with a .659 defensive efficiency ratio.
Joe Ross: With a 3.46 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP across 166 2/3 career innings, the right-hander has already become a trusted option for DraftKings participants. Ross could compile six-plus effective frames when he works at home vs. a Reds lineup that ranks 27th in baseball in OPS vs. righties (.696) and OPS on the road (.690).
Danny Duffy: With a 3.25 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP across his past six starts, the left-hander has been a cost-effective second arm in many recent DraftKings contests. Duffy could continue to excel when he ventures to the National League to face a Phillies lineup that ranks last in the Majors with a .613 OPS against southpaws.

Jose Fernandez: With a 2.37 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP and an 11.1 K/9 rate in his career, the right-hander is one of baseball's most dominant starters. Fernandez could post a memorable DraftKings total when he works at pitcher-friendly Turner Field against a Braves lineup that ranks 29th in OPS vs. righties (.655) and last in total home runs (39).
Chris Sale: With a 13-2 record, a 2.90 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP, the left-hander has been arguably the most effective starter in the American League this season. Sale could compile a handful of effective innings and whiffs when he faces an Astros lineup that is tied for the Major League lead with 745 strikeouts.
Drew Pomeranz: The owner of a 2.76 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP and a 10.4 K/9 rate this season, Pomeranz is in the midst of a breakout campaign. The left-hander could continue to compile stellar stats when he works at his pitcher-friendly home park against a Yankees lineup that ranks 27th in the Majors in OPS against southpaws (.695) and 29th in OPS on the road (.656).
All statistics are accurate through the completion of Thursday's games.