DraftKings picks: Dodgers in line for big night
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The players listed below could provide difference-making stats for DraftKings participants on Thursday.
Giancarlo Stanton (Marlins): Despite compiling roughly half of his career at-bats at a pitcher-friendly home park, the outfielder has produced a remarkable .990 OPS against left-handers (.885 vs. righties). Stanton could rip a round-tripper when he visits homer-happy Yankee Stadium to face lefty CC Sabathia, who has allowed 52 homers across 53 starts since the start of the 2013 season.
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Marcell Ozuna (Marlins): With four homers and 26 RBIs across 238 at-bats this season, the outfielder could have an economical price tag in DraftKings contests. And with a lifetime .834 OPS against left-handed hurlers (.716 vs. righties), Ozuna is another candidate to put one of Sabathia's offerings into the outfield seats.
Brian McCann (Yankees): McCann could provide power from the catcher position when he puts his career .833 OPS against right-handers (.748 vs. lefties) to the test against Marlins righty Mat Latos. With a 5.44 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP during an injury-affected 2015 season, the right-hander could struggle against a quality American League lineup at a hitter-friendly road venue.
Lucas Duda (Mets): Since the start of 2014, Duda has belted 33 homers across 566 at-bats against right-handers, producing an .884 OPS in those matchups (.707 vs. lefties). The first baseman could homer when he heads to offense-inducing Rogers Centre to face righty R.A. Dickey, who has allowed 48 homers across 42 home starts since joining the Blue Jays before the 2013 campaign.
Curtis Granderson (Mets): Having compiled 185 of his 245 career homers and 118 of his 134 steals against right-handers, Granderson could contribute in multiple ways when he faces Dickey (5.29 ERA, 1.33 WHIP in 2015). The outfielder could thrive at Rogers Centre, as he has registered a .771 OPS on the road (.669 at home) since joining the Mets during the 2013-14 offseason.
Wilmer Flores (Mets): With 10 homers across 217 at-bats this season, the shortstop could provide power from a premium position during a favorable matchup. Flores has the tools to drive in multiple runs when he takes his career .697 OPS against right-handers (.543 vs lefties) to the plate vs. Dickey and a Blue Jays bullpen that lacks elite relievers.
Mike Moustakas (Royals): The third baseman owns notable career splits, with a .712 OPS against right-handers that exceeds his .621 mark vs. lefties. Hitting .326 on the year and part of a Kansas City lineup with several sluggers who traditionally fare best vs. righties, Moustakas may score multiple runs against the Brewers' Jimmy Nelson (career 4.51 ERA) on Thursday.
Seth Smith (Mariners): Smith has long fared best vs. right-handers, against whom he owns a career .837 OPS (.609 vs. lefties). The outfielder could drive in multiple runs when he takes on Giants righty Ryan Vogelsong (lifetime 4.45 ERA, 1.40 WHIP).
Kyle Seager (Mariners): With 11 homers and 36 RBIs across 240 at-bats this season, the third baseman continues to be one of baseball's better power hitters at his position. On Thursday, Seager could improve on his lifetime .799 OPS against right-handers (.688 vs. lefties) at the expense of Vogelsong (4.81 ERA, 1.43 WHIP in 2015).
Buster Posey (Giants): Posey could be worth a large expenditure by DraftKings participants when he puts his lifetime .953 OPS against lefties (.820 vs. right-handers) on the line against Mariners southpaw Mike Montgomery. The lefty will be making his fourth Major League start after producing a 4.24 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP during his Minor League tenure.
Adrian Gonzalez (Dodgers): Hitting .306 with 43 RBIs across 235 at-bats this season, A-Gone could improve on his lifetime .909 OPS against right-handers (.772 vs. lefties) at the expense of Rangers righty Anthony Ranaudo (career 5.93 ERA, 6.77 FIP). As a big leaguer, Lewis has allowed left-handed hitters such as Gonzalez to post an .828 OPS (.721 OPS allowed to righty hitters).
Joc Pederson (Dodgers): With 17 homers across 217 at-bats this season, Pederson has shown that he can make a difference in DraftKings contests with one swing of the bat. The lefty-hitting outfielder could flash his power, reach base often or score multiple runs when he faces Ranaudo (career 1.54 WHIP).
Andre Ethier (Dodgers): Ethier has produced pronounced career splits, with an .889 OPS against right-handers in comparison to a .639 mark vs. lefties. On the team that leads baseball with a .793 OPS vs. righties, the outfielder could contribute to a productive night against Ranaudo.
Zack Greinke (Dodgers): Since joining the Dodgers, Greinke has registered a 2.54 ERA that factors in a 2.28 mark at his pitcher-friendly home venue. Set for a seemingly advantageous matchup vs. Ranaudo, the right-hander could compile several quality frames against a lineup that will work without its customary designated-hitter spot.
Gerrit Cole (Pirates): The right-hander has emerged as an ace-level starter this season by virtue of a 1.71 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP and 93 strikeouts across 13 starts. On Thursday, Cole could continue to post difference-making stats when faces a White Sox lineup that ranks 29th in the Majors with 221 runs scored.
Shelby Miller (Braves): With a 2.02 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP, Miller has been one of this season's most improved starters. The right-hander could excel at his pitcher-friendly home park against a Red Sox lineup that ranks 20th in the Majors with 258 runs and will have to play without a designated hitter.
Danny Salazar (Indians): With 272 whiffs across 230 2/3 career innings, Salazar has the upside to be a difference maker in DraftKings contests. The right-hander could compile several strikeouts when he works at home against a Cubs lineup that ranks second in the Majors with 593 K's.
All statistics are accurate through the completion of Tuesday's games.