Taylor primed to show power, speed vs. Phils
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The players listed below could provide difference-making stats for DraftKings participants on Tuesday.
Michael Taylor (Nationals): The outfielder will be in position to hit his 15th homer of the season when he faces righty David Buchanan (9.11 ERA, 2.08 WHIP in 2015) at hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park. Taylor could also swipe his 16th base of the campaign against catcher Carlos Ruiz, who has thwarted 10 of 54 would-be basestealers in 2015. Also of note: Taylor and his teammates will attempt to put balls into play against a Phillies squad that ranks last in baseball with a .666 defensive efficiency ratio.
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Lucas Duda (Mets): Since the outset of last season, the first baseman has used a patient, powerful approach to build a .252/.362/.497 slash line against right-handers. Duda could drive in multiple runs when he faces Marlins righty Tom Koehler (career 4.08 ERA, 1.31 WHIP).
Curtis Granderson (Mets): With 23 homers, 11 steals and 87 runs across 619 plate appearances, Granderson has been a cost-effective outfielder for many 2015 DraftKings squads. From his perch atop the lineup, he may maximize his opportunities to improve on his lifetime .862 OPS against right-handers (.693 vs. lefties) at the expense of Koehler (1.30 WHIP in 2015).
Yoenis Cespedes (Mets): Since making his Mets debut on Aug. 1, the outfielder has hit .308 with 16 homers and 41 RBIs across 172 at-bats. With balanced career splits, Cespedes could be part of a Mets stack -- along with Duda and Granderson --against Koehler.
Video: MIA@NYM: Cespedes sends a mammoth shot to second deck
Jason Heyward (Cardinals): Batting .292 with 11 homers and 21 steals across 542 plate appearances this season, the outfielder possesses the diverse skill set that DraftKings owners covet. Heyward has the skills to produce in multiple ways when he brings his lifetime .837 OPS against right-handers (.657 vs. lefties) into a matchup with Brewers righty Ariel Pena, who will be making his second career start.
Matt Carpenter (Cardinals): From his premium lineup position, the third baseman will be primed to excel when he puts his lifetime .838 OPS against right-handers (.759 vs. lefties) to the test against the inexperienced Pena at Milwaukee's hitter-friendly venue.
Kolten Wong (Cardinals): This season, the second baseman has produced a .789 OPS against right-handers in comparison to a .546 mark vs. lefties. With 11 homers and 15 steals in 2015, Wong has the diverse skill set to contribute in multiple ways when he faces Pena.
Dexter Fowler (Cubs): From his perch atop the lineup, the outfielder could reach base often or drive in multiple runs when he brings his lifetime .829 OPS against left-handers (.767 vs. righties) into a matchup with Pirates southpaw J.A. Happ (career 4.18 ERA, 1.37 WHIP). Also of note: Fowler and his teammates will attempt to put balls into play against a Pirates squad that ranks 25th in the Majors with a .681 defensive efficiency ratio.
Wil Myers (Padres): The outfielder -- who owns a lifetime .748 OPS against right-handers that exceeds his .688 mark vs. lefties -- will be poised to thrive when he faces right-hander Jhoulys Chacin (career 4.05 FIP, 1.33 WHIP) at hitter-friendly Chase Field.
Buster Posey (Giants): With a lifetime .332/.390/.568 slash line against left-handers, the catcher has proven to be among the best in baseball during those matchups. Posey could provide elite production at a premium position when he faces Reds rookie southpaw John Lamb (5.18 ERA, 1.58 WHIP).
David Ortiz (Red Sox): With 34 homers and 95 RBIs across 473 at-bats, the veteran slugger continues to be one of the most effective power hitters in baseball. Ortiz will be in position to drive in multiple runs when he bats at Camden Yards against righty Ubaldo Jimenez (career 4.02 ERA, 1.36 WHIP).
Video: BOS@TB: Ortiz belts his 500th career home run
Jose Altuve (Astros): As a big leaguer, Altuve has produced an impressive .353/.397/.486 slash line against left-handers. The second baseman could have a terrific game at hitter-friendly Globe Life Park in Arlington when he faces southpaw Derek Holland (career 4.18 ERA, 1.31 WHIP) and a Rangers relief corps that sits 25th in the Majors with a 4.32 ERA.
Carlos Correa (Astros): With 18 homers and 12 steals across 346 plate appearances, the rookie shortstop is already among the elite fantasy assets at his premium position. Correa will be in a spot to excel when he brings his .960 OPS against left-handers (.798 vs. righties) into a matchup with Holland at Texas' offense-inducing venue.
Stephen Strasburg (Nationals): With a 2.38 ERA and a 0.81 WHIP across his past nine starts, the right-hander is back on track after a slow opening to the season. Strasburg -- who fanned 13 batters in his most recent outing -- could post a game-changing points total in DraftKings contests when he faces a Phillies lineup that ranks 28th in the Majors with a .685 OPS against righties.
Video: NYM@WSH: Strasburg fans 13 over 7 1/3 innings
Mark Buehrle (Blue Jays): Having posted a 6.98 ERA across his past four starts, the left-hander may have an economical cost in DraftKings contests when he travels to pitcher-friendly Turner Field to face the Braves. In the hurler's favor: Atlanta ranks last in baseball in terms of OPS against lefties (.648) and homers (88).
Brett Anderson (Dodgers): With a 3.36 ERA this season, Anderson has been a useful second starter in 2015 DraftKings contests. The left-hander could excel when he works at his pitcher-friendly home park against a Rockies lineup that ranks 26th in the Majors with a .669 OPS against southpaws and 29th with a .662 OPS on the road.
Jacob deGrom (Mets): With a 2.40 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP, deGrom has become one of the most effective starters in baseball this year. The right-hander has the opportunity to spin a gem when he works at home against a Marlins lineup that ranks last in the Majors with a .669 OPS vs. righties.
All statistics are accurate through the completion of Sunday's games.