Bradley Jr. expected to swing strong vs. Rays
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The players listed below could provide difference-making stats for DraftKings participants on Tuesday.
Jackie Bradley Jr. (Red Sox): This season, the outfielder has posted a 1.120 OPS against left-handers in comparison to a .796 mark vs. righties. Bradley -- who is hitting .342 since Aug. 9 -- could have a great game when he faces Rays southpaw Matt Moore, who has posted a 7.06 ERA and a 1.66 WHIP across six starts since returning from Tommy John surgery.
Curtis Granderson (Mets): With 23 homers, 88 runs and 11 steals across 634 plate appearances, the outfielder has been a cost-effective option in many 2015 DraftKings contests. From his perch atop the lineup, Granderson could reach base often or score multiple runs when he faces rookie righty Matt Wisler (5.63 ERA, 1.63 WHIP) and a Braves bullpen that ranks last in the Majors with a 4.71 ERA.
Video: NYM@ATL: Granderson singles in two with bases loaded
Anthony Rizzo (Cubs): Hitting .282 with 30 homers and 17 steals across 648 plate appearances this season, the first baseman possesses a diverse skill set that is matched by few at his position. Rizzo could contribute in multiple ways when he faces a Brewers squad that will need to use a committee of relievers to cover the absence of injured starter Jimmy Nelson.
Kyle Schwarber (Cubs): With 16 homers across 199 at-bats, the outfielder has been a notable factor in many recent DraftKings contests. Schwarber -- who also qualifies at catcher in DraftKings contests -- could improve on his .872 OPS when he faces a variety of Brewers relievers.
Jason Heyward (Cardinals): The outfielder owns pronounced career splits, with an .838 OPS against right-handers in comparison to a .656 mark vs. lefties. Heyward -- who is hitting .290 with 12 homers and 22 steals across 570 plate appearances this season -- could excel against Reds rookie righty Keyvius Sampson (7.09 ERA, 1.86 WHIP).
Matt Carpenter (Cardinals): With 24 homers across 534 at-bats, Carpenter has taken his power numbers to new heights this season. From his premium lineup position, the third baseman will be poised to improve on his lifetime .844 OPS against right-handers (.736 vs. lefties) when he faces the inexperienced Sampson.
Video: STL@CHC: Carpenter hits a two-run homer in the 9th
Andrew McCutchen (Pirates): With a lifetime .331/.417/.571 slash line against left-handers, McCutchen has proven to be among the best in baseball during those matchups. The outfielder may be worth a major expenditure in DraftKings contests when he bats at hitter-friendly Coors Field against southpaw Chris Rusin (career 5.04 ERA, 1.52 WHIP). McCutchen may also excel late in the game against a Rockies relief corps that ranks 29th in baseball with a 4.71 ERA.
Starling Marte (Pirates): The outfielder will be poised to improve on his impressive lifetime .316/.371/.510 slash line against left-handers when he faces Rusin (5.11 ERA, 1.56 WHIP in 2015) at offense-inducing Coors Field. In his career, Rusin has allowed right-handed hitters such as Marte to post an .865 OPS (.707 OPS allowed to lefty batters). Also of note: Marte and his teammates will attempt to put balls into play against a Rockies squad that ranks 28th in the Majors with a .673 defensive efficiency ratio.
DJ LeMahieu (Rockies): With balanced career splits, the second baseman -- who owns a lifetime .785 OPS at Coors Field -- could excel in a home matchup against Pirates southpaw J.A. Happ (career 4.18 ERA, 1.38 WHIP). LeMahieu may also swipe a base against Francisco Cervelli, who has allowed more steals than any other catcher in baseball this season.
Nolan Arenado (Rockies): In his career, the third baseman has fared best when facing left-handers (.284/.347/.490 line) and when batting at his hitter-friendly home park (.308/.345/.555 line). Arenado could have a terrific game when he hits at home against the southpaw Happ.
Video: Must C Clutch: Arenado smacks go-ahead homer in 16th
Paul Goldschmidt (D-backs): With a lifetime .333/.429/.612 slash line against left-handers, the first baseman has proven to wield a potent bat in those matchups. Goldschmidt -- who has compiled 28 homers, 100 RBIs and 21 steals across 645 plate appearances this season -- could have a memorable game when he faces Dodgers southpaw Alex Wood (1.37 WHIP in 2015).
A.J. Pollock (D-backs): Hitting .319 with 17 homers, 101 runs and 36 steals across 614 plate appearances, the outfielder is putting the finishing touches on a breakout season. Pollock could thrive when he puts his lifetime .852 OPS against left-handers (.789 vs. righties) to the test against Wood.
Logan Verrett (Mets): The right-hander could silence the opposition when he works at home against a Braves lineup that ranks 28th in the Majors with a .677 OPS against right-handers and last in baseball with 88 homers. In a pair of recent spot starts, Verrett allowed two runs across 13 innings.
Video: MIA@NYM: Verrett allows one run over five innings
Jake Arrieta (Cubs): With a 0.95 ERA and a 0.83 WHIP since the All-Star break, the right-hander is posting some of the best second-half statistics of any pitcher in recent memory. Arrieta could post a difference-making total in DraftKings contests when he works at home against the Brewers in a seemingly advantageous matchup with a committee of relievers.
Danny Salazar (Indians): With a career 10.0 K/9 rate, the right-hander has the potential to put up a notable total in DraftKings contests when he faces a Twins lineup that ranks 26th in the Majors with a .697 OPS against righties.
Tom Koehler (Marlins): With a season-to-date 3.90 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP, the right-hander could be an economical second starter in DraftKings contests when he faces the Phillies at his pitcher-friendly home park. Philadelphia ranks 29th in the Majors with a .675 OPS against righties.
All statistics are accurate through the completion of Sunday's games.