Rangers could top Astros in Houston
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.
Adam LaRoche (White Sox): In his career, the slugger has excelled against right-handers to the tune of an .839 OPS (.705 vs. lefties). Batting at his hitter-friendly home park, LaRoche could rip a round-tripper against Royals righty Jeremy Guthrie (lifetime 1.2 HR/9 rate).
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Melky Cabrera (White Sox): Hitting .330 across 109 at-bats since June 9, the outfielder has recovered from a slow start to the season. From his premium lineup spot, Cabrera could reach base several times and score multiple runs at the expense of Guthrie (5.36 ERA, 1.49 WHIP in 2015).
Christian Yelich (Marlins): Having compiled 15 of his 18 homers and 34 of his 39 steals against right-handers in his career, the outfielder could produce in multiple ways when he heads to hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park to face righty Chad Billingsley (6.75 ERA, 1.75 WHIP in 2015). He could also swipe a bag, as Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz has thrown out just eight of 41 would-be base stealers this season.
Justin Bour (Marlins): In his brief career, the first baseman has produced notable splits, with an .841 OPS against right-handers in comparison to a .501 mark vs. lefties. Having hit 11 homers across 219 career at-bats against righties, Bour could provide power when he faces Billingsley (career 1.37 WHIP) at a homer-happy venue. Of note: Bour and his teammates will attempt to put balls into play against a Phillies unit that ranks last in the Majors with a .659 defensive efficiency ratio.
Yoenis Cespedes (Tigers): With balanced career splits, the outfielder -- who is on pace to top the 20-homer mark for the fourth straight season -- could flash his power against Orioles right-hander Chris Tillman (career 4.50 FIP, 1.33 WHIP, 1.2 HR/9 rate).
Anthony Gose (Tigers): The outfielder has traditionally fared best vs. right-handers, against whom he has registered a lifetime .695 OPS (.490 vs. lefties). Gose could reach base often or score multiple runs against Tillman, who has produced a 5.40 ERA and a 1.56 WHIP this season.
Jason Kipnis (Indians): Hitting .323 with 59 runs across 403 plate appearances, Kipnis has been among the best leadoff hitters in baseball this season. From his perch atop the lineup, the second baseman could reach base often and score multiple runs when he brings his career .810 OPS against right-handers (.670 vs. lefties) into a matchup with Reds righty Anthony DeSclafani (lifetime 1.37 WHIP). Kipnis could also swipe a base against catcher Brayan Pena, who has stopped just six of 41 base stealers this season.
Brandon Moss (Indians): Having hit 89 of his 105 career homers against right-handers, Moss could put a ball into the outfield seats at hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park when he faces DeSclafani and a Reds relief corps that ranks 27th in the Majors with a 4.23 ERA.
Prince Fielder (Rangers): The first baseman -- who is hitting .339 this season -- could drive in multiple runs when he brings his impressive career .299/.410/.556 slash line into a matchup with Astros righty Scott Feldman (career 4.49 ERA, 1.36 WHIP).
Shin-Soo Choo (Rangers): As a big leaguer, Choo has produced notable splits -- such as a .900 OPS against right-handers that exceeds his .660 mark vs. lefties. The outfielder could reach base often or score multiple runs when he faces Feldman, who has posted a 4.80 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP this season.
Rougned Odor (Rangers): The second baseman -- who is hitting .350 since being recalled on June 15 -- could be an integral part of a Rangers stack when he puts his career .726 OPS against right-handers (.639 vs. lefties) on the line against Feldman. The right-handed hurler will come off the disabled list to make his first start since May 26.
Pedro Alvarez (Pirates): The first baseman has hit 102 of his 116 career homers against right-handers, which has aided in posting a .790 OPS in those matchups (.579 vs. lefties). Hitting at offense-inducing Miller Park, Alvarez could rip a round-tripper or drive in multiple runs at the expense of righty Jimmy Nelson (career 4.30 ERA, 1.32 WHIP).
Neil Walker (Pirates): The second baseman could provide production at a premium position when he puts his lifetime .801 OPS against right-handers (.663 vs. lefties) to the test against Nelson at a hitter-friendly venue. Walker could be part of a Bucs stack that could include Alvarez and outfielder Gregory Polanco.
David Price (Tigers): With a season-to-date 2.38 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP, Price continues to be one of the most dominant starters in baseball. He could pick up a win and compile quality frames when he works at home in a seemingly advantageous matchup against Tillman and the Orioles.
Jon Lester (Cubs): With a 4-8 record and a 1.26 WHIP, Lester could have an economical cost in DraftKings contests when he heads to pitcher-friendly Turner Field to face a Braves lineup that ranks 29th in the Majors with a .641 OPS against southpaws. The left-hander may be facing Atlanta at the right time, as the club will be without offensive centerpiece Freddie Freeman, who is on the disabled list.
Corey Kluber (Indians): The right-hander -- who ranks third in the Majors with 154 strikeouts -- could make a major difference in DraftKings contests when he works against a Reds lineup that ranks 19th in the Majors with a .707 OPS against righties. Kluber will have a good chance to come away with a win if his supporting cast can have success against DeSclafani.
Tyson Ross (Padres): With a 1.82 ERA and a 0.94 WHIP across his past five starts, Ross is back on track after an inconsistent start to the season. The right-hander could continue to have success when he works at his pitcher-friendly home park against a Rockies lineup that ranks 25th in baseball with a .667 OPS in road contests.
All statistics are accurate through the completion of the All-Star break.