Dodgers stack could dominate against Reds
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The players listed below could provide difference-making stats for DraftKings participants on Thursday.
Adrian Gonzalez (Dodgers): The first baseman could excel when he vacates his pitcher-friendly home venue and visits offense-inducing Great American Ball Park to face righty Anthony DeSclafani (career 4.40 ERA, 1.38 WHIP). In his career, Gonzalez has handled right-handers to the tune of a .300/.375/.530 slash line.
Andre Ethier (Dodgers): The outfielder has produced pronounced career splits, with an .888 OPS against right-handers that exceeds his .637 mark vs. lefties. Ethier could be part of a Dodgers stack -- including Gonzalez, second baseman Chase Utley and third baseman Justin Turner -- against DeSclafani.
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Mike Trout (Angels): Despite a recent slump, Trout has posted an impressive .297/.394/.583 slash line this season. The outfielder could get back on track when he brings his lifetime .283/.391/.521 slash line against left-handers into a matchup with southpaw Randy Wolf (career 4.21 ERA, 1.34 WHIP) and a Tigers bullpen that ranks 28th in baseball with a 4.43 ERA.
Albert Pujols (Angels): With a lifetime .317/.407/.604 line against left-handers, the first baseman has proven to wield a potent bat in those matchups. Pujols could hit his 35th homer of the season or drive in multiple runs when he faces Wolf (5.53 ERA since 2012) and a suspect Detroit relief corps.
Yoenis Cespedes (Mets): Hitting .295 with 25 homers and 81 RBIs across 501 at-bats this season, Cespedes has been a major factor in many DraftKings contests. The outfielder will be poised to produce when he faces Phillies righty Aaron Harang (career 4.24 ERA, 1.36 WHIP) at hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park. Also of note: Cespedes and his teammates will attempt to put balls into play against a Phillies squad that ranks last in baseball with a .667 defensive efficiency ratio.
Curtis Granderson (Mets): With 22 homers, 71 runs and 11 steals across 536 plate appearances, the outfielder has contributed to DraftKings lineups in multiple ways this season. From his perch atop the lineup, Granderson could maximize his opportunities to improve his career .861 OPS against right-handers (.690 vs. lefties) at the expense of Harang (4.67 ERA, 1.35 WHIP in 2015) and a Phillies bullpen that lacks a reliable bridge to closer Ken Giles.
Cesar Hernandez (Phillies): Hitting .282 with 15 steals across 223 plate appearances since June 28, the second baseman has been a cost-effective asset in many recent DraftKings contests. Hernandez could reach base often when he brings his career .710 OPS against left-handers (.639 vs. righties) into a matchup with Mets southpaw Jon Niese (lifetime 1.35 WHIP).
Andrew McCutchen (Pirates): With a career .328/.415/.569 slash line against left-handers, McCutchen has proven to be among the best in baseball during those matchups. The outfielder will be primed for a productive game when he faces Marlins rookie southpaw Justin Nicolino (4.03 FIP).
Starling Marte (Pirates): With 28 homers and 55 steals since the outset of last season, Marte possesses the diverse skill set that DraftKings participants covet. The outfielder will be poised to succeed when he brings his impressive career .910 OPS against left-handers (.761 vs. righties) into a matchup with the inexperienced Nicolino (31 career innings).
Evan Longoria (Rays): The third baseman could drive in multiple runs when he puts his lifetime .919 OPS against left-handers (.801 vs. righties) up against southpaw Tommy Milone (career 4.29 FIP, 1.30 WHIP). Longoria could also thrive late in the game against a Twins relief corps that ranks 22nd in baseball with a 4.02 ERA.
Logan Forsythe (Rays): Hitting .278 with 14 homers and nine steals across 491 plate appearances, the second baseman has emerged as a productive option at his premium position this season. Forsythe could reach base often against Milone (4.71 FIP in 2015) or swipe a bag against Kurt Suzuki, who has allowed more steals than all but two catchers this season.
Jose Abreu (White Sox): The first baseman will bring an impressive career .304/.382/.538 slash line against left-handers into a matchup at his hitter-friendly home park against Mariners southpaw Roenis Elias (lifetime 4.20 FIP, 1.29 WHIP). After spending the bulk of the summer in the Minors, Elias will be making his first Major League start since July 2.
Jason Heyward (Cardinals): Hitting .290 with 11 homers and 20 steals across 490 plate appearances, the outfielder has been a notable factor in many 2015 DraftKings contests. Heyward could make improvements on his lifetime .834 OPS against right-handers (.664 vs. lefties) when he faces D-backs righty Rubby De La Rosa (career 4.33 ERA, 1.39 WHIP) at hitter-friendly Chase Field.
Zack Greinke (Dodgers): With a 1.67 ERA and a 0.85 WHIP, Greinke has been arguably the most effective starter in baseball this season. The right-hander could combine several quality frames with a win when he faces the Reds in a seemingly advantageous matchup with DeSclafani.
Madison Bumgarner (Giants): The left-hander is among the most consistent aces in baseball, having posted an ERA between 2.77 and 3.37 in each season since 2010. Bumgarner -- who has registered a 1.42 ERA and 41 strikeouts across his past four starts -- will be poised to spin a gem when he works at his pitcher-friendly home park against a Cubs lineup that leads the Majors with 1,138 strikeouts.
Gerrit Cole (Pirates): With a 14-7 record, a 2.49 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP, the right-hander has emerged as a frontline fantasy starter this season. Cole could deliver a stellar outing when he works at pitcher-friendly Marlins Park against a Miami lineup that ranks last in baseball with a .665 OPS against righties.
Joe Ross (Nationals): With a 3.26 FIP and a 1.05 WHIP across his initial 10 Major League starts, the rookie righty has already proven that he can be an effective starter for DraftKings participants. Ross could continue to succeed when he works at his pitcher-friendly home park against a Padres lineup that ranks 26th in the Majors with a .689 OPS against righties.
All statistics are accurate through the completion of Tuesday's games.