Pirates could overpower Reds rookie
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The players listed below could provide difference-making stats for DraftKings participants today.
Brian McCann (Yankees): The catcher will be poised to drive in multiple runs when he brings his lifetime .825 OPS against right-handers (.754 vs. lefties) into a matchup at offense-inducing Camden Yards against righty Ubaldo Jimenez (4.10 ERA, 1.35 WHIP in 2015). With 26 homers and 94 RBIs across 458 at-bats this season, McCann has been one of the most productive players at his premium position.
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Starling Marte (Pirates): With 18 homers and 30 steals across 619 plate appearances this season, the outfielder possesses the diverse skill set that DraftKings participants covet. Marte has the plate skills to thrive when he brings his lifetime .866 OPS against left-handers (.763 vs. righties) into a matchup with Reds rookie southpaw Brandon Finnegan, who will be making his fourth Major League start. He also has the speed to swipe a bag against catcher Brayan Pena, who has thwarted just 12 of 70 would-be basestealers in 2015.
Andrew McCutchen (Pirates): With an impressive career .330/.416/.558 slash line against left-handers, McCutchen has proven to be one of the best in baseball during those matchups. The outfielder could be worth a major expenditure in DraftKings contests when he faces the inexperienced Finnegan (career 4.56 FIP).
Dee Gordon (Marlins): Hitting .329 with 83 runs scored and 56 steals across 639 plate appearances, the second baseman has been arguably the most productive player at his premium position this season. Gordon could reach base often and swipe a base when he faces a committee of Phillies relievers.
Enrique Hernandez (Dodgers): The outfielder has produced pronounced career splits, with a 1.048 OPS against left-handers in comparison to a .688 mark vs. righties. Hernandez could reach base often when he faces Padres southpaw Robbie Erlin (career 4.71 ERA, 1.33 WHIP).
Ben Zobrist (Royals): This season, the second baseman has registered a .926 OPS against left-handers in comparison to a .764 mark vs. righties. Zobrist could reach base often and score multiple runs when he tangles with Minnesota lefty Tommy Milone. He could also excel late in the game against a Twins bullpen that ranks 22nd in baseball with a 3.98 ERA.
Anthony Rizzo (Cubs): With 30 homers and 17 steals across 687 plate appearances this season, the first baseman possesses a diverse skill set that is matched by few at his position. Rizzo could produce in multiple ways when he brings his lifetime .847 OPS against right-handers (.760 vs. lefties) into a matchup with Brewers rookie righty Tyler Wagner (11.74 ERA, 2.61 WHIP) at homer-happy Miller Park.
Kyle Schwarber (Cubs): With 16 homers across 227 at-bats, the rookie outfielder -- who qualifies at catcher in DraftKings contests -- has been a major factor in many DraftKings contests. Schwarber could display his power when he brings his .962 OPS against right-handers (.481 vs. lefties) into a matchup with Wagner (6.30 FIP) at Milwaukee's hitter-friendly venue.
Chris Coghlan (Cubs): With 16 homers, 62 runs and 11 steals across 494 plate appearances, the outfielder -- who qualifies at second base in DraftKings contests -- is putting the finishing touches on a strong season. Coghlan will be in prime position to improve on his lifetime .782 OPS against right-handers (.629 vs. lefties) when he faces Wagner, who will be making his third career start.
Miguel Montero (Cubs): The catcher owns notable lifetime splits, with a .792 OPS against right-handers in comparison to a .660 mark vs. lefties. Montero could be part of a Cubs stack -- with Rizzo, Coghlan, Schwarber and shortstop Addison Russell -- against Wagner.
Buster Posey (Giants): With a lifetime .329/.387/.564 slash line against left-handers, the catcher has long been a game-changer during those matchups. Posey could reach base often and drive in multiple runs when he faces southpaw Chris Rusin (career 5.18 ERA, 1.55 WHIP) and a Rockies relief corps that ranks last in the Majors with a 4.74 ERA.
Nelson Cruz (Mariners): With a lifetime .300/.375/.546 slash line against left-handers, the outfielder has proven to wield a potent bat in those matchups. Cruz will be set to succeed when he faces southpaw Sean Nolin (career 7.18 ERA, 1.86 WHIP) and an A's bullpen that ranks 28th in the Majors with a 4.62 ERA.
Zack Greinke (Dodgers): With a 1.68 ERA and a 0.85 WHIP, the right-hander has been arguably the most effective starter in the Majors this season. Greinke could spin a gem when he works at his pitcher-friendly home park against a Padres lineup that ranks 27th in the Majors with a .692 OPS against righties.
John Lackey (Cardinals): The right-hander will be poised to improve on his season-to-date 2.69 ERA when he works at pitcher-friendly Turner Field against the Braves. Atlanta ranks 28th in the Majors with a .683 OPS against righties and last in baseball by a wide margin with 96 homers.
Yordano Ventura (Royals): With a 2.51 ERA across his past 10 starts, the right-hander is back on track after an inconsistent opening to the season. On Saturday, Ventura could compile several effective innings when he faces a Twins lineup that ranks 26th in the Majors with a .699 OPS against righties.
Marco Estrada (Blue Jays): With a 3.15 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP on the year, the right-hander has been one of the most effective starters in the Junior Circuit. Estrada could continue to excel when he works at pitcher-friendly Tropicana Field against a Rays lineup that ranks 24th in baseball with a .703 OPS against righties.
Tom Koehler (Marlins): With a 4.00 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP this year, the right-hander may be an economical second starter when he faces a Phillies lineup that ranks last in the Majors with a .678 OPS against righties. Koehler could combine several effective innings with a win in a seemingly advantageous matchup against a committee of relievers.
All statistics are accurate through the completion of Thursday's games.