Angels stack could strike vs. White Sox
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 Wednesday.
Jose Bautista (Blue Jays): Since the outset of the 2010 season, the outfielder has posted a .267/.387/.556 slash line against right-handers and a .282/.407/.589 slash line at his hitter-friendly home park. From the three-hole in the highest-scoring lineup in baseball, Bautista could drive in multiple runs against righty Aaron Brooks (career 7.59 ERA, 1.45 WHIP) and an A's relief corps that ranks 27th in the Majors with a 4.21 ERA.
:: Fred Zinkie's Daily Picks ::
Yoenis Cespedes (Mets): With balanced career splits, the outfielder could drive in multiple runs against left-hander Jorge De La Rosa (career 4.62 ERA, 1.44 WHIP) and a Rockies bullpen that ranks 29th in the Majors with a 4.52 ERA. Also of note: Cespedes and his teammates will attempt to put balls into play against a Rockies squad that ranks 28th in the Majors with a .674 defensive efficiency ratio.
Mike Trout (Angels): Hitting .304 with 33 homers across 401 at-bats this season, the outfielder could be a notable investment in DraftKings contests when he bats at hitter-friendly U.S. Cellular Field against White Sox left-hander John Danks (4.79 ERA, 1.44 WHIP in 2015). As a big leaguer, Trout has excelled against southpaws to the tune of a .285/.391/.526 slash line.
Albert Pujols (Angels): With a lifetime .317/.408/.605 slash line against left-handers, Pujols has proven to be among the best in baseball during those matchups. The first baseman could rip his 31st round-tripper of the season or drive in multiple runs at the expense of Danks (career 4.32 ERA, 1.34 WHIP).
Kole Calhoun (Angels): The outfielder -- who has balanced career splits and often hits in front of Trout and Pujols -- could be part of an Angels stack against Danks. Also of note: Calhoun and his teammates will attempt to put balls into play against a White Sox unit that ranks 29th in the Majors with a .669 defensive efficiency ratio.
Carlos Santana (Indians): The first baseman has long fared best vs. left-handers, against whom he has a lifetime .825 OPS (.786 vs. righties). Santana could rip a round-tripper against Sabathia, who has allowed 62 homers across 61 starts since the outset of 2013.
Lorenzo Cain (Royals): Hitting .309 with 11 homers and 20 steals across 417 plate appearances this season, Cain possesses the diverse skill set that DraftKings participants covet. From the three-hole in the Royals' lineup, the outfielder could improve on his lifetime .809 OPS against left-handers (.724 vs. righties) when he faces Tigers southpaw Daniel Norris (career 4.43 ERA, 1.45 WHIP).
Addison Russell (Cubs): The rookie second baseman has pronounced splits in 2015, with a .728 OPS against right-handers that exceeds his .472 mark vs. lefties. Russell could be a cost-effective addition to DraftKings squads when he faces Brewers righty Matt Garza, who has struggled this season to the tune of a 4.95 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP.
Anthony Rizzo (Cubs): With 21 homers, 63 RBIs and 15 steals across 478 plate appearances, Rizzo has been a notable contributor in many 2015 DraftKings contests. The first baseman could drive in multiple runs when he puts his lifetime .842 OPS against right-handers (.774 vs. lefties) to the test against Garza.
Jacob deGrom (Mets): With a 2.13 ERA and a 0.89 WHIP, the right-hander has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this season. deGrom could continue to post game-changing totals in DraftKings contests when he works at home against a Rockies lineup that ranks 22nd in the Majors with a .682 OPS on the road. He may also come away with a win in a seemingly advantageous matchup with De La Rosa (4.85 ERA, 1.40 WHIP in 2015).
Jake Odorizzi (Rays): With a 2.77 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP this year, Odorizzi has pitched like a No. 1 starter for many DraftKings participants. The right-hander may spin a gem when he works at his pitcher-friendly home park against a Braves lineup that ranks 24th in the Majors with a .689 OPS against right-handers and last in baseball with 70 homers.
Andrew Heaney (Angels): With a 2.45 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP across eight starts since being recalled on June 24, Heaney has been a cost-effective option in many recent DraftKings contests. The left-hander will be in position to excel when he takes on a White Sox lineup that ranks last in the Majors with a .626 OPS against southpaws.
Clayton Kershaw (Dodgers): Arguably the best pitcher in baseball, Kershaw has posted a 1.99 ERA since the outset of the 2013 season, and he has compiled 197 strikeouts across 154 innings in 2015. The left-hander could continue to dominate the competition when he works at his pitcher-friendly home park against the Nationals.
All statistics are accurate through the completion of Monday's games.