Odor in line for big afternoon against Twins
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The players listed below could provide difference-making stats for DraftKings participants on Thursday.
Curtis Granderson (Mets): With 19 homers, 61 runs and nine steals across 480 plate appearances, Granderson has contributed to DraftKings squads in multiple ways this season. From his perch atop the lineup, the outfielder could thrive when he brings his lifetime .860 OPS against right-handers (.693 vs. lefties) into a matchup with Rockies righty Eddie Butler (career 5.72 ERA, 1.82 WHIP).
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Yoenis Cespedes (Mets): Cespedes -- who owns balanced career splits -- will be primed to thrive when he meets up with Butler and a Rockies bullpen that ranks 29th in the Majors with a 4.53 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.
Prince Fielder (Rangers): With a lifetime .299/.410/.553 slash line against right-handers, Fielder has proven to wield a potent bat in such matchups. The slugger will be in position to excel when he takes on Twins righty Ervin Santana (career 4.20 ERA, 1.29 WHIP).
Shin-Soo Choo (Rangers): The outfielder owns pronounced career splits, with a .901 OPS against right-handers that exceeds his .668 mark vs. lefties. Choo could drive in multiple runs when he faces Santana, who has posted a 5.40 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP this season.
Rougned Odor (Rangers): The second baseman -- who has hit .355 since being recalled on June 15 -- will be primed to improve on his career .759 OPS against right-handers (.706 vs. lefties) at the expense of Santana (5.50 FIP in 2015). Odor could also swipe a base against Kurt Suzuki, who has allowed more steals than all but three catchers this season.
Mitch Moreland (Rangers): The first baseman has long fared best vs. righties, as he owns a career .796 OPS against them, as opposed to a .647 mark vs. lefties. On Thursday, Moreland will be primed to drive in multiple runs against Santana and a Twins bullpen that ranks 25th in the Majors with a 4.13 ERA.
Brian Dozier (Twins): With 24 homers across 436 at-bats, the second baseman has been the most powerful player at his premium position this season. Dozier could reach base often against a Rangers squad that will have to dig into its pitching depth to cover the absence of Cole Hamels. Dozier could also excel late in the game against a Texas relief corps that ranks last in baseball with a 4.60 ERA.
Mike Trout (Angels): Hitting .301 with 33 homers and 78 runs scored across 470 plate appearances, the outfielder is often worth a major investment in DraftKings contests. Trout could rip a round-tripper when he puts his lifetime .284/.390/.524 slash line against right-handers on the line against Royals righty Jeremy Guthrie (5.84 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, 1.4 HR/9 rate in 2015).
Adrian Gonzalez (Dodgers): The first baseman will be set to improve on his impressive career .301/.377/.532 slash line against right-handers when he faces Reds rookie righty Keyvius Sampson. The right-handed hurler has thrown 12 Major League innings after posting a 4.17 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP in his Minor League career.
Yasmani Grandal (Dodgers): The catcher could provide production at a premium position when he puts his lifetime .820 OPS against right-handers (.729 vs. lefties) on the line against the inexperienced Sampson. Grandal could also excel late in the game against a Reds bullpen that ranks 21st in baseball with a 3.94 ERA.
Bryce Harper (Nationals): Hitting .333 with 29 homers and 65 RBIs across 360 at-bats, the outfielder has been among the best hitters in baseball this season. Harper could continue to succeed when he brings his lifetime .929 OPS against right-handers (.775 vs. lefties) into a matchup with Giants righty Ryan Vogelsong (career 4.41 ERA, 1.39 WHIP).
Alex Rodriguez (Yankees): With 24 homers and 63 RBIs across 373 at-bats this season, Rodriguez has been a major factor in many DraftKings contests. The slugger could reach base often and drive in multiple runs when he takes his lofty lifetime .302/.382/.558 slash line against right-handers into a matchup with Indians righty Trevor Bauer (career 4.28 ERA, 1.35 WHIP).
Noah Syndergaard (Mets): The right-hander has excelled in his rookie season, posting a 3.01 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP. He has been especially good at home, where he has posted a 1.57 ERA across eight starts. Syndergaard could tally a difference-making points total in DraftKings contests when he pitches at Citi Field against a Rockies lineup that ranks 24th in the Majors with a .677 OPS on the road.
Jon Lester (Cubs): After a slow start to the season, the left-hander has dominated the competition to the tune of a 2.13 ERA and a 0.89 WHIP across his past 10 starts. Lester has the opportunity to compile strikeouts and quality frames when he works at home against a Brewers lineup that ranks 27th in the Majors with a .647 OPS against southpaws.
Garrett Richards (Angels): On a day with few games on the docket, DraftKings participants may opt for Richards -- who has posted a 3.01 ERA since the outset of last season -- in a matchup with the Royals at pitcher-friendly Kauffman Stadium. The right-hander could post quality frames and come away with a win in a seemingly advantageous matchup with Guthrie.
Mat Latos (Dodgers): With a 3.25 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP across his past six outings, Latos has rebounded from a slow start to the season. The right-hander could fare well when he works at his pitcher-friendly home park against the Reds and could pick up a victory if his talented supporting cast has success against the inexperienced Sampson.
Francisco Liriano (Pirates): With a 3.13 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP this year, the lefty has emerged as a trusted No. 1 starter in DraftKings contests. Liriano could continue to hold the opposition in check when he takes on a Cardinals lineup that ranks 24th in the Majors with a .669 OPS against southpaws.
All statistics are accurate through the completion of Tuesday's games.