Pitcher List is proud to partner with DraftKings for the 2019 season. We’ll be featuring our top picks for every daily slate throughout the season and feature articles dedicated to the GPP.
We’ve got a great day of baseball ahead with multiple slates from which to choose on DraftKings. Games start at 1:05 p.m. eastern and run as late as 10:10 p.m., so there’s no way you can’t find the time for some contests.
Top SP: Carlos Carrasco, ($9,500) at CWS
Even though Carrasco hasn’t been the “Cookie” we all know and love this year, he still dominates the White Sox. In his last start against Chicago on May 9, the right-hander went 7 IP, O ER, and 6 Ks. While he is still getting hitters to chase and whiff, as seen in his O-Swing% and swinging-strike rate, the changeup will be a key pitch for him in today’s game. Last season, the pitch had a pVAL of 6.1, which is down to -3.1 this year. While it is a “feel pitch,” it will play a big role in how his start goes today.
Honorable Mention: Mike Minor ($10,300) vs. KC.
Value SP: Yusei Kikuchi, ($6,800) vs. LAA
Kikuchi has shown flashes of being a top-end starting pitcher for the Mariners this seaso, and I’m a little bit surprised at his price point considering today’s slate. The Angels are currently last in the league in team average vs. left-handed pitchers, as well as near the bottom five in all the power hitting categories against lefties. Not having Mike Trout in the lineup won’t help their case against Kikuchi, who features a plus curveball. The return on investment is huge here, and Kikuchi could end up being a key to winning some money today.
Honorable Mention: Joe Musgrove ($6,000) vs. MIL.
OF: Starling Marte, ($4,600) vs. MIL (RHP Chase Anderson)
Marte has some of the best numbers against his opponent today, going 13-27 (.481) with two home runs and five stolen bases against Anderson in his career. Also, the speedy outfielder is having a ton of success against right-handed pitchers this season, hitting 283 with all six of his home runs coming against righties. While Anderson has been pretty good so far this season, he has a career ERA over 4 at PNC Park, and that combined with Marte’s success is enough to lock him into almost all of my lineups.
Honorable Mention: OF: Oscar Mercado ($4,100) at CWS (LHP Manny Banuelos).
SS: Francisco Lindor, ($4,800) vs. CWS (LHP Manny Banuelos)
In an ideal matchup, Frankie gets a look at a pitcher who has now given up five or more runs in four straight starts. Always thriving against left-handed pitchers, Lindor should provide a ton of value today, and surprisingly he’s just the fourth-most expensive shortstop on the board. He also seems to love playing against the White Sox, as he runs more vs. them than almost any other team. He should be a key to your success today.
Honorable Mention: 3B: Justin Turner ($4,200) vs. NYM (LHP Jason Vargas).
Value Bat: 1B, David Freese ($3,900) vs. NYM (LHP Jason Vargas)
The former World Series MVP may just be a platoon player these days, but he should definitely be in the lineup today against Vargas. In his career, Freese is 8-14 (.571) with three home runs and a 1.886 OPS in just 14 at-bats against the mediocre lefty. He should be hitting right in the middle of a dangerous Dodgers lineup today, and that can only mean good things. He should be rostered at this price point.
Honorable Mention: 3B: Colin Moran ($3,500) vs. MIL (RHP Chase Anderson).
Lineup Stack: Colorado Rockies vs. ARI (RHP Taylor Clarke)
Vegas has the over-under in this game at 12! Yes, it is a Rockies-Diamondbacks game in Coors Field, but 12 is still a crazy number. As much as I want to stack the Dodgers or Indians today, I’m not going to argue with Vegas, so you’re probably safe by picking either team to stack here on getaway day. Good luck, even though you probably won’t need it.
Honorable Mention: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. NYM (LHP Jason Vargas).
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is miketherotocop) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games on which I offer advice. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings, and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any nonpublic information.