Playing Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) comes with plenty of different strategies. There are punts, pairing aces, stacking at Coors Field, value picks, and using right-handed hitters with crazy splits and a last name that begins with R; I’m looking directly at you Ryan Raburn. There is also another strategy that can quite simply be called, Kershaw or Nah? Usually, the answer is Kershaw. On Tuesday night, Major League Baseball’s ace pitcher faces off against a Miami Marlins lineup that has collectively batted .268 and is near the bottom of the league in runs scored (63). Here’s the thing—the Marlins’ stats are somewhat skewed towards right-handers because they’ve actually done much better against lefties (.339 average). So what gives here? If the Marlins are bashing lefties, should you play Clayton Kershaw? Why, hell yes you should! As a team, the Marlins have only logged 59 at-bats against lefties and none of them were the caliber of Kershaw. So, at $13,800, you’re going to be using a ton of salary, but there is no pitcher that is more consistent than the Dodgers’ lethal lefty. It may take a mid-tier pairing to make a competitive lineup, but as usual, no pitcher has the ceiling—and floor—of Clayton Kershaw.
New to DraftKings? Scared of feeling like a small fish in a big pond? Well try out this 10 teamer of Razzball writers and friends to wet your DK whistle. Just remember to sign up through us before you do. It’s how we know you care! If you still feel helpless and lonely, be sure to subscribe to the DFSBot for your daily baseball plays.
Chris Sale, SP: $12,000 – This isn’t going to be a walk in the park, but Sale makes for a great GPP play against the high-powered Blue Jays offense. Hell, the way he’s been pitching, it wouldn’t be crazy to use him in cash games. Toronto’s offense always gives people pause, but Sale is basically matchup proof. Have no fear!
Edinson Volquez, SP: $8,200 – The Angels are an absolute joke against RHP this season. Currently, they are worst in the league against righties with a .195 average. You almost have to try to perform that terribly. Volquez doesn’t have a high ceiling, but he’s safe. Consider pairing him with Kershaw.
Gerrit Cole, SP: $7,200 – Look at yourself in the mirror. Now ask yourself, “how ballsy am I? No seriously, am I man or do I just pretend?” It’s going to take a big pair to pull the trigger on Cole at Coors Field, but he makes for an excellent GPP play. Cole will never be cheaper than he is on Tuesday night and for good reason. It would be extremely risky to use him in cash games, but Cole is still one of the better starting pitchers in baseball and sometimes talent wins out—even at Coors.
Stephen Vogt, C: $3,400 – The Tigers are starting Mike Pelfrey on Tuesday night and that basically equates to a longer BP session. Vogt is starting to come around at the plate and this is an ideal matchup.
Yasmani Grandal, C: $3,100 – Grandal owns a ridiculous .455 wOBA against right-handed pitching this year and he’ll face off against a very mediocre Tom Koehler on Tuesday night. Digging even deeper into Grandal’s numbers against righties—he owns a 25.8 BB% and a 6.5 K%. Grandal is a fabulous cash game play.
Eric Hosmer, 1B: $4,200 – Here is all you need to know: the average velocity on a Jered Weaver fastball this season is 82.0 MPH. Yes; Weaver just reached the high school varsity team. It doesn’t hurt that Hosmer has already taken Weaver yard once in his career.
Byung Ho Park, 1B: $3,900 – Park is finally starting to heat up at the plate and has gone 5-for-13 over the last seven days. He will face off against Cody Anderson on Tuesday night and is a good bet to go deep. Anderson has already allowed five homers in his first three starts. Park will likely go under owned, so give him strong consideration in GPPs.
Jason Kipnis, 2B: $4,100 – Kipnis is batting .375 against right-handers this season and will face Ricky Nolasco who he is 3-for-9 lifetime against with four RBIs. He’s reasonably priced for a solid matchup.
Chase Utley, 2B: $3,400 – It’s time to pick on Tom Koehler some more. Utley has posted a .392 wOBA against righties this season, though he’s yet to hit a home run. This is more of a safe play/salary relief, but don’t be surprised if Utley goes yard. He’s due and gets a great matchup.
Manny Machado, 3B/SS: $4,800 – Machado is just annihilating RHP this season and gets a BvP dream match on Tuesday night. The Rays are starting Jake Odorizzi, who Machado has owned throughout his career to the tune of a .368 average and two homers over 19 at-bats.
Eduardo Nunez, 3B/SS: $3,400 – We need a fire hose because Nunez is crazy hot right now. Nunez is 9-for-26 (.346) over his last seven games and literally all of his damage has been done against right-handers. There is no way he’ll keep this up long term, but riding the wave is always encouraged.
Jordy Mercer, SS: $4,000 – Oh lawd, look at that salary! On any other day, I would say you’re stupid for paying $4K for Jordy Mercer. As luck would have it, Mercer is white hot and he’s facing a fairly average lefty in Jorge de la Rosa. Don’t be surprised if Mercer bats lead off which would make him even more attractive.
Jedd Gyorko, SS/2B: $3,600 – Surprisingly, Gyorko has been more than serviceable this season. He’s has a .460 wOBA against right-handers and is batting .462 with two homers over the last week. The fact that Shelby Miller has been a dumpster fire only adds to the appeal.
Gregory Polanco, OF: $4,200 – Is it okay to love all of the Pirates on Tuesday? You can pay up for McCutchen or Marte or take the discount and roster Polanco. Exposure to the game is key and Polanco gives you a bit of salary relief compared to the other Bucco outfielders.
Nelson Cruz, OF: $4,200 – The Mariners are facing off against Dallas Keuchel, but Nelly Cruz really doesn’t care. The veteran slugger is batting .500 off of Keuchel over 14 at-bats and he has two home runs. Cruz is more of a GPP play, but past success warrants consideration.
Josh Reddick, OF: $4,000 – Reddick has been solid so far this year and gets a below average righty in Mike Pelfrey. He often seems underappreciated, but he’s generally productive. You’d be remiss if you didn’t have some A’s exposure and Reddick tops the list.
Kevin Kiermaier, OF: $3,300 – Kiermaier is a boom or bust play, but he’s facing off against Ubaldo Jimenez on Tuesday and should be able to muster a couple of good at-bats. You never know which Ubaldo will show up, but if it’s bad Ubaldo, Kiermaier should be able to exploit the matchup. All of Kiermaier’s damage this season (2 HR, 2 SB) has been done against right-handed pitching.
I’m Only Happy When It Rains
There is a moderate chance for rain in Flushing, New York when the Mets host Cincinnati. Things aren’t looking good for the Rangers and Yankees, though it would be wise to get an updated forecast closer to first pitch.
Doing Lines In Vegas
Naturally, the Dodgers are -300 favorites with Clayton Kershaw on the mound against Miami. If you’re looking for a stack, try Kansas City against Jered Weaver or the Twins against Cody Anderson. If you want something a bit more contrarian, use the Tigers against lefty Rich Hill.
