Rosters are settling after some significant shifts at the trade deadline, and we now head into a full Saturday schedule. DraftKings is offering a unique main slate with seven games set to kick off at 4:05 p.m. EDT.
Pitchers
We have two aces to work with in Tarik Skubal ($11,700) and Zack Wheeler ($10,700), but the problem is they face each other. The duo has nearly identical skills this season, though the Tigers have struck out at a 24.5 percent strikeout rate alongside a .307 wOBA the last 30 days. Between the matchup and the salary discrepancy, Wheeler would be my choice.
There are also some solid mid-tier options. Luis Castillo ($7,800) offers a good mix of floor and ceiling having tallied between 14 and 34 DK points across his last six starts. Even with the Rangers heating up of late, they've still been mediocre offensively.
Tanner Bibee ($7,500) has produced a disappointing season, but a matchup against the Twins is promising after they traded away several key pieces at the deadline.
Eury Perez ($7,300) is the riskiest of the group while also offering upside as illustrated by a 17.7 K-BB% - the highest mark on the slate with the exception of Skubal, Wheeler and Brandon Woodruff. A matchup against the Yankees will be tough, though the value offsets some of the risk.
See which projected starters are going and when with RotoWire's Probable Pitchers page!
Top Hitters
After an impressive debut, Cam Schlittler has been subpar from his last two starts allowing five earned runs in 9.1 innings with an 8:7 K:BB. Kyle Stowers ($5,600) and Xavier Edwards ($4,400) both represent decent selections with the former boasting more upside due to his power and the latter offering more paths to potential production.
William Contreras ($3,900) is at an awkward salary point and doesn't fit well as either a value or star, yet he's been recently doing well. Meanwhile, Jake Irvin has given up 1.63 HR/9.
Value Hitters
The Astros' offense remains banged up, though that's created some opportunity. Jesus Sanchez ($3,700), Christian Walker ($3,600) and Yainer Diaz ($3,200) all have been productive of late and are hitting in the middle of the order. Walker Buehler has found some level of success, yet still is plagued by the long ball.
Stacks to Consider
Guardians vs. Twins (Bailey Ober): Steven Kwan ($4,400), Jose Ramirez ($6,400), Kyle Manzardo ($3,800)
The Guardians aren't necessarily a team we traditionally target as a stack, but they kept their lineup intact at the deadline and face one of the better possible matchups. Ober is being activated from the injured list on Saturday, and prior to hitting the shelf he surrendered at least five earned runs in four of his last five outing. Maybe the layoff will be enough or him to get back on track, though there's always of chance of things going sideways.
Red Sox vs. Astros (Colton Gordon): Alex Bregman ($4,700), Roman Anthony ($4,000), Romy Gonzalez ($4,500)
Gordon is another pitcher who's regularly given up multiple runs with at least four during three of his last five appearances – one of which only lasted one inning. The Red Sox have also excelled against left-handed starters this season while maintaining a league fifth-best .331 wOBA versus southpaws.
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