This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
The players featured in this piece will be building blocks that can work in several lineup configurations (cash and GPP). There aren't many great starting pitchers taking the mound Sunday, which could lead to some big offensive performances.
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STARTING PITCHER
Mike Clevinger, CLE vs. KC ($10,900): The Indians have an excellent starting rotation with several pitchers with high strikeout upside, Clevinger being one of them. He posted a 10.1 K/9 in 2017, although it was concerning that he had a 4.4 BB/9. He helped limit the damage by allowing 6.8 H/9 and 1.0 HR/9. The Royals do not have a good lineup, scoring three runs or fewer in five of their six games this season. Clevinger is the second-most expensive pitcher on the slate Sunday, but he also has the potential for an excellent outing.
GPP Fade: Jose Quintana, CHC at MIL ($8,900): The move to the National League suited Quintana last year, posting a 3.25 FIP with the Cubs after recording a 4.02 FIP in the first half with the White Sox. His K/9 also rose from 9.4 with the White Sox to 10.5 as a member of the Cubs. Quintana held lefties to a .252 wOBA in 2017, but righties had a .314 wOBA. The Brewers have righties who hit left-handed pitching well, including Ryan Braun, Lorenzo Cain and Domingo Santana, so it might not be a bad idea to shy away from using Quintana Sunday.
Cheap GPP Consideration: Tyler Mahle, CIN at PIT ($7,700): Mahle made four starts for the Reds last year, and while his 2.70 ERA looks nice, he didn't pitch well. He had a 4.01 FIP and allowed 5.0 BB/9 while only recording a 6.3 K/9. He didn't strikeout out a ton of batters in the minors either, but he did a great job keeping runners off base, recording just a 1.11 WHIP in 558 innings. His first start of 2018 couldn't have gone much better, pitching six shutout innings while allowing just one hit to go along with seven strikeouts against the Cubs. He might be worth taking a chance on in tournament play.
CATCHER
Evan Gattis, HOU vs. SD ($3,700): Sunday can be a tough day for catchers with many starters resting after playing night games Saturday. You don't have to worry about that with Gattis, who is catcher-eligible on DraftKings but is the designated hitter for the Astros. He has tons of power and faces Tyson Ross, who had just a 6.6 K/9 in 2017 and is still trying to regain his form from his first stint with the Padres.
FIRST BASE
Ryan Braun, MIL vs. CHC ($4,400): As mentioned earlier, Braun is one of the Brewers' right-handed hitters who hit lefties well, posting a .358 wOBA against them in 2017. That marked the seventh consecutive season that he finished with a wOBA of at least .355 against lefties.
SECOND BASE
Neil Walker, NYY vs. BAL ($3,400): The Yankees are dealing with several injuries right now, which may help move Walker up in the batting order. He still likely won't be hitting in the top four, but don't be surprised if he hits as high as sixth Sunday with the potential for plenty of men on base in front of him. Walker is a much better hitter from the left side of the plate, posting a 127 wRC+ in 2017 compared to just 67 as a righty. He'll face right-hander Mike Wright Jr. who also allowed a .392 wOBA to lefties last year.
THIRD BASE
Kyle Seager, SEA at MIN ($3,300): Seager faces right-hander Lance Lynn, whose 3.43 ERA last year is a bit deceiving considering his 4.82 FIP. Lynn has also had control issues, posting a 3.4 BB/9 for his career. Although righties only had a .261 wOBA against him in 2017, lefties finished with a .349 wOBA. There is a chance for snow during this game, but Seager could provide value at this price if the game is played.
SHORTSTOP
Didi Gregorius, NYY vs. BAL ($5,200): Gregorius continues to play a vital role in the Yankees offense, batting cleanup against right-handed pitching. Not only did Gregorius post a .354 wOBA against righties last year, but he also only had just an 11.3 percent strikeout rate against them. He's expensive, but he has excellent upside against Wright on Sunday.
OUTFIELD
Andrew Benintendi, BOS vs. TB ($4,900): The Rays are going to start Andrew Kittredge on Sunday, but he might not be long for the game as he just pitched 2.1 innings against the Red Sox on Thursday. Expect this to be another one of their bullpen games, which is not a strength for their team to begin with. Benintendi is one of several Red Sox hitters who could be in for a big day as a result.
Josh Reddick, HOU vs. SD ($4,200): Reddick continues to serve as an important left-handed bat in an Astros lineup heavy on right-handed hitting. Reddick excels against righties, posting a 131 wRC+ against them in 2017. Considering the troubles Ross has had since his return from injury, Reddick is a viable option to consider for your entry.
Marwin Gonzalez, HOU vs. SD ($3,900): Stacking Astros could be a sound strategy Sunday. Gonzalez is a switch hitter who had a .397 wOBA against righties last year compared to .340 against left-handers. He also hit for more power at home, slugging 15 of his 23 home runs in 2017 at Minute Maid Park.
