This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Baseball series.
There is a heavy dose of day games Wednesday, leaving us with only eight games to choose from for the main evening slate on Yahoo. There are actually several quality starting pitching options, so finding the right hitters could be key. Here are some players who stand out as viable targets.
Pitching Overview
Among the best pitching options is Jose Berrios ($48) for his start against the Marlins. Despite the current homer-happy state of affairs in baseball, he's only allowed 1.1 HR/9. That's a big reason why he enters this start with a 2.94 ERA. His FIP isn't quite as exciting at 3.81, but facing one of the worst lineups in baseball makes him an extremely appealing option.
Lucas Giolito ($46) is in the midst of a breakout campaign, but he's struggled a bit of late. He was hit hard by the Twins in his last outing and has now allowed at least six runs in three of his last seven starts. With that being said, he allowed three runs or fewer in each of the other four outings, so it hasn't been all bad. The Mets only have a 91 wRC+ on the road compared to a 112 wRC+ at home, leaving us with a favorable chance of seeing one of the good outings from Giolito in this matchup.
The one thing you likely won't get a lot of from Kyle Hendricks ($43) is strikeouts. However, that hasn't stopped him from once again being an effective pitcher with his 3.26 ERA and 3.75 FIP. He's allowed two runs or fewer in five straight starts and will look to keep things rolling against a Cardinals team that he has dominated over two starts by giving up one run across 16 innings.
Key Values/Chalk
As good as the matchup against the Marlins is for Berrios, it's not as favorable for the Twins' lineup. They won't have the use of the DH and will have to deal with pitcher-friendly Marlins Park. Still, they won't be facing an overpowering pitcher in Sandy Alcantara considering his 16.3 percent strikeout rate. Nelson Cruz probably won't be in the lineup, but Max Kepler ($20), Eddie Rosario ($16) and Jorge Polanco ($18) are still worth considering.
An important battle in the American League playoff hunt will be the Red Sox hosting the Rays. Both teams could be active at the trade deadline, especially the Red Sox on the relief pitching front. The Rays have plenty of problems with regards to injuries to their starting rotation and will use Andrew Kittredge as the opener for this matchup. He is then expected to be followed by Ryan Yarbrough, who is not much of a strikeout threat. That could be a problem against a Red Sox lineup that is hot of late. Mookie Betts ($24) has five home runs and six doubles over his last 16 games, which should make him a popular option.
Miles Mikolas has seen his numbers regress this season with him recording a 4.29 FIP compared to a 3.28 FIP last year. He only allowed 0.7 HR/9 last year, but has allowed 1.3 HR/9 this season, which is part of the reason for his troubles. With his 17.5 percent strikeout rate, he doesn't leave himself much margin for error. Left-handed hitters have a .361 wOBA against him, which is good news for the likes of Anthony Rizzo ($17) and Kyle Schwarber ($16).
Stacks
Astros vs. Zach Plesac (Indians)
Yordan Alvarez (OF - $21), George Springer (OF - $21), Yuli Gurriel (1B - $23)
Plesac checks into this start with a sparkling 3.10 ERA, but his 5.15 FIP suggests he hasn't pitched that well. He's also had some really favorable matchups with his last six starts coming against the Royals (three times), Tigers (twice) and Orioles. Facing the potent Astros' lineup is an entirely different animal. Alvarez and Springer, who have a .356 ISO and a .302 ISO, respectively, form a dangerous power duo. Gurriel is also on a prolonged hot streak in the power department with his .847 slugging percentage across his last 29 games.
Rays vs. Rick Porcello (Red Sox)
Austin Meadows (OF - $16), Nate Lowe (OF - $16), Eric Sogard (2B - $17)
The Red Sox will be sending one of their worst starters to the mound in Rick Porcello, who enters with a 5.55 ERA and a 4.69 FIP. His main problem has been his 1.45 WHIP. With lefties producing a .359 wOBA against him, this trio could be in line for a productive night. With all of their injuries and his .352 wOBA versus righties, the newly-acquired Sogard could quickly get off to a good start with his new squad.
Athletics vs. Jordan Lyles (Brewers)
Matt Olson (1B - $18), Marcus Semien (SS - $20), Mark Canha (OF - $17)
This will be Lyles' first start with the Brewers after he was acquired from the Pirates. The Brewers needed starting pitching depth, so they'll take a chance on him despite a recent rough patch that has seen him allow 23 runs (20 earned) over his last 12 innings. Olson stands out as a top target with left-handed hitters recording a .416 wOBA against Lyles this season.
