Major League Baseball starts the final weekend before the All-Star break with every team in action on Friday night under the lights. DraftKings has a three-game turbo slate starting at 6:40 p.m. ET followed by the massive 12-game featured slate, which gets underway at 7:05 p.m. ET. Some fascinating series are on top heading into the break including some key matchups between teams in the MLB Wild Card races as the Royals head to Fenway to face the Red Sox and the Padres host the Braves in San Diego. There are also a couple of key divisional series as the Orioles host the Yankees and the Astros host the Rangers in a Texas-sized rivalry matchup.
With 24 teams in the player pool, there are plenty of matchups to break down and take advantage of across the league. If you are running short on salary, though, there are also some great value plays on the board. The three players highlighted below offer high ceilings at low salaries this Friday and can help balance out spending up on some of the stars ready to step into the spotlight at the All-Star game next week.
Set your DraftKings fantasy baseball lineups here: MLB $222K Bat Flip [$50K to 1st]
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SP Yariel Rodriguez, Toronto Blue Jays at Arizona Diamondbacks, $6,700
Rodriguez has offered great strikeout upside all season but until recently, he struggled to pitch deep into games. In each of his two starts this month, though, he pitched at least six innings and looked dominant. He only allowed one hit over six shutout innings in his most recent start, earning 27.7 DKFP in a win over the Mariners and picking up six strikeouts for the second consecutive outing. Rodriguez has 29 strikeouts in 30 1⁄3 innings in the MLB this season and 12 in 12 1⁄3 innings in his last two starts. The 27-year-old rookie dealt with thoracic spine inflammation earlier this season, which is why his totals for the year are a little low. Coming back from that injury, he looked great during his rehab with 33 strikeouts in 20 1⁄3 innings with the Buffalo Bisons and just a 1.33 ERA. In his last two outings, Rodriguez appeared ready to convert that success to the next level, and he has a good shot to pick up another win with a strong outing on Friday since Ryne Nelson ($6,100) on the other side of this matchup has been smashed at home at Chase Field this season.
OF Rece Hinds, Cincinnati Reds vs. Miami Marlins, $2,800
Hinds has been on an insane heater since being called up earlier this week from Triple-A, and the Reds will hope he continues his success for a second straight series as they welcome in the Marlins. In his four games against the Rockies, Hinds went 8-for-16 (.500) with three doubles, a triple and two home runs for an insane .704 wOBA. He added two stolen bases as well and has produced 17.8 DKFP per game. He only hit .216 in Triple-A but did show power and speed potential with 13 homers and 12 stolen bases. The 23-year-old is on fire, and he’s a great option under $3,000 against Yonny Chirinos ($6,500) in what should be a hitter-friendly environment at Great American Ballpark.
SS Xavier Edwards, Miami Marlins at Cincinnati Reds, $2,300
The Marlins look ready to go into fire sale mode and are already moving to younger options over veterans. They moved on from Tim Anderson and placed Otto Lopez (back) on the IL to clear the way for Edwards, who was their No. 12 prospect last year, according to MLB Pipeline. The speedster stole 37 bases last season between Triple-A and the majors, but he got a late start this season after a bacterial infection in his foot landed him on the 60-day IL. He worked his way back by hitting .330 in 29 games with one home run, five stolen bases and a .370 wOBA for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp at Triple-A. Since getting called up, he has gone 11-for-33 (.333) with two doubles, three walks and a .349 wOBA. On Thursday, he added his first stolen base of the season as well. As he gets more aggressive on the basepaths, he’ll be a great bargain value with a high ceiling if he keeps hitting and creating opportunities as Miami’s primary SS.
Set your DraftKings fantasy baseball lineups here: MLB $222K Bat Flip [$50K to 1st]
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is z.thompson) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. 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 non-public information.
