This article is part of our FanDuel MLB series.
Saturday's main slate doesn't get going until 7 p.m. EDT, leaving us with only seven games from which to field a roster. There isn't a plethora of top-tier pitching, which presents an opportunity for a few offensive stacks, or will force you to pay up for an arm and save elsewhere, both fun decisions early in the season with so few trends forming.
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PITCHER
Lucas Giolito, CWS at KAN ($7,400): The momentum Giolito took into the offseason seems to have carried over through spring, where he struck out 34 in 34 frames and reported improved velocity and command. Giolito has top-prospect pedigree and posted strikeout rates of 24.3 and 26.9 percent over his last two seasons at Triple-A, suggesting an increase in his 19.0 percent rate in the majors is possible.
GPP Fade: Yu Darvish, CHC at MIA ($9,400): This is a strict guess on high ownership levels and nothing else. Darvish is the most expensive option, for good reason against the lowly Marlins, and seems as sure a bet as anyone to provide top return. The pitching options aren't plentiful, so you'll have to choose wisely if fading, but saving a few bucks and splurging freely on hitters seems like the contrarian play. For that matter, I'd fade Zach Greinke ($9,000) as well against a Rockies offense that scored 17 runs in its first two games.
Cheap GPP Consideration: Vince Velasquez, PHI at ATL ($6,400): Velasquez had a 29.4 percent strikeout rate two years ago before injuries plagued his 2017 season, eventually ending it after only 15 appearances. Never known for his efficiency, Velasquez doesn't seem likely to work deep into Saturday's game, but facing a Braves lineup that is largely similar to the 2017 version that posted an 89 wRC+ against righties certainly isn't a turn off.
CATCHER/FIRST BASE
Chris Davis, BAL vs. MIN ($2,700): Twins' starter Kyle Gibson has had an ERA north of 5.00 in each of his last two seasons while averaging fewer than seven strikeouts per nine innings, which gives Davis a better than usual chance at putting balls into play. He had a 41.5 percent fly ball rate at home last year, with 24.6 percent of those flys leaving the yard. Surprisingly hitting in the leadoff spot, Davis should get four chances to take Gibson deep.
SECOND BASE
Cesar Hernandez, PHI at ATL ($3,100): Hernandez sported a .345 wOBA and 111 wRC+ against righties last year and has four hits through two games to date. Entrenched atop the Phillies order, he has a good chance to reach base again Saturday against Brandon McCarthy, giving him decent run-scoring and double-digit fantasy point potential.
THIRD BASE
Jake Lamb, ARI vs. COL ($3,400): Lamb's left/right splits are well documented, which almost makes this pick feel like cheating. He posted a .386 wOBA and 133 wRC+ against righties last year versus a .251 wOBA and 44 wRC+ against lefties. He is $1,000 cheaper than the top player at the hot corner in a playable matchup against German Marquez.
SHORTSTOP
Trevor Story, COL at ARI ($2,800): Story's swing-and-miss potential makes him a major bust pick, as he's fanned seven times in nine at-bats already and has a 33.3 percent career strikeout rate against righties. But he's taken Zack Greinke deep four times in 24 at-bats, and has tremendous upside as the Rockies cleanup hitter at this price. Low ownership seems certain, making Story a GPP gamble. I don't expect Greinke to implode, but outside of Charlie Blackmon and Nolen Arenado, Colorado bats appear to offer interesting tournament risks.
OUTFIELD
Rhys Hoskins, PHI at ATL ($3,800): Hoskins has picked up where he left off in 2017, going 4- for-8 with two doubles and a homer to open the year. This coming on the heels of a .421 wOBA and 161 wRC+ in 2017 against righties. At sub-$4,000, he flirts with too good to be true upside.
Lorenzo Cain, MIL at SDP ($3,400): Cain was brought in to add some on-base skills atop the Brewers lineup, and he's done just that, gathering five hits in 10 at bats while stealing bases in both games. He had a sound .346 wOBA and 114 wRC+ against righties a year ago and will remain a threat to cross the plate against Luis Perdomo and his 4.73 home ERA from last year.
Jason Heyward, CHC at MIA ($2,900): Buying into the Cubs lineup most nights seems prudent, and especially Saturday after the Marlins bullpen threw 11.2 innings during last night's 17 inning marathon. Assuming he's in the lineup against a TBD right-handed pitcher, Heyward had a tolerable .320 wOBA and 94 wRC+ for this price, and gives a cheap buy in to an offense that doesn't have many, and produces up and down the lineup.
UTILITY
Jose Abreu, CWS at KAN ($4,100): Royals' starter Ian Kennedy was woeful at home last season, allowing a 6.46 ERA, .372 wOBA and 2.41 homers per nine innings. Abreu came out hot in the season opener, and was an equal opportunity abuser last season, hitting well regardless of pitcher handedness. His .361 wOBA and 127 wRC+ against righties is nothing to scoff at.
