This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Baseball series.
Only one series remains in the American League, but with Game 2 slated for all of the National League series, we have a five-game slate to ponder on Yahoo. Let's get right to it and discuss some players to consider for your entry.
Pitchers
Down 0-1, the Cubs turn to Yu Darvish ($53) to try and even up their series with the Marlins. Based on his production during the regular season, he could be up for the task. He was downright dominant, posting a 2.01 ERA that was supported by a 2.23 FIP. With his control no longer being a problem, he was able to record a career-best 0.96 WHIP. Add in his career 29.9 percent strikeout rate and his upside is as high as any of the pitchers who are available on this slate.
Also staring at a 0-1 deficit, the Padres will turn to a very different type of pitcher in Zach Davies ($42) to try and tie things up with the Cardinals. He's not going to miss a ton of bats, evident by the fact that his 22.8 percent strikeout rate this season was the highest mark of his career. With that being said, he was still successful with a 2.73 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP. His 3.88 FIP isn't as impressive, but facing a Cardinals team that had the fifth-lowest OPS (.694) in baseball during the regular season is at least a favorable matchup.
Top Targets
The Dodgers won Game 1 against the Brewers in large part because Mookie Betts ($22) set the tone for their lineup. He doubled and scored a run in the first inning and then doubled to drive in a run in the second on the way to a 4-2 win. Coming on the heels of a .390 wOBA during the regular season, expect him to be a tough out for Brandon Woodruff ($41).
It felt like Game 1 between the Braves and Reds would never end. Both starters were excellent and neither team could seem to come up with timely hits in extra innings. Luckily for the Braves, Freddie Freeman ($27) was able to put them over the top with an RBI single in the 13th inning. After posting a .456 wOBA during the regular season, the potential NL MVP is a great option despite not exactly facing an easy foe in Luis Castillo ($43).
Bargain Bats
Tommy Pham ($11) only had a salary of $9 in Game 1, which seemed too good to be true with a lefty on the mound for the Cardinals. He ended up providing excellent value, hitting 2-for-4 with a double, a run scored and an RBI. Although he doesn't have the platoon advantage here against Adam Wainwright ($39), he still hits in a favorable spot within the Padres' lineup and hasn't exactly struggled against right-handed pitchers considering he has a career .348 wOBA against them.
Dylan Carlson ($10) is considered one of the top prospects in baseball, but his first taste of the majors did not go well with him posting a 65 wRC+. On the bright side, he ended the season on a high note by hitting 10-for-35 (.286) with two home runs and four doubles across his last 11 games. He carried over that success into Game 1, going 2-for-3 with a double and two walks. At this reasonable salary, he could be a risk that is well worth taking.
Stacks to Consider
Athletics vs. TBD, White Sox: Tommy La Stella ($15), Matt Olson ($15), Ramon Laureano ($10),
The A's managed to hold on Wednesday to force a Game 3 with their 5-3 victory. The White Sox have a thin starting rotation, so they might have to go with a bullpen effort already. Olson had a terrible regular season in terms of his batting average (.195), but he continued to hit for power with 14 home runs, which makes him an intriguing option. La Stella proved to be a huge addition to their infield and finished the season by hitting 28-for-90 (.311) with a home run and six doubles over his final 25 games.
White Sox vs. TBD, Athletics: Jose Abreu ($22), Tim Anderson ($17), Nick Madrigal ($9)
Neither team has named a starting pitcher as of early Thursday morning, but at least the A's have two viable options in Sean Manaea ($35) and Mike Fiers ($32). The White Sox had a .749 OPS against right-handed pitchers compared to a .887 OPS versus lefties, so Fiers could very well get the nod here. Regardless, Abreu and Anderson are two excellent options who are coming off of outstanding regular seasons. Madrigal could be a key budget-friendly option to help offset expensive starting pitchers. Despite not being much a power threat, he still finished the regular season hitting .340 with a .376 OBP. He also had two hits in Game 2.
