This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
The Braves won Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday, but it came at a cost. Charlie Morton suffered a fractured fibula that will subsequently force him to miss the rest of the series. Their bullpen was forced to pitch 6.2 innings, and they stepped up to allow just two runs. With the extra work that was required from their bullpen, the Braves would love to get significant length out of Max Fried in Game 2. Let's discuss some players to consider while building your DraftKings Showdown lineups.
Captain's Pick
For those new to this format, the player that is selected for the Captain's Pick in your lineup will receive 1.5X the fantasy points. The downside is, whoever you select for that spot, you will also have to pay 1.5X their salary.
Given the state of their bullpen, the Braves will probably give Fried ($16,200 Captain's Pick) a longer leash than most starting pitchers would get in the playoffs. He's coming off of a rough start against the Dodgers in which he allowed five runs across 4.2 innings. However, he had pitched at least six innings and allowed two runs or fewer in both of his previous two starts in the playoffs.
Jose Urquidy ($10,400) has only made one start in the playoffs for the Astros and it wasn't a good one considering he was shelled by the Red Sox for six runs (five earned) over 1.2 innings. Coming off of a regular season in which he had a 4.14 FIP and allowed 1.4 HR/9, this could be a good opportunity to roll with Freddie Freeman ($15,000 Captain's Pick) in this multiplier position. He hasn't skipped a beat in the playoffs, slugging three home runs and posting a .431 wOBA.
Top Targets
Of these two lineups, the Braves will probably be the most popular to pursue given the pitching matchup. One of their more appealing hitters is Austin Riley ($8,000), who had a breakout campaign with a .379 wOBA. While he doesn't have the platoon advantage in this matchup, he actually had a higher wOBA versus right-handed pitchers (.396) than he did lefties (.322).
Carlos Correa ($8,600) has traditionally hit left-handed pitchers well, posting a .367 wOBA against them during his career. Add in his .383 OBP, three doubles and one home run during the Astros' playoff run and he has the makings of one of the top options within their lineup.
Bargain Bats
The playoffs can bring the best out of some players and it's apparently done that with Eddie Rosario ($6,000). After a disappointing regular season, he has at least one hit in all 11 of his playoff games, hitting 20-for-43 (.465) with three home runs and two doubles. At this cheap salary, it might make sense to try and ride his hot bat.
Joc Pederson ($7,000) was another key addition for the Braves during the regular season as they basically reworked their entire outfield. While his batting average usually disappoints, his career .230 ISO illustrates the power that he brings to the plate. Given Urquidy's propensity for giving up home runs, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Pederson go deep in this matchup.
