This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Baseball series.
All four remaining playoffs series will be in action Tuesday, creating an exciting day across baseball. Let's try to add to that excitement with a winning entry on Yahoo. Here are some players to consider as you build your lineup.
Pitchers
Injuries destroyed the Braves' starting rotation this season. One of their few constants was Max Fried ($42), who will take the mound in Game 1 against the Marlins. He recorded a 2.25 ERA that was supported by a 3.10 FIP on his way to winning seven of his 11 starts. He had a lot of excellent stats, but one of his most impressive might be the fact that he only allowed two home runs across 56 innings. Although his strikeout upside is limited, he is still one of the more appealing pitching options for this slate.
As far as budget-friendly pitching options go, Framber Valdez ($35) should be on your radar. He emerged as a key part of the Astros' rotation this season, posting a 3.57 ERA and an even more impressive 2.85 FIP. Like Fried, he excelled at keeping hitters inside the ballpark, allowing 0.6 HR/9. Add in his 1.12 WHIP and the A's might have a difficult time scoring runs in Game 2 of their series.
Top Targets
The Yankees had another offensive explosion in Game 1 against the Rays and have scored at least nine runs in all three of their playoff games. The man at the top of the lineup who has been one of their main catalysts is DJ LeMahieu ($22), who is 5-for-15 in the playoffs after recording a .429 wOBA during the regular season. Facing Tyler Glasnow ($48) isn't exactly an easy feat, but LeMahieu has proven to be a difficult out for even the best pitchers in baseball.
It's very possible that Freddie Freeman ($27) has earned himself the NL MVP award based on his performance during the regular season. He had more walks than strikeouts on his way to blowing past career-highs with a .456 wOBA and a 187 wRC+. As great as those numbers were, he was even better with a .499 wOBA and a 216 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers. That could leave him with a productive Game 1 against Sandy Alcantara ($32).
Bargain Bats
Another option on the Braves who is at the opposite end of the salary scale is Nick Markakis ($8). After initial opting out of the season, he decided to return and wasn't exactly great with an 89 wRC+. However, he started to heat up as the season wound down, slugging five doubles across his last 11 games. For those considering a Braves stack, he could be a key component who helps offset Freeman's lofty salary.
While his salary isn't overly cheap, Brandon Lowe ($15) could be a bargain. He's proven to be one of the Rays' best power hitters, following up his .243 ISO last year with a .285 ISO this season. This season also brought an improved eye at the plate with him decreasing his strikeout rate from 34.6 percent to 25.9 percent. His power could be an issue for Yankees' youngster Deivi Garcia ($26), who allowed 1.6 HR/9 this season.
Stacks to Consider
Dodgers vs. TBD, Padres: Mookie Betts ($22), Corey Seager ($20), Cody Bellinger ($18)
As of early Tuesday morning, it was unclear who the Padres planned to start. Regardless of who they decide to roll with, they don't really have any overwhelming options with Mike Clevinger (elbow) and Dinelson Lamet (biceps) still battling injuries. That could mean a big offensive performance is in store for the Dodgers, who finished with the second-highest OPS (.821) during the regular season. While Bellinger's overall numbers for the season were a disappointment, he finished strong by hitting 20-for-71 (.282) with two home runs and five doubles over his last 20 games. During that span, he also had 14 walks compared to just 15 strikeouts.
Astros vs. Sean Manaea ($34), Athletics: George Springer ($24), Alex Bregman ($14), Carlos Correa ($8)
The Astros exploded for 10 runs in Game 1 and look to have put their disappointing regular season firmly in their rearview mirror. With a lefty on the mound for the A's, this trio could be very dangerous while also not destroying your budget. Springer had another excellent power season with a .275 ISO and he has a career .237 ISO versus lefties compared to a .216 ISO against righties. Bregman may be the biggest lefty killer on the team, posting a wOBA of at least .406 against them in each of the last four seasons.
