Jayson Werth (OF-WAS): Werth (shoulder) returned to the lineup with a bang, as the ailing veteran went 2 for 4 and hit his 1st homer of the season. Before the game, Werth told reporters from the Washington Post that the soreness is a byproduct of offseason surgery, a type he feels won't cut significantly into his playing time. While his ISO sits well under .100, he has a 4% swinging strike rate and a 24% LD rate, all marks pointing to a healthy Werth. If an owner has soured, I wouldn't hesitate to pounce.
Kolten Wong (2B-STL): Wong hit a 3-run homer and stole a base as part of a 3-for-5 night. While Wong has enjoyed good fortune with a .364 BABIP, his 23% LD rate, above average GB rate coupled with solid speed suggest that any regression will be minor. While some contact issues remain, Wong has elevated his EYE while he continues to hold his own against lefties. With the Cardinals placing Wong in the 2-hole and dropping Jason Heyward down the lineup more consistently, now is the time to buy.
Jimmy Nelson (SP-MIL): The Full Nelson struck out 11 Cubs across 7 innings and only allowed 1 free pass, but allowed 4 earned runs on 5 hits in taking the loss. With an unfortunate 66% LOB rate, Nelson carries at 4.25 ERA/3.63 xFIP. With a 23% K-rate and a 50% GB rate, not to mention a solid 12% swinging strike rate, look for his ERA to move into the mid 3's. Many have noted Nelson's incorporation of a new curve ball into his repertoire, one that I see as making him a must own in all formats. One minor note of caution: keep an eye on his home/road splits, as he has been Jeckyll and Hyde.
Ryan Braun (OF-MIL): Braun hit his 6th homer as part of a 2-for-3, 3-run, 3-RBI night. Braun, who limped out of the gates to the season, has put things together here in May and looks primed for a huge run. His LD rate is abnormally low and IFFB rate is extremely high, likely due to his 70% first-pitch strike percentage. The more he enters hitters counts, the more his numbers will normalize. With a bat that is heating up and Travis Wood--he who has allowed a .400 wOBA on the road against righties the past two seasons--rolling into town, Braun makes for a must play in DFS today.
DraftKings Price: $4900
Kyle Lohse (SP-MIL): Slated for a matchup at home vs. the Cubs and Travis Wood, Kyle Lohse is primed to return some bang for your DFS buck. While off to a sluggish start to the season, Lohse loves the friendly confines of Miller Park, carrying a .280 wOBA there over the past two seasons. With a Cubs offense on tap that leads the league in K's, look to Lohse if you want to save some dollars.
DraftKings Price: $7100
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