Bryan Armetta makes his DraftKings MLB Pick6 selections before Wednesday’s jam-packed 15-game MLB slate gets started.
It’s Wednesday, which means nonstop Major League Baseball action takes place starting this afternoon. With all 30 teams taking the field for a 15-game slate, there’s plenty of enticing matchups on deck. Let’s break down which players fantasy baseball managers should target with DraftKings MLB Pick6 before today’s contests!
Tyler Anderson more than 4.5 strikeouts
There have been plenty of positives for the surprisingly competitive Angels this season. Starting pitching hasn’t been one of them. Other than staff ace Yusei Kikuchi, there aren’t many difference makers in Los Angeles’ rotation. Still, the Halos have a few names that can be relied upon to eat some innings. That includes Tyler Anderson; through 22 outings, the veteran owns a 4.49 ERA and 1.39 WHIP.
Strikeouts aren’t the 35-year-old’s specialty; his 7.0 K/9 ratio doesn’t exactly pop off the screen. Still, Anderson won’t be facing the toughest task this afternoon. The Rays come into this contest averaging the third-fewest runs per game in baseball since July 1st (3.67). In addition, Tampa Bay hitters have recorded the fourth-most strikeouts against left-handed pitching this season (298). Add it all up, and Anderson should be able to secure a handful of punchouts in this one.
Shane Baz more than 16.5 outs recorded
We’ll stay in SoCal, where the Rays will have a talented young hurler taking the mound. 26-year-old Shane Baz has been a bit of a disappointment in 2025. Look no further than a lackluster 4.79 ERA and 1.33 WHIP. Regardless, there’s no denying that he has talent. Part of the reason for these struggles can be traced to ballpark environment. Tampa Bay’s temporary home, Steinbrenner Field, is one of the sport’s most hitter-friendly venues. When pitching on the road, Baz owns a stellar 2.97 ERA.
Despite his inconsistent pitching, Baz has managed to go at least 5.2 innings in 13 of his 22 appearances this season (59%). On the road, he’s gone that far in seven of ten starts. When the righty last faced the Angels, on April 28th, he tossed seven innings of two-run ball. A similar performance could be in store on Wednesday against Los Angeles.
Lawrence Butler more than 1.5 hits + runs + RBIs
In spite of their awful pitching, the Athletics certainly know how to hit. That was the case during Tuesday’s dominant 16-7 win over the Nationals. One notable name that didn’t take the field yesterday was Lawrence Butler. After entering the season with plenty of hype, it’s been a bit of a letdown for the outfielder. Through 109 games, he’s slashing .233/.304/.406 with 15 home runs, 44 RBIs and 17 steals.
At this point, Butler has performed like an elite platoon hitter. The 25-year-old is batting .249 vs. righties this season, compared to .174 against left-handers. Fortunately for the A’s, right-hander Cade Cavalli is slated to start for Washington. The former top prospect is making just his second career start in the majors. Against an inexperienced arm, supported by a dangerous lineup, Butler should have a productive evening.
Dustin May more than 1.5 earned runs allowed
It was a relatively quiet trade deadline for the Red Sox. Still, Boston did make a few small moves to augment its pitching staff. That included a trade for Dodgers starter Dustin May. Once a highly touted youngster, the pitcher has had massive difficulty staying healthy. When he has thrown this season, the results have been middling at best (4.85 ERA, 1.35 WHIP). Still, swing-and-miss stuff (career 8.2 K/9) likely convinced the Sox that they could get something out of the fireballer.
In his first start at Fenway Park, May will get the light-hitting Royals. This season, Kansas City is averaging the second-fewest runs per game in baseball (3.67). Still, it’s difficult to trust Boston’s newest hurler. Over his previous five outings, May is on the hook for a 6.04 ERA. That includes a four-inning, four-run showing against the Royals on June 27th. At just 1.5 runs, I doubt the 27-year-old can completely shut down KC.
Jackson Merrill more than 1.5 total bases
No team had a more hectic trade deadline than the Padres. Still, despite all the moves for San Diego, the team’s easiest path to improvement is internal. The Friars are averaging the league’s eighth-fewest runs per game this season (4.15). That’s due in large part to a letdown campaign from Jackson Merrill. A rookie phenom in 2024, this year’s stat line looks far less impressive. Over 81 games played, the outfielder is slashing .266/.324/.417 with eight homers and 49 RBIs.
Those numbers certainly aren’t eye-popping. However, Merrill has begun to look like his old self over the past few days. During his previous five games, the All-Star is batting .368 with a home run and three extra-base hits. Tonight, he’ll face Diamondbacks hurler Anthony DeSclafani, making just his third start of the season. Throughout the 35-year-old’s career, left-handed batters are hitting .278. A budding superstar such as Merrill should find success in this spot on Wednesday.
Julio Rodriguez more than 0.5 total hits
Much like Merrill, Julio Rodriguez has been good, not great, for most of the season. Seattle’s franchise cornerstone is slashing .254/.308/.435 with 20 homers and 59 RBIs. Those are terrific statistics for most, but not someone with MVP-caliber potential. Fortunately for the Mariners, it appears that the 24-year-old has taken things up a notch. Since July 12th, J-Rod is hitting .298 with eight dingers, 13 RBIs and six steals.
Rodriguez has been especially hot as of late, recording five hits over his last three appearances. That bodes well entering Wednesday’s date with the White Sox and Jonathan Cannon. It’s been a mediocre year for the righty, owner of a 4.77 ERA and 1.41 WHIP. Julio, for all his inconsistency, has earned a hit in 76 of his 113 games played this season (67%). Even at reduced odds, the slugger is worth backing tonight against a subpar starting pitcher.
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