The main slates are entirely different on DraftKings and FanDuel. Further, DraftKings’ main slate that starts at 12:35 pm ET includes four games, and FanDuel’s afternoon only slate that begins at the same time consists of five games. So, to operate with the same game slate, today’s piece looks at the top players in DraftKings’ night slate and FanDuel’s main slate, which starts at 7:10 pm ET.
Thursday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
There are only three games on this slate. So, the options are limited. As a result, the best pitcher headlines the table while an affordable option joins him.
The main slates are entirely different on DraftKings and FanDuel. Further, DraftKings’ main slate that starts at 12:35 pm ET includes four games, and FanDuel’s afternoon only slate that begins at the same time consists of five games. So, to operate with the same game slate, today’s piece looks at the top players in DraftKings’ night slate and FanDuel’s main slate, which starts at 7:10 pm ET.
Thursday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
There are only three games on this slate. So, the options are limited. As a result, the best pitcher headlines the table while an affordable option joins him.
Pitching Recommendations:
Zac Gallen (ARI) at CHC
Gallen has been amazing in 2022. According to FanGraphs, in six starts totaling 34.1 innings, he's had a 1.05 ERA, 1.86 xERA, 0.67 WHIP, 3.9 BB%, 27.1 K%, and 27.4 CSW%. Tonight, Gallen has a high-upside matchup.
The Cubs have had the third-highest strikeout rate (25.4 K%) against righties this year. In addition, their 95 wRC+ has been mediocre. Understandably, Gallen will probably be the most rostered starting pitcher tonight, especially at DraftKings.
George Kirby (SEA) at BOS
Kirby doubles as an excellent GPP pivot at FanDuel and awesome SP2 in all game types at DraftKings. The 24-year-old righty has seamlessly transitioned from dominant Double-A pitcher to sharp big-league hurler.
In 50.2 innings in Double-A, he had a 2.31 ERA, 2.94 FIP, 1.07 WHIP, 5.9 BB%, and 29.6 K%. Kirby has made just two starts for the Mariners, but he's twirled a magnificent 0.90 ERA, 3.12 xERA, 0.80 WHIP, 2.6 BB%, 20.5 K%, and 27.6 CSW%.
Sadly, the Mariners are +110 underdogs, per Betting Pros, and the game's total is a scary 8.5 runs at hitter-friendly Fenway Park. Therefore, there's an apparent risk to using him. Still, if it suppresses the percentage of rosters that he's on even a little bit, relatively speaking, given the size of the slate, that's a plus.
Top Lineup Stacks
The Astros are the only worthwhile complete stack on both websites. They have an eye-catching implied total, evidenced by the game's total and Houston's -200 status linked above. But, of course, they're expected to score runs in bunches for a good reason. Big-league hitters have destroyed opposing starter Glenn Otto through his first 10 starts spanning 41.2 innings. The Astros are the wrong matchup for him to turn things around.
- Yordan Alvarez is the top hitter on tonight's slate. This year, he's had a .353 OBP, .328 ISO, and 172 RC+ in 139 plate appearances.
- Kyle Tucker joins Alvarez in having the platoon advantage against righty Otto, and he's hammered righties. In 103 plate appearances against righties in 2022, he's had a .398 OBP, .264 ISO, and 182 wRC+.
- Jose Altuve clubbed his eighth homer of the year yesterday. He's now sitting on a .343 OBP, .280 ISO, and 163 wRC+.
- Alek Thomas hit his way up the minor-league ladder, and he hasn't slowed down in The Show. He's sporting a 153 wRC+ through 36 plate appearances, making him a steal at DraftKings and FanDuel.
- Eugenio Suarez is an excellent power source tonight. He's mashed seven taters with a .224 ISO this year. Moreover, in 411 plate appearances against southpaws since 2019, he's had a .232 ISO.
- Franchy Cordero still hasn't quite figured out big-league pitching, but he's conquered Triple-A and hasn't been embarrassing himself on the strong side of a platoon. So, he's a worthy punt who might have untapped potential.
Thursday's Hitter Strategy
It's all about the Astros for offense tonight. Therefore, surrounding their integral pieces with punts is advisable.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.