It’s a tiny main slate tonight. There are only six games all day, leaving only three for the main night slate, beginning at 6:45 pm ET with the Marlins at Phillies contest. So, the suggested players are significantly whittled down.
Thursday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
One ace is the unquestioned best pitching selection tonight. He's the top choice across game types. At DraftKings, a cheap righty who's pitched well at home is a stellar SP2.
It’s a tiny main slate tonight. There are only six games all day, leaving only three for the main night slate, beginning at 6:45 pm ET with the Marlins at Phillies contest. So, the suggested players are significantly whittled down.
Thursday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
One ace is the unquestioned best pitching selection tonight. He's the top choice across game types. At DraftKings, a cheap righty who's pitched well at home is a stellar SP2.
Pitcher Recommendations:
Dylan Cease (CWS) at OAK
Cease is putting together a strong case for the American League Cy Young Award. Additionally, he's been punctuating the year with a heater down the stretch. According to FanGraphs, in his previous 12 starts spanning 75.0 innings, Cease has had a 1.68 ERA, 3.86 SIERA, 0.91 WHIP, 26.5 K% and 30.7 CSW%.
The matchup is outstanding for Cease. The Athletics are tied for 26th in wRC+ (84) against righties, with an exploitable 23.5 K%. Finally, according to Betting Pros, the White Sox are -190, and the game's total is a pitcher-friendly 7.0 runs.
Kyle Gibson (PHI) vs. MIA
Obviously, it's not ideal opposing Sandy Alcantara. Regardless, the Phillies are -130 favorites, and the game's total is a mere 7.0 runs. Thus, the betting info is excellent for Gibson.
Additionally, the veteran righty has been sharp at home. In 87.1 innings at home, Gibson has had a 3.71 ERA, 4.13 xFIP, 1.13 WHIP, 6.2 BB% and 18.5 K%. Sure, Gibson's marks at home haven't been otherworldly. But, regardless, they're acceptable in a mouthwatering matchup.
The Marlins are tied for 23rd in wRC+ (92) against righties. They've also played out the string. Since the MLB trade deadline on August 2, they've been in the basement with a 63 wRC+ and juicy 25.6 K%.
Top Lineup Stacks
JP Sears is a tricky matchup for the White Sox. Nevertheless, Chicago crushes lefties. They're tied for fourth in wRC+ (121) against southpaws. Chicago's lineup will be more exciting if Luis Robert starts. Still, Chicago's projected lineup without Robert is chock full of guys who've destroyed lefties.
- Jose Abreu is the crown jewel of Chicago's stack. Since 2019, he's crushed lefties for a .382 OBP, .255 ISO and 156 wRC+.
- Since reaching The Show last year, Andrew Vaughn has mashed with the platoon advantage. He's had a .381 OBP, .200 ISO and 145 wRC+ against lefties.
- Aaron Judge has crushed everything thrown his way this year. In 429 plate appearances against righties, Judge has had a .410 OBP, .385 ISO and 210 wRC+.
- Bryce Harper has ripped the cover off the ball against righties at Citizens Bank Park as a member of the Phillies. In 624 plate appearances, he's had a .415 OBP, .320 ISO and 162 wRC+.
- Yasmani Grandal has been a nightmare for lefties. Since 2019, the switch-hitting catcher has had a .430 OBP, .241 ISO and 154 wRC+.
- Elvis Andrus is entirely a lineup-spot-driven punt. The veteran shortstop hits leadoff, making him a useful source of salary relief.
Thursday's Hitter Strategy
Gamers don't have to feel compelled to stack tonight. However, the White Sox are an attractive stacking choice. Since the Pale Hose have a few punts, they're perfect for a stars-and-scrubs offensive build around Cease.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
