Friday slates are typically massive. However, this week’s is only a five-game slate at DraftKings and FanDuel, beginning at 6:40 pm ET. The suggested players are reduced from a full slate to fit the small-to-medium-sized slate tonight.
Also, take a look at our other best bets for Friday:
- MLB Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions
- MLB Player Prop Bet Odds, Picks & Predictions
- MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks & Predictions
- MLB PrizePicks Player Predictions
- MLB Same Game Parlay Odds, Picks & Predictions
- MLB First Five Innings Bets Odds, Picks & Predictions
- NBA Betting Odds, Picks, & Predictions
- NBA Same Game Parlay Odds, Picks & Predictions
- NBA Player Prop Bet Odds, Picks & Predictions
- NBA First Basket Scorer Prop Bet Picks
- NHL Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions
Friday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
The pitching options for Friday's medium-sized slate aren't flawless. However, saving some salary is appealing, making the middle hurler on the table the most attractive across game types. The top-ranked pitcher above is more desirable at his salary on DraftKings than at FanDuel. And the electrifying lefty rounding out the picks can potentially overcome an undesirable matchup.
Cash Game Recommendations:
Cristian Javier (HOU) vs. CWS
Javier was too good for the Astros last year for them to leave him in a swing role. Instead, according to FanGraphs, he had a 2.68 ERA, 3.28 SIERA, 0.97 WHIP, 9.2 BB%, 32.6 K% and 28.0 CSW% in 25 starts totaling 134.1 innings.
The White Sox aren't a pushover offense. However, they're also not an unstoppable force. Javier should also be stretched out for a full or near-full workload in his 2023 debut after pitching 5.2 innings in his final start in spring training. Finally, per Betting Pros, the Astros are -159 favorites.
Friday's Hitter Strategy
The Friars will likely be chalky tonight. Nevertheless, they're the slate's most exciting stack in all DFS game types. The Mariners have a high-upside stack, too. And saving salary at pitcher will allow gamers to spend the requisite salary for Alvarez's booming bat. Finally, gamers are encouraged to spend the big bucks for the stud hitters and offset them with punts.
Best MLB Player Prop Bets
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Whether you're new to fantasy baseball or a seasoned pro, our Fantasy Baseball 101: Strategy Tips & Advice page is for you. You can get started with our Sabermetrics Glossary or head to a more advanced strategy - like Maximizing Your Potential in Multi-Lineup Contests - to learn more.
Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
