Sadly, the MLB DFS slate tonight is tiny. There are only three games on the slate at DraftKings and FanDuel, creating a small player pool to select from. The minimal action begins at 7:05 pm ET, and the suggested starting pitchers, stacks, core studs and values/punts were whittled to an appropriate size for the slate.
Sadly, the MLB DFS slate tonight is tiny. There are only three games on the slate at DraftKings and FanDuel, creating a small player pool to select from. The minimal action begins at 7:05 pm ET, and the suggested starting pitchers, stacks, core studs and values/punts were whittled to an appropriate size for the slate.
Thursday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
The two pitchers listed on the table are the cream of the crop tonight. They're the best pairing at DK. And, while the top pitcher is enticing on FD, the cheaper second-ranked pitcher allows for a more well-rounded lineup.
Starting Recommendations:
Nathan Eovaldi (TEX) at OAK
Eovaldi's been everything the Rangers could have hoped for when they signed him in free agency this offseason. According to FanGraphs, he has a 3.22 ERA, 3.10 xERA, 3.24 xFIP, 1.10 WHIP, 4.0 BB%, 24.9 K% and 29.9 CSW% in seven starts this year, totaling a workmanlike 44.2 innings.
The veteran righty has rattled off four consecutive quality starts entering tonight. Furthermore, he's spun 17.0 scoreless innings in his two most recent starts, allowing only eight hits, two walks and 13 strikeouts. Thus, Eovaldi is rolling heading into a plus matchup tonight. The A's are 18th in wRC+ (95) and have a 25.9 K% against right-handed pitchers this season.
Drew Rasmussen (TB) at NYY
Rasmussen doesn't boast the same scoreless streak entering tonight as Eovaldi. Nevertheless, he's pitched well this year. Rasmussen has a 3.11 ERA, 3.06 xERA, 3.34 xFIP, 1.19 WHIP, 7.1 BB%, 26.0 K% and 28.2 CSW% in seven starts spanning 37.2 innings.
Tampa Bay's righty hasn't piled up innings at the same level as Eovaldi. Yet, his other stats are similar. Rasmussen's matchup is good, too. The Yankees are 21st in wRC+ (92) and have a 22.0 K% against righties this year. Aaron Judge was recently activated from the Injured List (IL), adding thump to New York's lineup. Still, the Bronx Bombers aren't living up to their moniker. Finally, according to Betting Pros, the Rays are -125, and the game's total is 8.5 runs.
Top Lineup Stacks
The Rays are hammering right-handed pitching this year and have been white-hot lately. Tampa Bay's 139 wRC+ against righties in 2023 is 20 points higher than the second-highest mark. Additionally, their 135 wRC+ in the previous 14 days is MLB's highest. Five of their projected starters have at least a 146 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers this year, and a 99 wRC+ is the lowest. So, they have a dreamy blend of high-end talent and lineup depth.
- Wander Franco's turning into a full-blown superstar this year. He has a .341 OBP, .248 ISO and 146 wRC+ against righties this year. Franco also has 11 stolen bases.
- Brandon Lowe is an all-or-nothing slugger. He's muscled up for a .265 ISO against right-handed pitchers this season.
- Josh Lowe is tearing the cover off the ball this year. He has a .372 OBP, .316 ISO and 180 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers this season. The toolsy outfielder has also tallied six stolen bases.
- Luke Raley's yet another all-or-nothing slugger on the Rays. He has a 5.4 BB%, 33.3 K% and .323 OBP against righties this season. However, Raley offsets his lack of walks and high strikeout rate with a juicy .345 ISO.
- Since 2021, Mitch Haniger has hammered left-handed pitchers for a .350 OBP, .254 ISO and 142 wRC+ in 314 plate appearances.
- Wilmer Flores is an above-average hitter against left-handed pitchers. In 404 plate appearances against lefties since 2021, he's had a .332 OBP, .189 ISO and 116 wRC+.
Thursday's Hitter Strategy
The Rays are the most exciting source of hitters tonight. And the Giants have some value options to complement Tampa Bay's high-salaried hitters.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
