Tonight’s MLB DFS main slate is tiny. It has only four games, starting at 7:15 pm ET on DraftKings and FanDuel. Today’s suggested picks are whittled to fit the slate’s size to two starting pitchers, one stack, three studs and three values/punts.
Tonight’s MLB DFS main slate is tiny. It has only four games, starting at 7:15 pm ET on DraftKings and FanDuel. Today’s suggested picks are whittled to fit the slate’s size to two starting pitchers, one stack, three studs and three values/punts.
Thursday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
The two featured pitchers on the table are the best pairing in all contests on DK. And they're the most desirable picks at FD, with the top-ranked pitcher serving as the best option in cash games and a superb choice in GPPs. And the second listed pitcher is a nifty pivot in tournaments on FD.
Starting Pitcher Recommendations:
Lance Lynn (LAD) vs. MIL
Lynn was dreadful for the White Sox earlier this year. However, he's excelled in three starts for the Dodgers. According to FanGraphs, in three starts for LA, Lynn has a 2.00 ERA, 3.31 xFIP, 3.21 SIERA, 0.94 WHIP, 5.7 BB%, 31.4 K% and 32.9 CSW%.
The righty can continue to dazzle for his new employer in a good matchup tonight. The Brewers are tied for 25th in wRC+ (88) and have a 23.3 K% versus righties in 2023. They're 27th in wRC+ (87) in the previous 30 days. And Milwaukee is tied for 27th in wRC+ (81) and has a 23.1 K% on the road this year. Finally, per Betting Pros, the Dodgers are -142, and the game's total is 8.5 runs.
Tarik Skubal (DET) at CLE
Skubal has made seven starts for the Tigers since opening the year on the Injured List (IL). The lefty's 4.18 ERA isn't eye-catching. However, his underlying data is much better. Skubal also has a 2.70 xERA, 2.91 xFIP, 3.14 SIERA, 1.14 WHIP, 4.6 BB%, 27.7 K% and 25.2 CSW%. Thus, he's a positive regression candidate.
The Guardians are an ideal opponent for Skubal to pitch to his sterling ERA estimators against tonight. Cleveland is 29th in wRC+ (78) versus lefties and 26th in wRC+ (89) at home this season. And the betting info is rock-solid for Skubal as well. The Tigers are -118, and the game's total is 8.5 runs.
Top Lineup Stacks
St. Louis's projected lineup is a rougher estimate than most have been this year since a handful of their players are banged up and listed as day-to-day. Nevertheless, the Red Birds are 10th in wRC+ (111) versus lefties and fifth in wRC+ (121) at home this season. They're also fifth in wRC+ (121) in the previous 30 days. So, as long as most of their regulars start, they can rough up Jose Quintana. New York's 34-year-old southpaw has a 4.14 xERA and 5.03 xFIP in five starts spanning 29.2 innings in 2023.
- In 404 plate appearances against lefties since 2021, Paul Goldschmidt has had a .432 OBP, .277 ISO and 190 wRC+.
- Francisco Alvarez has 18 homers, a .302 OBP, .303 ISO and 131 wRC+ in 215 plate appearances against right-handed pitchers this season.
- In 344 plate appearances against righties this year, Brandon Nimmo has 16 homers, three stolen bases, a .356 OBP, .213 ISO and 129 wRC+.
- Tyler O'Neill has had a .371 OBP, .259 ISO and 147 wRC+ in 237 plate appearances against lefties since 2021.
- Unfortunately, Tommy Edman's status for tonight's game is up in the air after exiting yesterday's contest early. Still, he's a DFS asset tonight if he plays. In 430 plate appearances against lefties since 2021, Edman has had a .318 OBP, .209 ISO and 120 wRC+.
- Jeff McNeil isn't having a banner year at the dish. So, he's a lineup-spot and matchup-driven punt against Adam Wainwright tonight. Waino has coughed up a .459 OBP, .705 slugging and .484 wOBA to 147 lefties this year.
Thursday's Hitter Strategy
The Cardinals and Mets should produce fireworks tonight and are the best sources for hitters on the small DFS main slate.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
