Today’s MLB DFS main slate starts at 4:10 p.m. ET at DraftKings and FanDuel and has three games. The suggested pick ’em choices from Underdog are also from the three-game slate.
Check out our best picks on the MLB Underdog Cheat Sheet 
Today’s MLB DFS & Player Props Picks
Thursday’s Starting Pitcher Rankings
Paul Skenes is a beast everywhere, but he’s treated his home fans to fantastic pitching. According to FanGraphs, in 134.1 innings at home since debuting in the Majors last year, Skenes has a 2.21 ERA, 3.12 xFIP, 0.97 WHIP, 5.9 BB% and 27.7 K%. The righty should give the home crowd plenty to cheer about today in a favorable matchup.
The Reds are tied for 19th in wRC+ (101) with a 22.4 K% versus righties and tied for 14th in wRC+ (97) with a 23.0 K% on the road in 2025. Cincinnati was also tied for 22nd in wRC+ (93) with a 21.0 K% in the previous 30 days. Thus, the Pirates are listed as -180 favorites, and the game’s total is a pitcher-friendly 7.0 runs.
Logan Gilbert is in stellar form. In his previous five starts spanning 28 innings, Gilbert has had the following statistics.
- 3.54 ERA
- 2.86 xFIP
- 2.73 SIERA
- 1.04 WHIP
- One win
- Two quality starts
- 6.1 BB%
- 33.0 K%
- 12.8 SwStr%
- 30.4 CSW%
- 93 stuff+
- 106 location+
- 101 pitching+
Gilbert has a sweet matchup and delectable betting info today. The White Sox are tied for 28th in wRC+ (83) with a 21.9 K% versus righties and 26th in wRC+ (86) with a 24.1 K% on the road this year. In addition, the Mariners are -260 favorites, and the game’s total is 7.5 runs.
Eury Perez is rolling. In his past five starts spanning 28 innings, he’s had a 1.29 ERA, 3.60 xFIP, 3.31 SIERA, 0.75 WHIP, 6.8 BB% and 29.1 K%. Perez also tallied three wins and two quality starts in those turns, with a 12.8 SwStr%, 29.4 CSW%, 115 stuff+, 93 location+ and 106 pitching+.
Perez’s matchup and betting info for today aren’t too shabby. The Braves are 21st in wRC+ (100) with a 22.6 K% versus righties and 18th in wRC+ (101) with a 23.4 K% at home this season. So, the Marlins are -122 favorites, and the game’s total is 8.0 runs.
Suggested Lineup Stacks
Shane Smith isn’t an imposing matchup for the Mariners. The rookie righty’s 4.25 ERA in 19 starts this season has outkicked his 4.41 xERA, 4.53 xFIP, 4.47 SIERA and 1.31 WHIP. Seattle’s deep lineup can give him fits. All nine projected starters for the Mariners have had at least a 104 wRC+ against righties since 2023 or since reaching The Show. Furthermore, seven have had at least a 110 wRC+, and six have had at least a 117 wRC+.
- Home (PNC Park)
- Game Total/Moneyline: 7.0 Runs/PIT -180
No team will be entirely overlooked on such a small slate, but the Pirates might be contrarian relative to the other options on this three-game slate. Pittsburgh’s lineup isn’t stuffed with high-level talent, but Brady Singer is a pedestrian starting pitcher. Singer has a 4.36 ERA, 4.29 xERA, 4.28 xFIP and 4.22 SIERA in 22 starts this season. The Pirates can provide salary relief to use the top pitching options and stack the Mariners.
Core Studs
- Cal Raleigh has hit 42 homers with 75 runs, 90 RBIs, 13 stolen bases, a .357 OBP, .337 ISO, .391 wOBA and 159 wRC+ in 496 plate appearances this season.
- Eugenio Suarez has launched 26 long-balls with a .330 OBP, .308 ISO, .382 wOBA and 147 wRC+ in 342 plate appearances against righties this year.
- Oneil Cruz has hit 33 homers with a .338 OBP, .207 ISO, .342 wOBA and 118 wRC+ in 800 plate appearances against righties since 2023.
Value Plays/Punts
- Spencer Horwitz has mashed 17 taters with a .365 OBP, .168 ISO, .354 wOBA and 130 wRC+ in 553 plate appearances against righties since 2023.
- Dominic Canzone has ripped seven round-trippers with 16 runs, 16 RBIs, two stolen bases, a .348 OBP, .200 ISO, .362 wOBA and 140 wRC+ in 158 plate appearances this season.
- Cole Young hit three homers and recorded nine runs, nine RBIs, a .403 OBP, .214 ISO, .393 wOBA and 161 wRC+ in 67 plate appearances from July 8th through August 5th, and he tallied a hit, a walk and his first career stolen base in the Majors last night.
Thursday’s Top 3 Underdog Player Props
Check out our best picks on the MLB Underdog Cheat Sheet
Cal Raleigh (C, DH – SEA): 7.5 Fantasy Points – Higher
Raleigh is having a career year at the plate, but he also has a track record of success against righties. The switch-hitting catcher has recorded a .334 OBP, .243 ISO, .344 wOBA and 129 wRC+ against righties since 2023.
Oneil Cruz (SS, OF – PIT): 8.5 Fantasy Points – Higher
Cruz has hit 17 homers with a .332 OBP, .238 ISO, .344 wOBA and 120 wRC+ in 322 plate appearances against righties this year. Cruz has also stolen 34 bases in 38 attempts this year. Meanwhile, Singer has yielded a .340 wOBA to 285 left-handed batters this year. Singer has also surrendered nine stolen bases in 22 starts this season.
Bryan Reynolds (OF – PIT): 6.5 Fantasy Points – Higher
Bryan Reynolds can also take advantage of Singer’s struggles against left-handed batters. The switch-hitting outfielder has amassed a .333 OBP, .180 ISO, .332 wOBA and 109 wRC+ against righties since 2023.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
