There are 10 games taking place throughout the day this Thursday which have been broken up into a few different slates. This article will highlight the top pitching and hitting options for all games. Most starters have a handful of games under their belt which has given us enough data to identify strengths and weaknesses, for the most part. With 20 teams in action, let’s take a deeper dive into all games being played to find some of the best DFS players.

Check out today’s MLB Pickoff contest at DraftKings

Pitching

Carlos Carrasco (CLE): $10,200 vs. CWS
As the most talented pitcher on the full-day slate, Carlos Carrasco needs to be considered in all formats. Assuming his command is on point, Carrasco has shown an immense upside of 40.8 DraftKings points. He has recorded 12 strikeouts in two separate starts already this season, which is a higher ceiling than anyone else. The White Sox are a much more talented hitting team compared to even a year ago. However, this team still owns a 25.8% K rate (sixth worst in MLB), and just an 8.1% BB rate (10th worst). Carrasco should be able to navigate through the inexperienced lineup with ease.

Mike Soroka (ATL): $9,000 @ ARI
The safest pitcher on the board this evening is Braves starter, Mike Soroka. The young starter has been absolutely incredible in his first four games this season. Owning a 3-1 record, Soroka also carries a 1.14 ERA and 1.01 WHIP as he enters his fifth start against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He has shown an elite pedigree of talent, emerging as the Braves top starting pitcher. Although there are other starting pitchers taking the bump today who have a more impressive body of work, Soroka appears to be the top point-per-dollar play on the slate. Given the matchup, ballpark, and run support, Soroka should be in-line for another 40+ FanDuel-point performance.

Other pitchers to consider: 

• Chris Bassitt (OAK): $8,800 vs. CIN
• J.A. Happ (NYY): $8,100 vs. SEA
• Kyle Freeland (COL): $6,700 vs. SF

Hitters

Nolan Arenado (COL): $5,800 vs. SF
Nothing has changed from last night. The Rockies remain the top stack on the day. After a postponed game, Nolan Arenado and the rest of this heavy hitting lineup will make Derek Holland’s return a nightmare. Holland has given up seven home runs this season, all of which came in very pitcher-friendly ballparks. Coors Field is the best hitting environment in all of MLB which is a major negative park-shift from his home park.

Trevor Story (COL): $5,600 vs. SF
If salary is not a concern, Trevor Story and Nolan Arenado are the top two hitters on the day. Story has elite hitting statistics against left-handed pitchers and specifically when he is hitting at home. Trevor Story has emerged as one of the best shortstops in baseball, as he provides a power-speed threat combination.

Gary Sanchez (NYY): $5,300 vs. SEA
Paying up for catcher is almost always a contrarian lineup build. In tournaments, Gary Sanchez is by far the best hitter at his position. While we will need to sacrifice salary at another spot, there is a very strong case which needs to be made for the Yankees power-hitter. Mike Leake is on the mound against the Yankees in New York this afternoon. In 2019, Leake has shown reverse splits where he gives up more power to righties. He has allowed six home runs in just 14.2 innings of work to go along with a .460 wOBA.

George Springer (HOU): $5,000 vs. TEX
The Houston Astros are heating up, again. Leading the way is outfielder George Springer. Now on an eight-game hitting streak, Springer owns a .291 batting average to go along with 12 home runs and 32 RBIs. Houston will face southpaw Mike Minor who has been very good this year. That being said, Minor is due for negative regression and should struggle against this team. Although he did dominate this Astros lineup earlier in the season, the advantage goes to the hitter when there is more sample size. Especially when the pitcher has less of a pitch mix.

Kike Hernandez (LAD): $3,800 vs. WAS
To save salary, Kike Hernandez is an interesting option against Patrick Corbin. Although Corbin is elite, Hernandez has a history of destroying left-handed pitchers. In 2019, Hernandez has a significantly higher BB% (15.1% vs 7.2%), lower K% (17% vs. 27.7%), higher OPS (.942 vs .660), and wOBA (.390 vs .280). The Dodgers continue to produce offense and Kike will be leading off against a left-handed pitcher.

Other hitters to consider: 

• Luke Voit (NYY): $5,200 vs. SEA
• Ronny Rodriguez (DET): $3,800 vs. LAA
• Asdrubal Cabrera (TEX): $4,100 @ HOU
• David Fletcher (LAA): $4,200 @ DET
• Kyle Schwarber (CHC): $3,800 vs. MIA

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