The Thursday slate is small to medium-sized, depending on the DFS platform. It’s a seven-game main slate starting at 6:05 pm ET on DraftKings. However, it’s only a five-game main slate beginning at 7:05 pm ET on FanDuel.
Thursday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
A young righty is the top pitcher at both DFS providers tonight. However, an ace only on DK's main slate is a viable GPP alternative. There are a pair of cheap righties worth a look, too.
The Thursday slate is small to medium-sized, depending on the DFS platform. It’s a seven-game main slate starting at 6:05 pm ET on DraftKings. However, it’s only a five-game main slate beginning at 7:05 pm ET on FanDuel.
Thursday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
A young righty is the top pitcher at both DFS providers tonight. However, an ace only on DK's main slate is a viable GPP alternative. There are a pair of cheap righties worth a look, too.
Cash Game Recommendations:
Logan Gilbert (SEA) vs. OAK
Gilbert has been excellent in his sophomore campaign. According to FanGraphs, the young righty has had a 2.44 ERA, 3.63 xFIP, 1.09 WHIP and 24.9 K% in 15 starts totaling 88.2 innings. In addition, Gilbert has spun seven quality starts in his last eight turns. Moreover, he's allowed three runs or less 13 times, coughing up only four runs in each of the outliers.
Thankfully, the matchup and betting info is flawless. The A's are 29th in wRC+ (72) against righties with a 23.8 K% Gilbert can take advantage of. In addition, the Mariners are -210, and the game's total is just 7.5 runs, per Betting Pros.
Kyle Hendricks (CHC) vs. CIN
Hendricks is having a rough season. However, in his last four starts, he's had an adequate 4.15 ERA with better ERA estimators. For instance, Hendricks has had a 3.83 xFIP and 3.76 SIERA. Further, his 21.3 K% and 3.4 BB% have been stellar.
Still, his matchup and affordable salary are why he's in this section. Hendricks has held righties to a .281 wOBA this year, and Cincinnati's lineup will probably feature at least six right-handed hitters. Finally, the Cubs are -125.
GPP Recommendations:
Aaron Nola (PHI) vs. ATL
Nola has been one of the best pitchers in MLB this year. Among 64 qualified starters, Nola is tied for 19th in ERA (2.98), seventh in xFIP (2.88), third in SIERA (2.78) and sixth in strikeout rate (29.2 K%). Thus, he's capable of dominating any lineup when he's sharp.
The Braves are only mid-pack against righties, but they've had a 106 wRC+ the last 14 days, creating a risk to using Nola. Thankfully, the risk is offset by Atlanta's high strikeout rate. The Braves have had a 25.5 K% against righties this year. Thus, it makes perfect sense to chase Nola's upside in GPPs.
Adrian Martinez (OAK) at SEA
First, Martinez is a much more enticing option tonight if the suspension appeals for Jesse Winker, Julio Rodriguez and J.P. Crawford are heard, and they miss this game. Even if they're in the lineup, Martinez is an interesting option.
Sadly, Martinez has had a ghastly 5.63 ERA in 13 starts in Triple-A. However, the Triple-A West park factors are challenging, probably contributing to his ugly 1.83 HR/9. Nevertheless, Martinez's 26.4 K% and 12.9 SwStr% are sterling marks. Tonight, he'll be aided by the pitcher-friendly conditions at T-Mobile Park. Martinez is risky, but he has a low enough bar to clear on DK to make him a defensible SP2 in GPPs.
Top Lineup Stacks
The Rays haven't listed a starter yet. However, Roster Resource and DK project Drew Rasmussen as the starter. Additionally, Marc Topkin reported Rasmussen would be back for this series.
If Rasmussen starts, it will be his first turn off the IL without a rehab assignment to shake the rust off, making him a candidate for a meltdown against Toronto's high-powered offense. On the other hand, if the Rays swerve and start Jeffrey Springs or Corey Kluber, the Blue Jays are still an excellent stack, albeit slightly less exciting. However, the Blue Jays have been in a groove. Over the last 14 days, they've had a 118 wRC+ and .204 ISO.
- Home (Minute Maid Park)
- Value: Low
- Risk: High
- Game Type: GPP
- Game Total/Moneyline: 8.5 Runs/HOU +105
The Astros are a high-upside stack, but only if Yordan Alvarez and Jeremy Pena are in the lineup after their scary collision on Wednesday. Houston is tied for the third-highest wRC+ (115) against right-handed pitchers this year. Yet, they're unlikely to be chalky since Luis Severino is a tough draw. Whenever gamers can get a high-upside stack at reduced usage, it's intriguing in GPPs.
- Alejandro Kirk has been entirely unstoppable lately. Over the last 30 days, he's had a .474 OBP, .378 ISO and 244 wRC+.
- Vladimir Guerrero has also been dialed in lately, evidenced by his .384 OBP, .294 ISO and 173 wRC+ over the last 30 days.
- Wander Franco has been a world-beater against lefties in his young career, owning a .396 OBP, .220 ISO and 170 wRC+ in 154 plate appearances.
- Isaac Paredes is flourishing with the Rays. This year, he's had a .340 ISO, 10 homers and a 154 wRC+ in 114 plate appearances.
- Yandy Diaz has the platoon advantage tonight and has been an on-base machine. This season, he's had a .385 OBP.
- Randy Arozarena is a fourth Ray with the platoon advantage against Yusei Kikuchi. The toolsy outfielder has had a 152 wRC+ against southpaws in his career, and his elite speed has produced 17 stolen bases this season.
Thursday's Hitter Strategy
The Blue Jays are the best source of offense tonight. Meanwhile, the Astros are a nifty GPP stack if Alvarez and Pena play. Finally, while the Rays weren't a featured stack, four of their hitters appeared in this piece and are strong selections.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.