The midweek main slate is medium-sized. Tonight’s main slate includes just seven games, starting at 7:05 pm ET on DraftKings and FanDuel.
Wednesday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
An ace is the headliner across game types. However, a blossoming righty is an attractive GPP pivot. Then, a pair of hurlers opposing each other are the top SP2 picks in DK contests.
The midweek main slate is medium-sized. Tonight’s main slate includes just seven games, starting at 7:05 pm ET on DraftKings and FanDuel.
Wednesday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
An ace is the headliner across game types. However, a blossoming righty is an attractive GPP pivot. Then, a pair of hurlers opposing each other are the top SP2 picks in DK contests.
Cash Game Recommendations:
Shohei Ohtani (LAA) vs. CWS
Ohtani has been in the summer spirit, cooking with gasoline lately. According to FanGraphs, in his last five starts, he's had a 1.88 ERA, 3.09 SIERA, 0.96 WHIP, 6.5 BB%, 29.0 K% and 27.4 CSW%.
The reigning AL MVP should stay hot against the White Sox tonight. Chicago is tied for 24th in wRC+ (87) against right-handed pitchers. Finally, the Angels are -175, and the game's total is only 7.5 runs, per Betting Pros.
Justin Steele (CHC) vs. CIN
Steele isn't the flashiest option, and he's not a good option on FD. Yet, his tiny salary is a case of mispricing by DK. In 14 starts, the lefty has had a 4.59 ERA that's unlucky relative to his 3.58 xERA and 3.79 xFIP. In addition, Steele has had a 3.64 ERA and 3.86 xFIP in his previous five starts.
So, he's a better pitcher than his salary suggests. Additionally, the Reds are a good matchup. Cincinnati is 20th in wRC+ (98) against southpaws. So, as long as the wind isn't gusting out of the stadium, Steele is a stellar SP2 pick.
GPP Recommendations:
Kyle Wright (ATL) at PHI
Wright has been BABIP'd to death lately, allowing a .368 BABIP in his last five starts. Unfortunately, the hits have contributed to a ho-hum 4.02 ERA. Thankfully, Wright's 3.33 xFIP and 3.47 SIERA have been more encouraging marks.
The 26-year-old righty is blossoming this year, and his 26.6 K% is attractive in GPPs. Wright will benefit from facing the Phillies without Bryce Harper. Understandably, they're not as formidable a foe without the 2021 NL MVP. Still, the game's over/under of 8.5 runs and the Braves serving as modest -135 favorites provide a reason for pause, rendering him a GPP selection.
Hunter Greene (CIN) at CHC
Greene is receiving a trial by fire in his rookie season. Though, his 5.66 ERA overstates his trouble adjusting to the majors. Greene's 4.11 xERA and 4.11 xFIP are markedly better. Further, Greene has struck out a whopping 28.9% of the hitters he's faced.
Thus, Greene's strikeout ability is tailor-made for GPPs. And if he pitches closer to his ERA estimators than his ERA, he'll do fine against the Cubs' below-average offense.
Top Lineup Stacks
The Rockies jumped on Clayton Kershaw last night. And for the third game in this series, they'll face a lefty tonight. Coors Field is MLB's premier hitting venue, and the Rockies have taken advantage of the hitting conditions. Colorado's .349 wOBA at home is the highest mark in MLB. Julio Urias is a talented pitcher, but Coors Field gets the better of most hurlers. So, the Rockies are an excellent stack tonight.
- Road (Progressive Field)
- Value: Low
- Risk: Medium
- Game Type: Both
- Game Total/Moneyline: 8.5 Runs/MIN -105
The Twins have been a top-five offense against righties this year. They're tied for second with a 116 wRC+ against them. Meanwhile, Cal Quantrill pitches to contact and has been lucky, evidenced by the gap between his 3.76 ERA and 4.81 xFIP. However, Quantrill is unlikely to remain lucky, and the Twins have the caliber lineup to expedite the regression process.
- C.J. Cron terrorizes southpaws. Since 2019, he's had a .288 ISO and 141 wRC+ against them.
- Carlos Correa has a great lineup spot, hitting third. He also rakes in same-handed matchups, amassing a 134 wRC+ against righties since last season.
- Austin Riley broke out last year, proving it wasn't a flash in the pan this year. The powerful third baseman has a .253 ISO, 18 homers and a 126 wRC+ in 317 plate appearances in 2022.
- Brendan Rodgers has been very good with the platoon advantage in his career, owning a .347 OBP, .235 ISO and 124 wRC+.
- Alex Kirilloff has recorded at least one hit in seven of 10 starts since he was recalled from the minors. Kirilloff has also been lighting up the radar gun with his batted balls.
- Franmil Reyes is a potentially sneaky punt in GPPs. The slugger is on a six-game hitting streak with one homer and three doubles in 25 plate appearances.
Wednesday's Hitter Strategy
The Rockies and Twins are the only suggested stacks on tonight's slate. Additionally, Riley and Reyes are intriguing one-off selections.
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Whether you're new to fantasy baseball or a seasoned pro, our Fantasy Baseball 101: Strategy Tips & Advice page is for you. You can get started with our Sabermetrics Glossary or head to a more advanced strategy - like Maximizing Your Potential in Multi-Lineup Contests - to learn more.
Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
