MLB DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer: Friday (7/29)

Friday’s main slate at DraftKings and FanDuel has a baker’s dozen games. In addition, there’s a mix of elite pitching and high-upside offenses in hitter-friendly parks. So, there are tough decisions to make when constructing DFS rosters tonight.

Friday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
One ace is a cut above the rest tonight. However, another burgeoning hurler is a useful GPP pivot. Two bargain arms are SP2 choices on DK and GPP options on FD.

Cash Game Recommendations:

Gerrit Cole (NYY) vs. KC
According to FanGraphs, in 20 starts totaling 119.1 innings, Cole has had a 3.09 ERA, 3.04 xERA, 1.02 WHIP, 32.3 K% and 31.6 CSW%. In addition, he's been at his best at home, twirling a 2.09 ERA, 2.24 xFIP, 0.80 WHIP and 35.5 K% in 64.2 innings.

The Yankees' ace is too much for the rebuilding young Royals. Conveniently, Cole will also benefit from the Yankees trading for outfielder Andrew Benintendi, removing one of Kansas City's best hitters from the opposition. Finally, according to Betting Pros, the Yankees are -365, cementing Cole's standing atop the pitcher heap tonight.

Lance Lynn (CWS) vs. OAK
The betting info is an excellent starting point for Lynn's case for usage tonight. The White Sox are -205, and the game's total is a non-threatening 8.0 runs. Lynn's opponent is another check in the pros column. The A's are 29th in wRC+ (76) against righties this year.

Sadly, Lynn has allowed at least five runs in three of his last four starts and four of eight turns in 2022. Yet, he's coming off his best start of the year, holding the Guardians scoreless on three hits, one walk and six strikeouts in six innings. Lynn has also demonstrated competency in missing bats this year, evidenced by his 11.7 SwStr%. Most important, as long as Lynn can avoid a meltdown against a pathetic offense, he'll deliver value as an SP2 on DK at his small salary.

GPP Recommendations:

Alek Manoah (TOR) vs. DET
Manoah was very good as a rookie in 2021, but he's kicked it up a notch in his sophomore campaign. In 19 starts spanning 120.2 innings, he's had a 2.24 ERA, 3.00 xERA, 0.97 WHIP, 23.0 K% and 27.6 CSW%. Moreover, he's not showing signs of slowing, owning a 2.73 ERA in his previous five starts.

The young righty shouldn't have trouble maintaining his momentum against the hapless Tigers. Detroit is dead last in wRC+ (67) against righties. They've also had a 24.3 K%, tied for the fifth-highest mark. As a result, Manoah has a high ceiling that's a perfect fit for GPPs.

Bailey Falter (PHI) at PIT
Falter has a mouthwatering matchup that makes him appealing in GPPs. The Pirates are 28th in wRC+ (83) against lefties. However, their high strikeout rate is dreamy for GPPs, too. Pittsburgh has had the second-highest strikeout rate (26.0%) against southpaws this season. The Pirates' struggles against lefties alone are reason to consider a southpaw opposing them in GPPs.

However, Falter will likely be bypassed because of his 5.26 ERA in six starts. A look a little deeper is encouraging. The young lefty has a 4.09 SIERA, 22.4 K% and 30.8 CSW% in starts. Perhaps, the Pirates are exactly what he needs to pitch closer to his SIERA than his ugly ERA. That's a chance worth taking in GPPs.

Top Lineup Stacks

• Road (Coors Field)
• Value: Low
• Risk: Low
• Game Type: Both
• Game Total/Moneyline: 11.5 Runs/LAD -225

The Dodgers clobbered the Rockies last night. They're projected to do the same tonight. Colorado's starter, Chad Kuhl, is unlikely to pour cold water on the Dodgers tonight. The veteran righty has had a 4.48 ERA and 4.63 xERA in 18 starts this season. Colorado's bullpen should add fuel to the fire as well. They've had the second-highest ERA among MLB bullpens in 2022.

• Home (Truist Park)
• Value: Low
• Risk: Medium
• Game Type: GPP
• Game Total/Moneyline: 9.0 Runs/ATL -220

The Braves are a high-upside GPP pivot from the Dodgers. They've smashed lefties and torn the cover off the ball at home. Specifically, the Braves have the fifth-highest wRC+ (117) against southpaws and sixth-highest wOBA (.332) at home. As a result, they could conceivably be the highest-scoring offense tonight against overachieving Madison Bumgarner. The veteran lefty's 3.71 ERA is more than a run lower than his 4.79 xERA.

• Road (PETCO Park)
• Value: Medium(DK)/High(FD)
• Risk: High
• Game Type: GPP
• Game Total/Moneyline: 7.5 Runs/MIN +105

Blake Snell is an erratic pitcher. The lefty is a force to be reckoned with when he has any semblance of control. However, Snell has a 13.5 BB%, demonstrating his control has often abandoned him. If he's messy tonight, the Twins can light him up. Therefore, Minnesota is an enticing stack in GPPs.

• Freddie Freeman reprises his spot atop the core studs with another righty on tap at Coors Field tonight. Since 2021, he's had a .414 OBP, .220 ISO and 156 wRC+ against righties.
• Ronald Acuna is an excellent piece of Atlanta's high implied total, sitting atop the lineup in the leadoff spot. Further, since 2019, he's had a .398 OBP, .261 ISO and 145 wRC+ against lefties.
• Kris Bryant is a lefty-killer, and Julio Urias has struggled at Coors Field. Since 2019, Bryant has had a .400 OBP, .271 ISO and 153 wRC+. And according to Baseball-Reference, Urias has had a 5.81 ERA in 11 games (nine starts) at Coors Field.

• Jose Miranda has handled lefties with aplomb. In 64 plate appearances against them, the rookie has had a .258 ISO and 141 wRC+.
• Cavan Biggio is cap-friendly exposure to the Blue Jays and their tasty matchup. The infielder hasn't been exceptional, but his 102 wRC+ against righties since 2021 is good enough for his punt salary.
• Gary Sanchez is a power-chasing punt. He's had a .236 ISO against southpaws since 2019.

Friday's Hitter Strategy
The Dodgers are the best source of offense tonight at Coors Field. But, of course, they'll be chalky. The Braves are a fun pivot or an intriguing option to blend with the Dodgers for gamers willing to make salary concessions at pitcher. Finally, the Twins are a good source of punts and a high-upside GPP stack.

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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.