Tuesday’s main slate includes a dozen games. However, the pitching is lackluster. Thus, the touted selections are less than usual. On the flip side, the offense should be plentiful. Below, check out the three suggested stacks, core studs and values/punts.
Tuesday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
There aren't many "safe" options on tonight's slate. In fact, only the top pitcher on the table is a low-risk pick. Still, a pair of hot veterans are stellar picks, too.
Tuesday’s main slate includes a dozen games. However, the pitching is lackluster. Thus, the touted selections are less than usual. On the flip side, the offense should be plentiful. Below, check out the three suggested stacks, core studs and values/punts.
Tuesday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
There aren't many "safe" options on tonight's slate. In fact, only the top pitcher on the table is a low-risk pick. Still, a pair of hot veterans are stellar picks, too.
Cash Game Recommendations:
Luis Garcia (HOU) vs. KC
Garcia is the top pitcher in a good matchup tonight. The righty has been sharp this year. According to FanGraphs, in 14 starts spanning 76.1 innings, he's had a 3.54 ERA, 3.60 xERA, 3.57 SIERA, 1.06 WHIP, 25.7 K% and 28.4 CSW%. So, his ERA estimators validate the legitimacy of his 3.54 ERA.
Garcia also benefits from a favorable matchup. The Royals are tied for 24th in wRC+ (89) against righties. Finally, the betting info is excellent. According to Betting Pros, the Astros are -235, and the game's over/under is a ho-hum 8.0 runs.
Kyle Hendricks (CHC) at MIL
Hendricks looked washed-up last year and earlier this season. However, he's been in good form lately. In Hendricks' previous four starts lasting 22.2 innings, he's had a 3.57 ERA, 3.41 xFIP, 3.22 SIERA, 1.15 WHIP, 26.9 K% and 32.1 CSW%.
Additionally, Hendricks has had back-to-back quality starts. Unfortunately, he's not a safe pick. The finesse righty has had a few blow-up starts, including a messy turn against the Brewers on April 29. Still, Hendricks has struck out at least six batters in four starts, and his salary makes him an affordable SP2 at DraftKings in all game types. Sadly, he's overpriced for FanDuel.
GPP Recommendations:
Nick Pivetta (BOS) vs. TB
Pivetta has been on an exceptional heater. He's had 10 quality starts in his last 11 turns. Pivetta has had a 1.95 ERA, 3.91 xFIP, 3.73 SIERA, 0.92 WHIP and 24.2 K% in those starts.
Unfortunately, there's always a risk when pitching at Fenway Park. Thus, as hot as Pivetta has been, he's a better fit for GPPs at his hitter-friendly home digs. Fortunately, he has a matchup that amplifies his ceiling. The Rays have had a 24.9 K% against righties this year, and they've punched out at a 24.4% clip in the last 14 days.
Top Lineup Stacks
Zack Greinke is a shell of what he once was and no match for the high-powered Astros. Namely, his pitch-to-contact approach will probably burn him tonight. Greinke has had just an 11.9 K% in 12 starts this year. So, look for Houston's potent offense to punish him. The Astros are second in wRC+ (116) against right-handed pitchers this season.
- Road (PNC Park)
- Value: Low
- Risk: Low
- Game Type: Both
- Game Total/Moneyline: 8.5 Runs/NYY -225
Jose Quintana has been a successful reclamation project for the Pirates. Nevertheless, his 4.39 xERA has been less impressive than his 3.43 ERA. Moreover, the veteran lefty's .313 wOBA yielded to right-handed pitchers isn't anything special, and New York's righty-laden lineup can exploit it. Further, the Bronx Bombers have roughed up lefties, owning an MLB-high .212 ISO against them.
- Road (Oakland Coliseum)
- Value: Low
- Risk: Low
- Game Type: GPP
- Game Total/Moneyline: 8.0 Runs/TOR -178
The Blue Jays have a mouthwatering matchup against an overmatched Adrian Martinez. The 25-year-old righty has been destroyed for a 6.30 ERA and 5.80 xFIP in two starts spanning 10 innings. He also has had a 5.63 ERA in 13 starts in Triple-A, albeit in a hitter-friendly league. As a top-five offense against righties, the Blue Jays are a nightmare for Martinez.
- Aaron Judge is having a monstrous season at the plate. He's slugged 29 homers, stolen six bases, and has had a .362 OBP, .337 ISO and 173 wRC+.
- Yordan Alvarez is also mashing everything this year, owning a .410 OBP, .343 ISO and 201 wRC+. The powerful slugger has mashed 24 taters, too.
- Jeremy Pena has seamlessly transitioned to playing in The Show. The rookie shortstop has popped 11 homers, stolen six bases and tallied a 132 wRC+.
- Josh Donaldson's numbers don't jump off the page. Still, he's hitting the ball hard. According to Baseball Savant, out of 256 qualified hitters, Donaldson is 34th in FB/LD exit velocity (95.6 mph).
- Gleyber Torres has been a rock-solid power source this year, ripping 13 round-trippers with a .223 ISO in 265 plate appearances.
- Riley Greene has climbed to the leadoff spot for the Tigers, but DK hasn't seemed to notice. In 68 plate appearances, he's had a .382 OBP and 124 wRC+.
Tuesday's Hitter Strategy
The Astros, Yankees and Blue Jays are high-upside offenses DFS gamers are encouraged to use hitters from tonight.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.