There are baseball games throughout the day today. As a result, the main slate is only five games at DraftKings and FanDuel. Moreover, it starts at an unconventional time, beginning at 6:40 pm ET at both DFS providers. As a result, tonight’s suggested selections are narrowed down to fit the small slate.
Wednesday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
Two top-shelf starters with good matchups are the best pitching selections tonight. However, one bargain hurler is an attractive GPP pick on FD and an excellent SP2 in all game types on DK.
There are baseball games throughout the day today. As a result, the main slate is only five games at DraftKings and FanDuel. Moreover, it starts at an unconventional time, beginning at 6:40 pm ET at both DFS providers. As a result, tonight’s suggested selections are narrowed down to fit the small slate.
Wednesday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
Two top-shelf starters with good matchups are the best pitching selections tonight. However, one bargain hurler is an attractive GPP pick on FD and an excellent SP2 in all game types on DK.
Cash Game Recommendations:
Kevin Gausman (TOR) vs. STL
The Red Birds aren't as fearsome without Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado for the series in Toronto. As a result, Gausman is the top pitcher tonight. But, of course, he's pitched well in his first year with the Blue Jays.
According to FanGraphs, in 18 starts totaling 99.0 innings, he's had a 3.00 ERA, 2.74 xFIP, 1.29 WHIP, 4.3 BB%, 27.8 K% and 29.7 CSW%. The Red Birds shouldn't provide Gausman much resistance without their mid-order boppers. Understandably, according to Betting Pros, the Blue Jays are -245. Gausman is a high-ceiling and high-floor selection at both DFS providers.
Tyler Wells (BAL) vs. TB
Wells is a nifty value pitcher on tonight's small slate. The Orioles are EVEN on the moneyline, and the game's total is only 8.0 runs. So the betting info is reasonable, and the matchup is decent. The Rays are tied for 14th in wRC+ (100) against righties in 2022, but their 24.7 K% makes them a fantasy-friendly matchup.
Meanwhile, Wells is pitching well in a move from the bullpen in 2021 to the rotation this year. In 19 starts spanning 90.1 innings, he's had a 3.69 ERA, 3.66 xERA and 1.10 WHIP. Sure, his 17.3 K% leaves some to be desired, but he can exceed his season mark tonight against the strikeout-prone Rays. Finally, at Wells' salary, he has a low bar to clear to provide value.
GPP Recommendations:
Luis Castillo (CIN) vs. MIA
Castillo is a desirable pivot from Gausman in GPPs. However, gamers can also double-up on the aces on DK in GPPs, too. Cincinnati's righty has been on fire. In his last four starts totaling 27.0 innings, he's spun a 1.00 ERA, 2.89 xFIP, 0.96 WHIP, 30.8 K% and 29.5 CSW%.
A glance at Miami's season-long marks against righties would provide pause. However, their lineup has been ravaged by injuries. As a result, their 29th in wRC+ (68) with a 23.1 K% over the last 30 days. Nevertheless, Great American Ball Park is challenging to navigate, making any pitcher starting there a risky selection, regardless of the quality of the opponent's offense. Still, Castillo has a high ceiling that's tailor-made for GPPs.
Top Lineup Stacks
The Blue Jays lit up the scoreboard yesterday and enjoyed their stomping ground this year. Toronto has had the second-highest wOBA (.348) in home games this year. Crafty veteran Adam Wainwright could give them trouble, but his 3.40 ERA has been out of whack with his 4.48 xERA and 3.95 xFIP. Moreover, his 6.5 SwStr% puts a lot of pressure on getting called strikes and avoiding thunderous contact. So, Waino's formula for success could blow up in his face tonight.
- Road (Fenway Park)
- Value: Medium
- Risk: Medium
- Game Type: Both
- Game Total/Moneyline: 9.0 Runs/CLE +115
The Guardians will receive a park-factor boost playing in Fenway Park again tonight. They thrived in MLB's second-best hitting venue last night, hanging eight runs. Tonight, they're drawing Nathan Eovaldi at the right time. The flamethrowing righty was demolished by the Blue Jays in his most recent start, allowing nine runs in just 2.2 innings.
However, Eovaldi wasn't sharp in his return from the Injured List (IL) on July 15, either. He allowed six hits and two walks to 20 batters faced but lucked out, allowing only three runs in 4.1 innings. Additionally, Eovaldi's velocity has been diminished. So, it makes perfect sense to stack against him until he proves he's back in good form.
- Since last year, Vladimir Guerrero has smashed righties for a .379 OBP, .268 ISO and 154 wRC+.
- George Springer has also punished righties. Since 2021, he's had a .262 ISO and 133 wRC+ against them.
- The switch-hitting Jose Ramirez has touched up righties for a .365 OBP, .298 ISO and 153 wRC+ since last season. He's also a threat to score fantasy points on the bases, swiping 14 in 18 attempts this year.
- Sadly, gamers can't use Donovan Solano and Ramirez together at the hot corner on DK. Regardless, Cincinnati's infielder is an excellent punt at both DFS outlets. Since 2019, Solano has had a .364 OBP and 123 wRC+ against southpaws.
- Cavan Biggio isn't a shoo-in to crack Toronto's lineup tonight. However, he's produced results against curves, and that's Waino's best offering. Thus, there's a decent chance he'll start tonight.
- Franmil Reyes is a flawed hitter, but he has light-tower power. Since 2021, he's had a .229 ISO against righties.
Wednesday's Hitter Strategy
The Blue Jays and Guardians are the primary sources of hitter selections on tonight's small slate. Additionally, gamers are encouraged to build stars-and-scrubs offensive lineups, loading up on the elite hitters and offsetting their sizable salaries with punt hitters.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
