There are afternoon MLB games today. As a result, tonight’s main slate is only five games on DraftKings and FanDuel, beginning at 7:05 pm ET. So, today’s pitching selections, stacks, studs and values/punts are narrowed to fit the scale of the slate.
Thursday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
Two aces are tonight's pitching selections across all game types. Unfortunately, Nathan Eovaldi was scratched after originally being listed as the starting pitcher for the Red Sox. He was initially among the suggested hurlers. So, instead of forcing another option, I'm narrowing the touted choices to only the two pitchers on the table.
There are afternoon MLB games today. As a result, tonight’s main slate is only five games on DraftKings and FanDuel, beginning at 7:05 pm ET. So, today’s pitching selections, stacks, studs and values/punts are narrowed to fit the scale of the slate.
Thursday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
Two aces are tonight's pitching selections across all game types. Unfortunately, Nathan Eovaldi was scratched after originally being listed as the starting pitcher for the Red Sox. He was initially among the suggested hurlers. So, instead of forcing another option, I'm narrowing the touted choices to only the two pitchers on the table.
Pitching Recommendations:
Yu Darvish (SD) vs. WSH
Darvish has been sharp as a tack lately. According to FanGraphs, in his last 13 starts spanning 87.2 innings, he's had a 3.18 ERA, 3.03 SIERA, 0.97 WHIP, 4.0 BB%, 27.7 K% and 37.0 CSW%. Moreover, Darvish has been a stud at home, spinning a 2.17 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 26.2 K%.
Thus, he should dominate the rebuilding Nationals. Washington is 23rd in wRC+ (94) against righties this year. Finally, the betting info is drool-inducing. According to Betting Pros, the Friars are -375, and the game's total is only 7.5 runs. As a result, Darvish is the top pitcher in cash games.
Jacob deGrom (NYM) at ATL
Since returning earlier this month, deGrom has reminded everyone how dominant he can be. In three starts spanning 16.2 innings, he's had a 1.62 ERA, 0.92 SIERA, 0.42 WHIP, 1.8 BB%, 50.0 K% and 37.0 CSW%. So, deGrom has been nothing short of amazing.
However, the Mets have wisely exercised caution with deGrom, limiting him to 59 pitches, 76 pitches and 76 pitches in his three starts. Maybe they'll allow deGrom to throw a few more pitches tonight, something worth considering for GPPs. Finally, he already demonstrated he could deliver for DFS squads on only 76 pitches, holding the Braves to two runs on one hit, one walk, and 12 strikeouts on August 7. As a result, there's no questioning deGrom's elite ceiling. He's a GPP option on FD. Fortunately, it's easy to open up cap space on DK, allowing gamers to pair Darvish and deGrom in all game types.
Top Lineup Stacks
The Yankees have a get-right matchup against the struggling Jose Berrios tonight. The veteran righty's 5.58 xERA has been the highest among qualified pitchers. He's also been homer-prone, yielding 1.92 HR/9. Thus, the Bronx Bombers have a delectable matchup they can thrive in.
- Home (PETCO Park)
- Value: Low
- Risk: Low
- Game Type: Both
- Game Total/Moneyline: 7.5 Runs/SD -375
The Padres square off with the latest pitcher who doesn't belong in the big-league rotation the Nationals trot out, Anibal Sanchez. After a year away from baseball, Sanchez has been rudely greeted by big-league hitters, amassing a 7.20 ERA. So, he has no business in the majors. Moreover, he's coughed up an eye-popping 3.00 HR/9. As a result, the Padres should eat tonight.
- Anthony Rizzo hit a bomb last night, and he'll take aim at Berrios tonight. Since last year, Rizzo has had a .226 ISO and 114 wRC+ against righties.
- Juan Soto hammers righties. Since last season, he's had a .475 OBP, .253 ISO and 177 wRC+.
- Manny Machado is another elite look at Sanchez. Since last season, he's had a .358 OBP, .220 ISO and 139 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers.
- Sadly, Oswaldo Cabrera isn't in FD's player pool. However, he's a dreamy minimum-salary punt at DK. The 23-year-old rookie has had a .343 OBP, .236 ISO and 122 wRC+ with 10 stolen bases in 203 plate appearances in Triple-A this year.
- Andrew Benintendi is a great piece of exposure to Berrios tonight. Since last year, the left-handed-hitting outfielder has had a .351 OBP and 116 wRC+ against righties.
- Christian Arroyo has been an on-base machine since returning from the Injured List on July 30. In his last 59 plate appearances, he's had a jaw-dropping .457 OBP.
Thursday's Hitter Strategy
The most attractive way to build an offense tonight is a stars and punts build using the Yankees and Padres.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
