It’s a small six-game main MLB DFS slate at DraftKings and FanDuel tonight. The games begin at 7:05 pm ET at both providers. The following selections are narrowed down to fit the size of tonight’s main MLB DFS slate.
Thursday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
The premier pitching pick tonight is an oft-injured ace who's been dominant when healthy. However, another ace in a hitter-friendly park is a nifty GPP pivot. Finally, a righty who's been in great form in the second half is the best SP2 at DK and stellar GPP choice at FD.
It’s a small six-game main MLB DFS slate at DraftKings and FanDuel tonight. The games begin at 7:05 pm ET at both providers. The following selections are narrowed down to fit the size of tonight’s main MLB DFS slate.
Thursday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
The premier pitching pick tonight is an oft-injured ace who's been dominant when healthy. However, another ace in a hitter-friendly park is a nifty GPP pivot. Finally, a righty who's been in great form in the second half is the best SP2 at DK and stellar GPP choice at FD.
Cash Game Recommendations:
Jacob deGrom (NYM) vs. COL
The Rockies on the road are a dreamy matchup for deGrom to show out. According to FanGraphs, the Rockies are 26th in wRC+ (80) on the road this season. Additionally, they'll have to immediately adjust to the different hitting conditions after playing at home yesterday, a challenge enhanced by facing deGrom.
In four starts spanning 23.1 innings, deGrom has clowned opponents to the tune of a 2.31 ERA, 1.08 xFIP, 0.51 WHIP, 1.2 BB%, 45.7 K% and 34.3 CSW%. Further, deGrom threw a season-high 95 pitches in his last turn. Finally, according to Betting Pros, the Mets are -420, and the game's total is 7.0 runs. Thus, deGrom is the no-doubt top pitcher tonight.
Lance Lynn (CWS) at BAL
Lynn had an inconsistent and rocky start to his season after opening the year on the Injured List (IL). Fortunately, he's found his footing in the second half. Lynn has made six starts in the second half, spinning a 3.06 ERA, 2.73 xFIP, 0.93 WHIP, 2.1 BB%, 28.6 K% and 28.2 CSW%.
Unfortunately, the Orioles aren't a pushover. In addition, the White Sox are only -105, and the game's total is slightly concerning at 8.5 runs. So, Lynn isn't safe. Nevertheless, he's pitched extremely well, making him a compelling SP2 in all game types at DK and a stellar GPP choice on FD.
GPP Recommendations:
Kevin Gausman (TOR) at BOS
Gausman has also been in good form. In his previous eight starts totaling 43.1 innings, he's had a 3.12 ERA, 2.89 xFIP, 1.22 WHIP, 4.0 BB%, 29.4 K% and 27.8 CSW%.
He'll have his work cut out for him at hitter-friendly Fenway Park. Still, Gausman has been a road warrior this season. In 71.0 innings on the road, Gausman has had a 1.65 ERA, 2.81 xFIP, 0.99 WHIP, 4.0 BB% and 29.1 K%. As a result, he's a high-upside GPP pivot from deGrom. Finally, gamers can shoot for the moon with pitcher-heavy builds on DK, doubling up on aces deGrom and Gausman.
Top Lineup Stacks
The Phillies have another dreamy matchup tonight. Justin Dunn has made three starts for the Reds in 2022, getting crushed for a 6.08 ERA and 7.93 xERA. He was also smashed in seven Triple-A starts. And, of course, Cincinnati's bullpen is MLB's worst. Therefore, Philadelphia should light up the scoreboard tonight.
- Home (Minute Maid Park)
- Value: Low
- Risk: Low
- Game Type: Both
- Game Total/Moneyline: 8.5 Runs/HOU -186
Chris Archer has had a 4.02 ERA in 21 starts this year. That's hardly a mark to get excited about attacking with an opposing offense. However, Archer's 4.66 xERA, 4.53 xFIP and 4.67 SIERA have been less flattering for the veteran's work. Thus, a top-10 offense against righties, such as Houston's, can get the better of the underwhelming Archer. The betting info suggests the Astros will have offensive success tonight, making them an appealing offense to stack.
- Yordan Alvarez has ripped the cover off the ball this year, excelling with the platoon advantage. He's slugged 22 homers with a .408 OBP, .332 ISO and 191 wRC+ in 289 plate appearances against righties.
- Kyle Schwarber is in the catbird seat atop Philadelphia's lineup. The slugging outfielder has had a .298 ISO and 140 wRC+ in 160 plate appearances against righties at home this year.
- Brett Baty has been unlucky, evidenced by his .150 BABIP. However, the rookie has avoided punchouts, striking out at only a 19.4% rate. So, things should turn around for the highly regarded prospect with a .410 OBP, .218 ISO, and 158 wRC+ in the upper minors this season.
- Cavan Biggio isn't a shoo-in to start for the Blue Jays. Still, the Blue Jays would be wise to use Biggio's left-handed bat since Kutter Crawford has served a .595 SLG and .403 wOBA to lefties in 2022.
- Bryson Stott has put it together in the second half. In 112 plate appearances since the all-star break, the rookie has had a .348 OBP, 124 wRC+, two homers and four stolen bases.
- Nick Gordon has had a stellar season. He's flashed some speed with six stolen bases while tallying a useful 112 wRC+.
Thursday's Hitter Strategy
The Phillies have roughed up the visiting Reds, and going back to the well with them again tonight is wise. The Astros are another excellent source of offense. Fortunately, as the values/punts table shows, ample options exist to open up the requisite cap space to use studs like Alvarez and Schwarber from the Astros and Phillies, respectively.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
