It’s a big DFS slate on Tuesday night. However, it’s different on DraftKings and FanDuel. At DK, it’s a 14-game main slate, including the second game of a doubleheader between the Rockies and Padres. However, at FD, it’s a 13-game slate, dumping the second contest between the NL West rivals.
Tuesday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner is the headline hurler tonight. However, a young strikeout artist is nipping at his heels for the best pick tonight when factoring his salary. A couple of righties round out the selections as GPP picks.
It’s a big DFS slate on Tuesday night. However, it’s different on DraftKings and FanDuel. At DK, it’s a 14-game main slate, including the second game of a doubleheader between the Rockies and Padres. However, at FD, it’s a 13-game slate, dumping the second contest between the NL West rivals.
Tuesday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner is the headline hurler tonight. However, a young strikeout artist is nipping at his heels for the best pick tonight when factoring his salary. A couple of righties round out the selections as GPP picks.
Cash Game Recommendations:
Corbin Burnes (MIL) at PIT
Burnes has been following up his award-winning campaign with an arguably equally impressive showing this season. According to FanGraphs, he's had a 2.31 ERA and 2.78 xFIP in 20 starts.
In addition, Burnes has been an unstoppable force on the road. In 57.1 innings in road games this year, Burnes has a 1.57 ERA, 3.22 xFIP, 6.9 BB% and 30.0 K%. The righty has a dreamy matchup tonight, too. The Pirates are 28th in wRC+ (84) with a 25.5 K% against right-handed pitchers. Finally, according to Betting Pros, the Brewers are -250, and the game's total is only 7.5 runs. Therefore, Burnes is the safest pitching selection with an elite ceiling to boot.
Spencer Strider (ATL) vs. PHI
Strider has the best blend of upside and cap-friendly salary. The young righty has seamlessly transitioned from dominant reliever to top-shelf starter this season. In 11 starts spanning 56.0 innings, Strider has a 3.21 ERA, 2.58 xFIP, 1.02 WHIP, 36.4 K% and 29.3 CSW%.
The matchup is desirable for him tonight, too. The Phillies are mid-pack in wRC+ against righties, but they've slipped to tied for 20th in wRC+ (95) over the last 30 days. Philadelphia's offense isn't as potent without the 2021 National League MVP. As a result, the Braves are -236 favorites. Strider's the no-brainer best SP2 in cash games on DK. Still, he's also a fantastic GPP pick across DFS platforms.
GPP Recommendations:
Kevin Gausman (TOR) at TB
Gausman has been in a funk lately. In his previous nine starts, he's had a 4.43 ERA. But, of course, Gausman has been killed by an unsustainable .440 BABIP and 69.3 LOB%. On the other hand, Gausman's 26.8 K% and 3.13 xFIP have been more encouraging.
Additionally, Gausman has been outstanding on the road. The 31-year-old righty has had a 2.34 ERA, 2.75 xFIP, 1.14 WHIP and 29.1 K% on the road in 2022. So, if gamers have soured on Gausman, he could be undervalued and overlooked tonight, making him an awesome GPP pick.
Noah Syndergaard (LAA) vs. OAK
Syndergaard hasn't been what he was at the peak of his powers, but he's been a rock-solid starter this season. In 15 starts totaling 80.0 innings, he's had a 3.83 ERA, 4.23 xERA and 1.21 WHIP.
Sadly, Thor's 18.9 K% has left something to be desired. However, he's had a more exciting 22.0 K% since June 1. The 29-year-old righty has also had a 2.96 ERA, 4.02 xFIP and 18.7 K% in 48.2 innings at home.
Tonight, Syndergaard should shine against the lowly Athletics. Oakland is 29th in wRC+ (77) with a 24.0 K% against right-handed pitchers this year. So, even the underachieving Angels are -120 tonight. Gamers who want to load up on elite bats on DK in GPPs can use Strider and Thor together, opening up a ton of cap space for thumpers.
Top Lineup Stacks
The Phillies are using a bullpen game today instead of a conventional starter. Philadelphia's bullpen has been mid-pack this year, but they're being stretched thin tonight against an offense that thrives at home. The Braves are tied for ninth in wRC+ (109) and tied for third in ISO (.192) at home in 2022. So, they should give Philadelphia's relievers fits tonight.
- Home (Target Field)
- Value: Low
- Risk: Low
- Game Type: Both
- Game Total/Moneyline: 9.0 Runs/MIN -200
The Twins are greeting Matt Manning in his return from the 60-day IL. Even high-end starters can stumble returning from the IL, and Manning hasn't found his footing in The Show yet. Moreover, he walked 11.5% of the batters in six rehab starts in Triple-A. Manning's below-average control in Triple-A sets the stage for a messy turn against Minnesota's above-average offense. The Twins are sixth in wRC+ (112) against righties and tied for ninth in wRC+ (109) at home.
- Road (Guaranteed Rate Field)
- Value: Low
- Risk: Low
- Game Type: GPP
- Game Total/Moneyline: 8.5 Runs/KC +143
The Royals are a below-average offense, with many youngsters getting their feet wet in the bigs. However, the struggling Lucas Giolito could help the Royals shine tonight. In his last 10 starts, Giolito has been destroyed for a 6.33 ERA. Sure, the righty's 4.37 xFIP hasn't been as dreadful, but it's not a mark to avoid. Chicago's bullpen is a below-average unit as well, enhancing Kansas City's offensive upside.
- Yordan Alvarez has dominated with the platoon advantage at home, amassing a .388 OBP, .300 ISO, 166 wRC+ and 28 homers in 428 plate appearances.
- Austin Riley is having a massive year at the dish. In 436 plate appearances, he has a .360 OBP, .303 ISO, 163 wRC+ and 29 homers.
- Since last year, Carlos Correa has had a .211 ISO and 127 wRC+ against righties.
- Vinnie Pasquantino has been one of the most unlucky hitters. According to Baseball Savant, Pasquantino's -0.074 difference between his wOBA (.292) and xwOBA (.366) has been the second-largest negative difference. The rookie has had outstanding batted-ball data that should yield better results.
- Will Benson didn't start in his big-league debut yesterday. Still, there's a decent chance the left-handed-hitting rookie will debut against a righty tonight. According to MiLB.com, Benson's had an eye-catching 1.003 OPS in 244 at-bats against righties this season.
- Adam Frazier is an average hitter and bats leadoff. He's had a 103 wRC+ against righties since last year, and that's good enough to validate using him as a punt, thanks to his lineup slot.
Tuesday's Hitter Strategy
The Braves are the top stack tonight. Yet, they're not a runaway top option. Therefore, mixing the Braves, Twins and Royals is appealing.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.