It’s Tuesday night, and that means a massive MLB DFS main slate. The main slate includes all 30 teams on DraftKings and features 14 games (excluding the second game of the doubleheader between the Cardinals and Cubs) on FanDuel. The action begins at 7:05 pm ET on both DFS providers. Tonight’s suggested options are vast to account for the huge player pool.
Tuesday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
There are elite lefties to select from tonight, and they're the top three choices on the table. However, a veteran righty in a dreamy matchup is also an intriguing SP2 on DK.
It’s Tuesday night, and that means a massive MLB DFS main slate. The main slate includes all 30 teams on DraftKings and features 14 games (excluding the second game of the doubleheader between the Cardinals and Cubs) on FanDuel. The action begins at 7:05 pm ET on both DFS providers. Tonight’s suggested options are vast to account for the huge player pool.
Tuesday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
There are elite lefties to select from tonight, and they're the top three choices on the table. However, a veteran righty in a dreamy matchup is also an intriguing SP2 on DK.
Cash Game Recommendations:
Carlos Rodon (SF) at DET
Rodon has been everything the Giants could have hoped for and more. According to FanGraphs, in 24 starts spanning 140.1 innings, he's had a 2.89 ERA, 2.76 xERA, 1.05 WHIP, 7.3 BB%, 31.7 K% and 30.4 CSW%. It's been a remarkable follow-up to his breakout 2021 campaign.
Rodon should continue his excellence tonight against the comically bad Tigers. Detroit has had a 99 wRC+ against lefties, tying for 17th. However, they're playing out the string. Since the MLB trade deadline on August 2, they've been in the basement (67 wRC+) and sported a sky-high strikeout rate (28.1%). As a result, Rodon has an ideal combination of a high floor and ceiling, making him an excellent choice in all game types.
Corey Kluber (TB) vs. LAA
Kluber has been unfortunate this year. He's had an uncharacteristically low 68.2 LOB%, contributing to the sizable gap between his 4.33 ERA and his ERA estimators, such as his 3.90 xERA, 3.78 xFIP and 3.68 SIERA. Fortunately, he has a drool-inducing matchup tonight.
The Angels are lousy. They're tied for 22nd in wRC+ (93) this year against righties, striking out at an MLB-high 26.9% rate. They've also been 28th in wRC+ (77) since the MLB trade deadline, striking out at a still exploitable 25.9 K%. Thus, according to Betting Pros, the Rays are -178, and the game's total is only 7.0 runs. So, Kluber is a superb target at SP2 in cash games on DK, freeing up cap space relative to the other top hurlers.
GPP Recommendations:
Robbie Ray (SEA) vs. WSH
Ray has been dynamite at home this year. In 80.0 innings pitched in Seattle this year, he's had a 2.81 ERA, 3.12 xFIP, 0.99 WHIP, 7.0 BB% and 29.3 K%. So, he shouldn't have difficulty cutting through Washington's rebuilding lineup.
The Nationals are tied for 23rd in wRC+ (91) against lefties in 2022. Moreover, they're tied for 20th in wRC+ (93) since the MLB trade deadline. So, again, Ray should carve them up.
Max Fried (ATL) at PIT
Fried has been having an excellent season. In 23 starts totaling 145.1 innings, he's had a 2.60 ERA, 2.87 xERA, 1.05 WHIP, 4.3 BB%, 22.9 K% and 27.4 CSW%. So there isn't a reason to expect any hiccups tonight against the lowly Pirates.
Pittsburgh is tied for 27th in wRC+ (82) against southpaws. They've also had the second-highest strikeout rate (26.2 K%) against them. As a result, Fried is a great bet to chew them up and spit them out.
Top Lineup Stacks
- Home (Minute Maid Park)
- Value: Low
- Risk: Low
- Game Type: Both
- Game Total/Moneyline: Unlisted
Aaron Sanchez is the fill-in starter for the Twins tonight. So, that's great news for Houston's offense. Sanchez has been tattooed for a 7.68 ERA in eight starts this year. Sure, he's endured some bad luck. Nevertheless, Sanchez's 4.83 xERA is also a delightful mark to stack against. Sanchez could make even a mediocre offense look good, and the Astros are tied for sixth in wRC+ (111) against righties. Therefore, they can light up the scoreboard in this opportune matchup.
- Road (PNC Park)
- Value: Low
- Risk: Medium
- Game Type: Both
- Game Total/Moneyline: 8.0 Runs/ATL -275
Sadly, the Braves let gamers who stacked them down last night. Fortunately, they have a decent implied total tonight. JT Brubaker is essentially an average pitcher. In 23 starts totaling 120.1 innings, he's had a 4.19 ERA and 4.24 xERA. However, he's backed up by a horrendous bullpen. Pittsburgh's relievers have had the fourth-highest ERA (4.61) this year. Thus, the matchup is favorable for the Braves when considered fully. Finally, they're capable of taking advantage of the matchup, ranking tied for 10th in wRC+ (105) against righties in 2022.
- Home (Citizens Bank Park)
- Value: Low(DK)/High(FD)
- Risk: Medium
- Game Type: Both
- Game Total/Moneyline: 8.0 Runs/PHI -221
Nick Lodolo hasn't embarrassed himself in his rookie campaign. Instead, he's had a rock-solid 4.12 ERA and 4.07 xERA. Still, Lodolo isn't a pitcher to go out of your way to fade, and Cincinnati's bullpen is a tire fire. Reds' relievers have had the highest ERA (4.89) this year. Finally, the Phillies should test Lodolo since they're seventh in wRC+ (116) this year.
- In 433 plate appearances this year, Yordan Alvarez has swatted 31 homers with a .400 OBP, .313 ISO and 182 wRC+. Additionally, he's been at his best against righties, amassing a .411 OBP, .338 ISO and 193 wRC+ in 285 plate appearances.
- Kyle Tucker has stuffed the box scores this year. In 461 plate appearances, he's mashed 22 taters, stolen 19 bases, and compiled a .339 OBP, .216 ISO and 133 wRC+.
- Rhys Hoskins is a lefty-killer. In his career, he's had a .405 OBP, .278 ISO and 148 wRC+ against lefties.
- Robbie Grossman has turned his season around with the Braves, tallying a .341 OBP, .211 ISO and 119 wRC+.
- Vaughn Grissom is criminally underpriced on DK. In 50 plate appearances, the rookie infielder has hit three homers and stolen two bases with a .440 OBP, .261 ISO and 201 wRC+. Thus, he's a bingo square on DK.
- Brandon Crawford might have turned things around since returning from the Injured List earlier this month. In 52 plate appearances since August 6, he's hit two homers with a .365 OBP, .196 ISO and 135 wRC+.
- Donovan Solano has excelled with the platoon advantage. In 369 plate appearances against lefties since 2019, he's had a .370 OBP and 127 wRC+.
Tuesday's Hitter Strategy
The Astros, Braves and Phillies are the best sources for hitters on tonight's loaded slate. Fading Coors Field can create an uneasy feeling, but it's an outstanding night to look elsewhere.
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Whether you're new to fantasy baseball or a seasoned pro, our Fantasy Baseball 101: Strategy Tips & Advice page is for you. You can get started with our Sabermetrics Glossary or head to a more advanced strategy - like Maximizing Your Potential in Multi-Lineup Contests - to learn more.
Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
