There are nine games on the hump day MLB DFS main slate. The slate begins at 7:05 pm ET at DraftKings and FanDuel. Today’s primer includes three pitchers, two stacks, core studs and values/punts.
Wednesday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
Two aces are awesome selections today, with one topping the cash suggestions and the other headlining the GPP picks. They're joined by a lefty who's grossly underpriced on DK and a fine choice on FD.
There are nine games on the hump day MLB DFS main slate. The slate begins at 7:05 pm ET at DraftKings and FanDuel. Today’s primer includes three pitchers, two stacks, core studs and values/punts.
Wednesday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
Two aces are awesome selections today, with one topping the cash suggestions and the other headlining the GPP picks. They're joined by a lefty who's grossly underpriced on DK and a fine choice on FD.
Cash Game Recommendations:
Carlos Rodon (SF) vs. ARI
Rodon has been anyone's idea of an ace this year. According to FanGraphs, in 23 starts spanning 134.1 innings, he's had a 2.95 ERA, 2.76 xERA, 1.06 WHIP, 7.2 BB%, 31.1 K% and 30.3 CSW%. In addition, the lefty stud has been at his best at home.
He should give the home crowd plenty to cheer about tonight in a dreamy matchup. The Diamondbacks are tied for 23rd in wRC+ (91) against lefties. Finally, the betting info is optimal. According to Betting Pros, the Giants are -220, and the game's total is only 7.0 runs.
Jordan Montgomery (STL) vs. COL
DK's algorithm is asleep at the wheel with Montgomery's salary. In his last 13 starts, he's had a 3.61 ERA, 3.68 SIERA, 1.12 WHIP, 5.7 BB%, 21.9 K% and 30.2 CSW%. Montgomery's salary should be markedly higher based on his stellar performance alone.
However, he also has an excellent matchup. The Rockies are 26th in wRC+ (82) on the road. As a result, the betting info is predictably favorable. The Red Birds are -205, and the game's total is a non-threatening 7.5 runs. So, Montgomery will undoubtedly be chalky at DK tonight. Nevertheless, he's an excellent selection for all game types.
GPP Recommendation:
Max Scherzer (NYM) at ATL
Scherzer won't fly entirely under the radar. Regardless, since he has a more challenging matchup than Rodon, he'll probably be on a lower percentage of rosters. Therefore, Scherzer is a tantalizing GPP selection.
In 16 starts totaling 102.2 innings, he's had a 1.93 ERA, 2.81 xERA, 0.93 WHIP, 4.2 BB%, 31.3 K% and 31.4 CSW%. Scherzer can carve up any lineup. Finally, Scherzer's GPP appeal is enhanced by Atlanta's strikeout woes. Against righties, the Braves have had the third-highest strikeout rate (25.2 K%). So, even though the Braves have a handful of excellent hitters, it's worth embracing the risk of using Scherzer in GPPs.
Top Lineup Stacks
There isn't a genuinely risk-free stack tonight. So, chasing the upside the Astros possess is appealing. Michael Kopech's 3.18 ERA has been lucky, evidenced by his 3.83 xERA and 4.69 xFIP. He also is tempting fate by pitching to contact. Yes, Kopech struck out 11 in his most recent start. However, that should be taken with a grain of salt since it was against the lowly Tigers. Before his strikeout outburst, Kopech hadn't struck out more than five batters in six straight starts. The Astros are built to punish Kopech, ranking fifth in ISO (.173) and sixth in wRC+ (112) against righties this year.
- Home (American Family Field)
- Value: Medium
- Risk: High
- Game Type: GPP
- Game Total/Moneyline: 8.0 Runs/MIL +140
The Brewers are a GPP-only stack. Tony Gonsolin is a difficult draw. However, his 23.5 K% has been more good than great, and his 2.24 ERA overstates how well he's pitched. Still, the biggest draw for using the Brewers is their power at home. This season, they're tied for fifth in ISO (.181) in home games. As a result, they have the thump to reward gamers rolling the dice on them in GPPs.
- Yordan Alvarez has been an unstoppable force with the platoon advantage this year, cranking 22 homers with a .416 OBP, .356 ISO and 201 wRC+ in 267 plate appearances.
- Anthony Rizzo has destroyed righties at home this year. In 165 plate appearances against right-handed pitchers at Yankee Stadium this year, Rizzo has mashed 13 taters with a .388 OBP, .331 ISO and 170 wRC+.
- Since 2019, Amed Rosario has had a .356 OBP, .188 ISO and 133 wRC+ against southpaws. He also has a dash of speed, stealing 11 bases in 14 attempts this season.
- Kyle Tucker mashes against righties. Since 2019, he's had a .371 OBP, .241 ISO and 149 wRC+ with the platoon advantage.
- David Peralta has produced results against righties with his revamped swing. In 305 plate appearances against them this year, he's hit 11 homers with a .216 ISO and 119 wRC+.
- The Mets are calling up Brett Baty, who could be in the lineup tonight. He's a steal at the minimum salary. The highly-regarded prospect played only a few games in Triple-A, but his bat didn't skip a beat after the promotion from Double-A. In 420 plate appearances in the upper minors this year, Baty has hit 19 dongs with a .410 OBP, .218 ISO and 158 wRC+.
- The light has come on for Joey Bart. In 90 plate appearances since the Giants recalled him from Triple-A, he's hit five homers with a .209 ISO, .344 OBP and 144 wRC+. As a result, he's an excellent punt at catcher on DK.
Wednesday's Hitter Strategy
The stacks aren't as exciting as most nights. Still, the Astros have appeal across game types. Additionally, the Brewers are a power-packed GPP option. Finally, it's a good night to use one-offs and hook teammates instead of constructing complete stacks.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
