It’s an eight-game main MLB DFS slate tonight. The action starts at 7:05 pm ET. Since it’s a medium-sized slate, the following picks for pitchers, stacks, core studs and values/punts are narrowed down to fit the slate size.
Wednesday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
A lefty ace is head and shoulders above the other pitching options on tonight's slate. However, two righties from the "Show-Me" state are also compelling choices.
It’s an eight-game main MLB DFS slate tonight. The action starts at 7:05 pm ET. Since it’s a medium-sized slate, the following picks for pitchers, stacks, core studs and values/punts are narrowed down to fit the slate size.
Wednesday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
A lefty ace is head and shoulders above the other pitching options on tonight's slate. However, two righties from the "Show-Me" state are also compelling choices.
Cash Game Recommendations:
Shane McClanahan (TB) vs. LAA
McClanahan has forced his way into the elite pitcher territory. According to FanGraphs, in 23 starts spanning 141.1 innings, the lefty ace has had a 2.29 ERA, 2.30 xFIP, 0.86 WHIP, 5.4 BB%, 32.2 K% and 34.1 CSW%.
McClanahan has an excellent matchup tonight. The Angels are 28th in wRC+ (82) against lefties. In addition, they've had the sixth-highest strikeout rate (24.2 K%) against southpaws. Thus, McClanahan should pile up DK and FD points tonight. Finally, according to Betting Pros, the Rays are commanding -250 favorites, and the game's total is only 7.0 runs.
Miles Mikolas (STL) at CHC
Mikolas rebounded from a disastrous start at Coors Field on August 9. Obviously, he's not the first and won't be the last pitcher to get blown up in Colorado. In two subsequent starts, he's pitched precisely eight innings, allowing only three runs on six hits, one walk and 10 strikeouts across 16 innings.
In addition, Mikolas has been rock-solid against the Cubs this year, allowing eight earned runs in 17.1 innings (4.15) with a 25.3 K%. He's also spun back-to-back quality starts against the Cubs since a less desirable turn on June 3 against his NL Central foe. So, Mikolas is an attractive SP2 in cash games on DK, awarding gamers cap savings they can pass onto their lineup.
GPP Recommendations:
Brady Singer (KC) vs. ARI
Singer has figured it out this season. Moreover, he's been white-hot. In his previous nine starts totaling 56.0 innings, Singer has had a 2.25 ERA, 3.18 xFIP, 1.14 WHIP, 29.1 K% and 31.3 CSW%.
Surprisingly, the Royals are +105. Still, the game's total is just 7.5 runs. Additionally, Singer's matchup is ideal. The Diamondbacks are tied for 21st in wRC+ (93) against right-handed pitchers. As a result, Singer is an excellent GPP option across DFS platforms.
Top Lineup Stacks
T.J. Zeuch is the starter for the Reds tonight. The 27-year-old righty hasn't shown any signs of big-league competence, owning a 5.84 ERA and 5.34 xFIP in 57.0 innings. Zeuch has also had considerable trouble keeping the ball in the park, coughing up 2.05 HR/9. Zeuch's homer problems could be amplified at Citizens Bank Park since it's MLB's seventh-most homer-friendly venue, with a park factor of 1.120 for taters. As a result, the Phillies are an attractive offense to stack tonight.
- Home (Oriole Park at Camden Yards)
- Value: Medium
- Risk: High
- Game Type: GPP
- Game Total/Moneyline: 8.0 Runs/BAL +105
Lucas Giolito has shown flashes of his good form this year. He's also had a decent 3.61 xFIP. However, his 4.21 xERA has been mediocre, and his 5.34 ERA has been downright putrid. Therefore, Baltimore's offensive ceiling is through the roof if Giolito's struggles persist tonight. Yet, Giolito isn't a pushover if he's sharp. It's been feast or famine for Giolito, making it exciting to stack the O's in GPPs and chase the ceiling outcome.
- Adley Rutschman was decent out of the gate, but he has cranked it up a notch since swatting his first homer on June 15. In 221 plate appearances since June 15, he's hit eight homers with two stolen bases, a .407 OBP, .243 ISO and 171 wRC+.
- Rhys Hoskins' power meshes perfectly with Zeuch's homer woes. Since last year, Hoskins has had a .232 ISO against righties.
- Alex Verdugo has had a 119 wRC+ against righties since last season. Meanwhile, Jose Berrios has ceded a .380 wOBA to left-handed batters in 2022.
- Donovan Solano has had a .370 OBP and 127 wRC+ against lefties since 2019, making him a steal at his bargain salary.
- Terrin Vavra's high-OBP approach in the minors has translated to the majors. The left-handed hitter has had a .381 OBP against righties through 42 plate appearances.
- Bryson Stott has swung a hot stick for the last month. In 108 plate appearances since July 23, he's had a 121 wRC+. Stott was also busy on the bases during that stretch, stealing four bases in six attempts.
- Lars Nootbaar has been in a groove since late July. In 99 plate appearances since July 24, he's had a .444 OBP, .243 ISO and 176 wRC+.
Wednesday's Hitter Strategy
Bargain hunting is the theme for tonight's lineup building, hence the bloated values/punts table. While the Phillies and Orioles are the featured stacks, gamers shouldn't feel compelled to force complete stacks. Instead, it's fine to use just partial stacks and weave punts around them.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.