It’s a tiny Thursday night MLB DFS slate. At DraftKings, it’s just a five-game slate, beginning at 7:20 pm ET. However, at FanDuel, it’s a six-game main slate, starting at 6:40 pm ET. So, the pitchers, stacks and core studs are reduced to fit the slate size.
Thursday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
The pitching options are mostly ugly tonight. However, a pair of righties are excellent choices for both DFS providers.
It’s a tiny Thursday night MLB DFS slate. At DraftKings, it’s just a five-game slate, beginning at 7:20 pm ET. However, at FanDuel, it’s a six-game main slate, starting at 6:40 pm ET. So, the pitchers, stacks and core studs are reduced to fit the slate size.
Thursday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
The pitching options are mostly ugly tonight. However, a pair of righties are excellent choices for both DFS providers.
Pitcher Recommendations:
Lance McCullers (HOU) vs. OAK
McCullers is a hoss at home. According to FanGraphs, McCullers has had a 2.73 ERA, 3.71 xFIP, 1.07 WHIP and 25.0 K% in 142.0 innings at home since 2020. Additionally, he's allowed three runs or less and pitched at least five innings in all five of his starts this year.
Tonight, he has a mouthwatering matchup against the Athletics. Oakland is 27th in wRC+ (83) against righties this year. They've also had the seventh-highest strikeout rate (23.7 K%) against them. Finally, according to Betting Pros, the Astros are -330.
Carlos Carrasco (NYM) vs. PIT
Carrasco has been rock-solid this season. In 25 starts spanning 135.0 innings, he's had a 3.80 ERA, 3.47 xFIP, 1.30 WHIP, 6.2 BB%, 23.3 K% and 27.5 CSW%. Moreover, Carrasco has been sharp down the stretch, despite a stint on the Injured List (IL).
Carrasco was stretched out to 74 pitches in his most recent start, his second since returning from the IL. So, he should be allowed to throw more pitches tonight. Additionally, he has a cupcake matchup. The Pirates are 28th in wRC+ (82) against righties in 2022. They've also had the fourth-highest strikeout rate (25.0 K%).
Finally, the betting info is outstanding. The Mets are -250, and the game's total is only 7.5 runs. Therefore, Carrasco is a superb selection at both DFS outlets.
Top Lineup Stacks
The Cardinals have the best matchup tonight. It's as simple as that. Chase Anderson has a 9.00 ERA, 5.28 xERA and 3.00 HR/9 in four appearances (three starts), totaling just nine innings for the Reds. In addition, he had a 7.22 ERA in 2020 for the Blue Jays and a 6.75 ERA in 2021 for the Phillies. Yikes. Seriously, this will be the chalkiest stack on a tiny slate, but it's justified.
- Home (Target Field)
- Value: High
- Risk: Medium
- Game Type: Both
- Game Total/Moneyline: 8.5 Runs/MIN -177
Unfortunately, Minnesota's lineup has been bit by the injury bug. Still, Daniel Lynch has been dreadful this year. In 23 starts spanning 112.0 innings, he's had a 5.14 ERA and 5.08 xERA. Additionally, since spinning five scoreless innings on April 20 against the Twins, he's coughed up 10 runs in 16 innings in three subsequent starts. So even though Minnesota's lineup is missing a few regulars, they have a juicy implied total.
- Since last year, Nolan Arenado has crushed righties for a .223 ISO and 126 wRC+.
- Carlos Correa has raked with the platoon advantage. Since 2019, he's had a .393 OBP and 141 wRC+ against southpaws.
- Jose Miranda has smashed lefties as a rookie, muscling up for a .282 ISO and 141 wRC+.
- Kyle Garlick is a classic platoon outfielder. The right-handed-hitting outfielder has done well on the short side of the platoon, tallying a .292 ISO and 130 wRC+against southpaws since 2019.
- Lars Nootbaar is a bargain source of power. He's had a .207 ISO against righties since reaching The Show last year.
Thursday's Hitter Strategy
The Red Birds will be chalky tonight. Still, it's ill-advised to fade them against a pitcher with no business in the bigs. The Twins are another enticing source of hitters tonight.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
