Friday is a night stacked with MLB games. As a result, the main DFS slate at DraftKings and FanDuel has 13 games, beginning at 7:05 pm ET with the Athletics at the Orioles. Below, find out which pitchers, stacks, studs and values/punts stand out from the pack on the robust slate.
Friday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
The first two pitchers on the table are neck and neck for headline hurler billing. So, they're great selections. The final two pitchers on the table have excelled at home, making them compelling picks
Friday is a night stacked with MLB games. As a result, the main DFS slate at DraftKings and FanDuel has 13 games, beginning at 7:05 pm ET with the Athletics at the Orioles. Below, find out which pitchers, stacks, studs and values/punts stand out from the pack on the robust slate.
Friday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
The first two pitchers on the table are neck and neck for headline hurler billing. So, they're great selections. The final two pitchers on the table have excelled at home, making them compelling picks
Cash Game Recommendations:
Jordan Montgomery (STL) vs. CHC
The Red Birds have gotten more than they could have hoped for from Montgomery since acquiring him in a trade at the deadline. According to FanGraphs, in five starts totaling 30.2 innings, he's had a 1.76 ERA, 2.84 xFIP, 0.82 WHIP, 3.5 BB% and 24.6 K%.
Moreover, Montgomery spun a one-hit shutout with seven strikeouts against the Cubs on August 22. He opposes them again tonight, and the betting info is excellent. According to Betting Pros, the Cardinals are -235. Finally, the game's total is a non-threatening 8.0 runs.
Alex Cobb (SF) vs. PHI
Cobb has struggled on the road but dominated at home this year. In 63.0 innings in San Francisco, he's twirled a 2.86 ERA, 2.83 xFIP, 1.17 WHIP and 27.1 K%. So, Cobb is a nifty option, even in a potentially challenging matchup.
But, of course, the threat the Phillies pose him makes him a better fit in GPPs at FD. Still, Cobb's salary and dominance at home are grounds for using him as the SP2 in all game types at DK. Finally, the Giants are -110, and the game's total is just 7.5 runs, enhancing Cobb's appeal.
GPP Recommendations:
Charlie Morton (ATL) vs. MIA
Morton would narrowly edge Montgomery for the best pitching selection in all game types tonight if he were opposing many starters. But, sadly, he's squaring off with Sandy Alcantara, creating a potential pitcher's duel where he doesn't earn a win.
Still, Morton's upside is tantalizing. The righty has given the home crowd plenty to cheer about this year. In 73.1 innings in Atlanta this year, he's had a 3.07 ERA, 3.02 xFIP, 1.01 WHIP and 33.1 K%. Morton's elite strikeout rate is perfect for tournaments.
However, more positives are working in his favor. First, the Marlins are tied for 21st in wRC+ (94) against righties this season. Second, the Braves are -180, and the game's total is a puny 7.0 runs. As a result, Morton's upside is tailor-made for GPPs.
Jeffrey Springs (TB) vs. NYY
Springs is another pitcher who cooks with gasoline at home. In 41.1 innings at home this year, he's had a sparkling 2.18 ERA, 3.42 xFIP, 1.09 WHIP, 5.4 BB% and 26.3 K%.
The converted reliever has also been rock-solid lately. In Springs' previous eight starts spanning 41.0 innings, the lefty has had a 3.51 ERA, 3.16 xFIP, 1.27 WHIP, 5.7 BB%, 25.9 K% and 28.7 CSW%. Can the Bronx Bombers light up the scoreboard? Sure, they've killed lefties this year. However, they've been mired in a funk, and the betting info is outstanding. The Rays are -132, and the game's total is 7.0 runs. Thus, Springs might not be as risky as he seems to be.
Top Lineup Stacks
The Red Sox have arguably the most desirable pitching matchup imaginable tonight. Among pitchers with at least 50 innings in 2022, Dallas Keuchel has the highest ERA (8.84). Now, imagine his general struggles plopped into hitter-friendly Fenway Park. It's a powder keg ready to explode. Therefore, the Red Sox are the runaway best stack tonight.
- Home (Citi Field)
- Value: Low
- Risk: Low
- Game Type: GPP
- Game Total/Moneyline: 8.0 Runs/NYM -270
Josiah Gray can strikeout hitters at an eye-catching rate. However, there is more to pitching than punching out opponents. Gray's 4.67 ERA and 4.29 xFIP have left much to be desired. In addition, he's homer-prone, coughing up 2.34 HR/9 in 2022. Until he can reign in his tater problem, Gray is an attractive pitcher to pick on.
- Trevor Story is a lefty-killer. Since 2019, he's had a .367 OBP, .282 ISO and 137 wRC+ against southpaws.
- Xander Bogaerts has also smashed southpaws. Since 2019, he's had a .392 OBP, .204 ISO and 142 wRC+ against lefties.
- Brandon Nimmo has the platoon advantage against Gray right out of the chute, and lefties have destroyed Gray. The young pitcher has coughed up a .581 SLG and .404 wOBA to left-handed hitters in 2022.
- Nick Gordon is a value as he morphs into an above-average hitter against righties. Since last year, he's had a 110 wRC+ against righties.
- Bobby Dalbec has had a .258 ISO and 129 wRC+ against lefties since debuting in 2020.
- Carson Kelly is a DK-specific punt. Gamers don't need to use him on FD. However, he's a sweet catcher option at an affordable salary on DK. Since 2019, Kelly has had a .371 OBP, .252 ISO and 135 wRC+ against lefties.
Friday's Hitter Strategy
Using hitters from the Red Sox is a must in cash games. However, their sky-high ceiling is ideal for tournaments, too. The Mets are also an excellent 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.
