It’s a small main slate on Wednesday night, including only a half-dozen games. The DFS action for the main slate begins at 7:05 pm ET with the Blue Jays at the Orioles. Further, the final game on the main slate starts earlier than usual, at 8:40 pm ET.
Wednesday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
Sadly, the bottom of the barrel is empty for bargain hurlers. Instead, the suggested starting pitchers are a pricy group. Further, there's little separating the first pitcher from the third pitcher on the table. So, spending up for the top arms is the optimal move tonight.
It’s a small main slate on Wednesday night, including only a half-dozen games. The DFS action for the main slate begins at 7:05 pm ET with the Blue Jays at the Orioles. Further, the final game on the main slate starts earlier than usual, at 8:40 pm ET.
Wednesday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
Sadly, the bottom of the barrel is empty for bargain hurlers. Instead, the suggested starting pitchers are a pricy group. Further, there's little separating the first pitcher from the third pitcher on the table. So, spending up for the top arms is the optimal move tonight.
Cash Game Recommendations:
Yu Darvish (SD) vs. ARI
Darvish is the smallest betting favorite of the recommended pitchers. However, that's relative. According to Betting Pros, the Padres are -225, and the game's total is a pitcher-friendly 8.0 runs. So, the betting info is stellar.
The matchup is good, too. According to FanGraphs, the Diamondbacks are tied for 19th in wRC+ (96) this season. And, of course, Darvish has pitched well. In his last 11 games, he's had a 3.27 ERA, 2.89 SIERA, 0.96 WHIP, 4.4 BB%, 29.3 K% and 30.5 CSW% in 74.1 innings. Finally, Darvish got the nod for top honors because he's done better at pitching deep into games than the upcoming duo.
Jordan Montgomery (STL) vs. WSH
Montgomery has pitched well this year, kicking it up a notch since the Cardinals acquired him in a trade. In six starts spanning 36.2 innings for the Red Birds, he's had a 1.47 ERA, 2.90 xFIP, 0.93 WHIP, 4.3 BB% and 22.9 K%. In addition, the lefty has had three quality starts for St. Louis.
Montgomery should stay hot in a plus matchup tonight. The Nationals are 23rd in wRC+ (92) against southpaws this season. The cherry on top is the betting info. The Cards are massive -320 favorites.
GPP Recommendations:
Cristian Javier (HOU) vs. TEX
The Astros are also gigantic favorites at -300. So, Javier is the third commanding favorite suggested. Again, like the others, he has a great matchup. The Rangers are 22nd in wRC+ (94) against righties. Additionally, the Rangers' 23.7 K% against righties is a GPP-friendly mark Javier is equipped to take advantage of.
In Javier's previous 10 starts spanning a modest 54.2 innings, he's had a juicy 33.2 K%. Thankfully, he's also had other stellar marks, including a 3.29 ERA, 3.16 SIERA and 0.97 WHIP. Sadly, Javier has pitched fewer than seven innings in 10 consecutive starts. Regardless, Javier's strikeout potential makes him an exciting GPP pick.
Top Lineup Stacks
- Home (Wrigley Field)
- Value: High
- Risk: Medium
- Game Type: Both
- Game Total/Moneyline: Unlisted
The Cubs have a flawed lineup. Fortunately, Mike Minor can make them look great tonight. The veteran lefty has had a terrible 2022 campaign, showing no signs of finishing on a high note. In his last 11 starts totaling 58.2 innings, Minor has had a 5.22 ERA, 4.95 xFIP and allowed 1.53 HR/9. Additionally, Cincinnati's bullpen has had a bottom-five ERA this year. Thus, Chicago's ceiling is sky-high.
- Home (Minute Maid Park)
- Value: Low
- Risk: Low
- Game Type: Both
- Game Total/Moneyline: 8.5 Runs/HOU -300
The Astros are a high-octane offense opposing a rookie who they roughed up the only time they faced him. Lefty Cole Ragans yielded five runs on six hits (two homers), three walks and one strikeout in only 4.1 innings at Houston on August 11. But, of course, it's not shocking the Astros got the better of the rookie lefty. Houston is tied for eighth in wRC+ (117) against southpaws this season. As a result, the results aren't likely to be more favorable for Ragans this go-round.
- Jose Altuve is a sparkplug atop Houston's lineup. The diminutive second baseman has had 24 homers with 15 stolen bases, a .376 OBP, .235 ISO and 159 wRC+ this season.
- Alex Bregman has been scorching-hot. In 213 plate appearances since July 8, he's had a .380 OBP, .255 ISO, 165 wRC+ and 10 homers.
- Franmil Reyes has turned his season around with the Cubs. In 103 plate appearances for the Cubs, Reyes has smashed four homers with a .229 ISO and 128 wRC+.
- Jake Fraley has raked with the platoon advantage. Since last year, he's had a .369 OBP, .235 ISO and 135 wRC+ in 315 plate appearances against righties.
- Yan Gomes is a DraftKings-specific suggestion. Since 2019, he's had a .220 ISO and 113 wRC+ against lefties. Thus, he's a superb punt at catcher on DK.
- Yuli Gurriel has struggled most of the year. Still, since 2019, he's had a .213 ISO and 124 wRC+ against southpaws.
Wednesday's Hitter Strategy
The Cubs and Astros are the best sources of offense tonight, and gamers should heavily invest in both lineups.
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio
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.
