There are MLB games throughout the entire day. So, tonight’s main MLB DFS slate has eight games, beginning a little earlier than usual at 6:35 pm ET on DraftKings and FanDuel. Tonight’s top pitchers, stacks, core studs and values/punts are curated to fit the makeup and size of the slate.
Wednesday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
The pitching leaves much to be desired tonight. The top pitcher hasn't pitched flawlessly this year. Nevertheless, he's worked through mixed underlying stats and has a good matchup. The second option has pitched well in the majors and has an excellent matchup. Finally, the last pitcher on the table has a significant ceiling worth chasing in GPPs.
Cash Game Recommendations:
Patrick Sandoval (LAA) vs. OAK
Sandoval's 3.38 ERA in four starts spanning 18.2 innings this year overstates how well he's pitched. According to FanGraphs, the lefty has a 4.94 xERA, 4.84 xFIP, 1.45 WHIP, 14.1 BB% and 17.6 K%, leaving gamers wanting more. Fortunately, Sandoval's 28.5 CSW% is stellar, and the matchup is decent.
Only two of Oakland's projected starters have had over 200 plate appearances against lefties since 2021. In addition, just one has had higher than a .200 ISO. Finally, per Betting Pros, the Angels are -235. So, Sandoval is an attractive choice in cash games at his bargain salary on both DFS providers.
Bryce Elder (ATL) vs. MIA
If Elder's salary weren't through the roof on FD, he'd be the highest-ranked hurler today. He has the best blend of production and matchup. The righty doesn't have a premium heater. Regardless, he's had a 2.55 ERA, 3.97 xFIP, 1.22 WHIP, 9.3 BB% and 21.7 K% in 77.2 innings in The Show since debuting last year.
Elder's been at his best at home. In 34.1 innings in Atlanta, he's had a 1.57 ERA, 3.59 xFIP, 1.17 WHIP, 8.6 BB% and 23.6 K%. The Marlins shouldn't give him trouble tonight, either. Miami is 24th in wRC+ (83) and has a 25.2 K% against right-handed pitchers this year. And additionally, the Braves are -160, and the game's total is only 8.0 runs. So, Elder is the most exciting pitcher on DK and a high-ceiling tournament pick on FD.
GPP Recommendation:
Drew Smyly (CHC) vs. SD
Smyly has shined this year. The veteran lefty has twirled a 3.13 ERA, 1.95 xERA, 3.79 SIERA, 0.91 WHIP, 5.6 BB%, 25.6 K% and 28.0 CSW% in 23.0 innings.
Smyly has also enjoyed pitching in front of the home crowd at Wrigley Field. In 57.1 innings at home since joining the Cubs last year, he's had a 2.04 ERA, 3.90 xFIP, 0.91 WHIP, 5.3 BB% and 25.3 K%. Smyly's success, coupled with the Padres sitting in the middle of the pack against lefties, is grounds for chasing the lefty's ceiling in tournaments. And the game's total is only 8.0 runs and nearly a pick 'em. So, the ceiling is high for Smyly.
Top Lineup Stacks
Luis Medina makes his big-league debut for the Athletics tonight. The debuting righty has had a 4.51 ERA, 4.36 FIP, 1.49 WHIP and 14.2 BB% in 175.2 innings in the upper minors since reaching Double-A in 2021. Yikes. Moreover, this season, Oakland's bullpen is dead last in ERA (6.84). So, the Angels should eat against a rookie who's probably not big-league ready and a laughably bad bullpen tonight.
- Road (Citizens Bank Park)
- Value: Low (DK)/High (FD)
- Risk: Medium
- Game Type: GPP
- Game Total/Moneyline: 8.0 Runs/SEA -120
Taijuan Walker's a ham and egger. The righty's 3.80 ERA this year is notably better than his 4.03 xERA, 4.54 xFIP and 5.00 SIERA. Walker also has a pitiful 1.42 K/BB in 2023. The Mariners don't have a star-studded lineup. However, all nine of their projected starters have had at least a 100 wRC+ against righties since 2021 (or since debuting for applicable players). So, Walker doesn't have any soft spots in Seattle's lineup. Gamers shouldn't sleep on the Mariners in tournaments at homer-friendly Citizens Bank Park.
- Shohei Ohtani should rudely greet Oakland's debuting righty tonight. He's had a .375 OBP, .283 ISO and 148 wRC+ against righties since 2021.
- Mike Trout can also punish Oakland's righty in his first start in the majors. Trout has had a .383 OBP, .356 ISO and 182 wRC+ against righties since 2021. Furthermore, he has a .426 OBP, .279 ISO and 186 wRC+ this season.
- James Outman is clowning big-league pitching. In 90 plate appearances this year, he has seven homers, two stolen bases, a .400 OBP, .392 ISO and 195 wRC+.
- It took a bit, but, as the kids say, Jarred Kelenic is him. The breakout is happening. In 81 plate appearances this year, Kelenic has swatted seven homers and has had a .395 OBP, .384 ISO, 210 wRC+ and three stolen bases.
- Shortstop is a fantastic spot to skimp on salary tonight. So, J.P. Crawford's 109 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers since 2021 will do the trick at his bargain salary.
- Michael Busch had a hit, one run, one RBI and one walk in four plate appearances in his major-league debut last night. Before getting his first cup of coffee in the majors, he had a .461 OBP and 147 wRC+ in 102 plate appearances in Triple-A this year. He's a bat-first prospect who raked in the upper minors.
Wednesday's Hitter Strategy
The Angels can light the scoreboard up tonight. So, Ohtani and Trout are elite selections. Still, their entire lineup is stackable. The Mariners have a compelling case for tournament use, too. And gamers should enjoy Busch's salary relief at the keystone position if he starts again 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.
