The Tuesday night MLB DFS slate is massive, as it usually is. There are a dozen games in the main slate at DraftKings and FanDuel, and it begins at 7:07 pm ET. So, tonight’s suggested options are vast to match the large slate.
Tuesday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
The top pitcher has a fitting salary for an ace. However, in an excellent matchup, he has a desirable blend of a high floor and a high ceiling. The second-ranked pitcher is a high-upside pivot. And the final two hurlers are the best SP2 picks in cash games and tournaments at DK, with compelling cases to be used in GPPs on FD.
Cash Game Recommendations:
Clayton Kershaw (LAD) vs. MIN
Kershaw doesn't seem to care that he's on the back nine for his 30s. According to FanGraphs, the lefty ace has a 2.36 ERA, 3.28 xERA, 3.11 xFIP, 0.95 WHIP, 5.2 BB%, 29.0 K% and 32.7 CSW% in eight starts this season, totaling 49.2 innings.
Thankfully, Kershaw can build on his brilliant numbers in a mouthwatering matchup. The Twins are 28th in wRC+ (76) and have a 27.0 K% against southpaws this year. And, per Betting Pros, the Dodgers are -200, and the game's total is only 7.5 runs. Thus, Kershaw's blend of superb numbers, the matchup and the ideal betting info makes him the top pitcher tonight.
Alex Cobb (SF) vs. PHI
Cobb is facing the Phillies in his stomping ground tonight. Thankfully, Cobb has thrived at home since joining the Giants last year. In 114.0 innings at Oracle Park since 2022, Cobb has had a 2.37 ERA, 2.97 xFIP, 1.15 WHIP, 6.5 BB% and 23.8 K%.
The Phillies are a challenging matchup, creating a risk for using him. And toeing the slab opposite Zack Wheeler will make earning a win difficult. Yet, the Giants have EVEN odds, and the game's total is a pitcher-friendly 7.5 runs. So, Cobb is the best SP2 in cash games on DK and a useful option in tournaments on FD.
GPP Recommendations:
Cristian Javier (HOU) vs. CHC
Javier is a high-ceiling pivot from Kershaw tonight. He, like Cobb, has thrived at home since last year. In 97.1 innings at home since 2022, Javier has had a 2.50 ERA, 3.74 xFIP, 0.97 WHIP, 8.1 BB% and 30.8 K%.
Javier's sky-high strikeout rate meshes perfectly with Chicago's 25.0 K% in the last 14 days. Additionally, the Astros are -165, and the game's total is 7.5 runs. Therefore, Javier is tailor-made for GPPs tonight.
Lance Lynn (CWS) vs. CLE
Will the ERA estimators finally play out for Lynn? Maybe. In eight starts spanning 44.1 innings this year, Lynn has a 3.86 xFIP, 3.86 SIERA, 26.9 K% and 28.6 CSW%. Sadly, 2.23 HR/9, a 61.8 LOB% and a .364 BABIP have resulted in an unsightly 7.51 ERA.
Tonight is a perfect opportunity for his luck to turn around. The Guardians are 28th in wRC+ (79) against righties year. And they're 29th in wRC+ (64) over the last 14 days. So, if Lynn is going to right the ship, tonight is a golden opportunity. Gamers should consider taking the plunge on him in GPPs.
Top Lineup Stacks
The Cardinals hung 18 runs on the Brewers last night. Tonight, they can resume the offensive onslaught against Wade Miley. The Red Birds have a 106 wRC+ against lefties this year. Furthermore, five of their projected starters have had at least a 122 wRC+ against lefties since 2021.
- Road (Coors Field)
- Value: Medium
- Risk: Medium
- Game Type: Both
- Game Total/Moneyline: Unlisted
The Red scored eight runs in the first game of the series in Colorado last night. Coors Field is MLB's most hitter-friendly venue, and Cincinnati's matchup is Charmin-soft. In 110.2 innings since 2020, Chase Anderson has had a 6.51 ERA, 4.91 xFIP and yielded 1.95 HR/9. Colorado's bullpen is also a punching bag. They have the sixth-highest ERA (4.73) this year. So, even Cincinnati's unimposing lineup can shine tonight.
- Road (Fenway Park)
- Value: Medium (DK)/High (FD)
- Risk: High
- Game Type: GPP
- Game Total/Moneyline: 9.5 Runs/SEA -160
Like the other two suggested stacks, the Mariners lit up the scoreboard last night, hanging 10 on the Red Sox. Fenway Park has the third-highest park factor for runs (1.210), making it a nice alternative to Coors Field. And Boston's probable starter Nick Pivetta hasn't enjoyed pitching in his home park. In 183.1 innings at Fenway Park since 2021, Pivetta has had a 5.20 ERA. He's also allowed a .341 OBP, .493 SLG, .358 wOBA and 1.87 HR/9. As a result, the Mariners can contend for the highest-scoring offense tonight.
- In 322 plate appearances against righties since last year, Jake Fraley has had a .376 OBP, .219 ISO and 137 wRC+. Fraley also has the speed to swipe a base, stealing four this season.
- Jarred Kelenic is turning into a top-shelf hitter this year. In 153 plate appearances, he has eight homers, six stolen bases, a .340 OBP, .262 ISO and 148 wRC+.
- In 320 plate appearances against lefties since 2021, Paul Goldschmidt has had a .451 OBP, .323 ISO and 215 wRC+.
- Matt McLain made his big-league debut last night. He was the 17th pick in the 2021 MLB Amateur Draft, and his bat took off in Triple-A this year. McLain had 12 homers 10 stolen bases, a 16.8 BB%, 19.7 K%, .474 OBP, .362 ISO and 193 wRC+ in 173 plate appearances in Triple-A this year. So, he's a no-brainer punt at Coors Field at the minimum salary and as Cincinnati's projected No. 2 hitter.
- Taylor Trammell has 13 homers, a .254 ISO and 112 wRC+ in 234 plate appearances against righties in his big-league career. Conversely, Pivetta has coughed up a .475 SLG and .358 wOBA to lefties since last year.
- Nolan Arenado is a steal at FD. St. Louis's third baseman is unconscious at the dish. Arenado has homered in four consecutive games. He has had a .341 batting average, five homers, eight runs, 16 RBI and one stolen base in 42 plate appearances since May 5.
Tuesday's Hitter Strategy
The Cardinals are the most exciting stack. However, the Reds and Mariners are fun alternatives. Additionally, I love mixing the three offenses in partial stacks 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.
