Per usual, the Friday night MLB DFS main slate is large. It has 12 games and starts at 7:05 pm ET on DraftKings and FanDuel. Today’s primer narrows the picks to three pitchers, three stacks, three studs and three values/punts.
Friday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
Usually, four pitchers would be featured on a slate this large. However, the bargain options weren't attractive, with Andrew Heaney moving back a day. So, the picks are tightened to only three hurlers. The first listed pitcher is the top option across game types. The second pitcher is DK's most desirable SP2 in all game types and a nifty GPP pivot at FD. And the third pitcher is risky but has an ideal ceiling for GPPs at both DFS providers.
Cash Game Recommendations:
Zac Gallen (ARI) vs. PIT
Gallen is outstanding at home and has a cushy matchup tonight. According to FanGraphs, in 212.1 innings at home since 2021, Gallen has had a 2.67 ERA, 3.26 xFIP, 0.99 WHIP, 6.4 BB% and 28.3 K%.
Pittsburgh's offense is unlikely to get the better of him tonight. The Pirates are tied for 22nd in wRC+ (90) against righties and have a 22.6 K% against them this year. Pittsburgh is also 19th in wRC+ (94) and has a 25.9 K% in the last 14 days. And they're tied for 18th in wRC+ (93) and have a 24.4 K% on the road this season.
Dylan Cease (CWS) vs. STL
The Cardinals aren't a cushy matchup for Cease. But he's in excellent form and dominates from the bump at home. In Cease's previous five starts spanning 28.2 innings, he's had a 2.83 ERA, 3.04 xFIP, 3.10 SIERA, 1.19 WHIP, 8.5 BB%, 34.7 K%, 32.2 CSW%, 115 Stuff+ and 102 Pitching+.
And, again, Cease is excellent at home. In 242.0 innings at home since 2021, he's had a 2.90 ERA, 3.82 xFIP, 1.14 WHIP, 10.1 BB% and 30.3 K%. Cease has a high ceiling and is underpriced at DK, making him an attractive option in all game types there. However, since his salary is only $200 less than Gallen's, Cease is a GPP-only option at FD.
GPP Recommendation:
Yu Darvish (SD) vs. NYM
The Mets erupted last night, and Darvish hasn't started since June 21 because of an illness. So, there's a significant risk when using Darvish. Nevertheless, a well-rested Darvish in his home digs is an exciting, high-upside GPP pick.
In 230.0 innings at home since 2021, he's had a 3.13 ERA, 3.39 xFIP, 0.95 WHIP, 5.4 BB% and 29.3 K%. Finally, the betting info is encouraging. Per Betting Pros, the Padres are -125, and the game's total is 8.0 runs.
Top Lineup Stacks
The Rangers are a juggernaut by any measure. First, they're third in wRC+ (117) against righties this year. Second, Texas is fifth in wRC+ (127) in the previous 14 days. Third, the Rangers are tied for sixth in wRC+ (106) on the road this year. They should smash in an outstanding matchup. Trevor Williams's 4.34 ERA in 17 starts this year is nothing to write home about and lucky relative to his 5.23 xERA and 4.99 xFIP. Additionally, Washington's relievers have the third-highest ERA (5.03) this season.
- Home (Guaranteed Rate Field)
- Value: Medium
- Risk: Medium
- Game Type: GPP
- Game Total/Moneyline: 8.5 Runs/CWS -110
The White Sox have a challenging matchup against Jordan Montgomery. So, they're best reserved for GPPs. Thankfully, the White Sox are in good form and have many hitters with track records of excellence against southpaws. The White Sox are 10th in wRC+ (117) in the previous 14 days. And six of their projected starters have had at least a 128 wRC+ against lefties since 2021 (or since debuting in the majors). Thus, they have the upside worth taking a flyer on in tournaments.
- Home (Target Field)
- Value: High
- Risk: High
- Game Type: GPP
- Game Total/Moneyline: 8.5 Runs/MIN -150
The Twins platoon throughout their lineup, which creates the risk of players getting removed early for a pinch-hitter. Nevertheless, their matchup is excellent. In 31.1 innings this season, Cole Irvin has a 6.32 ERA, 8.56 xERA and 5.23 xFIP.
Meanwhile, the Twins are hitting well lately and have done their best work at home. In the previous 14 days, Minnesota is 13th in wRC+ (107). And the Twins are tied for sixth in wRC+ (114) at home. So, they can further Irvin's struggles this season in their matchup tonight.
- In 173 plate appearances against righties this year, Corey Seager has a .439 OBP, .277 ISO and 194 wRC+.
- Luis Robert has torched lefties for a .424 OBP, .292 ISO and 198 wRC+ in 232 plate appearances since 2021.
- J.D. Davis has had a 113 wRC+ against lefties since 2021, and Austin Gomber has coughed up a .491 SLG and .352 wOBA to righties in 2023.
- Jason Heyward has a .365 OBP, .228 ISO and 136 wRC+ against righties this year.
- In 341 plate appearances against lefties since 2021, Kyle Farmer has had a .343 OBP, .218 ISO and 126 wRC+. He'll probably be removed early for a pinch-hitter. Still, Farmer has a DFS-friendly lineup spot and has a reasonable shot for at least three plate appearances.
- The same risk for Farmer applies to Donovan Solano. In addition, Solano isn't an appealing punt at FD, where he's only eligible at first base. Thankfully, Nathaniel Lowe is an attractive underpriced option at first base on FD. Solano is a sweet punt at the keystone position on DK, though. In 299 plate appearances against lefties since 2021, Solano has had a 115 wRC+.
Friday's Hitter Strategy
The Rangers are the top stack in all game types tonight. Yet, the White Sox and Twins are fun GPP stacks. Finally, mixing the core studs and values/punts is advised in cash games.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
