In today’s MLB DFS slate, several hitters stand out due to favorable matchups, underlying stats, and potential game environments. Here are the top hitters to consider, along with a few under-the-radar options to give your lineup a competitive edge.
Top DFS Plays
- Ronald Acuña Jr. – Atlanta Braves (vs. Miami Marlins)
- Matchup: Ryan Weathers (LHP, MIA)
- Key Stats: .450 xwOBA vs. LHP, .209 ISO, solid contact and speed.
- Why He’s a Top Play:
- Acuña thrives against left-handed pitching and Weathers has struggled this season with a high ERA and xwOBA.
- His combination of power and speed offers high DFS upside, especially leading the Braves’ potent lineup.
- Fernando Tatis Jr. – San Diego Padres (at Colorado Rockies)
- Matchup: Austin Gomber (LHP, COL)
- Key Stats: .414 xwOBA vs. LHP, .227 ISO, elite talent in a hitter-friendly park.
- Why He’s a Top Play:
- Tatis’ matchup at Coors Field presents a perfect storm for a big fantasy outing against Gomber who struggles with control and power hitters.
- His ability to contribute in multiple DFS categories (home runs, steals, runs) makes him a prime pick.
- Manny Machado – San Diego Padres (at Colorado Rockies)
- Matchup: Austin Gomber
- Key Stats: .368 xwOBA vs. LHP, consistently strong performance against lefties.
- Why He’s a Top Play:
- Machado offers solid power and batting average potential in a premier matchup, enhancing his likelihood for RBIs and scoring runs in a high-total game environment.
Under-the-Radar Plays
- Byron Buxton – Minnesota Twins (vs. Chicago White Sox)
- Matchup: Jonathan Cannon (RHP, CHW)
- Key Stats: .304 xwOBA vs. RHP, .218 ISO showing significant power potential.
- Why He’s an Under-the-Radar Play:
- Despite battling injuries and inconsistent play, Buxton’s power skills are ideal against a rookie pitcher like Cannon who may struggle with MLB-level hitters.
- His home run potential is especially valuable in DFS formats focusing on slugging.
- Jorge Soler – San Francisco Giants (vs. New York Mets)
- Matchup: Jose Quintana (LHP, NYM)
- Key Stats: .444 xwOBA vs. LHP, massive .387 ISO showcasing elite power.
- Why He’s an Under-the-Radar Play:
- Soler tends to fly under the radar but has destructive power against left-handed pitching, making him a perfect boom-or-bust option for GPPs (Guaranteed Prize Pools).
- Quintana’s high xERA this season suggests he could give up some long balls, playing right into Soler’s strengths.
- Carlos Santana – Minnesota Twins (vs. Chicago White Sox)
- Matchup: Jonathan Cannon
- Key Stats: .293 xwOBA vs. RHP, experienced switch-hitter with a knack for getting on base.
- Why He’s an Under-the-Radar Play:
- Santana’s veteran presence and ability to exploit inexperienced pitchers could result in multiple base hits and walks, providing a steady floor in DFS lineups.
Strategic Considerations
- Stadium Factors: Coors Field notably boosts hitter performance, making Padres hitters particularly attractive.
- Pitcher Matchups: Target hitters facing struggling pitchers, especially those with high ERAs and poor split stats against specific hitter handedness.
- Game Totals: High game totals often indicate a higher scoring environment, so focusing on hitters in those games can maximize DFS points.
This strategy guide for today’s MLB DFS slate aims to balance high-upside plays with strategic gambles to help you craft winning lineups. By focusing on specific matchups and leveraging under-the-radar players, you can differentiate your DFS entries effectively.
