In today’s early MLB DFS slate, we spotlight several hitters who stand out due to favorable matchups, underlying stats, and current form. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the top hitting options and a few under-the-radar players who could provide exceptional value.
Top DFS Plays
1. Mookie Betts (R) – Los Angeles Dodgers
- Opponent: Patrick Corbin (LHP, Nationals)
- Why He’s a Top Play:
- Corbin has a high xERA of 6.68 and struggles notably against right-handers (.395 xWOBA allowed).
- Betts boasts a stellar .438 xWOBA and a .342 ISO against left-handed pitching, highlighting his potential for high fantasy output today.
2. Rafael Devers (L) – Boston Red Sox
- Opponent: Ben Lively (RHP, Guardians)
- Why He’s a Top Play:
- Lively, despite a solid 2.01 xERA, shows potential vulnerabilities with a xWOBA of .354 against lefties.
- Devers’ power (.401 xWOBA, .236 ISO vs. RHP) makes him a strong candidate to capitalize on any mistakes by Lively.
3. Alec Bohm (R) – Philadelphia Phillies
- Opponent: Andrew Abbott (LHP, Reds)
- Why He’s a Top Play:
- Abbott struggles with right-handed hitters, allowing a .323 xWOBA.
- Bohm has thrived against left-handers, posting a .354 xWOBA and a .290 ISO, making him a prime candidate for impactful hits.
Under the Radar Plays
1. Willy Adames (R) – Milwaukee Brewers
- Opponent: Bailey Falter (LHP, Pirates)
- Why Consider Him:
- Falter has shown susceptibility to right-handed hitters, which aligns well with Adames’ ability (.347 xWOBA vs. LHP).
- His power potential and position in the lineup could yield significant DFS points against a struggling pitcher.
2. Yandy Diaz (R) – Tampa Bay Rays
- Opponent: Kenta Maeda (RHP, Tigers)
- Why Consider Him:
- Despite Maeda’s decent strikeout abilities, his xWOBA of .341 against righties suggests he can be exploited.
- Diaz maintains a high on-base percentage and could serve as a pivotal part of any Rays stack, especially in cash games due to his consistent contact skills.
3. Andrew McCutchen (R) – Milwaukee Brewers
- Opponent: Bailey Falter (LHP, Pirates)
- Why Consider Him:
- Falter’s struggles are magnified against right-handers, making McCutchen an intriguing play given his experienced approach and ability to exploit left-handed pitching.
Key Insights:
- When selecting hitters, always consider the opposing pitcher’s weaknesses, especially their splits against either left-handed or right-handed batters.
- Look for hitters who not only have favorable matchups but are also in a good position in their team’s lineup, which increases their opportunities for at-bats and run production.
- Under-the-radar plays often provide the best value, as they come at a lower ownership and can differentiate your lineup in large tournaments.
This analysis should help you build a competitive DFS lineup focused on exploiting specific pitcher matchups while also considering some lesser-known players who could outperform their expectations based on the day’s conditions and matchups.
