MLB DFS Preview Main Slate Tuesday 4/23/24

Today’s MLB DFS slate features a mix of marquee matchups and intriguing pitching duels. Here’s an in-depth preview of each game, with a focus on the pitching matchups and how they could impact your DFS decisions.

Athletics @ Yankees

• Time/Ballpark: 7:05 PM ET at Yankee Stadium
• Pitching Matchup: Marcus Stroman (Yankees) vs. Paul Blackburn (Athletics)

Game Insights:

• Marcus Stroman brings a ground ball-heavy approach (63.8% GB rate against lefties) to Yankee Stadium, which is crucial in minimizing risk in a homer-friendly park. Despite a recent bump in his ERA and WHIP, his ability to induce weak contact remains a DFS asset.
• Paul Blackburn has shown better control and a higher strikeout rate in his recent outings, particularly impressive against left-handed batters with a 23.1% strikeout rate. His performance could be key in a stadium that favors pitchers slightly less than others.

Overall Game Matchup:

• The Yankees’ powerful lineup poses a risk to Blackburn, but his recent form suggests he could navigate through it effectively if he maintains control. Stroman’s groundball tendencies make him a safer play at home, where the dimensions can punish fly-ball pitchers.

Marlins @ Braves

• Time/Ballpark: 7:20 PM ET at Truist Park
• Pitching Matchup: Max Fried (Braves) vs. Trevor Rogers (Marlins)

Game Insights:

• Max Fried relies on his superb control (5.6% BB rate against righties) and solid groundball rates. His recent struggles, particularly with home runs, might be a red flag, yet his ability to bounce back against a less threatening Marlins lineup could make him a viable option.
• Trevor Rogers has shown flashes of brilliance, especially with his high strikeout potential (36.6% K rate against lefties). His inconsistency, however, makes him a risky play, especially at a hitter-friendly ballpark like Truist Park.

Overall Game Matchup:

• The Braves are known for their robust offense, potentially putting Rogers at a disadvantage. Fried’s ability to control the game and minimize walks can be crucial against the aggressive Marlins hitters.

Astros @ Cubs

• Time/Ballpark: 7:40 PM ET at Wrigley Field
• Pitching Matchup: Jordan Wicks (Cubs) vs. J.P. France (Astros)

Game Insights:

• Jordan Wicks faces a tough challenge against the potent Astros lineup. His elevated home run rates in recent games and struggles against right-handers could be exploited in Wrigley’s variable conditions.
• J.P. France presents a mixed bag with decent groundball numbers but a concerning increase in his home run allowance. His performance will heavily depend on his ability to manage contact and avoid the long ball.

Overall Game Matchup:

• Wrigley Field’s wind conditions could play a significant role in this game, potentially exacerbating Wicks’ vulnerabilities. France’s ability to adjust to the conditions will be key, making this game one of the more unpredictable in today’s slate.

Blue Jays @ Royals

• Time/Ballpark: 7:40 PM ET at Kauffman Stadium
• Pitching Matchup: Kevin Gausman (Blue Jays) vs. Michael Wacha (Royals)

Game Insights:

• Kevin Gausman boasts a high strikeout rate, particularly effective against right-handed hitters (32.2% K rate). His pitch mix, dominated by a strong splitter, can be highly effective against the Royals’ lineup, which struggles with off-speed pitches.
• Michael Wacha has been effective against left-handers but faces a challenging Blue Jays lineup that can capitalize on any mistakes, especially given his elevated fly ball rates.

Overall Game Matchup:

• Gausman’s dominance in strikeout potential makes him a top pick in today’s slate, while Wacha’s ability to induce ground balls could play well at Kauffman, known for its expansive outfield.

Twins @ White Sox

• Time/Ballpark: 7:40 PM ET at Target Field
• Pitching Matchup: Pablo Lopez (Twins) vs. Erick Fedde (White Sox)

Game Insights:

• Pablo Lopez is today’s standout with his consistent performances and high strikeout rates against right-handers (32.9% K rate). His ability to mix pitches effectively makes him a formidable opponent for the White Sox.
• Erick Fedde, on the other hand, has struggled with control and home run rates, making him a less attractive DFS option, especially against the power-hitting Twins lineup.

Overall Game Matchup:

• Lopez’s high ceiling makes him an excellent choice for DFS players, while the Twins could exploit Fedde’s weaknesses, making this matchup slightly tilted in favor of Minnesota.