In today’s MLB DFS slate, identifying top hitters is crucial for constructing winning lineups. Here’s a detailed breakdown of today’s top hitters and some under-the-radar plays to consider. We’ll look at matchup specifics, recent performances, and how they fit into today’s games.
Top DFS Plays
- Juan Soto (Padres) – OF
- Matchup: Padres at Rockies, Coors Field
- Why He’s a Top Play:
- Coors Field is a notorious hitter’s park, enhancing Soto’s already impressive power and on-base skills.
- Facing Ryan Feltner, who struggles with left-handed hitters, could allow Soto to exploit this with his high OBP and slugging percentages.
- Aaron Judge (Yankees) – OF
- Matchup: Athletics at Yankees, Yankee Stadium
- Why He’s a Top Play:
- Judge consistently shows power against right-handed pitching, and Marcus Stroman‘s recent struggles with home runs could play into Judge’s strengths.
- Stroman’s last few starts show increased susceptibility to extra-base hits, which Judge can capitalize on, especially at the hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium.
- Mookie Betts (Dodgers) – OF
- Matchup: Dodgers at Cubs, Wrigley Field
- Why He’s a Top Play:
- Betts excels against left-handed pitching, and Jordan Wicks at Wrigley offers a favorable matchup, considering Wicks’ high ERA and WHIP against righties.
- Wind conditions at Wrigley can often favor hitters, and Betts’ ability to hit for both power and average makes him a strong candidate for DFS lineups.
Under the Radar Plays
- Bryan Reynolds (Pirates) – OF
- Matchup: Pirates at Marlins, Marlins Park
- Why He’s Under the Radar:
- Reynolds has been performing well against fastballs this season, and Trevor Rogers‘ heavy fastball usage could play into Reynolds’ hands.
- Often overlooked due to playing on a less competitive team, his lower DFS ownership and consistent hitting make him a valuable sleeper pick.
- Kyle Tucker (Astros) – OF
- Matchup: Astros at Cubs, Wrigley Field
- Why He’s Under the Radar:
- Tucker’s balanced approach at the plate gives him the upper hand against Jordan Wicks, who has struggled significantly in recent outings.
- His ability to contribute in multiple DFS categories (home runs, RBIs, stolen bases) makes him an excellent pick, especially with lower anticipated ownership.
Key Insights for Today’s Matchups
- Check Wind Conditions: Wrigley Field and Coors Field are particularly susceptible to wind, which can significantly impact hitting outcomes. Adjust your picks based on the latest weather reports.
- Exploit Pitcher Weaknesses: Focus on hitters who excel against specific pitches that opposing starters struggle with. For example, targeting fastball hitters against pitchers who have high fastball hit rates can yield fruitful results.
- Venue Factors: Always consider the ballpark when selecting hitters. Parks like Coors Field and Yankee Stadium can enhance offensive output due to their dimensions and altitude.
Utilizing these insights and carefully selecting based on matchups and recent trends will help optimize your DFS lineups for today’s slate. Keep an eye on starting lineups and any last-minute changes to ensure the best possible team selection.
