MLB Preview Thursday 5/30/24 Main Slate

Today’s MLB DFS slate features several intriguing pitching matchups across various ballparks. This preview will focus on analyzing each game’s pitching duel, offering key insights and statistical breakdowns to help you navigate the slate. Let’s dive into each game:

Tigers vs. Red Sox – 7:10 PM ET – Fenway Park

Pitching Matchup:

• Tigers: Jack Flaherty (R)
• Red Sox: Nick Pivetta (R)

Game Matchup:

• Jack Flaherty (Tigers):
  • Flaherty has struggled against left-handed hitters this season, with a 9.4% walk rate and an xwOBA of .339.
  • His 22.7% strikeout rate against lefties and 28.8% against righties show he can generate swings and misses, but his control issues and susceptibility to hard contact are concerns.
• Nick Pivetta (Red Sox):
  • Pivetta excels at striking out both lefties (31.2%) and righties (30.1%), but his .264 ISO allowed to left-handers is a red flag.
  • Pivetta’s recent form shows a decline in effectiveness, especially against right-handed hitters, where his wOBA allowed has increased to .342.

Key Insights:

• Expect the Red Sox’s left-handed hitters to target Flaherty’s weaknesses.
• Pivetta’s high strikeout potential makes him an intriguing DFS play, but his vulnerability to left-handed power hitters could be exploited by the Tigers.

Diamondbacks vs. Mets – 7:10 PM ET – Citi Field

Pitching Matchup:

• Diamondbacks: Zac Gallen (R)
• Mets: Christian Scott (R)

Game Matchup:

• Zac Gallen (Diamondbacks):
  • Gallen has been solid, with a 25.1% strikeout rate against left-handers and 26.8% against right-handers, coupled with a low walk rate.
  • His ability to limit hard contact (ISO of .168 vs. LHB and .129 vs. RHB) makes him a reliable option on the mound.
• Christian Scott (Mets):
  • Scott has shown promise with a 22.2% strikeout rate against left-handers and 23.2% against right-handers.
  • However, his 8.9% walk rate against right-handed hitters and .220 ISO allowed indicate some control and power issues.

Key Insights:

• Gallen’s consistency and ability to manage contact make him a strong DFS candidate.
• Scott’s potential for strikeouts is offset by his control issues and susceptibility to power, particularly from right-handed hitters.

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Nationals vs. Braves – 7:20 PM ET – Truist Park

Pitching Matchup:

• Nationals: Trevor Williams (R)
• Braves: Ray Kerr (L)

Game Matchup:

• Trevor Williams (Nationals):
  • Williams has struggled to generate strikeouts, particularly against left-handers (14.9%) and right-handers (21.4%).
  • His high xwOBA (.337 vs. LHB, .350 vs. RHB) and ISO allowed (.173 vs. LHB, .219 vs. RHB) suggest he could be in for a rough outing.
• Ray Kerr (Braves):
  • Kerr boasts a strong strikeout rate against left-handers (37.7%) and right-handers (26.1%), making him a potential DFS sleeper.
  • His ability to limit hard contact against lefties (.106 ISO) contrasts with some struggles against right-handers (.288 ISO).

Key Insights:

• The Braves’ potent lineup should have opportunities to exploit Williams’ weaknesses, especially with their power hitters.
• Kerr’s strikeout potential makes him an intriguing option, but his performance against right-handed hitters will be crucial.

Yankees vs. Angels – 9:38 PM ET – Angel Stadium

Pitching Matchup:

• Yankees: Carlos Rodon (L)
• Angels: Patrick Sandoval (L)

Game Matchup:

• Carlos Rodon (Yankees):
  • Rodon has an impressive 28.7% strikeout rate against left-handers and a 20.9% rate against right-handers.
  • Despite his strikeout prowess, he has allowed a .216 ISO to right-handed hitters, indicating some susceptibility to power.
• Patrick Sandoval (Angels):
  • Sandoval has performed well against left-handers, with a 22.3% strikeout rate and a .085 ISO allowed.
  • His 11.6% walk rate against right-handed hitters and .337 xwOBA suggest control issues and potential for damage against power-hitting righties.

Key Insights:

• Rodon’s strikeout potential makes him a top option, but his struggles against right-handed power hitters could be exploited by the Angels.
• Sandoval’s control issues against right-handers could be a significant disadvantage against the Yankees’ right-handed power bats.

Conclusion

Today’s MLB DFS slate offers a variety of intriguing pitching matchups with potential for high strikeouts and notable vulnerabilities. Key matchups to watch include the Red Sox’s potent left-handed lineup against Jack Flaherty, Zac Gallen’s consistent dominance against the Mets, and the Braves’ power hitters taking on Trevor Williams. Understanding these pitching dynamics will be crucial as you build your DFS lineups for today’s games. Stay tuned for detailed insights into top hitters and stacks later today.