MLB Preview Tuesday 5/28/24

Today’s MLB DFS slate is packed with intriguing matchups and key pitching battles that will shape the course of your fantasy lineup. Let’s dive into each game, focusing on the pitching matchups and overall game dynamics to help you prepare for the slate.

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Washington Nationals vs. Atlanta Braves – 7:20 PM EDT – Truist Park

Pitching Matchup:

• Jake Irvin (RHP, WAS): 4.35 ERA, 19% K%, 8% BB%
• Max Fried (LHP, ATL): 2.90 ERA, 23% K%, 7% BB%

Game Insights:

• Strengths: Max Fried’s consistent dominance makes the Braves a formidable opponent. His ability to induce ground balls (61% GB%) and limit hard contact (24% HC%) puts him in a strong position against a Nationals lineup struggling against lefties.
• Weaknesses: Jake Irvin’s higher xERA (4.74) and BB% (8%) could be problematic against the Braves’ potent offense, which boasts a .322 wOBA against right-handed pitchers.
• Opportunities: The Braves have a significant offensive edge, particularly with their power hitters in a hitter-friendly ballpark.
• Threats: Nationals’ bullpen struggles and the powerful Braves lineup pose a substantial threat to Irvin’s performance.

Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins – 7:40 PM EDT – Target Field

Pitching Matchup:

• Cole Ragans (LHP, KCR): 3.42 ERA, 29% K%, 10% BB%
• Simeon Woods Richardson (RHP, MIN): 3.40 ERA, 19% K%, 6% BB%

Game Insights:

• Strengths: Cole Ragans’ impressive strikeout rate (29%) could stifle a Twins lineup that has shown vulnerability to left-handed pitching.
• Weaknesses: Woods Richardson’s lower strikeout rate and higher xERA (3.73) might struggle against the Royals’ lineup, which can capitalize on his mistakes.
• Opportunities: Royals’ offense has an opportunity to exploit Woods Richardson’s weaknesses, particularly with their right-handed power bats.
• Threats: The Twins’ ability to get on base against lefties (.331 wOBA) could pose a challenge for Ragans.

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Chicago White Sox – 7:40 PM EDT – Guaranteed Rate Field

Pitching Matchup:

• Kevin Gausman (RHP, TOR): 3.48 ERA, 29% K%, 7% BB%
• Mike Clevinger (RHP, CHW): 3.91 ERA, 20% K%, 8% BB%

Game Insights:

• Strengths: Gausman’s high strikeout rate (29%) and ability to limit walks (7% BB%) make him a strong candidate to dominate a White Sox lineup with a .288 wOBA against right-handers.
• Weaknesses: Clevinger’s struggles against left-handed hitters (.408 xwOBA) could be exploited by the Blue Jays’ left-handed bats.
• Opportunities: Blue Jays’ offense has a significant advantage, particularly with their power hitters facing a vulnerable Clevinger.
• Threats: The White Sox’s inconsistent offense may struggle to provide run support against Gausman.

Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers – 7:40 PM EDT – American Family Field

Pitching Matchup:

• Ben Brown (RHP, CHC): 3.57 ERA, 27% K%, 9% BB%
• Freddy Peralta (RHP, MIL): 3.85 ERA, 31% K%, 8% BB%

Game Insights:

• Strengths: Freddy Peralta’s high strikeout rate (31%) and solid xERA (3.83) give him a strong edge against the Cubs.
• Weaknesses: Ben Brown’s higher xERA (5.06) and walk rate (9%) could be problematic against a disciplined Brewers lineup.
• Opportunities: Brewers’ offense can take advantage of Brown’s weaknesses, particularly in a hitter-friendly ballpark.
• Threats: Cubs’ offense, while inconsistent, has the potential to score runs in bursts, posing a threat to Peralta if he struggles with control.

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Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Texas Rangers – 8:05 PM EDT – Globe Life Field

Pitching Matchup:

• Brandon Pfaadt (RHP, ARI): 5.08 ERA, 23% K%, 6% BB%
• Dane Dunning (RHP, TEX): 3.84 ERA, 21% K%, 8% BB%

Game Insights:

• Strengths: Dane Dunning’s ability to generate ground balls (46% GB%) and limit walks (8% BB%) gives him an advantage.
• Weaknesses: Pfaadt’s high ERA (5.08) and susceptibility to hard contact (35% HC%) could be exploited by the Rangers’ offense.
• Opportunities: Rangers’ offense, with its balanced attack, can capitalize on Pfaadt’s weaknesses.
• Threats: Diamondbacks’ offense, though less potent, can still pose a threat if Dunning makes mistakes.

Cleveland Guardians vs. Colorado Rockies – 8:40 PM EDT – Coors Field

Pitching Matchup:

• Triston McKenzie (RHP, CLE): 3.82 ERA, 21% K%, 15% BB%
• Ryan Feltner (RHP, COL): 5.75 ERA, 19% K%, 10% BB%

Game Insights:

• Strengths: McKenzie’s ability to generate strikeouts and limit hard contact could play well, even in the hitter-friendly Coors Field.
• Weaknesses: Feltner’s high ERA (5.75) and struggles with control (10% BB%) are significant liabilities.
• Opportunities: Guardians’ offense can take full advantage of Feltner’s weaknesses, especially with the altitude aiding their power hitters.
• Threats: Rockies’ offense, despite their struggles, always has an inherent advantage at home due to the altitude.

New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Angels – 9:38 PM EDT – Angel Stadium

Pitching Matchup:

• Nestor Cortes (LHP, NYY): 4.12 ERA, 25% K%, 7% BB%
• Griffin Canning (RHP, LAA): 4.53 ERA, 23% K%, 8% BB%

Game Insights:

• Strengths: Cortes’ ability to limit hard contact (29% HC%) and generate strikeouts gives him an edge against the Angels.
• Weaknesses: Canning’s higher xERA (5.06) and susceptibility to hard contact (36% HC%) could be problematic against the Yankees’ power hitters.
• Opportunities: Yankees’ offense, particularly their right-handed power bats, can exploit Canning’s weaknesses.
• Threats: Angels’ offense, though inconsistent, has the potential to score runs in bursts, posing a threat to Cortes if he struggles with control.

Houston Astros vs. Seattle Mariners – 9:40 PM EDT – T-Mobile Park

Pitching Matchup:

• Hunter Brown (RHP, HOU): 5.52 ERA, 26% K%, 9% BB%
• Luis Castillo (RHP, SEA): 3.32 ERA, 27% K%, 7% BB%

Game Insights:

• Strengths: Castillo’s ability to limit walks (7% BB%) and generate strikeouts (27% K%) makes him a strong candidate to stifle the Astros’ offense.
• Weaknesses: Brown’s high ERA (5.52) and struggles with control (9% BB%) could be exploited by the Mariners’ offense.
• Opportunities: Mariners’ offense has the potential to capitalize on Brown’s weaknesses, particularly with their left-handed bats.
• Threats: Astros’ offense, with its deep lineup, always poses a threat, even against a dominant pitcher like Castillo.

Miami Marlins vs. San Diego Padres – 9:40 PM EDT – Petco Park

Pitching Matchup:

• Jesus Luzardo (LHP, MIA): 3.69 ERA, 28% K%, 8% BB%
• Matt Waldron (RHP, SDP): 4.69 ERA, 20% K%, 8% BB%

Game Insights:

• Strengths: Luzardo’s high strikeout rate (28%) and ability to limit hard contact make him a strong candidate against the Padres.
• Weaknesses: Waldron’s higher ERA (4.69) and struggles with consistency could be problematic against the Marlins’ offense.
• Opportunities: Marlins’ offense has the potential to exploit Waldron’s weaknesses, particularly with their left-handed bats.
• Threats: Padres’ offense, though inconsistent, has the potential to score runs in bursts, posing a threat to Luzardo if he struggles with control.

Philadelphia Phillies vs. San Francisco Giants – 9:45 PM EDT – Oracle Park

Pitching Matchup:

• Zack Wheeler (RHP, PHI): 3.35 ERA, 27% K%, 6% BB%
• Spencer Howard (RHP, SFG): 6.72 ERA, 11% K%, 17% BB%

Game Insights:

• Strengths: Wheeler’s ability to limit walks (6% BB%) and generate strikeouts (27% K%) makes him a strong candidate to dominate the Giants.
• Weaknesses: Howard’s extremely high ERA (6.72) and struggles with control (17% BB%) are significant liabilities.
• Opportunities: Phillies’ offense can take full advantage of Howard’s weaknesses, especially with their power hitters.
• Threats: Giants’ offense, despite their struggles, always poses a threat at home, particularly if Wheeler has an off night.

Conclusion

Today’s MLB DFS slate offers a variety of intriguing pitching matchups and game dynamics. By understanding the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with each game, you can make more informed decisions and build better lineups. Stay tuned for our deep dive into the top hitters and stacks later today.