MLB Slate Preview Saturday 5/18/24 Main Slate

Today’s MLB slate features several intriguing matchups that promise to provide plenty of excitement and DFS potential. We’ll break down each game, focusing primarily on the pitching matchups and overall game context. This preview aims to set the stage for your DFS lineup construction, with a deep dive into each game’s dynamics.

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Athletics vs. Royals – 7:10 PM ET – Kauffman Stadium

Pitching Matchup:

• Athletics: Ross Stripling (RHP) – $6100 | 7.71 DK points per game
• Royals: Seth Lugo (RHP) – $9000 | 17.95 DK points per game

Game Insights:

• Ross Stripling: Stripling has struggled this season, especially against left-handed hitters, posting a .366 wOBA against them. The Royals lineup, which includes strong left-handed bats like Vinnie Pasquantino and MJ Melendez, could pose a significant challenge for him.
• Seth Lugo: Lugo has been more consistent, with a solid strikeout rate (6.3 Ks per game) and good control (5.9% BB rate against lefties). Facing an Athletics lineup that has been underwhelming, Lugo is positioned for a strong performance.

Key Points:

• Stripling’s vulnerability to left-handed hitters.
• Lugo’s reliability and favorable matchup against the Athletics’ struggling offense.

Brewers vs. Astros – 7:10 PM ET – Minute Maid Park

Pitching Matchup:

• Brewers: Bryse Wilson (RHP) – $7000 | 11.41 DK points per game
• Astros: Justin Verlander (RHP) – $8400 | 15.49 DK points per game

Game Insights:

• Bryse Wilson: Wilson has shown control issues, particularly against lefties, with a 12.4% walk rate. Facing a potent Astros lineup featuring left-handed power hitters like Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker, Wilson could be in for a tough outing.
• Justin Verlander: Verlander remains a strong option with a solid strikeout rate and the ability to limit damage. His experience and consistency make him a safe pick against a Brewers lineup that can be strikeout-prone.

Key Points:

• Wilson’s control issues and vulnerability to left-handed hitters.
• Verlander’s consistency and favorable matchup against the Brewers.

Red Sox vs. Cardinals – 7:15 PM ET – Busch Stadium

Pitching Matchup:

• Red Sox: Kutter Crawford (RHP) – $8500 | 13.11 DK points per game
• Cardinals: Miles Mikolas (RHP) – $5900 | 12.4 DK points per game

Game Insights:

• Kutter Crawford: Crawford has a high strikeout rate but is prone to giving up home runs. The Cardinals’ lineup, with power hitters like Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt, could exploit this weakness.
• Miles Mikolas: Mikolas has struggled with consistency, particularly against right-handed hitters. The Red Sox lineup, which features several powerful right-handed bats, could pose a significant threat.

Key Points:

• Crawford’s high strikeout potential balanced by his susceptibility to home runs.
• Mikolas’ inconsistency and challenges against right-handed hitters.

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Angels vs. Rangers – 7:15 PM ET – Globe Life Field

Pitching Matchup:

• Angels: Patrick Sandoval (LHP) – $7700 | 12.01 DK points per game
• Rangers: Jose Urena (RHP) – $6000 | 8.52 DK points per game

Game Insights:

• Patrick Sandoval: Sandoval has been effective against right-handed hitters, which bodes well against a Rangers lineup heavy with right-handed power. His ability to limit damage and generate ground balls will be key.
• Jose Urena: Urena has struggled significantly, particularly against left-handed hitters. The Angels’ lineup, with several potent left-handed bats, could capitalize on this weakness.

Key Points:

• Sandoval’s effectiveness against right-handed hitters.
• Urena’s struggles against left-handed hitters and overall inconsistency.

Padres vs. Braves – 7:15 PM ET – Truist Park

Pitching Matchup:

• Padres: Yu Darvish (RHP) – $8200 | 14.48 DK points per game
• Braves: Bryce Elder (RHP) – $7500 | 9.02 DK points per game

Game Insights:

• Yu Darvish: Darvish has high strikeout potential but can be inconsistent. Facing a powerful Braves lineup, his performance will be pivotal. His ability to limit walks and generate swings and misses will be crucial.
• Bryce Elder: Elder has been inconsistent, particularly with control issues. The Padres’ lineup, which includes disciplined hitters like Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr., could exploit these weaknesses.

Key Points:

• Darvish’s high strikeout potential balanced by his inconsistency.
• Elder’s control issues and the disciplined approach of the Padres’ hitters.

Tigers vs. Diamondbacks – 8:10 PM ET – Chase Field

Pitching Matchup:

• Tigers: Jack Flaherty (RHP) – $8900 | 15.91 DK points per game
• Diamondbacks: Zac Gallen (RHP) – $9400 | 18.04 DK points per game

Game Insights:

• Jack Flaherty: Flaherty has shown flashes of brilliance with a high strikeout rate, especially against right-handed hitters. However, his control issues can be a problem. Facing a Diamondbacks lineup with power hitters like Christian Walker, Flaherty will need to be at his best.
• Zac Gallen: Gallen has been one of the most consistent pitchers, with a high strikeout rate and excellent control. Facing a Tigers lineup that struggles against right-handed pitching, Gallen is in a prime position for a strong outing.

Key Points:

• Flaherty’s high strikeout potential and control issues.
• Gallen’s consistency and favorable matchup against the Tigers.

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Reds vs. Dodgers – 9:10 PM ET – Dodger Stadium

Pitching Matchup:

• Reds: Graham Ashcraft (RHP) – $6800 | 8.66 DK points per game
• Dodgers: Walker Buehler (RHP) – $8300 | 13.86 DK points per game

Game Insights:

• Graham Ashcraft: Ashcraft has struggled, particularly against left-handed hitters. Facing a powerful Dodgers lineup, including left-handed sluggers like Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani, Ashcraft could be in for a rough outing.
• Walker Buehler: Buehler has been solid but not spectacular since returning from injury. Facing a Reds lineup that is prone to strikeouts, Buehler has a good chance to deliver a strong performance.

Key Points:

• Ashcraft’s struggles against left-handed hitters.
• Buehler’s solid potential against a strikeout-prone Reds lineup.

This preview sets the stage for today’s MLB DFS slate, focusing on the key pitching matchups and overall game context. Stay tuned for more detailed analysis on top hitters and stacks to target later today. Good luck with your DFS lineup construction!