Finding the right pitchers is crucial for building a winning DFS lineup. Today’s slate features several excellent pitching options, as well as some under-the-radar plays that could provide value.
Here are the top MLB DFS pitchers for today, along with detailed insights and statistical analysis to back up each pick.
1. Freddy Peralta (Milwaukee Brewers) vs. Houston Astros
Insights:
Freddy Peralta has been dominant against left-handed hitters, posting a 28.2% strikeout rate and a .281 xwOBA.
Houston’s lineup can be potent, but Peralta’s ability to neutralize left-handed power makes him a top play.
Key Points:
K%: 28.2% vs. LHP, 34.3% vs. RHP
BB%: 9.4% vs. LHP, 6.7% vs. RHP
ISO: .144 vs. LHP, .184 vs. RHP
xwOBA: .281 vs. LHP, .300 vs. RHP
Why He’s a Top Play:
Peralta’s elite strikeout potential and effectiveness against both lefties and righties make him a high-ceiling DFS option, especially against a lineup that can struggle with high-K pitchers.
Triston McKenzie has shown dominance against right-handed hitters, with a 25.8% strikeout rate and a .266 xwOBA.
The Twins have a high strikeout rate, which enhances McKenzie’s upside.
Key Points:
K%: 25.8% vs. RHP, 14.9% vs. LHP
BB%: 11.7% vs. RHP, 18.2% vs. LHP
ISO: .106 vs. RHP, .173 vs. LHP
xwOBA: .266 vs. RHP, .397 vs. LHP
Why He’s a Top Play:
McKenzie’s ability to rack up strikeouts, especially against a strikeout-prone lineup like the Twins, makes him a top-tier DFS pitcher with significant upside.
4. Bryce Miller (Seattle Mariners) vs. Baltimore Orioles
Insights:
Bryce Miller has been dominant against right-handed hitters, with a 26.0% strikeout rate and a .286 xwOBA.
The Orioles’ lineup has vulnerabilities against right-handed pitching, which Miller can exploit.
Key Points:
K%: 26.0% vs. RHP, 21.1% vs. LHP
BB%: 4.1% vs. RHP, 7.3% vs. LHP
ISO: .112 vs. RHP, .240 vs. LHP
xwOBA: .286 vs. RHP, .377 vs. LHP
Why He’s a Top Play:
Miller’s ability to dominate right-handed hitters and limit walks provides him with a solid floor and ceiling in DFS, especially against an Orioles lineup that can be inconsistent.
5. Max Fried (Atlanta Braves) vs. San Diego Padres
Insights:
Max Fried excels against right-handed hitters, with a 24.0% strikeout rate and a .259 xwOBA.
The Padres’ lineup can be neutralized by a strong left-handed pitcher like Fried.
Key Points:
K%: 24.0% vs. RHP, 22.8% vs. LHP
BB%: 6.3% vs. RHP, 10.9% vs. LHP
ISO: .089 vs. RHP, .127 vs. LHP
xwOBA: .259 vs. RHP, .333 vs. LHP
Why He’s a Top Play:
Fried’s ability to suppress right-handed power and generate strikeouts makes him a reliable DFS option with significant upside against the Padres.
John Means (Baltimore Orioles) vs. Seattle Mariners
Insights:
John Means has been effective against right-handed hitters, posting a 16.3% strikeout rate and a .318 xwOBA.
The Mariners’ lineup has a high strikeout rate, which Means can capitalize on.
Key Points:
K%: 16.3% vs. RHP, 14.3% vs. LHP
BB%: 2.9% vs. RHP, 3.6% vs. LHP
ISO: .173 vs. RHP, .269 vs. LHP
xwOBA: .318 vs. RHP, .353 vs. LHP
Why He’s a Sneaky Play:
Means’ control and ability to limit damage against right-handed hitters make him a solid under-the-radar DFS option, particularly against a strikeout-prone Mariners lineup.
Hunter Brown (Houston Astros) vs. Milwaukee Brewers
Insights:
Hunter Brown has a solid strikeout rate against right-handed hitters, with a 25.3% K rate and a .317 xwOBA.
The Brewers’ lineup has been inconsistent, offering Brown an opportunity to excel.
Key Points:
K%: 25.3% vs. RHP, 26.8% vs. LHP
BB%: 7.8% vs. RHP, 10.0% vs. LHP
ISO: .215 vs. RHP, .175 vs. LHP
xwOBA: .317 vs. RHP, .326 vs. LHP
Why He’s a Sneaky Play:
Brown’s strikeout potential and matchup against a volatile Brewers lineup provide him with a high ceiling as an under-the-radar DFS option.
Today’s DFS slate features several top-tier pitchers and a few under-the-radar plays that can help you build a winning lineup. Focus on pitchers with high strikeout rates and favorable matchups to maximize your DFS potential. Good luck!