MLB Top Pitchers 5/18/24 Early Slate

Today’s MLB DFS Early Slate features a variety of intriguing pitching matchups. This article will break down the top pitchers to target, providing key insights and statistics to back up each pick. Additionally, we’ll highlight a few under-the-radar plays that could give you an edge in your DFS contests.

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Top Pitchers

1. Luis Castillo (Seattle Mariners) vs. Baltimore Orioles

• Time: 4:05 PM ET
• Ballpark: Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Pitching Matchup:

• Luis Castillo:
  • 2023-24 Stats: 18.3 DK points, 6.9 Ks per game
  • K%: 26.2% vs LHB, 29.3% vs RHB
  • xwOBA: .327 vs LHB, .250 vs RHB

Game Insights:

• Castillo has been dominant against right-handed hitters with a .250 xwOBA.
• The Orioles struggle with strikeouts, which Castillo can exploit.
• Camden Yards is moderately favorable for pitchers, boosting Castillo’s value.

2. Shota Imanaga (Chicago Cubs) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

• Time: 2:20 PM ET
• Ballpark: Wrigley Field

Pitching Matchup:

• Shota Imanaga:
  • 2023-24 Stats: 22.4 DK points, 7.0 Ks per game
  • K%: 27.7% vs LHB, 27.9% vs RHB
  • xwOBA: .228 vs LHB, .231 vs RHB

Game Insights:

• Imanaga has shown elite strikeout potential against both lefties and righties.
• The Pirates have struggled offensively, especially against left-handed pitching.
• Wrigley Field can be a pitcher-friendly park, depending on wind conditions, which are favorable today.

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3. Kevin Gausman (Toronto Blue Jays) vs. Tampa Bay Rays

• Time: 3:07 PM ET
• Ballpark: Rogers Centre

Pitching Matchup:

• Kevin Gausman:
  • 2023-24 Stats: 15.53 DK points, 6.5 Ks per game
  • K%: 27.1% vs LHB, 31.7% vs RHB
  • xwOBA: .333 vs LHB, .298 vs RHB

Game Insights:

• Gausman excels in generating strikeouts, particularly against right-handed batters.
• The Rays have some swing-and-miss tendencies that Gausman can exploit.
• Rogers Centre is neutral for pitchers, providing Gausman a stable environment to rack up strikeouts.

4. Luis Gil (New York Yankees) vs. Chicago White Sox

• Time: 1:05 PM ET
• Ballpark: Yankee Stadium

Pitching Matchup:

• Luis Gil:
  • 2023-24 Stats: 17.01 DK points, 5.4 Ks per game
  • K%: 26.0% vs LHB, 28.4% vs RHB
  • xwOBA: .313 vs LHB, .267 vs RHB

Game Insights:

• Gil has been effective at limiting hard contact and generating strikeouts.
• The White Sox lineup has been inconsistent, providing a good matchup for Gil.
• Yankee Stadium, while hitter-friendly, hasn’t deterred Gil from strong performances.

5. Luis Severino (New York Mets) vs. Miami Marlins

• Time: 4:10 PM ET
• Ballpark: loanDepot park

Pitching Matchup:

• Luis Severino:
  • 2023-24 Stats: 12.81 DK points, 5.2 Ks per game
  • K%: 18.3% vs LHB, 21.1% vs RHB
  • xwOBA: .372 vs LHB, .338 vs RHB

Game Insights:

• Severino faces a Marlins team that struggles against right-handed pitching.
• loanDepot park is pitcher-friendly, helping Severino limit potential damage.
• With his ability to generate ground balls, Severino can control the pace of the game.

Under-the-Radar Plays

1. Braxton Garrett (Miami Marlins) vs. New York Mets

• Time: 4:10 PM ET
• Ballpark: loanDepot park

Pitching Matchup:

• Braxton Garrett:
  • 2023-24 Stats: 15.35 DK points, 5.3 Ks per game
  • K%: 25.9% vs LHB, 23.4% vs RHB
  • xwOBA: .299 vs LHB, .339 vs RHB

Game Insights:

• Garrett has solid strikeout potential and a favorable home park.
• The Mets have struggled at times against left-handed pitching.
• With his ability to limit walks, Garrett can pitch deep into the game.

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2. Zach Eflin (Tampa Bay Rays) vs. Toronto Blue Jays

• Time: 3:07 PM ET
• Ballpark: Rogers Centre

Pitching Matchup:

• Zach Eflin:
  • 2023-24 Stats: 13.09 DK points, 5.0 Ks per game
  • K%: 22.4% vs LHB, 26.6% vs RHB
  • xwOBA: .272 vs LHB, .282 vs RHB

Game Insights:

• Eflin has been effective at limiting hard contact and generating ground balls.
• The Blue Jays have some high-strikeout batters that Eflin can take advantage of.
• His low walk rate allows him to pitch efficiently and go deeper into games.

These pitchers offer a mix of elite strikeout potential, favorable matchups, and pitcher-friendly environments. Use these insights to build your DFS lineups and give yourself the best chance for success on today’s slate.