MLB Top Pitchers 6/19/24

Today’s MLB DFS slate is stacked with high-upside pitchers, making it crucial to choose wisely to maximize your lineup’s potential. We have several top-tier options, along with a few under-the-radar plays that could provide great value.

Here’s a detailed look at the top pitchers for today, complete with key insights and statistics to back up each pick.

Top Tier Pitchers

1. Cole Ragans vs. Athletics

• Key Stats: 29.1% K, 7.4% BB, 3.14 ERA, 3.21 SIERA
• Insights: Ragans faces an Athletics team with a high strikeout rate and weak offensive production. His consistent pitch count and ability to miss bats make him a top choice. The matchup is excellent, providing both safety and upside, making Ragans the likely chalk play and a solid SP1.

2. Freddy Peralta at Angels

• Key Stats: 30.7% K, 8.5% BB, 4.38 ERA, 3.19 SIERA
• Insights: Peralta offers tremendous strikeout potential against an Angels lineup that can be prone to whiffs. Despite some control issues, his ability to generate Ks gives him a high ceiling. The Angels have struggled against right-handed pitchers, which should bode well for Peralta’s DFS prospects.

3. Joe Ryan vs. Rays

• Key Stats: 26.9% K, 4.2% BB, 3.24 ERA, 3.21 SIERA
• Insights: Ryan faces a Rays team that has shown vulnerability to right-handed pitching, especially in the back half of their lineup. With his excellent control and decent strikeout rate, Ryan is a strong option who can limit damage while piling up strikeouts.

4. Garrett Crochet vs. Astros

• Key Stats: 35.7% K, 5.8% BB, 3.16 ERA, 2.39 SIERA
• Insights: Crochet’s elite strikeout rate makes him an intriguing option, though the matchup against the Astros is less than ideal due to their low strikeout rate. However, if his projected ownership is low, he becomes a great GPP play given his ability to dominate hitters.

Mid-Tier Options

5. Hunter Brown at White Sox

• Key Stats: 25.6% K, 9.8% BB, 5.00 ERA, 3.70 SIERA
• Insights: Brown has been impressive recently, with five straight quality starts and at least seven strikeouts in each of his last four outings. The White Sox present a favorable matchup, making Brown a value play with upside. His recent form suggests he is back to his best, providing both safety and potential at a discount.

6. Taj Bradley at Twins

• Key Stats: 31.6% K, 7.6% BB, 4.23 ERA, 3.01 SIERA
• Insights: Bradley’s high strikeout rate makes him a compelling option, especially now that his pitch count is no longer an issue. The Twins have struggled with strikeouts, making Bradley a high-ceiling play at a reasonable price. His ability to miss bats can lead to a big DFS day.

7. Kevin Gausman vs. Red Sox

• Key Stats: 23.8% K, 5.1% BB, 4.08 ERA, 3.52 SIERA
• Insights: Gausman appears to be back on track after early-season struggles. While his strikeout rate isn’t as high as others, his control and ability to limit damage make him a solid SP2 option. The Red Sox lineup has shown some weaknesses against right-handers, which could play into Gausman’s favor.

Under the Radar Plays

8. Andrew Heaney vs. Mets

• Key Stats: 21.4% K, 6.2% BB, 4.19 ERA, 4.02 SIERA
• Insights: Heaney offers a moderate strikeout rate and decent control, making him a viable low-cost option. The Mets lineup is not overly intimidating, providing Heaney with a good chance to deliver a quality start. Use him sparingly in GPP formats where his low ownership could be beneficial.

9. Sean Manaea at Rangers

• Key Stats: 23.9% K, 9.3% BB, 4.11 ERA, 4.07 SIERA
• Insights: Manaea faces a Rangers lineup that has struggled against left-handed pitching. While not the most consistent option, his ability to generate strikeouts gives him upside. He’s a solid dart throw in large-field tournaments, especially if you need salary relief.

10. Bobby Miller at Rockies

• Key Stats: First start off IL
• Insights: Miller’s return from the IL at Coors Field is risky due to the potential for limited pitch count and the hitter-friendly environment. However, his talent is undeniable, making him an intriguing GPP play. Use him cautiously, understanding the high risk and reward.

Conclusion

Choosing the right pitchers is crucial for DFS success, and today’s slate offers a variety of high-upside options. Focus on Cole Ragans and Hunter Brown as your primary picks, with Freddy Peralta and Joe Ryan also providing strong upside. For value and lower ownership, consider Taj Bradley and Kevin Gausman.

Don’t forget about under-the-radar plays like Andrew Heaney and Sean Manaea, who can provide the salary relief needed to stack your lineup with top hitters. Happy roster building!