Pitching Slate

Let’s start by taking a look at the pitching slate for tonight’s games. It’s an interesting mix of arms, and I’ll break down some of the top options.

Freddie Peralta ($10,800)

Freddie Peralta leads the way in terms of salary, priced at $10,800. His 31.2% strikeout rate is certainly appealing, but we have to consider the matchup. Peralta faces the Cardinals, who don’t strike out often and have been solid offensively. Their 19% strikeout rate is the third-lowest in the league, and they boast a 112 WRC+ (6th best) and a .176 ISO (11th best) against right-handed pitching. While Peralta has strikeout upside, this isn’t the ideal matchup.

Justin Verlander ($10,500)

Justin Verlander comes in at $10,500, and he hasn’t been striking out batters at the same rate as Peralta. Moreover, he faces the Orioles, which isn’t a favorable matchup. Baltimore can unleash some power and make life tough for pitchers, so Verlander’s not a lock tonight.

Zach Wheeler ($10,000)

Zach Wheeler is priced at $10,000 and boasts an impressive 27.3% strikeout rate, with a low 4.9% walk rate and just 0.98 home runs allowed per nine innings. However, he’s on the road against the Atlanta Braves, a team that can be explosive. After a tough stretch, the Braves are back at home, and taking pitchers against them isn’t ideal.

Eduardo Rodriguez ($9,800)

Eduardo Rodriguez faces the Dodgers, and that’s a matchup we’d rather avoid as well. The Dodgers are a powerhouse, and Rodriguez is likely to have a tough outing.

Brian Wu ($9,700), Michael Waka ($9,300), Lance Lynn ($9,200)

This is where things get interesting. Instead of paying up for the top three pitchers, consider some alternatives. Brian Wu is an intriguing option at $9,700, taking on the Oakland Athletics, who have their struggles. Michael Waka at $9,300 could be another choice, as he faces the Colorado Rockies, who have been one of the worst teams against right-handed pitching. Lastly, Lance Lynn, at $9,200, takes on the Detroit Tigers, a team with a weak lineup against righties.

While Freddie Peralta, Justin Verlander, and Zach Wheeler have their merits, their matchups aren’t ideal. You might find better value with Wu, Waka, or Lynn, especially considering their more favorable opponents.

Top Hitters for MLB DFS

Now, let’s move on to the top hitters you should be targeting in your DFS lineups.

Milwaukee Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers are in a great spot facing Adam Wainwright of the St. Louis Cardinals. Wainwright has struggled this season with a low strikeout rate and a tendency to give up home runs. Brewers hitters like Christian Yelich, Willy Adames, and Carlos Santana offer both power and value for your lineups.

San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres have a favorable matchup against Ty Blach of the Colorado Rockies. Blach has been prone to allowing extra-base hits, making Padres hitters like Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Juan Soto appealing options. Look for power and consistency in this lineup.

Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners are in a spot where they need to get back on track, and facing J.P. Sears of the Oakland Athletics might be their chance. Sears has struggled against both left and right-handed hitters, so consider players like Julio Rodriguez and Teoscar Hernandez for your lineups. They offer a mix of power and consistency.

Dinger Calls

For my Dinger Calls, I’m looking at two standout hitters for tonight:

1. Fernando Tatis Jr. (San Diego Padres): Tatis is in a prime spot to go deep against Ty Blach and the Rockies. His power and ability to produce runs make him a strong candidate for a home run.
2. Julio Rodriguez (Seattle Mariners): Rodriguez is facing J.P. Sears, who has had issues with giving up home runs. Rodriguez’s power and the urgency of the Mariners to get back in the win column make him a top pick for a home run tonight.

Conclusion

As you prepare your MLB DFS lineups for Monday, September 18, 2023, keep in mind the matchups and value options available. While the top-priced pitchers have their strengths, there are alternatives with better matchups. Target teams like the Brewers, Padres, and Mariners for your hitters, and consider Fernando Tatis Jr. and Julio Rodriguez for potential home runs. Good luck, and may your DFS lineups bring you success!