Spencer Strider Headlines 12-Game MLB DFS Friday Slate

It’s that time again in the world of daily fantasy baseball, and tonight’s slate features some exciting matchups that could potentially rival the performance of one Spencer Strider. Now, usually, Strider’s upside stands tall and unmatched, but hold your horses – there’s a contender in town tonight. I’m not saying this contender outshines Strider, but for once, there’s a real discussion about it. Let’s dive into the players, their strengths, and what makes tonight’s slate an intriguing one.

Pitching Showdown

Spencer Strider Leads the Pack

Kicking off the pitching preview is none other than the highest-priced player on FanDuel, Spencer Strider, with a salary of $11,500. He’s set to face the San Francisco Giants, who, despite playing in an offensive black hole, sport a decent 107 WRC+ against righties. However, the Giants are no strangers to strikeouts, with a 24% strikeout rate. Strider’s ERA of 4.37 over 16 starts might seem concerning, but his 36% strikeout rate combined with his relatively low 32% hard-hit rate means he’s likely to deliver strong results. His expected ERA of 3.08 against an actual ERA of 3.75 suggests Strider has faced some bad luck this season. He’s projected to rack up around 9.1 strikeouts tonight, which is head and shoulders above the competition. Strider’s the top dog, and it’s hard to argue otherwise.

Pablo Lopez: The Contender

But wait, there’s a challenger! Pablo Lopez, priced at $10,800, takes the mound against the Pirates. The Pirates hold a respectable 103 WRC+ against righties but strike out at a 25% clip. Lopez has been impressive, boasting a 3.18 skill interactive ERA and a 30% strikeout rate across his last 13 starts. He’s managed to keep his hard-hit rate to a mere 33%, while the Twins, known to let pitchers go deep, have allowed him over 100 pitches in five outings. With a projected 7.7 strikeouts, Lopez is a contender for sure, although not quite Strider level.

Value Plays and Stacks

Seth Lugo: A Value Play

If you’re hunting for a value play, Seth Lugo at $8,800 could be your guy. Facing the Diamondbacks, Lugo’s 4.16 ERA might not be amazing, but his 3.94 FIP and solid plate discipline stats suggest he’s flying under the radar. Lugo’s changeup usage has been on the rise, and he’s posted a 24% strikeout rate with just a 4% walk rate over his last nine starts. While it’s a repeat matchup against the same team, Lugo is an attractive value option for your lineup.

Stacking Strategies

Looking for stacking opportunities? The Twins and Phillies come into play. The Twins will be taking on Andre Jackson, who’s transitioning to a starter role and could be in for a tough night. With a WRC+ of 112 against righties, the Twins offer some promising bats at reasonable prices. The Phillies, on the other hand, will face Joanna Don, who, while showing potential, hasn’t yet proven himself against big-league hitters. With a focus on good-value plays, both the Twins and Phillies make for intriguing stacking options.

DONG Calls

Bryce Harper and Matt Walner

For your dinger calls, keep an eye on Bryce Harper and Matt Walner. Harper has been on a tear recently and is hitting for more power, while Walner’s batted ball numbers are looking impressive. These two players could add some excitement to your lineup with the potential to go deep.

Final Thoughts

With the contenders like Strider and Lopez, a range of value plays, and enticing stacking options, this Friday slate offers plenty of possibilities for building a winning lineup. As always, keep an eye on weather updates and last-minute changes, and make sure to explore different combinations to maximize your DFS potential. It’s time to dive into the action and build your winning lineup for tonight’s games!