MLB DFS Preview Wednesday 5/8/24 Early Slate

Los Angeles Angels vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

• Time & Venue: 12:35 PM ET at PNC Park
• Pitching Matchup: Jose Soriano (RHP, Angels) vs. Martin Perez (LHP, Pirates)

Game Insights:

• Perez’s Challenge: Despite his experience, Martin Perez struggles with control and limiting hard contact (xWOBA of .363, HR rate of 7%). His matchup against the Angels, who have a moderate offense against lefties, could expose him.
• Soriano’s Strikeout Potential: Soriano’s 27% K-rate indicates he can handle the Pirates, but his 12% walk rate is a concern. The game’s total set at 8.5 runs reflects moderate scoring expectations.

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Philadelphia Phillies

• Time & Venue: 1:05 PM ET at Citizens Bank Park
• Pitching Matchup: Chris Bassitt (RHP, Blue Jays) vs. Aaron Nola (RHP, Phillies)

Game Insights:

• Nola’s Home Advantage: With an xERA of 3.94 and solid strikeout (25%) and walk (6%) rates, Nola stands as a strong play at home, where he typically performs well.
• Bassitt’s Struggles: Sporting a higher xERA of 5.58 and struggling with consistency (high ISO allowed), Bassitt may find it tough against a Phillies lineup that excels against right-handers.

Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Guardians

• Time & Venue: 1:10 PM ET at Progressive Field
• Pitching Matchup: Reese Olson (RHP, Tigers) vs. Tanner Bibee (RHP, Guardians)

Game Insights:

• Bibee’s Rising Profile: Showcasing an ability to suppress quality hits (xWOBA of .345), Bibee’s matchup with the Tigers, who have lesser numbers against righties, could be less challenging.
• Olson’s Rookie Test: As a newcomer, Olson shows promise with a 24% K-rate but facing the Guardians’ contact-heavy lineup could be a stern test.

New York Mets vs. St. Louis Cardinals

• Time & Venue: 1:15 PM ET at Busch Stadium
• Pitching Matchup: Jose Quintana (LHP, Mets) vs. Sonny Gray (RHP, Cardinals)

Game Insights:

• Gray’s Dominance: A solid option in DFS, Gray has an impressive xERA of 2.34 and a strong K-rate of 26%. The Mets’ offense might struggle here.
• Quintana’s Challenge: With a higher ERA and susceptibility to giving up hits, Quintana may find the Cardinals’ lineup quite challenging.

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Kansas City Royals

• Time & Venue: 2:10 PM ET at Kauffman Stadium
• Pitching Matchup: Joe Ross (RHP, Brewers) vs. Brady Singer (RHP, Royals)

Game Insights:

• Singer’s Control: Singer’s ability to manage the game (lower walk rate) could be key against a Brewers team that thrives on capitalizing on pitching mistakes.
• Ross’s Rebound: Struggling with a higher ERA, Ross will need to find his form against a Royals team that has been hitting better this season.

San Diego Padres vs. Chicago Cubs

• Time & Venue: 2:20 PM ET at Wrigley Field
• Pitching Matchup: Dylan Cease (RHP, Padres) vs. Hayden Wesneski (RHP, Cubs)

Game Insights:

• Cease’s Strikeout Ability: With a high K% of 28%, Cease’s matchup against the Cubs could yield high DFS points if he maintains control.
• Wesneski’s Underdog Potential: A lower profile pitcher with a potential for growth, facing a tough Padres lineup could be his breakout moment or a tough day at the office.

Miami Marlins vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

• Time & Venue: 3:10 PM ET at Dodger Stadium
• Pitching Matchup: Ryan Weathers (LHP, Marlins) vs. Gavin Stone (RHP, Dodgers)

Game Insights:

• Stone’s Improvement Needed: Stone needs to cut down on the walks and home runs, especially against a Marlins lineup looking for opportunities to capitalize.
• Weathers’s Tough Day Ahead: Facing the Dodgers, a team with powerful left and right-handed hitters, could be challenging for Weathers.

Texas Rangers vs. Oakland Athletics

• Time & Venue: 3:37 PM ET at Oakland Coliseum
• Pitching Matchup: Michael Lorenzen (RHP, Rangers) vs. JP Sears (LHP, Athletics)

Game Insights:

• Lorenzen’s Consistency: With a solid ground ball rate and decent control, Lorenzen could navigate the Athletics’ lineup effectively.
• Sears’s Challenge: Facing a Rangers team that can hit well against lefties, Sears will need to leverage his home park advantage to keep the ball in play.

This slate offers a mix of experienced aces and rising stars, providing diverse options for DFS players. The key will be balancing the known quantities against the potential for surprise performances from less heralded pitchers.