MLB DFS Top Hitters Early Slate 4/23/24

Boston Red Sox vs. Cleveland Guardians – 6:10 PM EDT at Progressive Field

Weather Concerns: Cool and humid with a high chance of precipitation could mean delays or a game that favors pitchers due to heavier air.

Top DFS Plays:

• Rafael Devers (L) – Boston Red Sox
  • Matchup: Faces Ben Lively (RHP) who shows a .316 xwOBA vs. RHP.
  • Why He’s a Top Play: Devers has a .401 xwOBA and a .236 ISO against RHP, indicating strong power and contact quality. Lively’s susceptibility to lefties (.263 ISO allowed) could play right into Devers’ hands.
• Jose Ramirez (S) – Cleveland Guardians
  • Matchup: Up against Tanner Houck (RHP), who allows a .277 xwOBA vs. RHP.
  • Why He’s a Top Play: Ramirez boasts a .353 xwOBA and a solid .177 ISO, combined with a balanced approach at the plate, making him a threat in this pitching-friendly environment.

Under the Radar Play:

• Josh Naylor (L) – Cleveland Guardians
  • Why Consider Him: Naylor’s .360 xwOBA and .194 ISO against righties position him well against Houck, who has been generally solid but can give up hits to power-hitting lefties.

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Cincinnati Reds – 6:40 PM EDT at Great American Ball Park

Weather Concerns: Slightly cool but drier than in Cleveland, less likely to affect play significantly.

Top DFS Plays:

• Alec Bohm (R) – Philadelphia Phillies
  • Matchup: Facing Andrew Abbott (LHP) who struggles with a .323 xwOBA against right-handers.
  • Why He’s a Top Play: Bohm’s impressive .354 xwOBA and .290 ISO vs. left-handers indicate his potential for extra-base hits and RBI opportunities today.
• Spencer Steer (R) – Cincinnati Reds
  • Matchup: Cristopher Sanchez (LHP) on the mound with a .316 xwOBA vs. RHP.
  • Why He’s a Top Play: Steer’s robust .351 xwOBA and high .233 ISO against lefties make him a prime candidate for DFS lineups, especially in a hitter-friendly ballpark.

Under the Radar Play:

• Christian Encarnacion-Strand (R) – Cincinnati Reds
  • Why Consider Him: Despite a lower .296 xwOBA, his matchup against Sanchez, who can be prone to giving up hits, provides a decent chance for value at a likely lower ownership.

Additional Key Hitters in Other Games:

• Willy Adames (R) – Milwaukee Brewers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
  • Why He’s a Top Play: Facing Bailey Falter (LHP), who has a high .381 xwOBA allowed to lefties; Adames excels with a .347 xwOBA against left-handed pitching.
• Mookie Betts (R) – Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Washington Nationals
  • Why He’s a Top Play: Betts is facing Patrick Corbin, whose .379 xwOBA allowed to right-handers is one of the highest on today’s slate. Betts’ elite .438 xwOBA and .342 ISO against lefties could make him one of the highest-scoring players today.

Under the Radar Play:

• Gary Sanchez (R) – Milwaukee Brewers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
  • Why Consider Him: With a towering .410 xwOBA and .388 ISO against left-handed pitchers, Sanchez offers immense power potential at what could be lower ownership due to his overall less consistent performance.

Overall Strategy: Today’s slate offers a mix of favorable matchups and potential high-scoring conditions, especially in hitter-friendly environments. Focusing on players with strong splits against opposing pitchers’ weaknesses can maximize your DFS outcomes. Keep an eye on the weather, particularly in Cleveland, as it might shift the dynamics of hitter vs. pitcher matchups significantly.