MLB DFS Top Pitchers Early Slate 4/20/24

1. Zac Gallen (Diamondbacks vs. Giants – Oracle Park)

• Stats: 27.0% K%, 4.7% BB%, .123 ISO against RHB, .155 ISO against LHB
• Why Start Him?:
  • High Strikeout Rate: Gallen’s impressive 27.0% K% suggests he can rack up strikeouts, which are gold in DFS.
  • Low ISO Allowed: His ability to limit power (.123 ISO vs RHB) makes him a safe play, especially in the spacious Oracle Park, known for suppressing home runs.
  • Control: Low walk rate (4.7%) means fewer free passes and less chance for big innings against him.

2. Nestor Cortes (Yankees vs. Rays – Yankee Stadium)

• Stats: 27.0% K% vs LHB, 23.4% K% vs RHB, .207 xwOBA against LHB
• Why Start Him?:
  • Dominance Against Lefties: Cortes has been particularly tough on left-handed batters, a key advantage against a Rays lineup that can mix in dangerous left-handed hitters.
  • Home Field Advantage: Yankee Stadium’s dimensions favor left-handed pitchers against right-handed batters, potentially enhancing Cortes’ effectiveness.

3. Bailey Ober (Twins vs. Tigers – Target Field)

• Stats: 28.0% K% vs RHB, .232 ISO allowed vs RHB
• Why Start Him?:
  • Strikeout Ability: Ober’s high strikeout rate against right-handers is a significant edge, considering the Tigers’ lineup includes several righties who struggle with strikeouts.
  • Cool Conditions: The cooler weather at Target Field today might help diminish hitting power, favoring Ober’s pitching style.

Under the Radar Plays

1. Kutter Crawford (Red Sox vs. Pirates – PNC Park)

• Stats: 25.6% K% vs RHB, .139 ISO against RHB
• Why Consider Him?:
  • K Potential: Crawford’s solid strikeout capabilities, particularly against right-handers, could come into play against a Pirates lineup that has some swing-and-miss tendencies.
  • Park Factor: PNC Park is another venue that tends to reduce home run frequencies, which might help limit any damage against him.

2. Jesus Luzardo (Marlins vs. Cubs – Wrigley Field)

• Stats: 31.3% K% vs LHB, .193 ISO allowed vs RHB
• Why Consider Him?:
  • High K-Rate Lefties: Luzardo’s ability to strike out left-handers at an elite rate could be crucial, especially if the Cubs stack lefties.
  • Wind Conditions: With the wind potentially playing a factor at Wrigley, Luzardo’s high strikeout ability might help him navigate through the Cubs’ lineup.

Key Insights on Matchups

• Zac Gallen: Facing a Giants lineup that has struggled against high-quality right-handed pitching, Gallen’s mix of fastballs and breaking pitches could dominate.
• Nestor Cortes: Cortes’ success hinges on his ability to continue fooling batters with his deceptive delivery and pitch mixing, crucial against a Rays team that thrives on fastballs.
• Bailey Ober: His matchup against a Tigers lineup that is young and prone to strikeouts offers Ober a chance to post a high DFS score.

Final Thoughts

Today’s early slate features pitchers with the potential for high DFS scores due to their matchups, pitching styles, and current form. Whether you’re banking on the safety of proven aces or gambling on a less-heralded arm with favorable conditions, strategic pitcher selection will be key to climbing the leaderboards in today’s contests.