Pitching Aces and Underdogs

Spencer Strider (ATL) at LAD: Chasing the Flame

Enter Spencer Strider, a name that’s currently resonating in the realm of MLB DFS. Over his last five starts, spanning an impressive 30.1 innings, Strider has showcased his prowess with a 2.37 ERA, a 3.69 xFIP, and a 0.92 WHIP, accompanied by a formidable 31.4% strikeout rate. His numbers demand respect, yet the Dodgers are not to be taken lightly. They wield a third-ranking wRC+ (117) against righties in the 2023 season, with a wRC+ of 133 over the last 30 days. Even on their home turf, they maintain a sturdy wRC+ of 123. While the match-up is an uphill battle, Strider’s undeniable talent and soaring potential still make him a prime consideration.

A recent slight stumble against the Pirates aside, Strider has rebounded fiercely, allowing only one run across 21 innings in three subsequent starts, accompanied by 25 strikeouts. The Dodgers pose a challenge, but his striking capacity and the scarcity of viable alternatives keep Strider firmly in the limelight.

Lance Lynn, LAD vs. ATL: Navigating the Highs and Lows

Lance Lynn enters the fray, bringing with him a mixed bag of statistics. Typically, Lynn might be overlooked, but on this three-game slate, the dynamics shift. His tenure with the Dodgers has been a tale of triumph, with a gleaming 4-0 record and a sharp 2.03 ERA over five starts.

The Braves, fresh from Coors Field, might be just the right opponents for him, having experienced the altitude-induced Coors effect. It’s a scenario that seems almost too good to be true, especially considering the peculiarities of this small slate.

Braxton Garrett (MIA) at WSH: Embracing the Road Warrior

Braxton Garrett is the embodiment of a road warrior. His 2.86 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and a 25.2% strikeout rate in 63.0 road innings this season make him a force to reckon with. The Nationals, while not without their own potential, rank 11th in wRC+ (108) against lefties this year.

However, their performance dips over the last 30 days to a wRC+ of 94, with a home wRC+ of 99 this season. Garrett’s history against them adds another layer of intrigue, having limited them to one run over six innings in a prior match-up. The odds, as per Betting Pros, also lean in his favor. The Marlins’ -160 and an 8.5 run game total make Garrett’s case all the more compelling.

Pedro Avila, SD vs. SF: A Strategic Gamble

Pedro Avila might not boast the flashy stats of his counterparts, but in the world of MLB DFS, strategic gambles can pay off. The Giants are floundering against right-handed pitchers, sporting a dismal wRC of 53 in August. Their .098 ISO and .269 wOBA against RHP this month sit at the bottom of the barrel. Avila’s key here is efficiency – if he can navigate five innings with precision, victory might well be in his grasp.

The Verdict: Navigating the Pitcher’s Battlefield

Choosing the right pitcher in MLB DFS is akin to walking a tightrope; every decision carries weight. Thursday’s slate showcases a mix of potential, strategy, and calculated risks. Whether it’s Spencer Strider’s undeniable brilliance, Lance Lynn’s timely advantage, Braxton Garrett’s road warrior persona, or Pedro Avila’s tactical gamble, the decision rests in understanding the stats and seizing the moment.