Pitching Dominance

Gerrit Cole is undoubtedly the star pitcher of the slate. Despite his high salary, his favorable matchup against the Detroit Tigers makes him a must-have. Cole is tied for the league lead in quality starts (20) and has showcased impressive performance metrics since the All-Star break. With a 3.15 xFIP, 30.0% strikeout rate, and a mere 5.1% walk rate, Cole is in peak form. Facing the Tigers, whose active roster boasts a lackluster 86 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers, Cole’s potential is further boosted by their low 3.21 implied team total. The decision to roster Cole is a no-brainer.

Finding Value

If budget constraints necessitate exploring alternatives, consider Chris Bassitt. While not quite the star that Cole is, Bassitt’s matchup against the Oakland Athletics is enticing. With a solid 21.9% strikeout rate and a reasonable salary, Bassitt is primed to provide value. While he doesn’t carry the same strikeout potential as some other options, his 6.5-strikeout prop indicates a healthy dose of Ks could be in store.

For those seeking deeper value plays, both Dylan Cease and Brandon Pfaadt present intriguing opportunities. Cease, despite his inconsistent form, faces a favorable matchup against the Kansas City Royals. His 26.5% strikeout rate and the Royals’ league-worst 5.8% walk rate create potential for a successful outing. Pfaadt, while relatively unknown, has shown promise and faces a weak Colorado Rockies lineup. With a 22.8% strikeout rate and a reasonable salary, Pfaadt is a high-upside gamble.

Battling the Elements

It’s worth noting that weather conditions can significantly impact player performance and scoring. While both Cease and Dylan Cease have appealing matchups, Kansas City’s high winds and temperatures might lead to a boom-or-bust scenario. Cease’s 4.91 ERA this season does raise some concerns, but his 4.27 SIERA and 26.5% strikeout rate suggest he’s still a viable option.

Pfaadt, facing the Colorado Rockies, enjoys a matchup against a team with a league-low 84 wRC+ versus right-handed pitchers. The hitter-friendly Coors Field can be a double-edged sword, but Pfaadt’s potential for strikeouts makes him an intriguing value play.

Final thoughts

Navigating the MLB DFS landscape requires careful consideration of matchups, player form, and external factors like weather. While Gerrit Cole remains a standout choice, valuable alternatives like Chris Bassitt, Dylan Cease, and Brandon Pfaadt provide flexibility for constructing lineups. With these insights in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to craft winning lineups on DraftKings and FanDuel for Tuesday’s games.