Welcome to our guide to the MLB DFS action for Wednesday, August 9th, 2023. We’re here to break down the top players to consider for your DFS lineups, focusing on the matchups and statistics that give you the best chance at success. Whether you’re a seasoned DFS player or just getting started, our insights will help you make informed decisions and optimize your lineups for the day’s games.

Top Hitters

Matt Olson

When it comes to MLB DFS top plays, it’s hard to ignore the prowess of the National League’s home run leader, Matt Olson. This season, Olson boasts an impressive 154 OPS+ coupled with a staggering 39 home runs. His stats tell the story of his excellence at the plate: a remarkable .580 xSLG, an average exit velocity of 95.1 MPH, a 19% barrel rate, a 58.2% hard-hit rate, and a .398 xwOBA. 

On the other side, Quinn Priester’s early MLB outings have been a struggle. With an 8.69 ERA and a 5.26 xFIP over four starts, Priester’s pitching is still finding its footing. Notably, he’s allowed a .443 xSLG, a 9.5% barrel rate, and a 42.9% hard-hit rate. While Priester might have shown promise in the minors, his Triple-A performance this season yielded a lackluster 4.31 ERA. As it stands, the rookie seems a bit overmatched by the challenges of MLB hitting. 

Olson’s $4,400 price tag becomes all the more appealing given his 39 home runs and a solid 1.035 OPS against right-handed pitchers. And with Priester’s struggles evident, this matchup could very well be a fruitful one for Olson.

Luis Robert Jr.

Luis Robert Jr. is having a career-defining season, largely thanks to improved health. His impressive .269/.323/.562 slash line is highlighted by an impressive 31 home runs and a 136 wRC+. This season, Robert’s power has been undeniable, with a .523 xSLG and a 15.2% barrel rate. While Robert is consistently a strong DFS choice, today’s matchup against Luis Severino makes him particularly enticing. 

Severino’s 2023 struggles are well-documented, as evidenced by his troubling .522 xSLG, .297 xBA, .385 xwOBA, 45.8% hard-hit rate, and 11.2% barrel rate. These numbers contribute to a sobering 6.53 xERA and a 5.13 xFIP. With Robert finally enjoying a healthy season, his $5,500 price tag seems justified, especially considering his .269 average, 31 homers, and 14 stolen bases. While Severino’s spot as the starter raises some eyebrows given his 7.74 ERA and 2.48 homers allowed per nine innings, Robert’s prospects in this matchup remain strong.

Infield Gems

Gunnar Henderson

Gunnar Henderson’s prowess against right-handed pitchers is undeniable, as his 17 homers, three stolen bases, .332 OBP, .281 ISO, and 136 wRC+ demonstrate. His solid .243/.330/.475 slash line is enhanced by impressive underlying metrics: a 53% hard-hit rate, an average exit velocity of 92.5 MPH, a .453 xSLG, an 11.3% barrel rate, and a .345 xwOBA. 

While Cristian Javier might have held promise in the past, his 2023 regression is clear with a 4.72 xERA and a 5.11 xFIP through 21 outings. Additionally, his .471 xSLG and a 10.7% barrel rate make him vulnerable. Left-handed batters, in particular, have exploited Javier, boasting a .496 slugging percentage and a .358 wOBA.

Jake Bauers

Jake Bauers has been a sleeper pick with surprising power this season, as evidenced by his 11 home runs and a respectable 114 wRC+. His advanced metrics tell an even more compelling story: a remarkable .541 xSLG, a hard-hit rate of 51.3%, a .367 xwOBA, and a 20.9% barrel rate. Often leading off against right-handed pitchers for the Yankees, Bauers provides excellent value at his price point.

Mike Clevinger’s decline is evident, sporting a 4.59 xERA and a 5.54 xFIP over 14 starts. Clevinger’s vulnerabilities include a .425 xSLG, a .251 xBA, and a .331 xwOBA. His struggles are particularly pronounced against left-handed hitters, who are slugging .451 against him this season.

Cody Bellinger

Cody Bellinger is in the midst of an impressive run, boasting a 1.163 OPS and 10 home runs since July 1st. For the season, his slash line stands at .331/.382/.557. Bellinger’s prowess against left-handed pitchers is particularly notable, with a .632 slugging percentage and a 183 wRC+. David Peterson’s challenge against Bellinger isn’t insurmountable, with a 4.75 xERA, a .267 xBA, a .418 xSLG, and a 44% hard-hit rate. Peterson’s susceptibility against left-handed hitters further enhances Bellinger’s prospects.