San Francisco Giants: A Risk Worth Taking

The San Francisco Giants haven’t been performing at their peak recently. Their record against right-handed pitchers for the entire season hasn’t been impressive either. Furthermore, they’re up against a starting pitcher tonight who’s been on a hot streak lately. However, there’s an interesting twist with Pedro Avila. His recent stats, boasting a 3.22 ERA and 3.20 xFIP over his last six appearances, stand in stark contrast to his prior performance. This sudden shift makes stacking the Giants a tantalizing option, given the potential of Avila regressing to his previous form.

It’s noteworthy that Avila has had mixed results this season, with a high 8.57 ERA and 6.42 xFIP in Triple-A across 19 appearances. While he’s been utilized predominantly from the bullpen in the majors, he’s set to start for the Padres on Thursday. His last outing showed vulnerability, conceding five runs in 4.1 innings against the Brewers. This presents a golden opportunity for the Giants to capitalize on his inconsistency. A standout player to watch in the Giants’ lineup is Estrada, who’s been solid, hitting .318 with a home run and five doubles in his last 16 games.

Atlanta’s Southpaw Advantage

The Atlanta lineup presents an intriguing option, especially considering the matchup against Lynn. Despite his improved performance with the Dodgers, Lynn’s overall season ERA stands at 5.56. His susceptibility against left-handed hitters, who are batting .313 against him, opens the door for a strategic stack from Atlanta.

Olson’s prowess against righties, reflected in his 1.000 OPS, is impressive. Additionally, his .891 OPS against lefties indicates his ability to handle southpaw pitchers effectively. Harris, too, shines against left-handed matchups, boasting a .762 OPS in such scenarios. Although his home run count has decreased this year, he’s managed to steal 20 bases and maintain a commendable .289 batting average. Rosario enters the game on a high note, flaunting a 1.124 OPS over the last three weeks, making him another player to keep an eye on.

San Diego Padres vs. Sean Manaea

Sean Manaea takes the mound for the Padres, with a notable vulnerability on the road, sporting a 6.48 ERA in 15 away games. Furthermore, his past performance against the Padres wasn’t encouraging, as he surrendered five runs in just two innings in San Diego earlier in the season. However, despite Manaea’s struggles, some key Padres hitters have been facing recent slumps.

Players like Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Xander Bogaerts remain strong options due to their track record. To mitigate costs, Garrett Cooper and the newly-recalled Jose Azocar offer potential solutions. Azocar, particularly effective against lefties, is likely to start against Manaea but might be subbed out against right-handed relievers.

The Padres’ lineup, though experiencing cold streaks, possesses the seventh-highest OPS against left-handed pitchers in the league. Machado, a standout performer, holds a .393 wOBA against southpaws, making him a player with the potential to turn the tide.

In conclusion, the August 31st MLB DFS landscape presents exciting stacking possibilities. As you craft your DraftKings and FanDuel lineups, consider the strategic insights provided here. From the Giants’ risky bet against Avila to Atlanta’s lefty advantage and the Padres’ potential to exploit Manaea’s struggles, there’s ample room for strategic brilliance in your selections. Good luck and enjoy the games!