MLB Preview Friday 7/12/24

Welcome to today’s MLB DFS Preview! We’ve got a full slate of games, so let’s dive into the pitching matchups and overall game insights to help you get a better understanding of what to expect. This preview will focus mainly on the pitchers and how they might impact the flow of the games. Let’s get started.

Oakland Athletics vs. Philadelphia Phillies – 6:40 PM EDT – Citizens Bank Park

Pitching Matchup:

• Hogan Harris (LHP) – OAK: 3.22 ERA, 18% K%, 9% BB%
• Ranger Suarez (LHP) – PHI: 2.58 ERA, 25% K%, 5% BB%

Game Insight: The Phillies come in as strong favorites with Suarez on the mound, boasting a solid ERA and impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio. Hogan Harris has been serviceable for the Athletics, but his higher expected ERA (xERA) suggests he might be due for some regression. Philadelphia’s offense, which has been effective against left-handed pitchers, could give Harris a tough time. Look for the Phillies to control this game with a potent mix of pitching and hitting.

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Detroit Tigers – 6:40 PM EDT – Comerica Park

Pitching Matchup:

• James Paxton (LHP) – LAD: 4.24 ERA, 16% K%, 12% BB%
• Tarik Skubal (LHP) – DET: 2.45 ERA, 29% K%, 5% BB%

Game Insight: Tarik Skubal has been lights out for the Tigers, with a stellar ERA and a high strikeout rate. Paxton, on the other hand, has struggled with command, leading to a higher walk rate. The Dodgers’ lineup, strong against lefties, could challenge Skubal, but his current form makes him a formidable opponent. This game could be a low-scoring affair, dominated by the pitchers.

Cleveland Guardians vs. Tampa Bay Rays – 6:50 PM EDT – Tropicana Field

Pitching Matchup:

• Carlos Carrasco (RHP) – CLE: 5.21 ERA, 19% K%, 7% BB%
• Taj Bradley (RHP) – TBR: 3.23 ERA, 31% K%, 9% BB%

Game Insight: Taj Bradley’s strikeout potential is immense, making him a key figure in this matchup. Carrasco has had a rough season, with a high ERA and below-average peripheral stats. The Rays’ offense, effective against right-handed pitching, should have the upper hand. Expect Bradley to dominate and Tampa Bay to take advantage of Carrasco’s struggles.

New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles – 7:05 PM EDT – Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Pitching Matchup:

• Gerrit Cole (RHP) – NYY: 6.75 ERA, 24% K%, 10% BB%
• Cade Povich (LHP) – BAL: 6.51 ERA, 14% K%, 10% BB%

Game Insight: Despite Gerrit Cole’s uncharacteristically high ERA, he remains a strikeout machine. Cade Povich has struggled mightily, giving the Yankees’ offense a prime opportunity to break out. Look for New York to lean on Cole to bounce back and control the game, while their hitters capitalize on Povich’s vulnerabilities.

Colorado Rockies vs. New York Mets – 7:10 PM EDT – Citi Field

Pitching Matchup:

• Tanner Gordon (RHP) – COL: New addition, statistics TBD
• Sean Manaea (LHP) – NYM: 3.67 ERA, 23% K%, 10% BB%

Game Insight: Sean Manaea has been steady for the Mets, combining a respectable ERA with solid strikeout numbers. The Rockies, typically weaker on the road, might struggle against Manaea’s left-handed offerings. With a new pitcher in Tanner Gordon, the Mets could exploit the lack of scouting and experience. This game favors New York heavily.

Miami Marlins vs. Cincinnati Reds – 7:10 PM EDT – Great American Ball Park

Pitching Matchup:

• Yonny Chirinos (RHP) – MIA: 4.19 ERA, 23% K%, 6% BB%
• Carson Spiers (RHP) – CIN: 3.64 ERA, 18% K%, 5% BB%

Game Insight: Chirinos and Spiers both present decent mid-rotation options. Chirinos has a slightly higher strikeout rate, but both have kept their walk rates in check. The Reds’ offense, which has shown pop against right-handers, could have the edge at home. This matchup could see some offensive fireworks, especially in a hitter-friendly park.

Kansas City Royals vs. Boston Red Sox – 7:10 PM EDT – Fenway Park

Pitching Matchup:

• Cole Ragans (LHP) – KCR: 3.28 ERA, 30% K%, 8% BB%
• Cooper Criswell (RHP) – BOS: 4.15 ERA, 23% K%, 6% BB%

Game Insight: Ragans has been a bright spot for the Royals, with a high strikeout rate and solid ERA. Criswell, while decent, has been more hittable. The Red Sox lineup’s ability to hit lefties well will be tested against Ragans. This game could hinge on whether Ragans can neutralize the Red Sox’s offensive strengths.

Washington Nationals vs. Milwaukee Brewers – 8:10 PM EDT – American Family Field

Pitching Matchup:

• Jackson Rutledge (RHP) – WAS: 9.00 ERA, 25% K%, 0% BB%
• Freddy Peralta (RHP) – MIL: 3.95 ERA, 30% K%, 9% BB%

Game Insight: Freddy Peralta’s high strikeout rate and relatively low ERA make him a strong option against the Nationals. Rutledge, with an unsustainable ERA, faces a tough Brewers lineup. Milwaukee should be able to take advantage of Rutledge’s struggles, making Peralta a key player in this matchup.

Texas Rangers vs. Houston Astros – 8:10 PM EDT – Minute Maid Park

Pitching Matchup:

• Andrew Heaney (LHP) – TEX: 3.80 ERA, 24% K%, 6% BB%
• Hunter Brown (RHP) – HOU: 4.48 ERA, 25% K%, 9% BB%

Game Insight: Both pitchers have shown strikeout ability but have been prone to giving up runs. The Astros’ potent lineup, especially against left-handers, might have the upper hand against Heaney. However, the Rangers’ offense could also capitalize on Brown’s inconsistencies. This game has the potential for a high-scoring affair.

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago White Sox – 8:10 PM EDT – Guaranteed Rate Field

Pitching Matchup:

• Marco Gonzales (LHP) – PIT: 2.65 ERA, 16% K%, 7% BB%
• Garrett Crochet (LHP) – CHW: 3.08 ERA, 35% K%, 6% BB%

Game Insight: Crochet’s impressive strikeout rate makes him a key player to watch. Gonzales, while effective, doesn’t have the same overpowering stuff. The White Sox lineup, which has struggled at times, will need to step up against Gonzales. Crochet’s ability to dominate could be the deciding factor in this game.

Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals – 8:15 PM EDT – Busch Stadium

Pitching Matchup:

• Kyle Hendricks (RHP) – CHC: 7.53 ERA, 17% K%, 7% BB%
• Sonny Gray (RHP) – STL: 3.30 ERA, 31% K%, 7% BB%

Game Insight: Sonny Gray has been excellent, with a high strikeout rate and low ERA. Hendricks, meanwhile, has struggled significantly. The Cardinals’ offense should have ample opportunities against Hendricks, while Gray’s dominance could stifle the Cubs’ hitters. This game heavily favors St. Louis.

Seattle Mariners vs. Los Angeles Angels – 9:38 PM EDT – Angel Stadium

Pitching Matchup:

• Bryan Woo (RHP) – SEA: 1.77 ERA, 19% K%, 2% BB%
• Tyler Anderson (LHP) – LAA: 2.81 ERA, 17% K%, 10% BB%

Game Insight: Woo’s impressive ERA and low walk rate make him a standout in this matchup. Anderson has been solid but not spectacular. The Mariners’ lineup could take advantage of Anderson’s higher walk rate. This game could be a low-scoring battle, with Woo giving Seattle the edge on the mound.

Atlanta Braves vs. San Diego Padres – 9:40 PM EDT – Petco Park

Pitching Matchup:

• Spencer Schwellenbach (RHP) – ATL: 5.02 ERA, 24% K%, 6% BB%
• Randy Vasquez (RHP) – SDP: 4.66 ERA, 15% K%, 6% BB%

Game Insight: Both pitchers have struggled with consistency. Schwellenbach’s higher strikeout rate could be a key factor, but Vasquez’s ability to limit walks could keep him in the game. The Braves’ powerful lineup might be the difference-maker, especially if Vasquez can’t find his groove early.

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Arizona Diamondbacks – 9:40 PM EDT – Chase Field

Pitching Matchup:

• Yariel Rodriguez (RHP) – TOR: 3.56 ERA, 23% K%, 13% BB%
• Ryne Nelson (RHP) – ARI: 5.42 ERA, 15% K%, 6% BB%

Game Insight: Rodriguez’s higher walk rate is concerning, but his strikeout potential is there. Nelson has struggled mightily, with a high ERA and low strikeout rate. The Blue Jays’ offense, potent against righties, should have the upper hand. This game leans in Toronto’s favor, especially if Nelson continues to falter.

Minnesota Twins vs. San Francisco Giants – 10:15 PM EDT – Oracle Park

Pitching Matchup:

• Joe Ryan (RHP) – MIN: 3.29 ERA, 27% K%, 4% BB%
• Kyle Harrison (LHP) – SFG: 4.24 ERA, 20% K%, 8% BB%

Game Insight: Joe Ryan’s combination of a low ERA, high strikeout rate, and minimal walks makes him a formidable opponent. Harrison has been decent but not nearly as effective as Ryan. The Twins’ lineup should be able to support Ryan, giving Minnesota a solid chance to close out the slate with a win.

That’s your comprehensive look at today’s MLB DFS slate. Stay tuned for our deeper dive into the top hitters and stacks later today. Good luck, and let’s make some winning lineups!