MLB Preview Friday 7/19/24

Welcome to today’s MLB Preview! We’re diving deep into the matchups across all games on today’s slate, breaking down the pitching duels and providing insights to help you navigate your DFS lineups. Let’s get into the games, starting with the early afternoon matchups and working our way through the evening slate.

DIAMONDBACKS @ CUBS – 2:20pm ET, Wrigley Field

Pitching Matchup:

• Justin Steele (L), Cubs
  • 2023-24 Stats: 17.07 DK points, 5.6 Ks/game
  • Splits:
    • vs. L: 29.2% K%, .162 ISO, .300 wOBA
    • vs. R: 23.1% K%, .113 ISO, .274 wOBA
• Ryne Nelson (R), Diamondbacks
  • 2023-24 Stats: 13.21 DK points, 5.0 Ks/game
  • Splits:
    • vs. L: 13.8% K%, .222 ISO, .352 wOBA
    • vs. R: 17.2% K%, .209 ISO, .355 wOBA

Game Insight: Steele has been solid for the Cubs, especially at home, where his ground ball rate is impressive. He’s been effective against both left and right-handed hitters, making it tough for the Diamondbacks’ lineup. On the other side, Nelson has struggled with lefties, and Wrigley Field’s conditions today might not help him much. Expect the Cubs to capitalize on his weaknesses, especially from the left side of the plate.

PHILLIES @ PIRATES – 6:40pm ET, PNC Park

Pitching Matchup:

• Aaron Nola (R), Phillies
  • 2023-24 Stats: 17.55 DK points, 6.4 Ks/game
  • Splits:
    • vs. L: 23.5% K%, .201 ISO, .301 wOBA
    • vs. R: 26.6% K%, .155 ISO, .289 wOBA
• Martin Perez (L), Pirates
  • 2023-24 Stats: 10.29 DK points, 4.9 Ks/game
  • Splits:
    • vs. L: 15.2% K%, .138 ISO, .321 wOBA
    • vs. R: 16.3% K%, .183 ISO, .358 wOBA

Game Insight: Nola has been a strikeout machine, especially against right-handers. His ability to limit hard contact will be crucial against a Pirates lineup that has struggled against quality right-handed pitching. Perez, on the other hand, has had a rough season, particularly against right-handed hitters. The Phillies’ right-handed power bats could have a field day here, making Nola a strong DFS option tonight.

REDS @ NATIONALS – 6:45pm ET, Nationals Park

Pitching Matchup:

• Frankie Montas (R), Reds
  • 2023-24 Stats: 12.88 DK points, 5.4 Ks/game
  • Splits:
    • vs. L: 16.8% K%, .235 ISO, .380 wOBA
    • vs. R: 21.7% K%, .108 ISO, .258 wOBA
• Patrick Corbin (L), Nationals
  • 2023-24 Stats: 9.94 DK points, 4.9 Ks/game
  • Splits:
    • vs. L: 17.7% K%, .142 ISO, .321 wOBA
    • vs. R: 15.3% K%, .207 ISO, .369 wOBA

Game Insight: Montas has been effective against righties but struggles significantly against left-handers, which could be problematic against the Nationals. Corbin has also struggled, particularly with right-handed hitters, making the Reds’ right-handed bats an attractive option. This game could see some offensive fireworks given the vulnerabilities of both starters.

RAYS @ YANKEES – 7:05pm ET, Yankee Stadium

Pitching Matchup:

• Gerrit Cole (R), Yankees
  • 2023-24 Stats: 17.25 DK points, 6.4 Ks/game
  • Splits:
    • vs. L: 27.6% K%, .137 ISO, .276 wOBA
    • vs. R: 26.1% K%, .120 ISO, .262 wOBA
• Zach Eflin (R), Rays
  • 2023-24 Stats: 14.78 DK points, 5.4 Ks/game
  • Splits:
    • vs. L: 23.0% K%, .137 ISO, .260 wOBA
    • vs. R: 24.2% K%, .163 ISO, .307 wOBA

Game Insight: Cole continues to dominate, with strong strikeout numbers and the ability to suppress power from both sides of the plate. Eflin has been quietly effective as well, particularly against right-handed hitters. However, the Yankees’ lineup at home can be daunting, and Eflin will need to be at his best to navigate through it.

TIGERS @ BLUE JAYS – 7:07pm ET, Rogers Centre

Pitching Matchup:

• Chris Bassitt (R), Blue Jays
  • 2023-24 Stats: 15.37 DK points, 5.4 Ks/game
  • Splits:
    • vs. L: 22.0% K%, .203 ISO, .354 wOBA
    • vs. R: 22.1% K%, .079 ISO, .261 wOBA
• Jack Flaherty (R), Tigers
  • 2023-24 Stats: 17.18 DK points, 6.5 Ks/game
  • Splits:
    • vs. L: 22.9% K%, .182 ISO, .340 wOBA
    • vs. R: 29.7% K%, .144 ISO, .313 wOBA

Game Insight: Bassitt has shown an ability to handle right-handed hitters, which could neutralize some of the Tigers’ offensive threats. Flaherty has been striking out batters at an impressive rate, particularly righties. Both pitchers are capable of controlling the game, but Bassitt’s slight vulnerability to left-handed power could be a factor.

PADRES @ GUARDIANS – 7:10pm ET, Progressive Field

Pitching Matchup:

• Tanner Bibee (R), Guardians
  • 2023-24 Stats: 18.44 DK points, 6.4 Ks/game
  • Splits:
    • vs. L: 25.1% K%, .142 ISO, .294 wOBA
    • vs. R: 26.8% K%, .152 ISO, .289 wOBA
• Matt Waldron (R), Padres
  • 2023-24 Stats: 14.2 DK points, 4.1 Ks/game
  • Splits:
    • vs. L: 19.6% K%, .180 ISO, .325 wOBA
    • vs. R: 21.0% K%, .171 ISO, .288 wOBA

Game Insight: Bibee has been a revelation for the Guardians, striking out batters at a high clip and keeping both sides of the plate in check. Waldron, while effective, has had issues with left-handed hitters, which could be exploited by the Guardians’ lineup. Bibee’s form makes him a strong option tonight.

METS @ MARLINS – 7:10pm ET, loanDepot Park

Pitching Matchup:

• Edward Cabrera (R), Marlins
  • 2023-24 Stats: 12.78 DK points, 5.7 Ks/game
  • Splits:
    • vs. L: 27.7% K%, .159 ISO, .292 wOBA
    • vs. R: 29.0% K%, .172 ISO, .365 wOBA
• Sean Manaea (L), Mets
  • 2023-24 Stats: 15.73 DK points, 5.8 Ks/game
  • Splits:
    • vs. L: 28.5% K%, .118 ISO, .281 wOBA
    • vs. R: 23.5% K%, .151 ISO, .304 wOBA

Game Insight: Cabrera has electric stuff but struggles with control, which has led to inconsistent results. His high strikeout rate against both sides is promising, but the walks are concerning. Manaea has been reliable, particularly against left-handed hitters, and his ground ball tendencies could play well in the Marlins’ park.

CARDINALS @ BRAVES – 7:20pm ET, Truist Park

Pitching Matchup:

• Spencer Schwellenbach (R), Braves
  • 2023-24 Stats: 16.47 DK points, 6.2 Ks/game
  • Splits:
    • vs. L: 24.8% K%, .172 ISO, .309 wOBA
    • vs. R: 27.6% K%, .138 ISO, .270 wOBA
• Dakota Hudson (R), Cardinals
  • 2023-24 Stats: 12.12 DK points, 4.2 Ks/game
  • Splits:
    • vs. L: 14.9% K%, .185 ISO, .338 wOBA
    • vs. R: 17.8% K%, .152 ISO, .315 wOBA

Game Insight: Schwellenbach has been outstanding, especially with his strikeout rate against right-handers. Hudson has struggled with consistency and doesn’t strike out many batters. This game could lean heavily in favor of the Braves, especially with their potent lineup against a struggling Hudson.

RED SOX @ ORIOLES – 7:35pm ET, Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Pitching Matchup:

• Kyle Bradish (R), Orioles
  • 2023-24 Stats: 14.62 DK points, 5.7 Ks/game
  • Splits:
    • vs. L: 22.6% K%, .196 ISO, .326 wOBA
    • vs. R: 23.9% K%, .137 ISO, .289 wOBA
• Garrett Whitlock (R), Red Sox
  • 2023-24 Stats: 13.67 DK points, 5.1 Ks/game
  • Splits:
    • vs. L: 21.4% K%, .183 ISO, .325 wOBA
    • vs. R: 23.6% K%, .144 ISO, .292 wOBA

Game Insight: Bradish has been solid, particularly at home, and his ability to strike out batters from both sides of the plate is encouraging. Whitlock has been effective but tends to give up more power to left-handers. The Orioles’ lineup, with its blend of power and speed, could pose a challenge for Whitlock tonight.

ASTROS @ RANGERS – 8:05pm ET, Globe Life Field

Pitching Matchup:

• Max Scherzer (R), Rangers
  • 2023-24 Stats: 18.11 DK points, 6.5 Ks/game
  • Splits:
    • vs. L: 28.3% K%, .141 ISO, .295 wOBA
    • vs. R: 31.1% K%, .121 ISO, .268 wOBA
• Cristian Javier (R), Astros
  • 2023-24 Stats: 16.57 DK points, 6.1 Ks/game
  • Splits:
    • vs. L: 24.2% K%, .164 ISO, .315 wOBA
    • vs. R: 26.5% K%, .134 ISO, .290 wOBA

Game Insight: Scherzer is still one of the premier strikeout pitchers in the game, and his splits are impressive. Javier has been effective but does give up some power, particularly to lefties. This matchup could be a pitchers’ duel, with both hurlers having the potential to dominate.

TWINS @ WHITE SOX – 8:10pm ET, Guaranteed Rate Field

Pitching Matchup:

• Dylan Cease (R), White Sox
  • 2023-24 Stats: 17.94 DK points, 6.6 Ks/game
  • Splits:
    • vs. L: 24.5% K%, .173 ISO, .318 wOBA
    • vs. R: 28.3% K%, .127 ISO, .268 wOBA
• Bailey Ober (R), Twins
  • 2023-24 Stats: 15.38 DK points, 5.6 Ks/game
  • Splits:
    • vs. L: 22.3% K%, .189 ISO, .325 wOBA
    • vs. R: 25.7% K%, .143 ISO, .287 wOBA

Game Insight: Cease continues to rack up strikeouts, particularly against right-handed hitters, and has been tough to beat at home. Ober has been steady, but his susceptibility to left-handed power could be a concern. The White Sox lineup, with its blend of power and speed, might have the upper hand here.

ROYALS @ TIGERS – 8:10pm ET, Comerica Park

Pitching Matchup:

• Michael Pineda (R), Tigers
  • 2023-24 Stats: 14.89 DK points, 5.4 Ks/game
  • Splits:
    • vs. L: 20.7% K%, .182 ISO, .321 wOBA
    • vs. R: 22.8% K%, .145 ISO, .298 wOBA
• Daniel Lynch (L), Royals
  • 2023-24 Stats: 13.56 DK points, 4.8 Ks/game
  • Splits:
    • vs. L: 19.9% K%, .138 ISO, .300 wOBA
    • vs. R: 21.4% K%, .176 ISO, .333 wOBA

Game Insight: Pineda has been effective, particularly against right-handed hitters, and his ability to limit hard contact is a plus. Lynch has struggled with right-handed power, which could be problematic against the Tigers. This game might tilt in favor of the Tigers given Lynch’s vulnerabilities.

DODGERS @ ANGELS – 9:38pm ET, Angel Stadium

Pitching Matchup:

• Shohei Ohtani (R), Angels
  • 2023-24 Stats: 19.23 DK points, 7.1 Ks/game
  • Splits:
    • vs. L: 29.2% K%, .141 ISO, .278 wOBA
    • vs. R: 32.6% K%, .125 ISO, .269 wOBA
• Julio Urias (L), Dodgers
  • 2023-24 Stats: 16.44 DK points, 6.3 Ks/game
  • Splits:
    • vs. L: 26.8% K%, .131 ISO, .272 wOBA
    • vs. R: 29.4% K%, .138 ISO, .285 wOBA

Game Insight: Ohtani is a DFS darling with his high strikeout rate and ability to dominate from both sides of the plate. Urias has also been stellar, particularly against left-handed hitters. This game promises to be a tightly contested pitchers’ duel, with both aces having the potential to shut down opposing lineups.

GIANTS @ MARINERS – 9:40pm ET, T-Mobile Park

Pitching Matchup:

• Logan Gilbert (R), Mariners
  • 2023-24 Stats: 16.89 DK points, 6.5 Ks/game
  • Splits:
    • vs. L: 24.4% K%, .158 ISO, .302 wOBA
    • vs. R: 27.3% K%, .121 ISO, .278 wOBA
• Alex Cobb (R), Giants
  • 2023-24 Stats: 15.44 DK points, 5.6 Ks/game
  • Splits:
    • vs. L: 22.0% K%, .167 ISO, .315 wOBA
    • vs. R: 25.1% K%, .138 ISO, .292 wOBA

Game Insight: Gilbert has been a strikeout artist, especially against right-handers, and his home park plays to his strengths. Cobb has been solid but has shown some vulnerability to left-handed power. The Mariners’ left-handed hitters could be in a good spot to produce tonight.

ROCKIES @ ATHLETICS – 9:40pm ET, Oakland Coliseum

Pitching Matchup:

• Ken Waldichuk (L), Athletics
  • 2023-24 Stats: 13.72 DK points, 4.9 Ks/game
  • Splits:
    • vs. L: 18.5% K%, .172 ISO, .321 wOBA
    • vs. R: 19.8% K%, .182 ISO, .348 wOBA
• Peter Lambert (R), Rockies
  • 2023-24 Stats: 14.11 DK points, 5.3 Ks/game
  • Splits:
    • vs. L: 21.3% K%, .149 ISO, .316 wOBA
    • vs. R: 24.6% K%, .132 ISO, .292 wOBA

Game Insight: Waldichuk has struggled with both left- and right-handed power, which could be problematic against a Rockies lineup that has pop throughout. Lambert has been better but is also prone to giving up power. This game could see some fireworks with both pitchers having their share of vulnerabilities.

Summary

Tonight’s MLB slate offers a variety of pitching matchups, with several games featuring potential high-scoring affairs. Key points to focus on include:

• Targeting struggling pitchers like Hudson and Lynch.
• Exploiting power splits against pitchers like Gilbert and Waldichuk.
• Watching out for potential pitchers’ duels with aces like Scherzer, Javier, and Ohtani on the mound.

Keep these insights in mind as you build your DFS lineups to maximize your chances of success.

Good luck!