MLB Preview Sunday 6/23/24

Welcome to today’s MLB DFS preview! We’ve got a full slate of games, and we’ll be diving into the pitching matchups and overall game insights. This preview will give you a comprehensive look at the day’s games, setting the stage for the top hitters and stacks we’ll discuss later. Let’s get into it!

Rays @ Pirates – 1:35 PM ET – PNC Park

Pitching Matchup: Aaron Civale (R) vs. Paul Skenes (R)

• Aaron Civale: Civale has been solid against lefties, boasting a 26.4% K rate and .162 ISO. Against righties, he’s more hittable with a 20.4% K rate and .140 ISO. The Pirates’ lineup has several left-handed hitters who could challenge Civale.
• Paul Skenes: Skenes is a strikeout machine with a 33.3% K rate against lefties and 35.6% against righties. The Rays’ lineup will need to focus on making contact and taking advantage of any control issues Skenes might have.

Overall Matchup: The Pirates’ lineup features Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz, who could pose problems for Civale. On the other hand, Skenes will face a Rays lineup with power threats like Yandy Diaz and Josh Lowe. The key for both teams will be which pitcher can better manage these dangerous hitters.

Braves @ Yankees – 1:35 PM ET – Yankee Stadium

Pitching Matchup: Max Fried (L) vs. Nestor Cortes (L)

• Max Fried: Fried has been effective against right-handed hitters, holding them to a .077 ISO. His control (6.3% BB rate) and strikeout ability (24.2% K rate) make him a formidable opponent.
• Nestor Cortes: Cortes also handles righties well with a 23.2% K rate but can be susceptible to power (.183 ISO against righties). The Braves’ right-handed power bats could exploit this weakness.

Overall Matchup: The Braves have a potent lineup with Ozzie Albies and Marcell Ozuna providing power from the right side. The Yankees will rely on Aaron Judge and Gleyber Torres to counter Fried’s effectiveness. This game could hinge on which lefty can navigate through these dangerous right-handed hitters.

Red Sox @ Reds – 1:40 PM ET – Great American Ball Park

Pitching Matchup: Zack Kelly (R) vs. Nick Lodolo (L)

• Zack Kelly: Kelly’s high walk rate (20%) and low strikeout rate (20%) make him a target for the Reds’ offense. His struggles with control could lead to big innings for Cincinnati.
• Nick Lodolo: Lodolo has an impressive 27% K rate against righties, but his .187 ISO indicates he can give up power. The Red Sox have several right-handed hitters who could take advantage.

Overall Matchup: The Reds’ lineup, featuring Elly De La Cruz and Spencer Steer, is in a favorable position against Kelly. The Red Sox will look to their right-handed bats, like Rafael Devers and Rob Refsnyder, to challenge Lodolo. This game could see a lot of runs if both pitchers struggle with control.

Blue Jays @ Guardians – 1:40 PM ET – Progressive Field

Pitching Matchup: Yusei Kikuchi (L) vs. Triston McKenzie (R)

• Yusei Kikuchi: Kikuchi’s 28.6% K rate against lefties is impressive, but he has a .172 ISO against righties. The Guardians have right-handed power that could be problematic for him.
• Triston McKenzie: McKenzie has a high walk rate (15.2%) and gives up power (.205 ISO against righties). The Blue Jays’ lineup, with power from both sides, can capitalize on these weaknesses.

Overall Matchup: The Guardians will rely on Jose Ramirez and David Fry to exploit Kikuchi’s vulnerability against righties. The Blue Jays have power threats like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Daulton Varsho, who could take advantage of McKenzie’s control issues.

White Sox @ Tigers – 1:40 PM ET – Comerica Park

Pitching Matchup: Jonathan Cannon (R) vs. Reese Olson (R)

• Jonathan Cannon: Cannon has struggled with a 21% K rate and a high ISO allowed (.271 against lefties). The Tigers’ left-handed hitters could have a field day.
• Reese Olson: Olson’s 24.6% K rate against lefties is strong, but he has a .144 ISO against them. The White Sox’s left-handed bats will look to challenge him.

Overall Matchup: The Tigers’ lineup, featuring Riley Greene and Matt Vierling, is positioned well against Cannon. The White Sox will need big contributions from hitters like Andrew Benintendi and Gavin Sheets to counter Olson’s effectiveness.

Mariners @ Marlins – 1:40 PM ET – loanDepot Park

Pitching Matchup: Bryce Miller (R) vs. Kyle Tyler (R)

• Bryce Miller: Miller has a decent strikeout rate against righties (26.4%), but lefties have had success (.223 ISO). The Marlins have several left-handed bats that could exploit this.
• Kyle Tyler: Tyler, a fill-in starter, has minimal major league experience. The Mariners’ lineup will look to capitalize on this inexperienced pitcher.

Overall Matchup: The Marlins’ left-handed hitters like Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Jesus Sanchez will be key against Miller. The Mariners, with power hitters like Julio Rodriguez and Cal Raleigh, will aim to exploit Tyler’s inexperience.

Orioles @ Astros – 2:10 PM ET – Minute Maid Park

Pitching Matchup: Albert Suarez (R) vs. Framber Valdez (L)

• Albert Suarez: Suarez has struggled with control (13.6% BB rate) and gives up power (.159 ISO against lefties). The Astros’ left-handed hitters are in a favorable spot.
• Framber Valdez: Valdez has a solid strikeout rate (22% against righties) but gives up some power (.121 ISO). The Orioles’ right-handed bats will look to exploit this.

Overall Matchup: The Astros’ lineup, with Yordan Alvarez and Alex Bregman, should fare well against Suarez. The Orioles will rely on right-handed power from Adley Rutschman and Ryan Mountcastle to challenge Valdez.

Giants @ Cardinals – 2:15 PM ET – Busch Stadium

Pitching Matchup: Logan Webb (R) vs. Sonny Gray (R)

• Logan Webb: Webb has solid control (4.6% BB rate) and limits power (.110 ISO against lefties). The Cardinals’ lineup will have to work hard to score.
• Sonny Gray: Gray has a high strikeout rate against righties (27.8%) and limits power (.091 ISO). The Giants’ right-handed hitters will have a tough task.

Overall Matchup: The Cardinals, with Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Gorman, will need to find a way to get to Webb. The Giants will rely on left-handed bats like Michael Conforto and Matt Chapman to challenge Gray.

Royals @ Rangers – 2:35 PM ET – Globe Life Field

Pitching Matchup: Alec Marsh (R) vs. Max Scherzer (R)

• Alec Marsh: Marsh struggles with command (10.9% BB rate) and gives up power (.186 ISO against lefties). The Rangers’ lineup is well-suited to exploit these weaknesses.
• Max Scherzer: Scherzer is dominant with a 30.3% K rate against righties and limits power (.199 ISO). The Royals’ hitters will have a tough challenge.

Overall Matchup: The Rangers’ lineup, with Corey Seager and Adolis Garcia, is in a great spot against Marsh. The Royals will rely on hitters like Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez to challenge Scherzer.

Conclusion

Today’s MLB DFS slate offers a variety of intriguing pitching matchups and game dynamics. Whether it’s the strikeout potential of pitchers like Paul Skenes and Max Fried or the hittable tendencies of Zack Kelly and Alec Marsh, there’s plenty to consider as you build your lineups. Stay tuned for the top hitters and stacks later today. Good luck, and enjoy the games!