MLB Preview Thursday 5/16/24

Welcome to today’s MLB DFS Preview! We have an exciting slate of games lined up, featuring intriguing pitching matchups and opportunities for strategic plays. This article will focus primarily on the pitching matchups for each game, providing key insights and statistical analysis to help you build your DFS lineups.

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New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies – 6:40 PM ET – Citizens Bank Park

Pitching Matchup:

• Jose Quintana (LHP, Mets)
  • xERA: 6.2
  • xwOBA: .386
  • K%: 18%
• Taijuan Walker (RHP, Phillies)
  • xERA: 5.93
  • xwOBA: .379
  • K%: 19%

Game Insights:

• Quintana has struggled mightily this season, with a high xERA and poor xwOBA against both lefties and righties. The Phillies’ lineup, featuring strong hitters like Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper, poses a significant challenge for Quintana.
• Walker has been inconsistent, with a relatively high xERA and lower strikeout rate. The Mets’ offense, though inconsistent, has potential threats like Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso who could take advantage of Walker’s weaknesses.

Key Points:

• Phillies’ hitters: Favorable matchup against Quintana.
• Mets’ offense: Potential to exploit Walker’s inconsistencies.

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox – 7:10 PM ET – Fenway Park

Pitching Matchup:

• Zack Littell (RHP, Rays)
  • xERA: 2.97
  • xwOBA: .278
  • K%: 21%
• Cooper Criswell (RHP, Red Sox)
  • xERA: 3.47
  • xwOBA: .299
  • K%: 21%

Game Insights:

• Littell has been solid, especially with a low xERA and good control. However, Fenway Park can be challenging, and the Red Sox have hitters like Rafael Devers who can exploit even slight mistakes.
• Criswell offers decent strikeout potential and has performed well against right-handed hitters. The Rays’ lineup is balanced but will need to stay disciplined against Criswell’s mix of pitches.

Key Points:

• Red Sox’ hitters: Power potential at Fenway against Littell.
• Rays’ offense: Needs to leverage patient approaches against Criswell.

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Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs – 7:40 PM ET – Wrigley Field

Pitching Matchup:

• Jared Jones (RHP, Pirates)
  • xERA: 3.08
  • xwOBA: .283
  • K%: 31%
• Justin Steele (LHP, Cubs)
  • xERA: 4.24
  • xwOBA: .328
  • K%: 24%

Game Insights:

• Jones has been impressive with a high strikeout rate and low xERA, making him a formidable opponent for the Cubs’ lineup. His ability to generate swings and misses will be crucial.
• Steele has been reliable for the Cubs, with a good strikeout rate and solid ground ball tendencies. The Pirates’ lineup, which includes threats like Bryan Reynolds, will need to be aggressive yet disciplined.

Key Points:

• Pirates’ hitters: Face a tough matchup against Steele.
• Cubs’ offense: Will be tested by Jones’ strikeout ability.

Oakland Athletics vs. Houston Astros – 8:10 PM ET – Minute Maid Park

Pitching Matchup:

• Joey Estes (RHP, Athletics)
  • xERA: 4.13
  • xwOBA: .324
  • K%: 20%
• Cristian Javier (RHP, Astros)
  • xERA: 4.72
  • xwOBA: .344
  • K%: 22%

Game Insights:

• Estes faces a daunting task against the Astros’ potent lineup. His high xERA and struggles with power hitters make this a challenging matchup.
• Javier, while having shown inconsistency, can dominate at times with his strikeout ability. The Athletics’ lineup will need to find ways to get on base and capitalize on any mistakes Javier makes.

Key Points:

• Astros’ hitters: Strong matchup against Estes.
• Athletics’ offense: Needs to be opportunistic against Javier.

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Cincinnati Reds vs. Los Angeles Dodgers – 10:10 PM ET – Dodger Stadium

Pitching Matchup:

• Nick Martinez (RHP, Reds)
  • xERA: 3.67
  • xwOBA: .307
  • K%: 22%
• Tyler Glasnow (RHP, Dodgers)
  • xERA: 2.39
  • xwOBA: .250
  • K%: 34%

Game Insights:

• Martinez faces a powerful Dodgers lineup that includes Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani. His ground ball tendencies will be crucial in limiting damage.
• Glasnow has been dominant with a high strikeout rate and low xERA, making him a top play against a Reds lineup that struggles against right-handers.

Key Points:

• Dodgers’ hitters: Prime matchup against Martinez.
• Reds’ offense: Likely to struggle against Glasnow’s dominance.

Summary

Today’s MLB DFS slate features several intriguing pitching matchups. Key insights include:

• Phillies’ offense: Strong potential against Quintana.
• Dodgers’ hitters: Great matchup against Martinez.
• Jared Jones: High strikeout potential against the Cubs.
• Cristian Javier: Opportunity to dominate against the Athletics.

Use these insights to guide your DFS lineup building, focusing on exploiting favorable matchups and leveraging key player strengths.

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