MLB Preview Tuesday 5/21/24 Early Slate

Welcome to today’s MLB DFS Preview. We have an exciting slate of games, and we’ll break down each pitching matchup to give you a comprehensive look at what to expect.

This article will focus on the pitchers, and we’ll dive into the top hitters and stacks later today. Let’s get started!

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San Diego Padres vs. Cincinnati Reds – 6:40 PM EDT – Great American Ball Park

Pitching Matchup: Joe Musgrove (RHP) vs. Andrew Abbott (LHP)

Game Breakdown:

• Joe Musgrove: Musgrove has had a rough start to the season with a 6.31 xERA, but his 3.87 SIERA over the last two seasons indicates better underlying performance. His 23% strikeout rate and 12% swinging strike rate highlight his potential to dominate.
• Andrew Abbott: Abbott has been impressive with a 2.77 xERA and a 25% strikeout rate. He faces a Padres lineup that has been strong against lefties with a 0.338 wOBA.

Key Points:

• Musgrove’s potential for a bounce-back against a Reds lineup struggling with a 0.31 wOBA vs. righties.
• Abbott’s strong metrics but a challenging matchup against the Padres’ right-handed bats.

San Francisco Giants vs. Pittsburgh Pirates – 6:40 PM EDT – PNC Park

Pitching Matchup: Logan Webb (RHP) vs. Martin Perez (LHP)

Game Breakdown:

• Logan Webb: Webb’s 62% groundball rate and 3.27 ERA over the last two seasons are impressive. Facing a Pirates team with a low 0.29 wOBA against righties, Webb should have the upper hand.
• Martin Perez: Perez has struggled with a 5.45 xERA and will face a Giants lineup that has shown decent production against lefties with a 0.301 wOBA.

Key Points:

• Webb’s groundball-inducing ability against a weak Pirates offense.
• Perez’s high contact rate and struggles, with the Giants likely to capitalize.

Texas Rangers vs. Philadelphia Phillies – 6:40 PM EDT – Citizens Bank Park

Pitching Matchup: Jon Gray (RHP) vs. Ranger Suarez (LHP)

Game Breakdown:

• Jon Gray: Gray has a solid 3.72 ERA and a 23% strikeout rate. However, he faces a strong Phillies lineup with a 0.327 wOBA against righties.
• Ranger Suarez: Suarez has been excellent with a 2.3 xERA and a 24% strikeout rate. The Rangers’ lineup has been less potent against lefties with a 0.297 wOBA.

Key Points:

• Gray’s decent strikeout ability vs. Phillies’ potent offense.
• Suarez’s strong performance metrics against a weaker Rangers lineup.

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Milwaukee Brewers vs. Miami Marlins – 6:40 PM EDT – loanDepot Park

Pitching Matchup: Robert Gasser (LHP) vs. Trevor Rogers (LHP)

Game Breakdown:

• Robert Gasser: Gasser’s small sample size shows promise with a 1.77 xERA and a perfect 0% walk rate. The Marlins have struggled against lefties with a 0.245 wOBA.
• Trevor Rogers: Rogers has had a tough season with a 5.08 xERA. The Brewers’ lineup has been effective against lefties with a 0.343 wOBA.

Key Points:

• Gasser’s impressive early metrics vs. Marlins’ weak lefty splits.
• Rogers’ struggles and the Brewers’ strong performance against left-handed pitching.

Minnesota Twins vs. Washington Nationals – 6:45 PM EDT – Nationals Park

Pitching Matchup: Joe Ryan (RHP) vs. Patrick Corbin (LHP)

Game Breakdown:

• Joe Ryan: Ryan’s 2.77 xERA and 29% strikeout rate highlight his dominance. The Nationals have been below average against righties with a 0.313 wOBA.
• Patrick Corbin: Corbin has struggled mightily with a 5.78 xERA and a 16% strikeout rate. The Twins have been excellent against lefties with a 0.336 wOBA.

Key Points:

• Ryan’s high strikeout rate against a weak Nationals offense.
• Corbin’s struggles and the Twins’ potent lineup against left-handed pitching.

Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays – 6:50 PM EDT – Tropicana Field

Pitching Matchup: Cooper Criswell (RHP) vs. Zack Littell (RHP)

Game Breakdown:

• Cooper Criswell: Criswell’s 3.41 xERA and 21% strikeout rate make him a decent option. The Rays’ lineup has been solid against righties with a 0.308 wOBA.
• Zack Littell: Littell’s 3.29 xERA and low 3% walk rate are promising. The Red Sox lineup has shown power against righties with a 0.331 wOBA.

Key Points:

• Criswell’s solid performance metrics vs. Rays’ consistent offense.
• Littell’s control and the Red Sox’s ability to hit righties well.

This slate features some intriguing pitching matchups, with several opportunities for both pitchers and hitters to shine. Keep an eye on the detailed statistics and trends as you build your DFS lineups, and stay tuned for our follow-up article on the top hitters and stacks for today.