MLB Preview Tuesday 5/21/24 Main Slate

Today’s MLB slate features a full lineup of games, providing a plethora of options for DFS players. Below is an in-depth preview of each game, focusing on the pitching matchups and key insights for DFS considerations.

Start your 7-Day Free Trial Now

Mariners @ Yankees – 7:05 PM ET – Yankee Stadium

Pitching Matchup: Bryan Woo (R) vs. Clarke Schmidt (R)

• Bryan Woo (Mariners): Woo has shown solid strikeout potential, particularly against right-handed hitters (30.6% K rate, .083 ISO allowed). However, his struggles against lefties (19.0% K rate, .231 ISO allowed) could be a concern against a Yankees lineup with potent left-handed bats.
• Clarke Schmidt (Yankees): Schmidt has been consistent against right-handed hitters, holding them to a .164 ISO and a 23.8% K rate. However, lefties have had more success against him, making this a mixed matchup.

Game Insights:

• Weather: Mild temperatures with no precipitation, slightly humid.
• Umpire: D.J. Reyburn, known for favoring pitchers, which could suppress offensive output.
• Key Considerations: Both pitchers have specific vulnerabilities that could be exploited, particularly Woo against lefties and Schmidt against left-handed power.

White Sox @ Blue Jays – 7:07 PM ET – Rogers Centre

Pitching Matchup: Garrett Crochet (L) vs. Yusei Kikuchi (L)

• Garrett Crochet (White Sox): Crochet has impressive strikeout numbers against both sides of the plate but can be susceptible to right-handed power (30.3% K rate, .194 ISO allowed).
• Yusei Kikuchi (Blue Jays): Kikuchi has been effective overall but struggles more against right-handed hitters, with a .161 ISO allowed. His strikeout rate (27.2%) suggests potential for high DFS upside.

Game Insights:

• Weather: Controlled environment inside Rogers Centre.
• Umpire: Adam Beck, moderate hitters’ umpire.
• Key Considerations: Both pitchers can rack up strikeouts, but their respective vulnerabilities to opposite-handed hitters could make for an interesting offensive battle.

Tigers @ Royals – 7:40 PM ET – Kauffman Stadium

Pitching Matchup: Casey Mize (R) vs. Alec Marsh (R)

• Casey Mize (Tigers): Mize has shown decent control but lacks dominant strikeout ability, particularly against left-handed hitters (16.5% K rate, .084 ISO allowed). He will need to navigate a Royals lineup with several left-handed threats.
• Alec Marsh (Royals): Marsh’s 22.8% strikeout rate against left-handed hitters is promising, but his high walk rate (12.4%) and vulnerability to power (lefties .195 ISO allowed) are concerns.

Game Insights:

• Weather: Windy conditions could impact fly balls, favoring pitchers.
• Umpire: No umpire announced yet.
• Key Considerations: Both pitchers have exploitable weaknesses, particularly in allowing power to opposite-handed hitters.

Braves @ Cubs – 7:40 PM ET – Wrigley Field

Pitching Matchup: Charlie Morton (R) vs. Javier Assad (R)

• Charlie Morton (Braves): Morton’s strikeout rate is solid, especially against left-handed hitters (27.2% K rate), but he does walk more lefties (13.2% BB rate). His ability to limit power (.138 ISO allowed) makes him a reliable option.
• Javier Assad (Cubs): Assad’s control issues (9.0% BB rate) could be problematic against a disciplined Braves lineup. However, he does limit power effectively (.129 ISO allowed against lefties).

Game Insights:

• Weather: Wind blowing out at Wrigley, favoring hitters.
• Umpire: No umpire announced yet.
• Key Considerations: The wind at Wrigley could turn this into a high-scoring affair, despite the solid pitching matchup.

Start your 7-Day Free Trial Now

Orioles @ Cardinals – 7:45 PM ET – Busch Stadium

Pitching Matchup: Kyle Bradish (R) vs. Lance Lynn (R)

• Kyle Bradish (Orioles): Bradish has been excellent against both sides of the plate, with a 26.9% K rate against lefties and limiting right-handed power (.120 ISO allowed). He faces a Cardinals lineup that can be potent but also strikes out frequently.
• Lance Lynn (Cardinals): Lynn has been effective against right-handed hitters (.183 ISO allowed) but struggles significantly against lefties (.242 ISO allowed), which could be a challenge against the Orioles’ left-handed bats.

Game Insights:

• Weather: Warm with moderate wind.
• Umpire: Mike Estabrook, neutral umpire.
• Key Considerations: The Orioles’ lefties are in a good spot against Lynn, while Bradish’s overall effectiveness makes him a strong option.

Angels @ Astros – 8:10 PM ET – Minute Maid Park

Pitching Matchup: Griffin Canning (R) vs. Cristian Javier (R)

• Griffin Canning (Angels): Canning has been better against lefties (20.9% K rate, .159 ISO allowed) but struggles with right-handed power (.213 ISO allowed). The Astros’ right-handed bats could exploit this weakness.
• Cristian Javier (Astros): Javier’s strikeout ability is notable against righties (27.9% K rate), but he has a higher walk rate against lefties (10.6%). His ability to limit overall power makes him a viable DFS option.

Game Insights:

• Weather: Controlled environment inside Minute Maid Park.
• Umpire: No umpire announced yet.
• Key Considerations: The Astros’ lineup is well-equipped to take advantage of Canning’s weaknesses, while Javier’s strikeout potential makes him an attractive option.

Rockies @ Athletics – 9:40 PM ET – Oakland Coliseum

Pitching Matchup: Cal Quantrill (R) vs. Aaron Brooks (R)

• Cal Quantrill (Rockies): Quantrill has had issues with left-handed hitters, allowing a .189 ISO. His lower strikeout rate (18.4% K rate) could be problematic against a contact-oriented Athletics lineup.
• Aaron Brooks (Athletics): Brooks has limited sample size data but shows vulnerability to left-handed hitters (.091 ISO allowed in limited innings). His overall numbers suggest he may struggle against a Rockies lineup with power threats.

Game Insights:

• Weather: Mild with light winds.
• Umpire: No umpire announced yet.
• Key Considerations: Both pitchers have exploitable weaknesses, with Quantrill’s issues against lefties and Brooks’ lack of experience potentially leading to a high-scoring game.

Diamondbacks @ Dodgers – 10:10 PM ET – Dodger Stadium

Pitching Matchup: Brandon Pfaadt (R) vs. Gavin Stone (R)

• Brandon Pfaadt (Diamondbacks): Pfaadt has shown strikeout potential, particularly against right-handed hitters (24.0% K rate). However, his vulnerability to left-handed power (.227 ISO allowed) could be problematic against the Dodgers’ left-handed bats.
• Gavin Stone (Dodgers): Stone’s strikeout numbers are lower (16.1% K rate against lefties), and he has control issues (12.1% BB rate against lefties). His vulnerability to power (.146 ISO allowed) makes this a challenging matchup.

Game Insights:

• Weather: Cool with moderate humidity.
• Umpire: No umpire announced yet.
• Key Considerations: The Dodgers’ left-handed bats are in a good spot against Pfaadt, while Stone’s control issues could lead to opportunities for the Diamondbacks.

This comprehensive overview of today’s MLB slate provides insights into the key pitching matchups and potential game outcomes. Stay tuned for our detailed breakdowns of the top hitters and stacks later today. Good luck with your DFS lineups!