MLB Preview Tuesday 6/4/24

Welcome to today’s MLB preview! With a five-game early slate and a ten-game main slate, there’s a lot to dissect. Our focus in this article will be on the pitching matchups, setting the stage for the top stacks and hitters we’ll cover later.

We’ll provide key insights, statistics, and overall game matchups to help you make informed decisions. Let’s dive into the action and explore what today’s MLB slate has in store for DFS players.

Here’s a breakdown of each game, highlighting the pitching matchups and what to expect from the overall game dynamics.

Early Slate

Royals @ Guardians – 6:40pm ET – Progressive Field

Pitching Matchup:

• Royals: Seth Lugo (R) – 111.1 IP, 23.7% K%, 6.3% BB%, .159 ISO, .326 xwOBA (vs LHP); 113.1 IP, 21.3% K%, 5.5% BB%, .139 ISO, .309 xwOBA (vs RHP)
• Guardians: Triston McKenzie (R) – 35.2 IP, 16.1% K%, 16.1% BB%, .188 ISO, .385 xwOBA (vs LHP); 37.2 IP, 27.3% K%, 13.3% BB%, .176 ISO, .292 xwOBA (vs RHP)

Game Insights:

• Weather: Warm conditions, temperature ranging from 82° to 85°, low precipitation probability.
• Royals vs RHP: The Royals have some pop against right-handed pitching, with Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez leading the charge. They will need to be aggressive against McKenzie, who has struggled against lefties but performs better against righties.
• Guardians vs RHP: The Guardians feature a balanced lineup with Jose Ramirez and Josh Naylor as key threats. They will look to exploit Lugo’s higher xwOBA against left-handed hitters.

Dodgers @ Pirates – 6:40pm ET – PNC Park

Pitching Matchup:

• Dodgers: Tyler Glasnow (R) – 98.1 IP, 32.5% K%, 8.1% BB%, .170 ISO, .282 xwOBA (vs LHP); 95.2 IP, 34.2% K%, 6.8% BB%, .104 ISO, .271 xwOBA (vs RHP)
• Pirates: Jared Jones (R) – 30.2 IP, 30.4% K%, 4.8% BB%, .246 ISO, .272 xwOBA (vs LHP); 32.2 IP, 25.2% K%, 4.7% BB%, .160 ISO, .308 xwOBA (vs RHP)

Game Insights:

• Weather: Mild and clear with temperatures around 81° to 85°.
• Dodgers vs RHP: The Dodgers’ lineup is loaded with star power. Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman are standout performers against right-handers, making this a challenging matchup for Jared Jones.
• Pirates vs RHP: The Pirates rely on Andrew McCutchen and Bryan Reynolds. They face a tough test against Glasnow, who dominates both lefties and righties with high strikeout rates and low xwOBA.

Rays @ Marlins – 6:40pm ET – loanDepot park

Pitching Matchup:

• Rays: Ryan Pepiot (R) – 44.0 IP, 23.5% K%, 7.8% BB%, .152 ISO, .282 xwOBA (vs LHP); 44.1 IP, 28.9% K%, 4.6% BB%, .175 ISO, .276 xwOBA (vs RHP)
• Marlins: Jesus Luzardo (L) – 49.0 IP, 30.8% K%, 5.6% BB%, .130 ISO, .278 xwOBA (vs LHP); 181.1 IP, 26.2% K%, 8.0% BB%, .174 ISO, .316 xwOBA (vs RHP)

Game Insights:

• Weather: Controlled conditions inside the dome.
• Rays vs LHP: The Rays lineup features several right-handed hitters who perform well against lefties. Yandy Diaz and Randy Arozarena will be key in attacking Luzardo.
• Marlins vs RHP: The Marlins will lean on Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Bryan De La Cruz. Luzardo’s dominance against lefties may give the Rays an edge, but the Marlins have capable right-handed bats to counter.

Brewers @ Phillies – 6:40pm ET – Citizens Bank Park

Pitching Matchup:

• Brewers: Jared Koenig (L) – 9.2 IP, 16.7% K%, 4.8% BB%, .077 ISO, .273 xwOBA (vs LHP); 16.2 IP, 19.7% K%, 6.1% BB%, .085 ISO, .296 xwOBA (vs RHP)
• Phillies: Cristopher Sanchez (L) – 35.2 IP, 31.7% K%, 5.7% BB%, .052 ISO, .191 xwOBA (vs LHP); 124.0 IP, 21.2% K%, 5.4% BB%, .164 ISO, .330 xwOBA (vs RHP)

Game Insights:

• Weather: Temperatures around 77° to 83°, low precipitation probability.
• Brewers vs LHP: The Brewers have a mix of righties and lefties with power. William Contreras and Christian Yelich will look to capitalize on Sanchez’s xwOBA against right-handers.
• Phillies vs LHP: The Phillies boast heavy hitters like Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper. They will aim to exploit Koenig’s limited sample size and potential weaknesses.

Mets @ Nationals – 6:45pm ET – Nationals Park

Pitching Matchup:

• Mets: David Peterson (L) – 28.2 IP, 30.1% K%, 7.3% BB%, .179 ISO, .332 xwOBA (vs LHP); 87.1 IP, 24.0% K%, 10.7% BB%, .170 ISO, .344 xwOBA (vs RHP)
• Nationals: DJ Herz (L) – No data available for MLB

Game Insights:

• Weather: Warm with a slight chance of rain, temperatures around 80° to 84°.
• Mets vs LHP: Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso will look to lead the charge against the Nationals. Peterson’s high strikeout rate will be crucial for the Mets.
• Nationals vs LHP: The Nationals have some power hitters in Lane Thomas and Joey Meneses. Herz’s unknown performance at the MLB level makes this a challenging matchup to predict.

Main Slate

Twins @ Yankees – 7:05pm ET – Yankee Stadium

Pitching Matchup:

• Twins: Bailey Ober (R) – 100.0 IP, 22.0% K%, 5.8% BB%, .136 ISO, .287 xwOBA (vs LHP); 101.1 IP, 28.4% K%, 4.4% BB%, .231 ISO, .317 xwOBA (vs RHP)
• Yankees: Luis Gil (R) – 27.0 IP, 29.9% K%, 13.1% BB%, .098 ISO, .265 xwOBA (vs LHP); 36.1 IP, 33.1% K%, 12.0% BB%, .089 ISO, .270 xwOBA (vs RHP)

Game Insights:

• Weather: Mild and clear with temperatures around 71° to 75°.
• Twins vs RHP: The Twins will rely on Carlos Correa and Royce Lewis to generate offense. Ober’s solid strikeout rates could pose a challenge for the Yankees.
• Yankees vs RHP: The Yankees have a potent lineup with Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. Gil’s high strikeout rate is a strength, but his control issues could be exploited.

Orioles @ Blue Jays – 7:07pm ET – Rogers Centre

Pitching Matchup:

• Orioles: Corbin Burnes (R) – 130.1 IP, 26.7% K%, 9.9% BB%, .077 ISO, .254 xwOBA (vs LHP); 136.0 IP, 24.0% K%, 6.3% BB%, .153 ISO, .307 xwOBA (vs RHP)
• Blue Jays: Bowden Francis (R) – 25.1 IP, 18.4% K%, 6.1% BB%, .154 ISO, .326 xwOBA (vs LHP); 25.2 IP, 32.1% K%, 8.5% BB%, .200 ISO, .325 xwOBA (vs RHP)

Game Insights:

• Weather: Controlled conditions inside the dome.
• Orioles vs RHP: The Orioles lineup, led by Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman, will look to exploit Francis’ high xwOBA against lefties.
• Blue Jays vs RHP: The Blue Jays have power hitters like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. They will aim to take advantage of Burnes’ occasional control issues.

Braves @ Red Sox – 7:10pm ET – Fenway Park

Pitching Matchup:

• Braves: Max Fried (L) – 22.0 IP, 22.7% K%, 10.0% BB%, .115 ISO, .331 xwOBA (vs LHP); 122.1 IP, 23.5% K%, 6.0% BB%, .079 ISO, .259 xwOBA (vs RHP)
• Red Sox: Kutter Crawford (R) – 99.1 IP, 24.8% K%, 8.4% BB%, .152 ISO, .283 xwOBA (vs LHP); 98.1 IP, 24.7% K%, 5.9% BB%, .143 ISO, .296 xwOBA (vs RHP)

Game Insights:

• Weather: Cool and clear with temperatures around 64° to 70°.
• Braves vs RHP: The Braves’ offense features strong performers like Austin Riley and Marcell Ozuna. Fried’s solid performance against right-handers will be crucial.
• Red Sox vs LHP: The Red Sox will rely on Rafael Devers and Rob Refsnyder. Crawford’s ability to limit hard contact against both sides will be tested.

Tigers @ Rangers – 8:05pm ET – Globe Life Field

Pitching Matchup:

• Tigers: Jack Flaherty (R) – 109.1 IP, 23.2% K%, 9.4% BB%, .178 ISO, .334 xwOBA (vs LHP); 102.2 IP, 29.1% K%, 7.1% BB%, .141 ISO, .306 xwOBA (vs RHP)
• Rangers: Dane Dunning (R) – 97.2 IP, 20.3% K%, 10.3% BB%, .179 ISO, .338 xwOBA (vs LHP); 120.2 IP, 21.9% K%, 6.8% BB%, .129 ISO, .325 xwOBA (vs RHP)

Game Insights:

• Weather: Mild and clear with temperatures around 67° to 73°.
• Tigers vs RHP: The Tigers have a mix of righties and lefties. Jack Flaherty’s high strikeout rate against right-handers will be a key factor.
• Rangers vs RHP: The Rangers’ lineup, featuring Corey Seager and Adolis Garcia, will look to challenge Flaherty’s control issues.

White Sox @ Cubs – 8:05pm ET – Wrigley Field

Pitching Matchup:

• White Sox: Chris Flexen (R) – 67.1 IP, 19.8% K%, 7.6% BB%, .196 ISO, .330 xwOBA (vs LHP); 89.0 IP, 14.4% K%, 9.2% BB%, .223 ISO, .382 xwOBA (vs RHP)
• Cubs: Shota Imanaga (L) – 13.2 IP, 24.1% K%, 0.0% BB%, .056 ISO, .315 xwOBA (vs LHP); 44.1 IP, 26.0% K%, 5.6% BB%, .102 ISO, .268 xwOBA (vs RHP)

Game Insights:

• Weather: Temperatures around 75° to 80°, chance of precipitation.
• White Sox vs LHP: The White Sox lineup, featuring Tommy Pham and Andrew Vaughn, will look to exploit Imanaga’s limited MLB experience.
• Cubs vs RHP: The Cubs’ offense is led by Cody Bellinger and Christopher Morel. Flexen’s struggles against right-handers present an opportunity for the Cubs.

Cardinals @ Astros – 8:10pm ET – Minute Maid Park

Pitching Matchup:

• Cardinals: Andre Pallante (R) – 52.0 IP, 13.7% K%, 7.1% BB%, .134 ISO, .302 xwOBA (vs LHP); 32.0 IP, 14.8% K%, 14.2% BB%, .096 ISO, .342 xwOBA (vs RHP)
• Astros: Spencer Arrighetti (R) – 24.2 IP, 22.1% K%, 14.2% BB%, .096 ISO, .321 xwOBA (vs LHP); 19.0 IP, 29.9% K%, 8.0% BB%, .177 ISO, .338 xwOBA (vs RHP)

Game Insights:

• Weather: Controlled conditions inside the dome.
• Cardinals vs RHP: The Cardinals lineup features Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado. Pallante’s struggles with walks could be a problem against the disciplined Astros.
• Astros vs RHP: The Astros have a potent lineup with Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker. Arrighetti’s high strikeout rate will be tested against the Cardinals’ power hitters.

Reds @ Rockies – 8:40pm ET – Coors Field

Pitching Matchup:

• Reds: Frankie Montas (R) – 25.0 IP, 14.4% K%, 9.3% BB%, .202 ISO, .378 xwOBA (vs LHP); 23.1 IP, 17.7% K%, 8.3% BB%, .115 ISO, .298 xwOBA (vs RHP)
• Rockies: Ty Blach (L) – 29.1 IP, 13.4% K%, 3.6% BB%, .162 ISO, .307 xwOBA (vs LHP); 83.1 IP, 13.6% K%, 7.1% BB%, .190 ISO, .407 xwOBA (vs RHP)

Game Insights:

• Weather: Clear with temperatures around 82° to 90°.
• Reds vs LHP: The Reds lineup, led by Elly De La Cruz and Jeimer Candelario, will look to exploit Blach’s struggles against right-handers.
• Rockies vs RHP: The Rockies have several power hitters like Charlie Blackmon and Ryan McMahon. Montas’ control issues could be a factor at Coors Field.

Padres @ Angels – 9:38pm ET – Angel Stadium

Pitching Matchup:

• Padres: Adam Mazur (R) – No data available for MLB
• Angels: Patrick Sandoval (L) – 36.1 IP, 21.6% K%, 8.5% BB%, .083 ISO, .294 xwOBA (vs LHP); 169.0 IP, 20.7% K%, 11.5% BB%, .133 ISO, .337 xwOBA (vs RHP)

Game Insights:

• Weather: Mild with temperatures around 67° to 73°.
• Padres vs LHP: The Padres lineup, featuring Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, will look to exploit Sandoval’s control issues against right-handers.
• Angels vs RHP: The Angels have several power hitters like Taylor Ward and Logan O’Hoppe. Mazur’s lack of MLB experience makes this a challenging matchup to predict.

Mariners @ Athletics – 9:40pm ET – Oakland Coliseum

Pitching Matchup:

• Mariners: George Kirby (R) – 122.1 IP, 25.0% K%, 3.2% BB%, .174 ISO, .302 xwOBA (vs LHP); 136.2 IP, 20.9% K%, 1.7% BB%, .134 ISO, .307 xwOBA (vs RHP)
• Athletics: Mitch Spence (R) – 17.1 IP, 27.5% K%, 7.2% BB%, .127 ISO, .268 xwOBA (vs LHP); 21.0 IP, 17.6% K%, 8.2% BB%, .115 ISO, .302 xwOBA (vs RHP)

Game Insights:

• Weather: Warm with temperatures around 82° to 90°.
• Mariners vs RHP: The Mariners have a balanced lineup with Julio Rodriguez and Cal Raleigh. Kirby’s ability to limit walks will be crucial.
• Athletics vs RHP: The Athletics have some power hitters like Brent Rooker and Shea Langeliers. Spence’s solid performance against both sides will be tested.

Giants @ Diamondbacks – 9:40pm ET – Chase Field

Pitching Matchup:

• Giants: Kyle Harrison (L) – 23.1 IP, 21.3% K%, 7.4% BB%, .189 ISO, .349 xwOBA (vs LHP); 76.1 IP, 22.4% K%, 7.8% BB%, .193 ISO, .337 xwOBA (vs RHP)
• Diamondbacks: Blake Walston (L) – 0.2 IP, 0.0% K%, 25.0% BB%, .333 ISO, .467 xwOBA (vs LHP); 7.2 IP, 27.3% K%, 12.1% BB%, .000 ISO, .274 xwOBA (vs RHP)

Game Insights:

• Weather: Controlled conditions inside the dome.
• Giants vs LHP: The Giants have a balanced lineup with Heliot Ramos and Thairo Estrada. Harrison’s ability to limit hard contact will be crucial.
• Diamondbacks vs LHP: The Diamondbacks’ lineup, featuring Ketel Marte and Lourdes Gurriel Jr., will look to exploit Harrison’s struggles against left-handers.

Today’s MLB DFS slate offers a wide range of intriguing matchups that DFS players should carefully analyze. From the elite pitching duels to potential offensive explosions, each game presents unique opportunities and challenges.

Whether you are looking to stack hitters against struggling pitchers or leverage pitchers in favorable matchups, the insights provided can help you make informed decisions. Stay tuned for our upcoming articles on top hitters and stacks to further refine your DFS strategy.

Good luck, and may your DFS lineups bring you success!