MLB Preview Wednesday 6/26/24

Today’s MLB slate offers an exciting array of matchups for DFS enthusiasts. This preview will focus on the pitching matchups, providing key insights and statistics to help you understand the dynamics of each game. We’ll explore all the games on today’s slate, analyzing the overall game matchup and what to expect from the pitchers taking the mound.

Blue Jays @ Red Sox – 7:10 PM ET – Fenway Park

Pitching Matchup:

• Blue Jays: Yariel Rodriguez (R) – $5000
• Red Sox: Kutter Crawford (R) – $8200

Game Insights: Yariel Rodriguez has had a rough start to his season, with significant struggles against right-handed hitters, where he posts a .433 xwOBA and a 15.2% walk rate. The Red Sox lineup, featuring power hitters like Rafael Devers (.405 xwOBA, .260 ISO), can exploit Rodriguez’s weaknesses. On the other hand, Kutter Crawford has been relatively solid, especially against right-handers, with a .291 xwOBA and a 25.5% strikeout rate. However, the Blue Jays’ lineup, led by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (.387 xwOBA, .182 ISO), can still pose a challenge.

Yankees @ Mets – 7:10 PM ET – Citi Field

Pitching Matchup:

• Yankees: Luis Gil (R) – $10300
• Mets: Sean Manaea (L) – $7200

Game Insights: Luis Gil has been dominant, particularly against right-handed hitters, with a .250 xwOBA and a 32.2% strikeout rate. His matchup against the Mets, who feature dangerous hitters like Pete Alonso (.352 xwOBA, .256 ISO), will be intriguing. Sean Manaea, while showing potential with a 24% strikeout rate against righties, struggles with command, allowing a .311 xwOBA. The Yankees’ powerful right-handed bats, including Aaron Judge (.479 xwOBA, .392 ISO), will look to capitalize on Manaea’s vulnerabilities.

Braves @ Cardinals – 7:15 PM ET – Busch Stadium

Pitching Matchup:

• Braves: Bryce Elder (R) – $7000
• Cardinals: Andre Pallante (R) – $6300

Game Insights: Bryce Elder has shown promise with a strong ground ball rate (57.6% against righties) but lacks strikeout ability (15.6% overall K%). The Cardinals lineup, with hitters like Paul Goldschmidt (.353 xwOBA, .175 ISO), will aim to take advantage. Andre Pallante’s struggles against right-handed hitters (.347 xwOBA) make the Braves’ powerful lineup, led by Marcell Ozuna (.406 xwOBA, .280 ISO), a significant threat.

Dodgers @ White Sox – 8:10 PM ET – Guaranteed Rate Field

Pitching Matchup:

• Dodgers: Gavin Stone (R) – $8800
• White Sox: Erick Fedde (R) – $7500

Game Insights: Gavin Stone faces a White Sox lineup that has struggled against right-handed pitchers, with key hitters like Luis Robert posting a .341 xwOBA. Stone’s ability to limit damage (.318 xwOBA against lefties) will be crucial. Erick Fedde, with a solid ground ball rate (48.6% against lefties), will need to navigate a potent Dodgers lineup, featuring Shohei Ohtani (.458 xwOBA, .374 ISO) and Freddie Freeman (.409 xwOBA, .223 ISO).

Twins @ Diamondbacks – 9:40 PM ET – Chase Field

Pitching Matchup:

• Twins: Simeon Woods Richardson (R) – $6900
• Diamondbacks: Ryne Nelson (R) – $5500

Game Insights: Simeon Woods Richardson has shown flashes of potential, with a 21.6% strikeout rate against right-handers. The Diamondbacks lineup, featuring Christian Walker (.341 xwOBA, .225 ISO), will test his consistency. Ryne Nelson has struggled with a high .341 xwOBA against righties and low strikeout rate (14%), making the Twins’ hitters, like Royce Lewis (.396 xwOBA, .344 ISO), a considerable threat.

Cubs @ Giants – 9:45 PM ET – Oracle Park

Pitching Matchup:

• Cubs: Hayden Wesneski (R) – $8300
• Giants: Hayden Birdsong (R)

Game Insights: Hayden Wesneski faces a Giants lineup with several strikeout-prone hitters, providing an opportunity to leverage his 24.9% strikeout rate against right-handers. The Giants’ offense, led by Michael Conforto (.340 xwOBA, .161 ISO), will look to disrupt Wesneski’s rhythm. Hayden Birdsong, an unknown quantity, will need to quickly adapt to major league hitting against a Cubs lineup featuring power bats like Cody Bellinger (.315 xwOBA, .191 ISO).

This DFS preview sets the stage for an exciting slate of games. Stay tuned for our in-depth analysis of the top hitters and stacks later today.