Welcome to today’s MLB DFS Preview! We have an exciting slate of games lined up, and this article will focus primarily on pitching matchups. Whether you’re playing on DraftKings, FanDuel, or just want to get a better understanding of today’s games, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into each game, analyze the pitching duels, and discuss how they might shape the overall matchups.
Miami Marlins at Tampa Bay Rays – 12:10 PM EDT – Tropicana Field
Game Preview: Taj Bradley has been lights out this season with a 30% K rate and a sparkling 2.43 ERA. Facing a Marlins team that struggles offensively with a team total of just 2.87 runs per game, Bradley is in a prime spot to dominate. Munoz, on the other hand, has a hefty 5.61 ERA and struggles with control (12% BB rate). The Rays’ offense, which posts a solid .314 wOBA against right-handers, should have plenty of opportunities to score. Expect Tampa Bay to control this game from the mound and at the plate.
New York Yankees at Philadelphia Phillies – 12:35 PM EDT – Citizens Bank Park
Game Preview: A battle of lefties here, with Nestor Cortes bringing his reliable 4.13 ERA and 23% K rate against a Phillies lineup that mashes lefties to the tune of a .352 wOBA. Cristopher Sanchez has been solid with a 3.05 ERA and 19% K rate, but the Yankees counter with a potent offense that holds a .324 wOBA against lefties. This game could see some offensive fireworks, making the pitching matchup less impactful in DFS terms.
Toronto Blue Jays at Baltimore Orioles – 12:35 PM EDT – Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Game Preview: Grayson Rodriguez has been a force on the mound with a 3.82 ERA and a 26% K rate, going against a Blue Jays lineup that has struggled against right-handed pitching. Espino, with a 7.71 ERA and a mere 9% K rate, is in for a rough outing against an Orioles lineup that ranks among the best with a .339 wOBA against right-handers. This game sets up as a mismatch favoring the Orioles significantly.
Minnesota Twins at New York Mets – 1:10 PM EDT – Citi Field
Game Preview: Pablo Lopez’s 4.73 ERA might be misleading given his strong underlying metrics, including a 28% K rate and 3.22 SIERA. Severino, with a 3.58 ERA and 19% K rate, faces a Twins lineup that has been average against right-handers. This game is likely to be a low-scoring affair with solid pitching performances from both starters.
Atlanta Braves at Milwaukee Brewers – 2:10 PM EDT – American Family Field
Game Preview: Chris Sale has been dominant with a 2.68 ERA and a whopping 33% K rate. Peralta counters with a 3.94 ERA and 30% K rate. The Brewers’ offense struggles against lefties (.227 wOBA), giving Sale a favorable matchup. Peralta will need to navigate a dangerous Braves lineup, but his strikeout ability could keep him competitive. This game shapes up to be a pitchers’ duel.
Kansas City Royals at Chicago White Sox – 2:10 PM EDT – Guaranteed Rate Field
Game Preview: Singer’s 2.82 ERA and 23% K rate face a White Sox lineup that has struggled with a .280 wOBA against right-handers. Thorpe, with a 4.81 ERA and a 15% K rate, is less imposing. The Royals, who have a solid .317 wOBA against righties, should be able to generate offense. Expect Kansas City to have the upper hand here.
Texas Rangers at St. Louis Cardinals – 2:15 PM EDT – Busch Stadium
Game Preview: Heaney’s 3.77 ERA and 23% K rate make him a formidable opponent, but he faces a Cardinals lineup that hits lefties well with a .320 wOBA. McGreevy is an unknown at this point, and the Rangers’ balanced offense could exploit any weaknesses. This game could go either way, but Heaney’s experience gives Texas a slight edge.
Washington Nationals at Arizona Diamondbacks – 3:40 PM EDT – Chase Field
Game Preview: Gallen’s 3.70 ERA and 24% K rate anchor a Diamondbacks team that hits lefties well (.324 wOBA). Gore, with a 4.51 ERA and 26% K rate, will have his hands full. Arizona’s potent offense and Gallen’s solid pitching make them the favorites in this matchup.
Seattle Mariners at Boston Red Sox – 4:10 PM EDT – Fenway Park
Game Preview: Kirby’s 3.03 ERA and 25% K rate match up against a Red Sox lineup that has a .336 wOBA against right-handers. Bello, with a 5.27 ERA, faces a Mariners team that has been inconsistent. Kirby’s solid season gives the Mariners a pitching advantage, but Boston’s offense can make things interesting.
Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati Reds – 7:10 PM EDT – Great American Ball Park
Game Preview: Lodolo’s 3.45 ERA and 25% K rate are strong, facing a Cubs lineup that is decent against lefties. Hendricks, with a 6.95 ERA, is a liability, giving the Reds’ .317 wOBA against right-handers a significant edge. Cincinnati should be able to capitalize on this pitching mismatch.
Pittsburgh Pirates at Houston Astros – 8:10 PM EDT – Minute Maid Park
Game Preview: Valdez’s 3.43 ERA and 22% K rate are solid, facing a Pirates team that struggles against lefties (.296 wOBA). Woodford, with a 10.80 ERA, is in for a tough outing against an Astros lineup that excels against righties. Expect Houston to dominate this matchup.
Los Angeles Dodgers at San Diego Padres – 8:40 PM EDT – Petco Park
Game Preview: Kershaw’s 4.50 ERA and 30% K rate are strong, but he faces a Padres lineup that has power against lefties. Cease, with a 3.50 ERA and 33% K rate, is equally formidable against a potent Dodgers lineup. This game is a true pitchers’ duel with both teams having elite starters on the mound.
Colorado Rockies at Los Angeles Angels – 9:38 PM EDT – Angel Stadium
Game Preview: Freeland’s 6.23 ERA and 18% K rate face an Angels lineup that hits lefties well (.333 wOBA). Daniel, with a 5.82 ERA, isn’t much better, but the Rockies’ offense struggles on the road. This game could be high-scoring with both pitchers prone to giving up runs.
Oakland Athletics at San Francisco Giants – 9:45 PM EDT – Oracle Park
Game Preview: Webb’s 3.72 ERA and 20% K rate are strong, facing an Athletics team that has struggled all season. Stripling, with a 6.02 ERA, is in for a tough outing against a Giants lineup that has a .314 wOBA against right-handers. San Francisco should control this game from start to finish.
That’s it for today’s pitching preview! Stay tuned for our Top Hitters and Top Stacks article later today. Good luck with your DFS lineups!