MLB Top Pitchers 5/23/24

In today’s MLB DFS slate, finding the right pitchers can make all the difference. Here are the top pitchers you should consider for your lineups, along with some under-the-radar plays that could provide excellent value. We’ll dive into the statistics and matchups to explain why each player is a top pick.

Start your 7-Day Free Trial Now

Top MLB DFS Pitchers

1. Luis Gil (New York Yankees) vs. Seattle Mariners

• Insight:
  • Stats: 21.77 DK points per game, 7.3 Ks, 33.1% K% vs. RHB, 28.4% K% vs. LHB
  • Matchup: The Mariners have struggled against right-handed pitchers this season, and Luis Gil’s high strikeout rate and dominance against both righties and lefties make him a premier option.
  • Key Points:
    • High strikeout potential against a team that strikes out frequently.
    • Excellent control and ability to limit hard contact.
    • Mariners’ lineup struggles against high-velocity fastballs.

2. Luis Castillo (Seattle Mariners) vs. New York Yankees

• Insight:
  • Stats: 17.69 DK points per game, 6.5 Ks, 29.0% K% vs. RHB, 25.6% K% vs. LHB
  • Matchup: Despite facing a tough Yankees lineup, Castillo’s ability to strike out batters and limit damage makes him a solid choice. The Yankees have several high-strikeout hitters that Castillo can exploit.
  • Key Points:
    • High strikeout rate and low walk rate against both lefties and righties.
    • Yankees’ lineup has high strikeout potential, which favors Castillo.
    • Castillo’s ability to generate ground balls can help limit damage in Yankee Stadium.

3. Zack Wheeler (Philadelphia Phillies) vs. Texas Rangers

• Insight:
  • Stats: 14.35 DK points per game, 5.8 Ks, 33.5% K% vs. RHB, 21.9% K% vs. LHB
  • Matchup: Wheeler faces a Rangers team that has struggled against high-quality right-handed pitching. Wheeler’s high strikeout rate against right-handed batters and ability to limit hard contact make him a top play.
  • Key Points:
    • Excellent strikeout and walk rates, especially against right-handed hitters.
    • Rangers’ lineup has several high-strikeout batters.
    • Wheeler’s ability to limit home runs in a hitter-friendly park like Citizens Bank Park.

4. Paul Skenes (Pittsburgh Pirates) vs. San Francisco Giants

• Insight:
  • Stats: 20.57 DK points per game, 7.6 Ks, 50.0% K% vs. LHB, 40.0% K% vs. RHB
  • Matchup: Skenes has been dominant, particularly against left-handed hitters, and the Giants have a mix of left-handed and right-handed batters that he can exploit. His strikeout upside is immense.
  • Key Points:
    • Elite strikeout rates against both lefties and righties.
    • Giants’ lineup has several high-strikeout hitters.
    • Skenes’ ability to generate ground balls and limit hard contact.

5. Frankie Montas (Cincinnati Reds) vs. San Diego Padres

• Insight:
  • Stats: 5.95 DK points per game, 3.0 Ks, 18.4% K% vs. RHB, 14.0% K% vs. LHB
  • Matchup: Montas faces a Padres lineup that has struggled at times against right-handed pitching. His ability to generate ground balls and limit damage makes him a solid play.
  • Key Points:
    • Padres’ lineup has been inconsistent against right-handed pitchers.
    • Montas’ ability to keep the ball on the ground can limit big innings.
    • His control issues are a concern but are offset by his ability to generate weak contact.

Start your 7-Day Free Trial Now

Under-the-Radar Plays

1. Mason Black (San Francisco Giants) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

• Insight:
  • Stats: 11.15 DK points per game, 5.4 Ks, 17.2% K% vs. RHB, 10.3% K% vs. LHB
  • Matchup: Black faces a Pirates lineup that can be exploited, particularly with his ability to limit right-handed batters. His low price and potential for a solid outing make him an intriguing option.
  • Key Points:
    • Pirates’ lineup struggles against right-handed pitching.
    • Black’s ability to limit damage against right-handed batters.
    • His low price provides value and allows for spending on higher-priced hitters.

2. AJ Smith-Shawver (Atlanta Braves) vs. Chicago Cubs

• Insight:
  • Stats: 11.26 DK points per game, 5.3 Ks, 19.6% K% vs. RHB, 18.6% K% vs. LHB
  • Matchup: Smith-Shawver faces a Cubs lineup that has been inconsistent. His ability to generate strikeouts and limit walks makes him a solid under-the-radar play.
  • Key Points:
    • Cubs’ lineup has several high-strikeout hitters.
    • Smith-Shawver’s ability to limit free passes and generate strikeouts.
    • His mid-tier price offers good value potential.

3. Andrew Heaney (Texas Rangers) vs. Philadelphia Phillies

• Insight:
  • Stats: 11.13 DK points per game, 5.3 Ks, 24.1% K% vs. RHB, 20.6% K% vs. LHB
  • Matchup: Heaney has the ability to generate strikeouts and faces a Phillies lineup that has struggled against left-handed pitching. His high strikeout rate makes him a valuable play.
  • Key Points:
    • Phillies’ lineup has struggled against left-handed pitchers.
    • Heaney’s high strikeout potential.
    • His ability to limit damage despite occasional control issues.

By focusing on these top pitchers and strategic under-the-radar plays, you can optimize your MLB DFS lineups for today’s slate. Analyze these matchups closely and make informed decisions to maximize your DFS success.