MLB Top Pitchers 6/11/24

Today’s MLB DFS slate presents a variety of pitching options that can provide substantial fantasy points. Here are the top pitchers to consider, along with some under-the-radar plays that could give your lineup an edge.

Let’s dive into the matchups and statistics to understand why these pitchers are top plays today.

Top MLB DFS Pitchers

1. Zack Wheeler (Philadelphia Phillies vs. Boston Red Sox)
   • Insights:
     • Matchup Advantage: Wheeler faces a Red Sox team that has struggled against right-handed pitching, ranking in the bottom third in several offensive categories.
     • Wheeler’s Performance: Wheeler boasts an impressive 28.5% strikeout rate and a 2.23 ERA, coupled with a 3.31 SIERA, making him one of the most reliable pitchers on the slate.
     • Control and Dominance: His 8.2% walk rate and ability to dominate both righties and lefties make him a safe and high-ceiling option for cash games and tournaments.
       
2. Paul Skenes (Pittsburgh Pirates vs. St. Louis Cardinals)
   • Insights:
     • Matchup Advantage: Skenes faces a Cardinals lineup that has been inconsistent and lacks depth in power hitters, making this a favorable matchup.
     • Skenes’ Performance: Skenes has a remarkable 35.5% strikeout rate and a 2.29 SIERA, showcasing his elite strikeout ability and control.
     • Pitch Count: With his pitch count consistently in the 90s, Skenes provides a high floor and ceiling, making him an excellent DFS play today.
       
3. Bryan Woo (Seattle Mariners vs. Chicago White Sox)
   • Insights:
     • Matchup Advantage: Woo goes against a White Sox lineup that is heavily right-handed and ranks poorly in several offensive metrics.
     • Woo’s Performance: With a 20.2% strikeout rate and a minuscule 1.07 ERA, Woo has been outstanding, particularly against right-handed batters.
     • Splits and Control: Woo’s 29.6% strikeout rate against righties and his ability to limit walks make him a strong option, especially given the White Sox’s righty-heavy lineup.

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Under the Radar Plays

4. Jesus Luzardo (Miami Marlins vs. New York Mets)
   • Insights:
     • Matchup Advantage: Luzardo faces a Mets lineup that has struggled against left-handed pitching, offering a good strikeout potential.
     • Luzardo’s Performance: Luzardo has a solid 22.5% strikeout rate and a 3.99 SIERA. Despite a higher ERA of 5.30, his underlying metrics suggest better performance.
     • Upside Potential: Given the Mets’ low power and walk rates against lefties, Luzardo offers a blend of strikeout upside and a chance for a quality start.
       
5. Yusei Kikuchi (Toronto Blue Jays vs. Milwaukee Brewers)
   • Insights:
     • Matchup Advantage: Kikuchi benefits from facing a Brewers team that ranks poorly against left-handed pitching, making this a favorable matchup.
     • Kikuchi’s Performance: With a 23.7% strikeout rate and a 3.48 ERA, Kikuchi has been consistent and effective. His 3.47 SIERA indicates his performance is sustainable.
     • Consistency: Kikuchi’s ability to generate swings and misses, coupled with the Brewers’ struggles, makes him a solid option for both cash games and tournaments.
       
6. Tylor Megill (New York Mets vs. Miami Marlins)
   • Insights:
     • Matchup Advantage: Megill faces a Marlins lineup that ranks near the bottom in ISO and BB% against right-handed pitchers, providing a good opportunity for strikeouts.
     • Megill’s Performance: Megill has a career-high 27% strikeout rate this season, showing improved velocity and the addition of new pitches.
     • Value Play: At $7,300 on DraftKings, Megill offers significant value with his strikeout upside and favorable matchup, making him an attractive play in GPPs.
       
7. Drew Thorpe (Chicago White Sox vs. Seattle Mariners)
   • Insights:
     • Matchup Advantage: Thorpe, making his MLB debut, faces a Mariners lineup that has been inconsistent and is prone to strikeouts.
     • Thorpe’s Performance: Thorpe has shown dominance in the minors with high strikeout rates and excellent control. His scouting reports suggest a promising debut.
     • Risk-Reward: As a debutant, Thorpe is a high-risk, high-reward play, suitable for GPPs where his low ownership could provide a significant edge.

Pitching Cliff Notes

• Top Plays: Zack Wheeler, Paul Skenes, and Bryan Woo are your top-tier pitchers, offering a blend of strikeout upside, control, and favorable matchups. Prioritize them in both cash games and GPPs.
• Value and Upside: Jesus Luzardo, Yusei Kikuchi, and Tylor Megill provide good value and upside, especially in tournaments where their matchups can yield high strikeout totals.
• High-Risk, High-Reward: Drew Thorpe is a notable debutant with high upside, ideal for GPPs due to his potential to outperform expectations.

By focusing on these pitchers, you can build a strong foundation for your MLB DFS lineups today. Utilize the matchups and statistical insights to maximize your chances of success in both cash games and tournaments.