MLB Top Pitchers 7/19/24

Alright, DFS players, let’s dive into today’s MLB slate and identify the top pitchers to consider for your lineups. We’ve got a mix of aces and some under-the-radar plays that could give you the edge. Let’s break down the matchups and the key stats to justify these picks.

Top Pitchers for Today’s Slate

Gerrit Cole (R) – Yankees vs. Rays

• Salary: $9000
• Key Stats: 17.25 DK points, 6.4 Ks per game
• 2023-24 Season:
  • vs. LHB: 27.6% K%, .137 ISO, .276 wOBA
  • vs. RHB: 26.1% K%, .120 ISO, .262 wOBA

Gerrit Cole has been a mainstay in DFS lineups for good reason. He’s showing elite strikeout potential and keeps the ball on the ground, especially against right-handed batters. Facing a Tampa Bay lineup that struggles with strikeouts against righties makes Cole a top choice. His recent form includes a strong outing against the Blue Jays, where he pitched 9 innings without giving up a run. Cole’s ability to dominate both sides of the plate and his high strikeout upside make him my SP1 today.

Jack Flaherty (R) – Tigers @ Blue Jays

• Salary: $9500
• Key Stats: 17.18 DK points, 6.5 Ks per game
• 2023-24 Season:
  • vs. LHB: 22.9% K%, .182 ISO, .340 wOBA
  • vs. RHB: 29.7% K%, .144 ISO, .313 wOBA

Flaherty has been lights out, boasting an impressive 32.1% strikeout rate and a low walk rate. He’s shown he can handle tough matchups, making him a reliable option against the Blue Jays. Despite the challenging opponent, Flaherty’s elite strikeout potential and ability to limit damage keep him as a top SP2 option. His recent form, including a 6.2-inning, 9-strikeout gem against the Red Sox, highlights his upside.

Sonny Gray (R) – Cardinals @ Braves

• Salary: $9200
• Key Stats: 16.92 DK points, 6.6 Ks per game
• 2023-24 Season:
  • vs. LHB: 24.8% K%, .127 ISO, .300 wOBA
  • vs. RHB: 27.8% K%, .087 ISO, .245 wOBA

Gray has been in stellar form, particularly against right-handed hitters. His high strikeout rate combined with a matchup against a Braves team that has struggled against righties makes him a great option. Gray’s ability to limit hard contact and keep the ball on the ground adds to his appeal. With his recent pitch count trending upwards, he’s a solid SP2 behind Cole.

Luis Castillo (R) – Mariners vs. Astros

• Salary: $8200
• Key Stats: 17.1 DK points, 5.9 Ks per game
• 2023-24 Season:
  • vs. LHB: 24.0% K%, .215 ISO, .330 wOBA
  • vs. RHB: 28.4% K%, .130 ISO, .254 wOBA

Castillo has been a strikeout machine, especially against right-handed batters. Facing an Astros lineup that features several righties, Castillo’s splits work in his favor. His recent performances have been strong, including a dominant 6.2-inning, 8-strikeout outing against the Blue Jays. With his price and matchup, Castillo offers both value and upside.

Hunter Brown (R) – Astros @ Mariners

• Salary: $8400
• Key Stats: 16.99 DK points, 6.6 Ks per game
• 2023-24 Season:
  • vs. LHB: 27.3% K%, .168 ISO, .318 wOBA
  • vs. RHB: 24.8% K%, .184 ISO, .350 wOBA

Brown’s consistency and ability to rack up strikeouts make him a strong play against a high-strikeout Mariners team. He’s shown an ability to limit damage and keep hitters off balance. His ground-ball rate further solidifies his spot in my lineups today. With nine quality starts in his last ten outings, Brown is a safe and high-upside option.

Michael Wacha (R) – Royals vs. White Sox

• Salary: $8200
• Key Stats: 17.35 DK points, 5.6 Ks per game
• 2023-24 Season:
  • vs. LHB: 23.8% K%, .162 ISO, .310 wOBA
  • vs. RHB: 20.0% K%, .140 ISO, .283 wOBA

Wacha has been a reliable arm, and the matchup against the White Sox is favorable. Chicago’s lineup has struggled against right-handed pitching, making Wacha a solid mid-tier option. His ability to induce ground balls and limit home runs adds to his appeal.

Under-the-Radar Plays

JP Sears (L) – Athletics vs. Angels

• Salary: $6300
• Key Stats: 11.83 DK points, 4.6 Ks per game
• 2023-24 Season:
  • vs. LHB: 19.8% K%, .178 ISO, .336 wOBA
  • vs. RHB: 20.5% K%, .212 ISO, .332 wOBA

Sears has quietly been putting together solid outings. His recent form includes a strong 5.2-inning, 8-strikeout performance against the Red Sox. The Angels’ lineup presents a decent matchup, and Sears’ ability to limit damage and induce ground balls makes him a sneaky value play.

Edward Cabrera (R) – Marlins vs. Mets

• Salary: $6600
• Key Stats: 12.78 DK points, 5.7 Ks per game
• 2023-24 Season:
  • vs. LHB: 27.7% K%, .159 ISO, .292 wOBA
  • vs. RHB: 29.0% K%, .172 ISO, .365 wOBA

Cabrera is a high-risk, high-reward option. His strikeout upside is massive, but control issues and home run risk make him a volatile play. If you’re looking to differentiate in large-field tournaments, Cabrera’s ability to rack up strikeouts could pay off. His recent 7-strikeout performance against the Cubs highlights his potential upside.

Sean Manaea (L) – Mets @ Marlins

• Salary: $7600
• Key Stats: 15.73 DK points, 5.8 Ks per game
• 2023-24 Season:
  • vs. LHB: 28.5% K%, .118 ISO, .281 wOBA
  • vs. RHB: 23.5% K%, .151 ISO, .304 wOBA

Manaea faces a low-power Marlins lineup, and his ability to strike out batters while keeping the ball on the ground makes him a strong under-the-radar play. His recent outings include a 7-inning, 9-strikeout performance against the Rockies, showcasing his upside.

Final Thoughts

Today’s slate offers a mix of high-end aces and value plays. Gerrit Cole stands out as the top option, with Jack Flaherty and Sonny Gray close behind. For those looking for value, Luis Castillo and Hunter Brown offer strong upside at a lower price point. Don’t overlook the under-the-radar plays like JP Sears, Edward Cabrera, and Sean Manaea, who could provide the edge you need in your DFS contests.

Happy roster building, and may your lineups bring home the win!