MLB Top Pitchers 7-3-24

Welcome to today’s breakdown of the top MLB top pitchers. I’ve gone through the matchups and dug into the stats to bring you the best options for your DFS lineups. Let’s get into it.

Top Pitchers

Carlos Rodon (L) – Yankees

• Matchup: Reds @ Yankees, 7:05 PM ET
• Price: $8100
• Recent Performance: Rodon has had a bit of an up-and-down season, but he’s shown flashes of brilliance. Over his last six games, he’s put up some solid strikeout numbers, particularly against right-handers, where he’s holding a 24.8% K rate.
• Key Insights:
  • vs. LHB: 27.4% K rate, .202 ISO
  • vs. RHB: 21.8% K rate, .224 ISO
  • Recent Form: He’s coming off a strong outing against the Twins (29.7 DK points), showing he can dominate good lineups.
• Why He’s a Top Play: Rodon’s strikeout upside makes him a valuable DFS asset. The Reds have been struggling offensively, and Rodon’s ability to neutralize both lefties and righties puts him in a good spot.

Chris Sale (L) – Braves

• Matchup: Giants @ Braves, 7:20 PM ET
• Price: $10200
• Recent Performance: Sale has been a strikeout machine this season, boasting a 30.4% K rate against righties and 32.5% against lefties. His ability to limit hard contact has kept his wOBA against both handedness below .280.
• Key Insights:
  • vs. LHB: .182 ISO, 53.4% GB rate
  • vs. RHB: .148 ISO, 41.9% GB rate
  • Recent Form: Sale had a dominant performance against the Padres (34.8 DK points), showing he can handle potent offenses.
• Why He’s a Top Play: With a high strikeout rate and the ability to keep runs off the board, Sale is a safe bet for DFS lineups. The Giants’ offense has been inconsistent, adding to his appeal.

Zack Wheeler (R) – Phillies

• Matchup: Phillies @ Cubs, 8:05 PM ET
• Price: $9800
• Recent Performance: Wheeler has been stellar, particularly against right-handed hitters, where he sports a 31.9% K rate and a .104 ISO. He’s also effective against lefties, making him a versatile option.
• Key Insights:
  • vs. LHB: 22.3% K rate, .155 ISO
  • vs. RHB: 31.9% K rate, .104 ISO
  • Recent Form: Wheeler’s recent outings have been solid, including a 32 DK point performance against the Diamondbacks.
• Why He’s a Top Play: Wheeler’s consistent strikeout ability and control make him a top choice. The Cubs’ lineup is prone to strikeouts, which should play into Wheeler’s strengths.

Under-the-Radar Plays

Yusei Kikuchi (L) – Blue Jays

• Matchup: Astros @ Blue Jays, 7:07 PM ET
• Price: $8000
• Recent Performance: Kikuchi has been quietly effective, especially against left-handed hitters, where he has a 27.5% K rate and a .158 ISO.
• Key Insights:
  • vs. LHB: 27.5% K rate, .158 ISO
  • vs. RHB: 25.0% K rate, .167 ISO
  • Recent Form: Kikuchi had a strong showing against the Orioles (24.5 DK points), demonstrating his ability to shut down quality lineups.
• Why He’s a Good Play: Kikuchi’s ability to rack up strikeouts and limit damage makes him a sneaky good play, especially at his price point. The Astros’ lineup can be formidable, but Kikuchi’s recent form suggests he can handle the challenge.

Jordan Hicks (R) – Giants

• Matchup: Giants @ Braves, 7:20 PM ET
• Price: $7300
• Recent Performance: Hicks has shown flashes of dominance, particularly against right-handed hitters, where he boasts a 27.4% K rate and a .145 ISO.
• Key Insights:
  • vs. LHB: .086 ISO, 50.6% GB rate
  • vs. RHB: .145 ISO, 57.3% GB rate
  • Recent Form: Hicks had a solid performance against the Cubs (14.5 DK points), showing he can contribute even in tough matchups.
• Why He’s a Good Play: Hicks’ ground ball rate and strikeout ability give him a solid floor, and at his price, he provides good value. The Braves’ lineup is tough, but Hicks’ skills make him a worthwhile consideration.

Ronel Blanco (R) – Astros

• Matchup: Astros @ Blue Jays, 7:07 PM ET
• Price: $9000
• Recent Performance: Blanco has been effective, especially against right-handed hitters, with a 25.9% K rate and a .178 ISO.
• Key Insights:
  • vs. LHB: .178 ISO, 33.3% GB rate
  • vs. RHB: .178 ISO, 42.3% GB rate
  • Recent Form: Blanco had a strong outing against the Orioles (21.6 DK points), indicating his potential to perform well.
• Why He’s a Good Play: Blanco’s strikeout potential and ability to limit damage make him a solid mid-tier option. The Blue Jays’ lineup can be challenging, but Blanco’s recent form is encouraging.

Conclusion

There you have it, folks. These pitchers offer a mix of high strikeout potential, recent form, and favorable matchups. Whether you’re looking for a high-priced ace or a value play, today’s slate has some great options. Happy roster building and good luck in your DFS contests!