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Thursday’s main slate features five games on DraftKings starting at 6:40 pm ET. FanDuel has a similar main slate featuring only four games starting 25 minutes later. We will be using Bales Model to highlight some of the top options to consider.
Pitchers
The four pitchers projected to score the most fantasy points today are:
- Huascar Ynoa (R)
- José Berríos (R)
- Ranger Suárez (L)
- Carlos Hernández (R)
The highest-rated pitcher on Bales Model for DraftKings and FanDuel today is Huascar Ynoa from the Atlanta Braves. Although Ynoa has lost four of his last five starts, he’s been serviceable in the Braves’ rotation. In 67 2/3 innings, he has a 3.19 ERA, 71 strikeouts, a 1.01 WHIP and 4-5 record. Last time out against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field, Ynoa allowed four earned runs on five hits including one home run. Home runs have plagued the Braves’ right-handed pitcher as he has allowed at least one in five of his last six outings. Today, Ynoa will be on the mound against the Washington Nationals, who are projected for the third-lowest implied runs total on the slate (4.1 runs).
A pitcher coming off back-to-back quality starts for the Toronto Blue Jays is José Berríos. Berríos has pitched very well since being traded from the Minnesota Twins. Overall this season, he has thrown 159 2/3 innings, has an ERA of 3.55, 169 strikeouts and a 1.11 WHIP. Tonight, Berrios will be pitching against the New York Yankees, who are on a five-game losing streak. In those five losses they have scored a total of 14 runs and are in position to be swept by the Blue Jays. This normally would be a tough task for a pitcher, however, Berríos may be primed for a great fantasy start. Current projections show a 44% chance of precipitation and humidity is up to 90% around first pitch. This is the only game on the slate with possible weather concerns.
Ranger Suárez from the Philadelphia Phillies is highly rated on Bales Model due to his strong consistency and high projected ceiling today. In 72 innings, Suárez has 72 strikeouts, a 1.38 ERA, a 6-4 record, and 1.03 WHIP. Over his past three outings, Suarez allowed only two earned runs while striking out 19. Suarez has increased his K/9 greatly as the season has worn on. Tonight, he will be on the hill against the visiting Colorado Rockies, who are projected for an implied runs total of 3.7, the second lowest on the slate. The Rockies’ team value rating of only 43 is by far the lowest on the slate.
Rounding out the top four is Carlos Hernández from the Kansas City Royals, who is priced fairly low and offers high possible value. In his last three starts, Hernández has allowed three earned runs over 18 2/3 innings while striking out 17. He will be pitching against the Baltimore Orioles, who have the second-worst record in all of baseball (45-93). The Orioles have scored a total of 16 runs in their last two games, however, that hot hitting should be coming to an end tonight. One thing that Hernández does struggle with is walks. If he can keep his walk numbers down, Hernández may be a great option to consider due to his low salary.
Value
One pitcher who offers upside is Marcus Stroman from the New York Mets. Stroman is only offed on DraftKings main slate today and is the highest-priced pitcher at $9,400. Stroman has a 60% fantasy consistency rating the past month and does offer value even though his salary is high. Stroman will be pitching against the Miami Marlins, who are projected for the lowest implied runs total on the slate (3.3 runs).
Hitters
Notable Stack
Today’s top projected points stack comes to you from the -206 Atlanta Braves:
- Ozzie Albies (S)
- Jorge Soler (R)
- Freddie Freeman (L)
- Austin Riley (R)
The Braves are projected for the highest implied runs total on the slate today (six runs) and are also the biggest favorites on the slate (-206). Their team value rating of 70 is highly promising for a ball club that has scored 19 runs in its last three games. All indications lean in favor of the Braves’ batters again tonight as they are up against Erick Fedde. On FanDuel, this stack will cost you $15.2K in salary and is projected for a combined 47.5 fantasy points.
Other Hitters
The highest-rated batter on Bales Model today for FanDuel today is Odúbel Herrera from the Philadelphia Phillies. Herrera has collected at least one hit in nine of his last 10 games and is in great form. He will be up against the Colorado Rockies, who have consistently struggled on the road (18-50 record).
Value
Finally, here is a handful of batters to consider while completing your lineups today that are projected for a high fantasy points/salary:
- Brett Gardner
- Joc Pederson
- Austin Hays
- Raimel Tapia
- Bryce Harper
After this piece is published, FantasyLabs is likely to provide news updates on a number of players. Be sure to stay ahead of your competition with our industry-leading DFS-focused news blurbs.
Photo Credit: Ed Zurga/Getty Images
Pictured: Carlos Hernández
