This series uses the FantasyLabs Tools to analyze three key MLB players in the day’s slate.
Jose Berrios: Pitcher, Twins
Today’s early-slate pitching options are thin, but Berrios has a decent overall matchup and Vegas data. The Twins check in as the slate’s largest favorite (-205 moneyline odds), and Berrios has the slate’s highest K Prediction (6.8). Historically, pitchers with comparable Vegas data and K Predictions have been stellar investments (per our Trends tool):
Overall, Berrios is in a sublime spot as the opposing White Sox possess the slate’s second-lowest implied run total (3.7). Furthermore, the projected White Sox lineup owns a high 29.5% strikeout rate and below-average .297 weighted on-base average (wOBA) over the past 12 months. Berrios has dominated at home this season, averaging a +10.9 FanDuel Plus/Minus with 71.4% Consistency.
Curtis Granderson: Outfielder, Blue Jays
With the Lineup Builder, it’s easy to incorporate stacks into DFS lineups. The top four-man main-slate FanDuel stack in the CSURAM88 Player Model belongs to the Blue Jays, who are implied for 5.2 runs:
Orioles righty David Hess has an awful 1.90 HR/9 over the past year, and Granderson possesses a 40% fly-ball rate over the past 15 days. Additionally, Granderson has smashed the baseball recently with a 230-foot average distance, 94-mph exit velocity and 40% hard-hit rate. The spot is excellent for Granderson, who has smashed righties over the past 12 months with a .357 wOBA and .257 isolated power.
Gerrit Cole: Pitcher, Astros
On DraftKings there is an absurd pricing gap between Cole and the rest of the options on the main slate. Cole checks in at $14,000 while Cole Hamels has the second-highest salary at $8,100. But Cole may be worth his salary: He stands out with an 8.3 K Prediction and -185 moneyline odds, pitchers with comparable K Predictions and Vegas data have been worth the cost even at such a lofty salary:
Cole has been outstanding this season, averaging a +9.34 DraftKings Plus/Minus with an absurd 92% Consistency Rating. He has a solid matchup against a Rangers team that ranks 26th in weighted runs created plus this season against right-handed pitchers (FanGraphs). Further, the projected Rangers lineup owns a 27.6% strikeout rate against righties over the past year. On a slate that’s void of other top-priced options, it’s difficult not to hit the lock button on Cole.
Good luck, and be sure to check out The Action Network if you’re looking for more baseball coverage!
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.
Pictured above: Curtis Granderson
Photo credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
