This series uses the FantasyLabs Tools to analyze three key MLB players in the day’s slate. The series does not provide play or fade recommendations. It provides analysis.
Max Scherzer: Pitcher, Nationals
There are a few elite pitchers to choose from on Friday’s slate, including Carlos Carrasco, Jake Arrieta, and Scherzer. While Scherzer isn’t the largest favorite on the slate, he does have favorable Vegas data as a -150 moneyline home favorite, and the opposing Mets are projected for a slate-low 3.2 runs. On top of that, Scherzer currently leads the slate with a 9.1 K Prediction. With moneyline odds of at least -150, Scherzer has historically averaged a +7.62 FanDuel Plus/Minus and a 69.7 percent Consistency Rating (per our Trends tool):
He also has favorable Statcast data, with a recent batted ball distance of 206 feet, exit velocity of 88 miles per hour, and hard hit rate of 16 percent. With an 87 percent Bargain Rating on FanDuel, Scherzer will likely carry high ownership, which Pro subscribers can review across guaranteed prize pools of all stakes via our DFS Ownership Dashboard after lineups lock.
Tyler Collins: Outfield, Tigers
Using the Vegas Dashboard, we can sort by Team Value Rating to identify teams whose players are underpriced relative to their implied totals. Today, the teams with the most value on DraftKings are the Tigers, Blue Jays, and Giants:
One of the highest-rated hitters in our Player Models, Collins has exceptional Statcast data over the last 15 days with a recent batted ball distance of 236 feet, an exit velocity of 94 mph, and a hard hit rate of 42 percent. Per our Lineups page, Collins is projected to hit from the No. 2 spot in the lineup, and he has the luxury of facing journeyman Mike Pelfrey, who lasted only 4.1 innings in his only start this season.
Francisco Lindor: Shortstop, Indians
With the Lineup Builder, it’s easy to incorporate stacks into DFS rosters. One of the higher-rated FanDuel stacks in the Bales Player Model is a 2-4-5-6 stack of the Cleveland Indians, who are currently projected for a slate-high 5.4 runs against Mariners lefty Ariel Miranda:
The projected No. 2 batter, Francisco Lindor has outperformed his 12-month Statcast marks over the last 15 days with a batted ball differential of 30 feet, hard hit differential of nine percentage points, and exit velocity differential of four mph. Over the last year, Miranda has allowed a slate-high 1.974 HR/9, and he has a K prediction of just 4.4. This is a good spot for Lindor and the Indians to pile on the runs.
Good luck, and be sure to read Bryan Mears’ MLB Breakdown later today!
News Updates
After this piece is published, FantasyLabs is likely to provide news updates on a number of players herein mentioned. Be sure to stay ahead of your competition with our industry-leading DFS-focused news blurbs:
