This series uses the FantasyLabs Tools to analyze three key MLB players in the day’s slate.
Steve Pearce: Outfield, Blue Jays
The Blue Jays’ current implied team total of 4.9 runs is the top mark on today’s slate, and Pearce is projected to occupy the leadoff spot against Royals left-hander Eric Skoglund, who has posted a dreadful WHIP of 2.33 over the past 12 months. The matchup also puts Pearce on the positive side of his batting splits, as he’s destroyed left-handers to the tune of a .356 wOBA and .297 ISO over the past year. Historically, leadoff hitters with comparable batting splits and implied team totals have been nice values (per the Trends tool):
Pearce also has strong Statcast data over the past 15 days with positive differentials in distance, exit velocity, and hard-hit rate when compared to his 12-month averages. He’s one of the highest-rated players in our MLB Models.
Daniel Mengden: Pitcher, Athletics
Today’s slate is a little thin on top-end pitching talent, so it could make sense to pay down at the position. One potential value option could be Mengden, who’s priced at just $5,900 on DraftKings. He’s a solid -140 favorite, and Mengden has strong recent Statcast data, posting a batted-ball distance allowed of 191 feet over his past two starts, good for a distance differential of -18 feet when compared to his 12-month average. He has a nice matchup vs. the Chicago White Sox, whose current implied team total of 3.9 runs is one of the lowest marks on the slate:
Their projected lineup has also struck out in 28.7% of at-bats against right-handers over the past 12 months. Mengden’s Bargain Rating of 63% on DraftKings is tied for the third-best mark on the slate.
C.J. Cron: First Base, Rays
Cron has occupied the cleanup spot for the Rays recently, and he’s been a preferred target of high-stakes players. Just yesterday, he owned one of the highest volatility ratings in our Ownership Dashboard:
He looks to be in another good spot today. He’s taking on Rangers left-hander Martin Perez, and Cron has posted a .307 wOBA and .232 ISO against southpaws over the past 12 months. The Rays’ implied team total of 4.6 runs is also one of the top marks on the slate. He’s especially appealing on FanDuel, where his $2,500 salary comes with a Bargain Rating of 86%.
Good luck on today’s slate, 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: Steve Pearce & Marcus Stroman
Photo credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
