This series uses the FantasyLabs Tools to analyze three key MLB players in the day’s slate.
Mike Clevinger: Pitcher, Indians
Paying all the way up for Clevinger on the main slate could pay off, especially on FanDuel, where he has a 97% Bargain Rating. The opposing Twins are implied for an imposing 4.3 runs (per our Vegas Dashboard), but Clevinger carries upside in guaranteed prize pools with the slate’s second-highest K Prediction (7.3), and the Indians are -122 moneyline favorites. Historically, pitchers with comparably impressive Vegas data and K Predictions have smashed on FanDuel (per the Trends tool):
The highest-priced pitcher on both sites, Clevinger also has some solid Statcast data, including a batted-ball distance of 200 feet, exit velocity of 90 miles per hour, and fly-ball and hard-hit rates of 34% and 37%. On a slate with an exorbitant number of inexperienced pitchers, Clevinger could be chalky against a Twins lineup whose 25.6% strikeout rate is second highest on the slate.
Victor Martinez: First Baseman, Tigers
With the Lineup Builder, it’s easy to incorporate stacks into DFS lineups. The top five-man DraftKings stack in the CSURAM88 Model belongs to the Tigers, who are implied for 4.6 runs:
The Tigers have a prime matchup against Blue Jays pitcher Aaron Sanchez, who owns an atrocious 1.76 WHIP and 1.15 HR/9 over the past 12 months. Sanchez also has recently allowed a high 224-foot average distance and 89-mph exit velocity. Overall, it’s an excellent matchup for Martinez, who owns a .301 wOBA and .117 isolated power (ISO) over the past year against righties. Further, Martinez boasts solid recent batted-ball data with a 219-foot average distance and 91-mph exit velocity. Historically, hitters with similar lineup spots, implied totals, and recent batted-ball data have averaged a +0.42 DraftKings Plus/Minus. If you add to the trend his Recent Batted Ball Luck (RBBL) of +32 it spikes to +0.68.
Curtis Granderson: Outfielder, Blue Jays
The Blue Jays have a respectable implied total of 4.5 runs and slate-leading Team Value Rating of 86 on FanDuel:
The Blue Jays take on Tigers pitcher Michael Fulmer, who has arguably the worst recent batted-ball data on the slate with a 256-foot average distance, 99-mph exit velocity, and 57% hard-hit rate. Granderson has posted a +2.10 FanDuel Plus/Minus with 43% Consistency over his past nine games, but his RBBL of +54 suggests he has been unlucky in his fantasy production. Granderson has still been hitting the ball well with a recent average distance of 230 feet, exit velocity of 94 mph, and 47% hard-hit rate. Historically, hitters with similar lineup spots, batted-ball data, and implied totals have averaged a +0.43 FanDuel Plus/Minus with a massive 55.8% Consistency Rating.
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: Mike Clevinger
Photo credit: David Rachard-USA TODAY Sports
