This series uses the FantasyLabs Tools to analyze three key MLB players in the day’s slate.
Dylan Bundy: Pitcher, Orioles
Chris Sale stands out as the clear top pitching option on today’s slate, but Bundy could make for an intriguing pivot. He’s dominated to start the season, posting an average Plus/Minus of +11.00 on DraftKings over his first five starts, and he has a nice matchup today against the Tampa Bay Rays. Their projected lineup has struck out in 25.4% of at-bats against right-handers over the past 12 months, and their implied team total of 3.6 runs is the second-lowest mark on the slate. Bundy’s recent Statcast data also stands out. He’s allowed an average batted-ball distance of 204 feet over his past two starts, which represents a differential of -21 feet when compared to his 12-month average. Historically, pitchers with comparable distance differentials and opponent implied team totals have been nice values on DraftKings (per the Trends tool):
His Bargain Rating of 41% on DraftKings doesn’t jump off the page, but it’s the top mark among pitchers priced above $7,000.
Jackie Bradley Jr.: Outfielder, Red Sox
Today’s main slate features only four games, so the ownership is going to be extremely condensed, especially for a team like the Red Sox, who are currently tied for the top implied total of the day:
One potential diversifier for Red Sox stacks could be Bradley. He’s currently listed as the No. 7 hitter in their projected lineup, but he’s on the positive side of his batting splits against Blue Jays right-hander Marco Estrada. JBJ is also swinging the bat well right now: His average distance of 228 feet over the past 10 games represents a differential of +23 feet when compared to his 12-month average. He’s especially intriguing on FanDuel, where his $2,500 salary comes with a Bargain Rating of 82%.
Jesus Aguilar: First Base, Brewers
Aguilar has been a nice source of value recently on DraftKings:
As good as those numbers are, they may undersell how well he’s hitting at the moment. He’s posted an average distance of 251 feet over his past eight games, which represents a differential of +26 feet when compared to his 12-month average. He’s taking on Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks, who has been on the opposite end of the spectrum. His batted-ball distance over the past two starts is 30 feet worse than his 12-month average, one of the worst marks on the slate.
Good luck today, 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: Jackie Bradley Jr.
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
