This series uses the FantasyLabs Tools to analyze three key MLB players in the day’s slate.
Justin Verlander: Pitcher, Astros
On the DraftKings early slate, Verlander is in a tier of his own. The Astros check in as the slate’s largest favorite (-160 moneyline odds), and the A’s have the slate’s lowest implied total (3.3 runs). Additionally, Verlander has a respectable 7.4 K Prediction. Historically, pitchers with comparable salaries, Vegas data and K Predictions have been solid investments (per our Trends tool):
Verlander has done well over the past 12 months, sporting a 0.91 WHIP, 0.92 HR/9, and stellar 10.66 SO/9. Moreover, he has been outstanding this season, averaging a +7.18 DraftKings Plus/Minus with an elite 92% Consistency Rating. With few enticing options on the slate, Verlander will likely come with high ownership.
Jose Ramirez: Third Baseman, Indians
With the Lineup Builder, it’s easy to incorporate stacks into DFS lineups. The top early-slate five-man DraftKings stack in the CSURAM88 Model belongs to the Indians, who have a slate-high 4.9 runs:
The switch-hitting Ramirez will take on White Sox pitcher Carlos Rodon, who owns a woeful 1.75 HR/9 and 1.43 WHIP over the past year along with a 95-mph exit velocity over the past 15 days. Ramirez has been in a slump lately, averaging a -2.20 DraftKings Plus/Minus with 10% Consistency over the past 10 days, but his +8 Recent Batted Ball Luck (RBBL) suggests that he’s been a little unlucky.
Ramirez could be in line for progression considering that he’s recently smashed the baseball with a 251-foot average distance, 95-mph exit velocity and 47% hard-hit rate. Hitters with comparable batted-ball data and implied run totals have averaged a +1.37 DraftKings Plus/Minus.
Paul Goldschmidt: First Baseman, Diamondbacks
Per our Vegas Dashboard, the Diamondbacks own a solid Team Value Rating of 79 on FanDuel, and they’re implied for a respectable 4.6 runs:
Goldschmidt will take on Mets lefty Jason Vargas, and he has obliterated lefties over the past 12 months with a splits-adjusted elite .484 weighted on-base average and .401 isolated power. Even more impressively, Goldy has recently crushed with a 261-foot average distance and 65% hard-hit rate, which give him outstanding 15-day/12-month differentials of +34 feet and +22 percentage points. Historically, hitters with comparable batted-ball data have averaged a stellar +1.73 FanDuel Plus/Minus.
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: Paul Goldschmidt
Photo credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
