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.
Hyun-jin Ryu: Dodgers, Pitcher
Today’s slate doesn’t offer a lot of good pitching options, just different degrees of bad. Ryu’s last start was at Coors, so his recent Statcast data doesn’t look good with a recent batted ball distance of 218 feet, exit velocity of 93 miles per hour, and hard hit rate of 35 percent. Prior to the Coors game and being on the disabled list, he allowed two earned runs in his last two starts.
Ryu has favorable Vegas data as a home favorite with -186 moneyline odds, as the Marlins have an implied run total of 3.4 runs. Additionally, Ryu has a respectable 6.8 K Prediction. Per our Trends tool, pitchers with comparable Vegas data and K Predictions have averaged a +5.98 FanDuel Plus/Minus with a 65 percent Consistency Rating:
While these pitchers have carried high ownership in guaranteed prize pools, they’ve been reliable assets in cash games. In a slate without stellar pitching options, Ryu is one of the top pitchers in our Player Models.
Chris Davis: Orioles, First Baseman
With the Lineup Builder, it’s easy to incorporate stacks into DFS rosters. The Orioles are currently implied for 5.2 runs against the Tigers, who are starting the exploitable Jordan Zimmerman. Per our Lineups page, Davis is projected to hit fourth. He’s a key player in many Baltimore stacks:
Per his Statcast data, Davis has been swinging well lately. Over his last 11 games, Davis has a recent batted ball distance of 249 feet, exit velocity of 94 miles per hour, and a hard hit rate of 55 percent. Zimmerman has been shelled in his last two starts with a recent batted ball distance of 236 feet, exit velocity of 92 miles per hour, and fly ball rate of 46 percent. During that same span, Zimmerman allowed four home runs and eight earned runs in two starts. This game could shape up well for Davis, who has a .259 ISO against right-handed pitchers.
Nelson Cruz: Mariners, Outfielder
Per our Vegas Dashboard, there are three teams implied for over five runs, one of which is the Seattle Mariners, who have a solid Team Value Rating of 78 on DraftKings:
When you think of the Mariners, Cruz typically comes to mind, and his matchup against Dylan Covey should offer positive expected value. Over his last 12 games, Cruz has crushed with a recent batted ball distance of 253 feet and an exit velocity of 95 miles per hour. On top of that, Covey has allowed 15 hits and nine earned runs over his last two starts along with a recent batted ball distance of 239 feet, exit velocity of 96 miles per hour, and a hard hit rate of 44 percent.
Given Seattle’s implied total and Cruz’s recent performance, he could have a double-digit ownership rate, which Pro subscribers can review after lineups lock using our DFS Ownership Dashboard.
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:
