Not to brag, but it’s a long weekend in Canada. So while I’m technically writing up players for tonight’s 13-game MLB slate on DraftKings, my mind is already at the cottage, where I’ll attempt to swim in a lake that is still far too cold for any human being.
Let’s get on with it.
Set your DraftKings fantasy baseball lineups here: MLB $200K Relay Throw [$50K to 1st]
For up-to-the-minute news, analysis and lineups, download the DK Network app. You also can follow DK Network on Twitter @dknetwork.
PITCHER
Stud
Nestor Cortes, New York Yankees vs. Chicago White Sox, $9,400 – In a cash game, I’d probably just roster Tarik Skubal ($10,000), no matter how well the Diamondbacks hit left-handed pitching. In a tournament, I’m intrigued by the upside of Cortes. First and foremost, the 29-year-old has far better underlying statistics than his surface ones, as evidenced by a 2.80 xERA and a 3.74 SIERA. Cortes has also flashed massive ceiling in 2024, twice registering at least 30.0 DKFP in a start. With the White Sox sitting dead-last in baseball in wRC+ versus LHPs (61), I’ll take my chances with Cortes.
Value
Jesus Luzardo, Miami Marlins vs. New York Mets, $7,400 – I’m on board with using either starter in this contest, as Christian Scott ($8,100) also appears to be in an advantageous spot on Friday. However, Luzardo is a little cheaper with a longer track record if success. 2024 hasn’t been amazing for the left-hander, yet his 3.84 SIERA indicates better days are likely on the horizon. Luzardo is still managing a 26.3% strikeout rate, too. The Mets sit 25th in ISO (.121) and 23rd in wRC+ (85) in the month of May. This seems like a good opponent to get Luzardo back on track.
INFIELD
Stud
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals vs. Oakland Athletics, $6,500 – Look, Kyle Muller ($6,400) has been fine this season working out of the bullpen, but I’m not just going to completely overlook his performance as a starter in 2023. 13 starts and 60.0 innings translated into an 8.10 ERA and a .424 opponent wOBA. That’s simply ghastly. I’d expect the Royals to put up some crooked numbers on Friday and that begins with Witt Jr. at the top of the lineup. The shortstop hasn’t been great against LHPs in 2024, but overall he’s hitting .293 with a .405 expected wOBA. Good enough for me.
Stud
Matt Olson, Atlanta Braves vs. San Diego Padres, $5,200 – It’s been a disappointing 2024 for Olson, but there are signs that things are about to improve. The All-Star has multiple hits in two of his last three games, including his fifth home run of the season. Olson’s .381 expected wOBA is also not all that dissimilar from his mark in 2023 — when he led baseball in long balls. It’s coming. Heck, it might happen on Friday against Matt Waldron ($6,200) and the Padres. Lefties are hitting .311 with a .420 wOBA off Waldron. Yikes.
Value
Ernie Clement, Toronto Blue Jays vs. Tampa Bay Rays, $3,100 – I’d warn against an all-out Blue Jays stack — the lineup just hasn’t been good enough — but Clement is a nice way to save some salary. The utility man has been crushing left-handed pitching in 2024, slashing .357/.400/.536 with an eye-popping .424 expected wOBA within the split. Meanwhile, Tyler Alexander ($5,800) is surrendering 2.04 opponent home runs per nine.
Value
Jonathan Aranda, Tampa Bay Rays at Toronto Blue Jays, $2,800 – I don’t expect Aranda to be this cheap for too much longer. The man can hit — at least he did in Triple-A last season, where he posted a .613 slugging percentage and a 142 wRC+. For tonight’s purposes, the fact Aranda is left-handed is crucial. Chris Bassitt ($7,200) has been destroyed by LHBs in 2024, as the veteran has allowed those within the split to slash .324/.427/.568 with a .431 wOBA. Keep an eye on Ben Rortvedt ($3,200), as well.
OUTFIELD
Stud
Juan Soto, New York Yankees vs. Chicago White Sox, $6,300 – Any time Soto is squaring off with an underwhelming RHP, I’m going to put him in a few lineups. His numbers are always amazing, but they are particularly staggering against right-handers in 2024. Soto owns a 171 wRC+ and a .454 expected wOBA within the split — the latter ranking as the fourth-best qualified mark in baseball. Mike Clevinger ($6,700) hasn’t looked great in his first two outings of the season. I doubt pitching at Yankee Stadium will help.
Stud
Taylor Ward, Los Angeles Angels at Texas Rangers, $4,800 – There’s very little to like about the Angels at the moment, yet Ward continues to produce. In fact, the outfielder has been among the best at hitting left-handed pitching in recent years, with Ward slashing .318/.382/.530 with a 148 wRC+ within the split since the beginning of 2023. Andrew Heaney ($6,600) is a southpaw. Andrew Heaney isn’t that good. Feel free to use Ward in as many lineups as you’d like.
Value
Davis Schneider, Toronto Blue Jays vs. Tampa Bay Rays, $4,000 – Alright. Maybe I can recommend a little Jays stack. Just this once. Most of the team’s viability is due to the presence of the aforementioned Alexander, but don’t sleep on Schneider. The former 28th-round pick is currently sitting in the 98th percentile of barrel rate (19.1%). He also owns a 1.107 OPS and a 199 wRC+ in his 87 career plate appearances against LHPs at the MLB level. Not too shabby.
Set your DraftKings fantasy baseball lineups here: MLB $200K Relay Throw [$50K to 1st]
The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and customer (my username is theglt13) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
