A loaded 15-game MLB slate is set for baseball fans on Wednesday. Today’s action includes a superstar showdown in New York, as Aaron Judge’s Yankees host Cal Raleigh’s Mariners. Elsewhere, the Astros hope to bounce back following two straight losses to the Guardians. Later, the Diamondbacks will attempt to secure a series sweep against Dylan Cease and the Padres.
There’s plenty of ways to get in on Wednesday’s games with DraftKings MLB Pick6 fantasy baseball selections before today’s contests!
Jesus Luzardo more than 16.5 outs
Things have gotten messy for Jesus Luzardo over the past few weeks. Since June 1st, the right-hander owns a dismal 6.67 ERA over six starts. The former All-Star has had three different outings during that time in which he allowed at least four runs. As a result, his season-long numbers (4.44 ERA, 1.47 WHIP) look fairly unimpressive. Still, as a member of a World Series-caliber Phillies squad, the southpaw is still relevant for fantasy baseball purposes.
Luzardo will get a chance to return to form this afternoon in San Francisco. Throwing at Oracle Park, arguably the league’s most pitcher-friendly venue, tends to help out opposing hurlers. The Giants are only averaging 4.17 runs per game, the ninth-lowest mark in baseball. With that being said, this lineup knows how to work a count. San Francisco hitters have forced the third-most pitches per plate appearance this season. Even if Luzardo avoids another disastrous start, he might not last long in this one.
Ke’Bryan Hayes less than 1.5 hits + runs + RBIs
Other than Paul Skenes, the Pirates are an absolute mess. That’s especially true at the plate, where Pittsburgh has scored a league-worst 3.40 runs per game. The list of disappointing hitters on this roster is nearly endless. Although Ke’Bryan Hayes is a phenomenal defender, the third baseman’s bat is lacking. This season, he’s slashing just .240/.288/.298 with two homers and 29 RBIs. Somehow, the 28-year-old’s already mediocre offense appears to be regressing.
It’s clear that Hayes isn’t the most intimidating matchup for opposing arms. That’s especially true for Kris Bubic, recently named to the American League All-Star squad. The lefty owns a 2.36 ERA and 1.15 WHIP over 103.0 innings of work this season. Right-handed hitters have put up a minuscule .225 batting average against Kansas City’s newest ace. Keeping that in mind, it’s impossible to have any confidence in Hayes on Wednesday.
MacKenzie Gore more than 5.5 strikeouts
At long last, MacKenzie Gore is living up to his massive potential. Washington’s fireballer has always been talented, but the lefty has taken things to another level this season. Through 104.1 innings pitched, the All-Star has recorded a 3.11 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 131 strikeouts, third-most in the National League. However, the 26-year-old has reached six K’s in only two of his previous five appearances.
Has Gore lost his touch? I’m doubtful. Even the best strikeout artists run into a stretch where they can’t generate many whiffs. It helps that the Nationals opted to give their ace an extra day of rest. Tonight, Washington will visit the Cardinals, in what could be an advantageous matchup. St. Louis has struck out 248 times against lefties this season, third-most in baseball. Even a lesser southpaw than Gore could find a way to reach six punch outs tonight.
Kumar Rocker more than 4.5 strikeouts
On a Rangers squad loaded with pitching depth, Kumar Rocker has been a disappointment. The former top prospect has logged a subpar 5.80 ERA and 1.49 WHIP over ten starts. Still, the right-hander’s stuff makes him a threat to deliver on any given night. In fact, he’s allowed two runs or less in each of his last four outings. Most recently, Rocker tossed 5.1 innings of two-run ball against the Padres.
Tonight, the rookie will look to keep the good times rolling against the Angels. Los Angeles does have some pop, smacking the fifth-most homers in baseball this season. However, this group is the definition of all-or-nothing. The Halos are striking out at a league-worst rate of 9.88 times per game at home. Rocker has had success in this matchup as well, whiffing eight LA batters when these teams last met in April. Texas’ young hurler is more than capable of reaching five K’s in this contest.
Dylan Cease more than 6.5 strikeouts
It’s been a strange season for Dylan Cease. The right-hander is on the hook for a below-average 4.62 ERA and 1.33 WHIP. However, a FIP of 3.40 and 11.2 K/9 ratio suggests that he’s been the victim of bad luck. In 15 of 18 starts, Cease has held opponents to three runs or less. However, he’s pitched more than five innings in less than half of those games. Ultimately, controlling the strike zone is key for the seventh-year pro.
Tonight’s matchup won’t be easy for the Padres. The Diamondbacks come into Wednesday averaging the fifth-most runs per game in baseball (5.08). In addition, the Snakes are striking out at the National League’s fifth-lowest rate. With that being said, Cease has a solid track record in this spot. In each of his three career meetings with Arizona, the 29-year-old has notched at least eight K’s. San Diego’s ace isn’t the surest thing, but he’s also his own worst enemy. During this pivotal NL West showdown, expect a locked-in version of Cease.
Matt Olson more than 1.5 total bases
Not much has gone according to plan in Atlanta. Fortunately for Braves fans, Matt Olson hasn’t lost a step. This season, the first baseman is slashing .267/.367/.487 with 17 home runs and 58 RBIs. Unsurprisingly, those numbers were good enough to earn the slugger his third career All-Star Game selection. Since June 1st, the veteran has a .317 batting average and .537 slugging percentage.
Tonight’s matchup presents a golden opportunity for Atlanta’s star-studded lineup. Sacramento’s Sutter Health Park is a hitter-friendly stadium. It helps that the group that plays there, the Athletics, can’t pitch. Mitch Spence is one of the team’s better arms. Still, left-handed batters are hitting .315 against the 27-year-old starter. All it will take for Olson to deliver here is an extra-base hit.
What is DraftKings Pick6?
Pick6 is a peer-to-peer fantasy variant where you build a lineup (your “Pick Set”) of 2+ players and select whether or not you believe each will outperform their listed stat projection. Enter your Pick Set in Pick6 contests to compete against other users. Get enough picks correct and win a share of cash prizes.
How to Play DraftKings Pick6
Create a Pick Set
Create a Pick Set by choosing 2+ players from the same sport and Pick Group (a set of picks available from a group of set competitions). For each player, simply select if you think they’ll have more or less than their listed stat projection. In each Pick Set, you can not pick the same player twice and you must pick players from at least two different teams.
Enter an Amount
Once you finalize your Pick Set, choose your entry fee amount. Your entries will be automatically distributed into available contests, subject to your confirmation.
Sweat Your Picks
When the games go live, use the My Picks tab to follow your picks in real time to track how your players are performing against their projections and how they stack up against other users.
Compete for Prizes
Make enough correct picks and win a share of the contests’ guaranteed prizes. Any prizes won will be credited to your DraftKings account after contests are finalized.
Play at DraftKings Pick6 or by downloading the DraftKings Pick6 app on Apple or Google!
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