A 16-game MLB slate is set for Tuesday, and there are plenty of standout matchups worth watching. That includes an NL Central showdown between the Cubs and Brewers in Milwaukee. Elsewhere, the defending champion Dodgers take on a scrappy Reds squad looking to remain in playoff contention. As a nightcap, the Mets visit the Padres for a potential playoff preview.
There’s plenty of ways to get in on Tuesday’s games with DraftKings MLB Pick6 fantasy baseball selections before tonight’s contests!
Brandon Pfaadt less than 2.5 earned runs allowed
Several World Series contenders have spiraled this month, and the Tigers are no exception. Since July 1st, Detroit owns a lackluster 9-14 record. The team’s biggest problems are on offense, where they’ve scored a league-worst 2.82 runs per game over the past two weeks. That level of hitting will be put to the test tonight against a mediocre Diamondbacks pitching staff. The Snakes have surrendered 4.87 runs per game to opponents, the National League’s third-highest mark.
No arm is more emblematic of Arizona’s struggles than Brandon Pfaadt. The former top prospect entered 2025 with high expectations, but it’s been nothing short of a roller coaster ride. Through 111.2 innings of work, the right-hander has notched a 4.76 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 95 strikeouts. With that being said, the 26-year-old has begun to turn things around. In four of his last five outings, Pfaadt has held teams to two earned runs or less. Given how the Tigers have swung the bat recently, there’s a good chance that trend continues on Tuesday.
Colin Rea less than 16.5 outs
In a pivotal matchup with the Brewers, the Cubs are putting their trust in journeyman starter Colin Rea. It’s been a solid season for the 35-year-old, owner of a 4.06 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. However, he’s fresh off of a nightmare start last week vs. Kansas City (5.0 IP, 5 ER, 3 K). Realistically, it’s difficult to trust the veteran against an elite lineup. In that regard, the Brewers certainly qualify. Milwaukee is scoring 4.76 runs per game this season, sixth-best in baseball.
To navigate this dangerous lineup, Chicago manager Craig Counsell will likely exercise caution on the mound. That means potentially pulling the plug on Rea if things look shaky. The veteran isn’t a workhorse, having pitched 5.1 innings or less in 71.4% of his appearances this season. There’s no reason to assume a lengthy performance tonight against one of the sport’s most lethal group of hitters.
Yusei Kikuchi less than 2.5 earned runs allowed
For an otherwise unimpressive Angels pitching staff, Yusei Kikuchi has been a much-needed ace. The two-time All-Star has tossed 122.2 innings this season, recording a 3.23 ERA and 127 strikeouts. Granted, a sky-high 1.40 WHIP isn’t the greatest mark, but the Japanese hurler has still been effective. The same can’t be said for tonight’s opponent. The Rangers are averaging just 4.12 runs per game, the seventh-lowest mark in baseball.
To be fair to Texas, the team’s offense has looked much better in recent weeks. Still, this group of hitters remains largely ineffective against southpaws. Since July 1st, the Rangers have notched the league’s fourth-lowest batting average against southpaws (.202). Kikuchi has allowed less than three runs in 12 of his 22 appearances this season (54.5%). Another strong showing from the veteran makes plenty of sense tonight.
Xander Bogaerts more than 1.5 hits + runs + RBIs
Despite their collection of star hitters, the Padres have disappointed on offense. Other than Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr., few Friars batters have played up to the back of their baseball card. Xander Bogaerts may not be playing at an elite level, but he hasn’t been the issue for San Diego. The second baseman is slashing .270/.342/.389 with seven home runs, 37 RBIs and 16 stolen bases. Those numbers don’t justify the veteran’s massive contract, but he’s been a stabilizing force in this lineup.
Bogaerts has been great recently, hitting .294 over his last eight contests. That includes a three-hit performance during Monday’s victory over the Mets. New York will attempt to bounce back with starter Sean Manaea on the mound. That’s terrific news for San Diego’s star infielder, who has a terrific track record in this spot. Going back to their days in the American League, Bogaerts is hitting .467 over 15 career at-bats against Manaea. The four-time All-Star should make a decent impact tonight.
Jung Hoo Lee more than 0.5 hits
Despite their midseason acquisition of Rafael Devers, the Giants remain a middling major league offense. One of the bright spots in this lineup has been Jung Hoo Lee, putting together a solid season for San Francisco. The Korean is slashing .253/.322/.400 while hitting six homers and stealing seven bases. Those numbers certainly aren’t eye-popping, but it’s enough to keep opposing pitchers honest.
Against Pittsburgh’s Bailey Falter, Lee will likely bat somewhere in the middle of Tuesday’s batting order. On paper, a capable southpaw might appear to be a challenge for a same-side hitter such as Lee. However, lefties are hitting .274 against Falter this season. Lee enters this contest on a heater, batting .333 over his last five games. Look for the second-year pro to notch at least one single against the Pirates tonight.
Josh Naylor more than 1.5 total bases
Arguably the biggest move of trade season (so far) was made by the Mariners last week when they acquired Josh Naylor. So far, so good for the first baseman with his new club. In the four games since joining Seattle, he’s slashing .333/.375/.533. For the entire season, Naylor is batting a robust .294 with 12 home runs and 60 RBIs. Now slotted behind superstar Cal Raleigh, there should be even more run-producing opportunities for the Canadian going forward.
That’s especially true heading into Tuesday’s battle with the rival Athletics. Despite wielding a dangerous lineup of their own, the A’s have fallen apart thanks to lackluster pitching. Offseason signing Luis Severino has struggled (4.95 ERA, 1.35 WHIP), due in large part to Sacramento’s hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park. When pitching at home, the right-hander owns an abysmal 6.68 ERA. It’s unlikely that trend changes tonight against the Mariners. Seattle is averaging the third-most runs per game (5.22) when playing on the road. There should be plenty of runners on base for Naylor to drive in tonight.
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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.
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