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Yesterday’s stack article went quite well with the Twins and Mets really coming through for us. Thursday brings an extremely odd slate that has a VERY early start time of 4:05 p.m. ET with the last game starting at 9:40 p.m. ET. Nonetheless, we still have some teams to consider stacking for today.
As always, you can reach me on the ol’ Twitter machine @SBuchanan24.
Set your DraftKings lineups here: MLB $175K Relay Throw [$50K to 1st]
1. Tampa Bay Rays
We’re getting to the point where we just stack whomever is going against the Red Sox. The starters have been horrific with an overall 5.36 FIP, a 41% hard-hit rate, only an 18.3 K% and an 11 BB%. Now they’ll be running out another random name in the rotation, as Kyle Hart ($5,100) will be making his major league debut, something that feels like a common theme for the Red Sox now. Hart had some decent numbers in Triple-A last season but only a 19.4% and a 4.32 FIP has me thinking this will be a good spot for the Rays. The Rays have some strong bats that can hit lefties, so the Rays should be considered the top stack.
Players to Consider
Hunter Renfroe ($3,400)
Jose Martinez ($3,900)
Yandy Diaz ($3,100)
Mike Brosseau ($3,400)
Brandon Lowe ($4,400)
2. Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies didn’t necessarily bust last night because they still collected 10 hits but scoring only four runs was a disappointment. They have a chance at redemption this afternoon as they continue their series against the Orioles and Tom Eshelman ($6,300). He’s made two starts thus far and has a 6.17 FIP, only a 11.5 K% and a 41% hard-hit rate. As someone who relies on contact to generate outs, Eshelman gives up a ton of fly balls and already is at a 41% fly ball rate on the season. With this game at Citizens Bank Park, I’m loving the lefties in this game for the Phillies.
Players to Consider
Bryce Harper ($5,400)
Jay Bruce ($3,800)
Didi Gregorius ($4,700)
Adam Haseley ($3,400)
J.T. Realmuto ($5,300)
3. Boston Red Sox
It’s been a struggle for Tyler Glasnow ($9,100) through the first three starts of the season and it hasn’t been because of bad luck, as his 5.56 ERA and 5.27 FIP are nearly identical. I’m not crazy about the Red Sox offense overall but with this game being at Fenway Park, I’ll give them the bump in this spot. Glasnow is still striking out hitters at an extremely impressive rate with a 37.3 K% but when he’s not, he’s allowing a 50% hard-hit rate and has given up a home run in all three starts. I don’t expect these struggles to continue long-term but for now, Glasnow is a pitcher to target against.
Players to Consider
Xander Bogaerts ($4,500)
Rafael Devers ($5,300)
J.D. Martinez ($4,500)
Mitch Moreland ($4,200)
Alex Verdugo ($3,100)
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4. Cincinnati Reds
Usually, Trevor Williams ($5,800) is someone I would stack against immediately if he’s on a slate. However, up to this point, he’s been pitching quite well through three starts. On that note, this is such a tough overall slate that we can’t be super picky. To that end, let’s hope for the Williams that allowed a .393 wOBA to lefties and a .319 wOBA to righties last season. This game is also at Great American Ball Park, which benefits the Reds. Last season, Williams allowed a .343 wOBA with a 5.05 FIP when away from PNC Park. Again, Williams has been better thus far and this is why this stack is at the bottom of the list but I think the Reds could do some damage here with this game at home.
Players to Consider
Jesse Winker ($3,500)
Eugenio Suarez ($4,500)
Nick Castellanos ($4,800)
Josh VanMeter ($3,000)
Joey Votto ($4,400)
Set your DraftKings lineups here: MLB $175K Relay Throw [$50K to 1st]
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is Steveazors) 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 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.