Strategy and Stats for 04/19/24 MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

As the clock strikes 2:20 PM EST today, the MLB fantasy landscape ignites with a thrilling 15-game slate that promises fireworks and fierce competition. Fantasy aficionados, take note: the spotlight shines brightly on the Seattle Mariners as they gear up for a high-octane clash against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field, starting at 8:40 PM EST. With an Over/Under set at a whopping 11.0, this game is a treasure trove for hitters, making it a pivotal battleground for daily fantasy players. As you set your lineups, keep an eye on the top projected players across all positions, whose recent performances and matchups position them as today’s fantasy linchpins. This comprehensive preview will delve deeper into each game, offering insights and strategic tips to help you dominate your contests.

Top 1B Picks for Today’s MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

Matt Olson ($6000), Braves – Projected 13.4 pts

Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves shows a mixed bag of recent performances but remains a solid pick for today’s DFS lineup. Over his last ten games, Olson has seen a slight dip in productivity, scoring an average of 7.7 DraftKings points per game, a decrease from his previous average of 9.56. Despite this, his ability to draw walks has significantly improved, jumping 218.2% to 0.7 walks per game. Facing Andrew Heaney, who ranks mid-tier in hits allowed, Olson’s matchup is favorable. His projected DFS value score stands at 2.2, positioning him as a core value player for today’s games.

Triston Casas ($4800), Red Sox – Projected 12.8 pts

Triston Casas of the Boston Red Sox emerges as a strong contender in today’s DFS landscape. With an impressive surge in his performance, Casas has upped his game to average 9.3 DraftKings points over his last ten outings, a significant improvement from 6.0 in the prior ten games. Notably, his power hitting has spiked, with home runs per game increasing by 263.6%. His total bases per game have also seen a substantial rise of 88.5%. With a DraftKings salary of $4800 and a projected point total that suggests substantial productivity, Casas holds a DFS value score of 2.7, marking him as a strong value pick for today.

Top Second Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Jose Altuve ($5200), Astros – Projected 13.9 pts

Jose Altuve continues to be a beacon of consistency for fantasy managers, especially in the daily formats. Over his last ten games, Altuve has posted an impressive 11.6 DraftKings points per game, showing a modest increase from his previous ten-game stretch. His matchup against Mackenzie Gore, who ranks 14th in hits allowed per game, positions Altuve to potentially exploit these stats further. Despite a slight dip in home runs and total bases, his increase in walks by 81.8% compensates, enhancing his on-base potential. With a DFS Value Score of 2.7, Altuve stands out as a strong value play in today’s slate.

Jorge Polanco ($5000), Mariners – Projected 13.2 pts

Jorge Polanco presents an intriguing case for DFS consideration today. His recent performances have seen a dramatic improvement, with his DraftKings points per game soaring by 177.2% in his last ten games compared to the ten before that. Facing Dakota Hudson, who is notably generous in allowing hits, Polanco’s potential to capitalize is high. His significant increase in walks, up 400.0%, offers additional DFS appeal by boosting his chances for scoring and base progression. With a DFS Value Score of 2.6, Polanco is pegged as a core value pick, making him a solid choice for today’s games.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Austin Riley ($6000), Atlanta Braves – Projected 13.5 pts

Austin Riley has been on a notable uptick in his performance, making him a compelling pick for today’s DFS lineup. Over his last 10 games, Riley has averaged 9.5 DraftKings points per game, a significant improvement from his previous 10 games where he averaged 8.0 points. This 18.8% increase in fantasy output is bolstered by a 30.0% increase in hits per game and a notable 29.2% increase in total bases per game. Facing Andrew Heaney of the Texas Rangers, who ranks 15th in hits allowed per game, Riley’s matchup looks favorable. With a DraftKings salary of $6000 and a DFS value score of 2.2, Riley stands out as a core value pick with potential for substantial returns.

Jose Ramirez ($5900), Cleveland Indians – Projected 12.8 pts

Jose Ramirez presents a slightly riskier option in today’s DFS contests. His recent performance shows a decline, with a 7.8 average in DraftKings points over the last 10 games, down 15.4% from the previous set of 10 games. Additionally, his hits per game have decreased by 26.2%, and his runs per game have halved, impacting his overall fantasy viability. However, Ramirez is facing Joe Boyle of the Oakland Athletics, who ranks 29th in hits allowed per game, potentially offering Ramirez a chance to bounce back. With a DraftKings salary of $5900 and a DFS value score of 2.2, Ramirez is also positioned as a core value player, but with a note of caution due to his recent downward trend.

Daily Fantasy Sports: Shortstop Analysis

Gunnar Henderson ($5400), Orioles – Projected 14.0 pts

Gunnar Henderson has been making waves in the fantasy sports world, especially considering his recent performance uptick. Over his last 10 games, Henderson has averaged 12.5 DraftKings points, a significant improvement from his previous 10-game average of 8.78 points. This 42.4% increase in fantasy output is particularly noteworthy as he faces Alec Marsh, who ranks 9th in hits allowed per game in the MLB. Henderson’s ability to capitalize on matchups is evident, with a striking 81.8% increase in home runs per game and a 53.4% increase in total bases per game. His DFS value score stands at 2.6, marking him as a strong value pick for the upcoming slate.

J.P. Crawford ($4400), Mariners – Projected 13.5 pts

J.P. Crawford presents an intriguing option at shortstop, especially when considering his consistent improvement and the matchup against Dakota Hudson, who is 5th in the league for hits allowed per game. Crawford’s DraftKings points have risen by 39.8% in his last 10 games compared to the 10 games prior, now averaging 5.9 points per game. His hits per game have increased by 42.9%, and he has shown a remarkable 218.2% increase in runs per game. Additionally, his walks per game have more than doubled, showcasing his enhanced plate discipline. With a DFS value score of 3.1, Crawford stands out as an elite value pick, offering substantial upside in today’s games.

Top Catcher Picks for Today’s MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

Adley Rutschman ($4800), Orioles – Projected 12.6 pts

Adley Rutschman’s recent performance has shown a slight dip compared to his previous games, with his DraftKings points per game falling by 16.8% to 6.1 and FanDuel points by 19.8% to 7.77. Despite the decrease, Rutschman’s consistency at the plate remains evident with an average of 1.0 hits per game in his last ten outings. His matchup against Alec Marsh, who ranks 9th in hits allowed per game, positions him favorably for potential scoring opportunities. With a DraftKings salary of $4800 and a projected point total of 12.6, Rutschman offers a 2.6 DFS value score, making him a strong value pick at catcher for today’s slate.

Logan O’Hoppe ($4600), Angels – Projected 12.4 pts

Logan O’Hoppe has experienced a more significant decline in his performance metrics, with his DraftKings points per game dropping by 43.1% to 5.0 and FanDuel points by 47.7% to 6.11. Despite these challenges, O’Hoppe’s upcoming game against Nick Lodolo, who leads the MLB in hits allowed per game, could be a turning point. This matchup provides a prime opportunity for O’Hoppe to capitalize on Lodolo’s vulnerability. Holding a DraftKings salary of $4600 and a projected point total of 12.4, O’Hoppe is assessed with a 2.7 DFS value score, indicating strong value and making him an appealing option for today’s games.

Top Outfielder Picks for Today’s MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

Yordan Alvarez ($5700), Astros – Projected 15.9 pts

Yordan Alvarez has been a beacon of consistency for fantasy managers, especially in his recent performances. With an average of 9.8 DraftKings points over his last ten games, Alvarez shows a significant improvement from his previous ten-game stretch where he averaged 7.44 points. This 31.7% increase in fantasy scoring is a testament to his growing adaptability and impact at the plate. Facing Mackenzie Gore, who ranks #14 in hits allowed per game, Alvarez’s matchup looks promising. His projected DFS value score of 2.8 underscores his strong potential to be a valuable asset in today’s games.

Ronald Acuna Jr. ($6500), Braves – Projected 15.3 pts

Ronald Acuna Jr. continues to be a powerhouse for the Braves and fantasy lineups alike. Over his last ten games, Acuna Jr. has averaged 12.0 DraftKings points, showing a solid increase from the 10.44 points in the previous set of games. Despite a slight decrease in runs and walks, his overall performance remains robust, particularly with a steady hit rate and slight improvements in total bases. Acuna Jr. faces Andrew Heaney of the Rangers, who is ranked #15 for hits allowed per game, potentially giving Acuna Jr. the edge he needs. His DFS value score of 2.4 positions him as a core player in today’s fantasy lineups.