Strategy and Stats for 04/22/24 MLB Daily Fantasy Slate: Optimize Your Lineup

Today’s MLB fantasy slate is packed with action across 11 thrilling games, kicking off at 1:05 PM EST, but all eyes are set on the explosive matchup at Coors Field where the San Diego Padres face the Colorado Rockies at 8:40 PM EST. With an Over/Under set at a towering 10.5, fantasy managers can anticipate a scoring spree, making player selections from this game particularly crucial. Top projected players are poised to make significant impacts, with hitters enjoying the altitude advantage and pitchers facing the challenge of a hitter-friendly park. This game not only promises to be a fantasy goldmine but also sets the stage for strategic player picks and lineup decisions across today’s games. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into each position’s top picks and sleeper hits that could turn the tide in your fantasy lineup.

Top 1B Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Yandy Diaz ($4900), Rays – Projected 14.1 pts

Yandy Diaz has shown a consistent performance in his recent outings, making him a noteworthy option for today’s DFS slate. Over the last ten games, Diaz has managed an average of 4.6 DraftKings points, showing an 11.9% increase from his previous ten-game stretch. His ability to hit consistently is highlighted by a significant 78.6% increase in hits per game compared to the earlier period. Facing Tarik Skubal, who ranks 36th in hits allowed per game with an average of 5.32, Diaz might find more opportunities to capitalize. His projected DFS value score of 2.9 indicates strong value at a DraftKings salary of $4900.

Matt Olson ($5900), Braves – Projected 13.1 pts

Matt Olson, on the other hand, presents a more challenging case. His recent performance has seen a sharp decline, with a 52.5% drop in DraftKings points per game over the last ten games compared to the ten before that. His hits and total bases have also significantly decreased, which might raise concerns. However, facing Edward Cabrera, who is 11th in hits allowed per game at 9.82, could offer Olson a chance to turn things around. Despite the recent dip, Olson’s ability to draw walks and score runs remains intact. His DFS value score of 2.2 positions him as a core value pick at a DraftKings salary of $5900.

Top Second Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Jonathan India ($4200), Reds – Projected 12.3 pts

Jonathan India’s recent performance may raise eyebrows among DFS enthusiasts. Over the last ten games, his output has dipped significantly compared to the previous ten, with a -40.5% change in DraftKings points per game and a stark -60.0% drop in hits per game. Despite these challenges, India’s upcoming matchup against Aaron Nola, who ranks #27 in hits allowed per game, might offer a rebound opportunity. With a DraftKings salary of $4200 and a projected point total of 12.3, India holds a DFS value score of 2.9, positioning him as a strong value play in today’s games.

Ketel Marte ($5500), Diamondbacks – Projected 11.6 pts

Ketel Marte, in contrast, has been on an upward trajectory. His last ten games have shown a promising improvement, with a 17.8% increase in DraftKings points per game and a remarkable 79.8% surge in hits per game. Facing Sonny Gray, who is also generous in allowing hits, Marte’s potential to exploit this matchup is high. Despite a higher DraftKings salary of $5500, his projected points stand at 11.6, resulting in a DFS value score of 2.1. While not as strong as India’s, Marte offers core value for today’s DFS lineups.

Top 3B Picks for Today’s MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

Austin Riley ($5800), Braves – Projected 12.2 pts

Austin Riley has been a consistent performer for the Braves, though his recent games show a slight dip in production. Over the last ten games, Riley has averaged 6.9 DraftKings points, a decrease of 29.4% compared to his previous ten-game stretch. Despite this, his matchup against Edward Cabrera, who ranks 11th in hits allowed per game, suggests a potential for rebound. Riley’s ability to capitalize on Cabrera’s tendency to give up hits could be crucial. His projected DFS value score is 2.1, positioning him as a core value pick for today’s games.

Isaac Paredes ($4500), Rays – Projected 12.0 pts

Isaac Paredes, priced significantly lower than Riley, presents an intriguing option at third base. His recent performance has seen a decline, with a 36.9% drop in DraftKings points over the last ten games compared to the ten before that. However, Paredes faces Tarik Skubal of the Tigers, who is ranked 36th in hits allowed per game. This matchup provides a favorable scenario for Paredes to improve his hitting statistics. With a DFS value score of 2.7, Paredes emerges as a strong value pick, offering potential at a lower cost.

Analyzing Top Shortstop Picks for Today’s MLB DFS Slate

Trea Turner ($6200), Phillies – Projected 12.5 pts

Trea Turner has been a model of consistency and upward trajectory in his recent performances. Over the last ten games, Turner has notched an impressive 12.5 DraftKings points per game, marking a significant 37.2% increase from his previous ten-game stretch. His ability to connect with the ball is evident from his 35.3% increase in hits per game, and a staggering 172.7% increase in doubles per game. Facing Hunter Greene of the Reds, who ranks #24 in hits allowed per game, Turner’s matchup looks favorable. Despite Philadelphia’s overall rank, Turner’s individual performance and his 2.0 DFS value score make him a core value pick for today’s games.

Bobby Witt Jr. ($6200), Royals – Projected 12.0 pts

Bobby Witt Jr. presents a slightly more complex case for DFS players. His last ten games have seen a slight dip in performance with an average of 10.5 DraftKings points per game, a -3.6% change from his previous outings. Despite a decrease in total bases and a -54.5% drop in triples per game, Witt Jr. has managed to slightly improve his singles and walks, which shows his resilience at the plate. Facing Yusei Kikuchi of the Blue Jays might be challenging, but Witt Jr.’s ability to adapt is notable. However, his 1.9 DFS value score categorizes him as a player with bad value today, making him a risky choice for DFS lineups.

Top Catcher Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Adley Rutschman ($5100), Orioles – Projected 11.6 pts

Adley Rutschman has shown a steady increase in his performance metrics, making him a noteworthy pick for today’s DFS lineup. Over the last ten games, Rutschman has averaged 8.1 DraftKings points, a slight improvement from his previous set of games at 7.56 points. His ability to hit consistently is highlighted by a 17.1% increase in hits per game recently. Despite a dip in walks and runs, his total bases per game have surged by 42.9%. Facing Reid Detmers, who ranks 34th in hits allowed per game, Rutschman’s matchup looks favorable. His DFS value score stands at 2.3, positioning him as a core value pick with potential upside in today’s game.

Ryan Jeffers ($4000), Twins – Projected 11.2 pts

Ryan Jeffers emerges as a strong value play in today’s DFS contests. With an average of 8.2 DraftKings points over his last ten games—an increase from 7.0 points in the prior ten—Jeffers is trending in the right direction. His performance has notably improved across multiple categories, including a 41.0% increase in hits per game and a significant boost in total bases and runs scored. Although there’s a slight decrease in home runs, his overall enhancements make him a compelling choice, especially at a lower salary of $4000. Jeffers’ DFS value score is 2.8, making him a strong value pick against a pitcher from the CWS who ranks 35th in hits allowed per game.

Top Outfielder Picks for Today’s DFS Lineup

Kyle Schwarber ($5600), Phillies – Projected 14.5 pts

Kyle Schwarber has been a notable presence for the Phillies, especially considering his recent uptick in performance. Over the last ten games, Schwarber has averaged 9.6 DraftKings points, a significant improvement from his previous set of games where he averaged 7.78 points. This 23.4% increase is largely attributed to his enhanced home run rate, which has surged by 81.8%. Despite a slight decrease in singles and hits per game, Schwarber’s ability to draw walks and score runs has remained robust, showing increases of 42.9% and 19.4%, respectively. Facing Hunter Greene, who ranks 24th in hits allowed per game, Schwarber’s matchup looks promising. His DFS value score stands at 2.6, marking him as a strong value pick in today’s slate.

Mike Trout ($6300), Angels – Projected 14.3 pts

Mike Trout, a perennial fantasy favorite, has experienced a downturn in his recent performances, with an 8.1 average in DraftKings points over his last ten games, a stark contrast to his previous 13.11 average. This 38.2% decrease is part of a broader slump, including a significant 64.3% drop in home runs per game and a 50% reduction in total bases. However, Trout’s upcoming game against Cole Irvin, who is notably generous in allowing hits, could be an opportunity for him to bounce back. Despite the recent struggles, Trout’s projected points remain high at 14.3, but his DFS value score is at 2.3, positioning him as a core value pick rather than a top-tier option for today.