Strategy and Stats for 05/19/24 Daily Fantasy MLB Slate

As the clock strikes 1:05 PM EST today, the MLB fantasy landscape ignites with a thrilling 15-game slate, promising a spectacle of skill and strategy. Among the highlights, all eyes are set on Truist Park where the San Diego Padres clash with the Atlanta Braves at 7:10 PM EST. This marquee matchup, boasting an Over/Under of 9.0, is anticipated to be a treasure trove for hitters, making it a focal point for fantasy players seeking to maximize their points. As we delve deeper into today’s games, we’ll uncover the top projected players at each position, leveraging their recent performances and statistical prowess to guide your fantasy selections. Stay tuned as we break down each game, providing you with the insights needed to dominate your daily fantasy sports contests.

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

Pete Alonso ($4900), Mets – Projected 12.3 pts

Pete Alonso has shown a remarkable improvement in his recent performances. Over the last ten games, his DraftKings points per game surged to 9.7 from a previous 4.67, marking a 107.7% increase. His hits per game have astonishingly risen by 490.9%, with total bases per game also up by 258.2%. Despite a slight decrease in walks per game, Alonso’s overall impact on the field has been substantial. With a DraftKings salary of $4900 and a projected point tally of 12.3, he offers a 2.5 DFS value score, positioning him as a strong value pick for today’s games.

Bryce Harper ($5600), Phillies – Projected 12.3 pts

Bryce Harper remains a consistent force at the plate, with his last ten games yielding an average of 11.0 DraftKings points, up from 8.56 in the previous set, an increase of 28.5%. His hits have more than doubled, and while his home runs per game saw a slight decrease, his runs per game have improved by 34.3%. Facing Trevor Williams, who ranks 26th in hits allowed per game, Harper’s matchup looks favorable. Despite a higher salary of $5600, his projected points mirror those of Alonso, but with a DFS value score of 2.2, he is considered a core value player for today’s slate.

Daily Fantasy Sports: Second Base Spotlight

Marcus Semien ($5400), Texas Rangers – Projected 13.2 pts

Marcus Semien has been on a notable upswing in his recent performances, making him a compelling pick for today’s DFS lineup. Over the last ten games, Semien has averaged 9.5 DraftKings points per game, a significant improvement from his previous set of ten games where he managed only 5.44 points. This surge in productivity is highlighted by a 34.8% increase in hits per game and a staggering 263.6% increase in walks per game. Facing Jose Soriano, who ranks #23 in hits allowed per game, Semien’s chances of maintaining his high output look promising. His DFS value score stands at 2.4, positioning him as a core value player in today’s fantasy slate.

Jose Altuve ($5700), Houston Astros – Projected 12.4 pts

Jose Altuve, however, presents a more cautious case. His recent performance dip is a concern, with his last ten games yielding only 4.7 DraftKings points on average, a -56.4% drop compared to the previous ten-game stretch. His hits, total bases, and runs scored have all seen significant declines, which are red flags for potential fantasy players. Facing Colin Rea, who is ranked #10 for hits allowed per game, might not be enough to turn around Altuve’s fortunes. With a DFS value score of 2.2, Altuve is categorized as a core value player, but fantasy managers should proceed with caution given his current form.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Maikel Garcia ($4400), Royals – Projected 11.3 pts

Maikel Garcia of the Kansas City Royals shows a promising uptrend in his recent performances. Over the last ten games, Garcia has notched an average of 8.9 DraftKings points per game, a slight improvement over his previous set of ten games. His matchup against JP Sears, who ranks 18th in hits allowed per game, positions Garcia as a potentially lucrative pick. His ability to consistently hit and occasionally double has contributed to an increase in total bases, up by 13.8%. Despite a drop in walks, his scoring and hitting metrics suggest a resilient player. With a DraftKings salary of $4400 and a projected point total of 11.3, Garcia’s DFS value score stands at 2.6, marking him as a strong value pick for today’s games.

Jose Ramirez ($6100), Indians – Projected 11.1 pts

Jose Ramirez of the Cleveland Indians comes into today’s game as a high-risk, high-reward option. Facing Chris Paddack, who leads the league in hits allowed per game, Ramirez has a golden opportunity to exploit this matchup. His recent surge in performance, highlighted by a 64% increase in DraftKings points per game over his last ten games compared to the previous set, underscores his potential impact. His hitting has dramatically improved, with a notable 233.3% increase in hits per game. However, his DFS value score of 1.8 reflects the high DraftKings salary of $6100, which might not align perfectly with his projected points. Ramirez’s power at the plate, especially his ability to hit home runs and rack up total bases, could make him a pivotal player in today’s DFS contests, but his value assessment requires cautious consideration.

Daily Fantasy Sports: Shortstop Analysis

Bobby Witt Jr. ($6500), Royals – Projected 14.4 pts

Bobby Witt Jr. has shown fluctuating performance in his recent games, which is reflected in his declining fantasy points and hitting metrics. Over the last ten games, Witt Jr. has averaged 7.2 DraftKings points, a significant drop from his previous 12.11 points. His hitting has also taken a downturn, with his hits per game falling by 42.6%. Despite these challenges, Witt Jr. faces JP Sears, who ranks 18th in hits allowed per game, suggesting a potential for Witt Jr. to capitalize. His DraftKings salary stands at $6500, and with a DFS Value Score of 2.2, he remains a core value pick for the upcoming slate.

Mookie Betts ($6300), Dodgers – Projected 14.0 pts

Mookie Betts, although experiencing a slight dip in his last ten games compared to the previous set, still holds strong potential in daily fantasy sports. His DraftKings points have decreased by only 11.1%, maintaining a decent average of 8.2 points. Notably, Betts has improved his total bases per game by 28.2%, indicating his ability to contribute significantly when on base. Facing Hunter Greene, who is ranked 24th in hits allowed per game, Betts could exploit this matchup to his advantage. With a DraftKings salary of $6300 and a DFS Value Score of 2.2, Betts is positioned as a core value player for DFS enthusiasts.

Top Catchers’ Fantasy Impact Analysis

Willson Contreras ($5300), Cardinals – Projected 13.0 pts

Willson Contreras, a key player for the Cardinals, has shown a slight dip in his performance over the last ten games, averaging 8.6 DraftKings points, a decrease from his previous 9.33. Despite this, his matchup against Nick Pivetta, who ranks 12th in hits allowed per game, presents a favorable scenario. Contreras has managed to increase his home run rate by 81.8% compared to the previous ten games, which could play a significant role in today’s game. His current DraftKings salary reflects a balanced opportunity, especially considering his 2.5 DFS value score, positioning him as a strong value pick in today’s fantasy lineup.

William Contreras ($6000), Brewers – Projected 13.0 pts

William Contreras of the Brewers has been on an impressive upward trajectory, with a notable 78.6% increase in DraftKings points per game over the last ten games, now averaging 12.5. His performance metrics across the board, including hits, singles, and runs, have seen substantial improvements. Facing a pitcher from Houston who ranks second in hits allowed per game could further enhance his scoring potential today. However, his higher DraftKings salary of $6000 and a DFS value score of 2.2 classify him as a core value. He remains a solid choice for DFS players, particularly those looking to capitalize on his recent hot streak.

Top Outfielder Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Aaron Judge ($6200), Yankees – Projected 15.7 pts

Aaron Judge continues to be a formidable presence at the plate, showcasing a significant uptick in his performance over the last ten games. With an average of 15.4 DraftKings points per game recently, he’s shown a 34.6% improvement compared to his previous ten games. His matchup against Chris Flexen, who ranks #13 in hits allowed per game, positions Judge as a high-upside play today. Notably, his power metrics have surged, with home runs per game increasing by 51.5% and total bases per game up by 51.6%. His consistent ability to get on base, highlighted by an average of 1.0 walks per game, further solidifies his role as a key player in DFS lineups. With a DFS Value Score of 2.5, Judge is poised to be a strong value pick in today’s games.

Kyle Tucker ($6300), Astros – Projected 15.7 pts

Kyle Tucker, another standout outfielder, brings a consistent edge to the Astros’ lineup. Over his last ten games, Tucker has averaged 11.7 DraftKings points per game, marking a 12.1% increase from his earlier performances. Facing Colin Rea, who is #10 in hits allowed per game, Tucker could exploit this matchup to enhance his fantasy output. His ability to draw walks, which has seen a 53.8% increase to 1.2 per game, complements his scoring potential. Despite a slight dip in home runs and runs scored, his overall consistency and slight improvements in hits per game position him as a valuable asset in DFS. Tucker’s DFS Value Score of 2.5 categorizes him as a strong value play for today’s slate.