Strategy and Stats for 08/04/24 MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

Today’s MLB fantasy slate is packed with action as 15 games kick off, starting at 12:05 PM EST, promising a full day of baseball excitement. Highlighting today’s matchups, the New York Mets head to sunny California to face the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium, with the first pitch scheduled for 4:07 PM EST. This particular game, with an Over/Under set at a whopping 10.0, is anticipated to be a treasure trove for hitters, making it a focal point for fantasy players looking to rack up points. As we delve into today’s games, keep an eye on the top projected players at each position, whose recent performances and matchups position them as prime picks for your fantasy lineups. Stay tuned as we break down each game, providing you with the insights needed to dominate today’s fantasy baseball landscape.

Top First Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Pete Alonso ($5100), Mets – Projected 13.3 pts

Pete Alonso has been a consistent performer for the Mets, averaging 10.0 daily fantasy points over his last ten games. His recent uptick in performance, particularly in DraftKings points per game, which saw an 83.8% increase from the previous ten games, signals a strong upward trend. Facing Griffin Canning of the LAA, who ranks #238 in hits allowed per game, Alonso’s matchup looks favorable. His ability to capitalize on Canning’s vulnerability could be key. With a DraftKings salary of $5100 and a projected point total of 13.3, Alonso offers a 2.6 DFS value score, making him a strong value pick in today’s slate.

Matt Olson ($4900), Braves – Projected 13.0 pts

Matt Olson of the Braves shows even more promise, with a staggering 643.1% increase in DraftKings points per game compared to his previous ten-game stretch. Olson’s recent performance includes an average of 1.0 hits per game and significant contributions in home runs and total bases, where he saw over a 1000% increase in the latter. Facing Edward Cabrera, who ranks #340 in hits allowed per game, Olson is poised to exploit this matchup. With a DraftKings salary of $4900 and a projected point total of 13.0, Olson’s DFS value score is a 2.7, categorizing him as a strong value for today’s games.

Top Second Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Brandon Lowe ($4500), Rays – Projected 13.0 pts

Brandon Lowe has been on a notable upswing in his recent performances for the Tampa Bay Rays. Over his last ten games, Lowe has managed to double his DraftKings points from 5.11 to an impressive 11.1, showcasing a significant improvement of 117.2%. His FanDuel points have seen an even more dramatic rise, jumping 138.1% to 14.67 points per game. This surge is backed by an increase in total bases per game from 1.33 to 2.5 and runs per game from 0.22 to 0.6. Facing a Houston team that ranks poorly in hits allowed per game, Lowe’s matchup looks favorable. With a DraftKings salary of $4500 and a projected point total of 13.0, his DFS value score stands at 2.9, making him a strong value pick for today’s games.

Gleyber Torres ($6400), Yankees – Projected 12.6 pts

Gleyber Torres of the New York Yankees, despite a high DraftKings salary of $6400, presents a more nuanced consideration. Over his last ten games, Torres has averaged 8.9 DraftKings points, a 63.6% increase from his previous ten-game stretch. His performance metrics, such as hits per game and total bases, have shown modest improvements. However, his FanDuel points growth and his ability to consistently contribute in multiple statistical categories suggest a stabilizing performance. With a projected point total of 12.6, his DFS value score is 2.0. Torres remains a core value player, suitable for those looking to invest in a potentially steady, albeit less explosive, second baseman in their lineup.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Royce Lewis ($5300), Twins – Projected 13.5 pts

Royce Lewis of the Minnesota Twins shows a promising setup for today’s game, especially considering his recent performances and the matchup against Chris Flexen of the CWS. Over his last ten games, Lewis has averaged 7.9 DraftKings points per game, a slight decrease from his previous set of games, but still solid. Notably, his hits per game have seen a dip, but his ability to draw walks has increased significantly. With Flexen allowing a high number of hits per game, Lewis’s potential to reach base and score runs could be higher today. His DraftKings salary stands at $5300, and with a projected point total of 13.5, he holds a 2.5 DFS value score, marking him as a strong value pick for today’s slate.

Austin Riley ($5100), Braves – Projected 12.9 pts

Austin Riley of the Atlanta Braves also presents a strong case for inclusion in today’s fantasy lineups. Facing Edward Cabrera of Miami, who ranks low in terms of limiting hits, Riley’s consistent hitting could play a crucial role. His last ten games have yielded an average of 7.9 DraftKings points, slightly down from his previous ten but still effective. Riley’s ability to hit singles has improved, and despite a decrease in walks, his overall performance remains robust. Priced at $5100 on DraftKings with a projected point tally of 12.9, Riley also scores a 2.5 on the DFS value scale, making him another strong value pick for DFS enthusiasts.

Daily Fantasy Sports: Top Shortstop Picks

Francisco Lindor ($5700), New York Mets – Projected 15.5 pts

Francisco Lindor’s recent performance suggests a mixed bag of results, but his upcoming matchup against Griffin Canning, who ranks #238 in hits allowed per game, might tilt the scales in his favor. Over the last ten games, Lindor’s production has dipped by 31.1% in DraftKings points per game compared to the ten games prior, signaling a potential concern. However, his ability to maintain a steady hit rate and a slight increase in singles per game provides some optimism. With a DraftKings salary of $5700 and a projected point total of 15.5, Lindor offers a 2.7 DFS value score, positioning him as a strong value pick for today’s slate.

Elly De La Cruz ($10200), Cincinnati Reds – Projected 14.2 pts

Elly De La Cruz, despite his high DraftKings salary of $10200, shows a promising uptick in his recent performance, with a 9.4% increase in DraftKings points per game over his last ten games. Facing Robbie Ray, who has a high rank of #549 for hits allowed per game, might seem like an advantage, yet De La Cruz’s DFS value score sits at a 1.4. This score reflects the challenge of justifying his high salary against his current output, marking him as a risky play. His slight improvements in runs and a stable hit rate are positives, but his high cost may not align well with the expected fantasy output.

Analyzing Top Catchers for Today’s DFS Slate

Gary Sanchez ($3200), Brewers – Projected 12.1 pts

Gary Sanchez, currently priced at a modest $3200 on DraftKings, presents an intriguing option for today’s fantasy lineup. Over his last ten games, Sanchez has averaged 2.8 points per game on DraftKings, showing a slight decrease from his previous ten-game average of 3.33 points. Despite this dip, his recent performance against pitchers like Mitchell Parker, who ranks poorly in hits allowed per game, positions him well for a potential breakout. Parker’s 8.52 hits allowed per game could be the leverage Sanchez needs to excel. With a projected DFS value score of 3.8, Sanchez is an elite value pick for today’s games, especially considering his ability to capitalize on weaker pitching.

Logan O’Hoppe ($4300), Angels – Projected 11.0 pts

Logan O’Hoppe of the Angels comes into today’s game with a higher DraftKings salary of $4300, justified by his solid performance in recent outings. O’Hoppe has maintained an impressive average of 7.5 DraftKings points over his last ten games, nearly holding steady from his previous average of 7.56 points. Facing Jose Quintana of the Mets, who allows 8.11 hits per game, O’Hoppe’s consistent hitting, including a slight increase in singles and runs, positions him as a strong contender in DFS lineups. His ability to draw walks has also improved, adding to his on-base potential. With a DFS value score of 2.6, O’Hoppe offers strong value, making him a robust choice for today’s fantasy rosters.

Top Outfielders to Watch in Today’s DFS Slate

Aaron Judge ($9800), Yankees – Projected 17.1 pts

Aaron Judge continues to be a powerhouse for fantasy lineups, especially evident in his recent performances. Over the last ten games, Judge has significantly improved, averaging 16.9 DraftKings points, a sharp increase from his previous 10.22 points. This 65.4% increase in fantasy scoring is bolstered by a notable uptick in home runs per game, from 0.33 to 0.6, and runs per game, from 0.56 to 1.1. Despite his high salary, Judge’s current form suggests he could be a pivotal player in today’s games. However, his DFS Value Score of 1.7 indicates a potentially lower return on investment at his current price point.

Juan Soto ($9400), Yankees – Projected 17.1 pts

Juan Soto, another key outfielder for the Yankees, shows a mixed bag in his recent performances. Soto’s last ten games have seen a decrease in DraftKings points, averaging 10.7 compared to 13.44 in the previous set, marking a -20.4% change. His hits and total bases have also seen significant drops, which might concern DFS players considering his $9400 salary. Despite these challenges, Soto has improved his walks per game, which could offer some upside. His DFS Value Score stands at 1.8, suggesting that while he has potential, his current form might not justify the high investment.