Strategy and Stats for 08/17/24 Daily Fantasy MLB Slate

Today’s MLB fantasy slate is brimming with excitement as 30 teams gear up for a thrilling 15-game lineup, kicking off at 1:05 PM EST. Fantasy enthusiasts should particularly note the high-stakes battle at Coors Field, where the San Diego Padres face the Colorado Rockies at 8:10 PM EST. With an Over/Under set at a whopping 11.0, this game is anticipated to be a treasure trove of fantasy points, making it a focal point for those looking to dominate their leagues. As we delve into today’s matchups, keep an eye on the top projected players across each position, whose recent performances and current matchups position them as key assets in your fantasy arsenal. Stay tuned as we break down each game, providing you with the insights needed to make those critical fantasy decisions.

Top 1B Players to Watch in Today’s DFS Slate

Bryce Harper ($5600), Phillies – Projected 14.9 pts

Bryce Harper has been on a notable upswing in his recent performances, making him a compelling pick at first base today. Over his last ten games, Harper has elevated his game, averaging 8.0 DraftKings points per game, a significant improvement from 5.44 in the previous set of ten games. This uptick is highlighted by a substantial increase in singles per game, jumping from 0.22 to 0.9. Additionally, his total bases per game have risen from 1.33 to 1.9. Facing Mackenzie Gore, who ranks #163 in hits allowed per game, Harper’s matchup looks favorable. With a DraftKings salary of $5600 and a projected point total of 14.9, Harper’s DFS value score stands at 2.7, positioning him as a strong value pick in today’s slate.

Matt Olson ($5400), Braves – Projected 13.9 pts

Matt Olson, another solid choice at first base, has shown consistent fantasy production. Despite a slight decrease in DraftKings points per game from 10.67 to 9.9 in his last ten outings, Olson maintains robust numbers. His ability to generate total bases, although slightly decreased from 2.44 to 2.0, coupled with a steady rate of walks and runs, ensures he remains a valuable asset. Facing Griffin Canning of the LAA, who is ranked #248 in hits allowed per game, Olson has a favorable matchup that could exploit Canning’s vulnerabilities. With a DraftKings salary of $5400 and a projected point total of 13.9, Olson’s DFS value score is 2.6, making him a strong value for today’s games.

Top Second Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Xander Bogaerts ($4800), Padres – Projected 14.5 pts

Xander Bogaerts, playing second base for the Padres, has shown fluctuating performance metrics but holds promising potential for today’s game. Over his last ten games, Bogaerts averaged 6.0 DraftKings points, a noticeable dip from his previous average of 10.89 points. Despite this decline, his upcoming matchup against Kyle Freeland, who has a high rate of hits allowed, positions Bogaerts for a potential rebound. His projected DFS value score stands at 3.0, categorizing him as an elite value pick with a DraftKings salary of $4800. His recent performance might raise concerns, but his favorable matchup could make him a strategic, high-upside play in today’s DFS contests.

Marcus Semien ($5000), Rangers – Projected 13.2 pts

Marcus Semien of the Rangers presents a consistent and reliable option at second base. With an average of 7.1 DraftKings points over his last ten games, Semien has shown slight improvements from his prior average of 6.89 points. Facing a pitcher from the Twins who ranks #263 in hits allowed per game, Semien’s chances of capitalizing on this matchup are favorable. His DFS value score is 2.6, indicating strong value at a DraftKings salary of $5000. Semien’s steady performance and slight upward trend in key statistical areas make him a solid core player in today’s DFS lineups.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Manny Machado ($5600), Padres – Projected 14.9 pts

Manny Machado’s recent performance dip, as evidenced by a -33.7% decrease in DraftKings points per game and a significant -77.3% drop in home runs per game compared to his previous 10 games, might raise some eyebrows. However, facing Kyle Freeland, who ranks #121 in hits allowed per game, Machado’s prospects look brighter. His 2.7 DFS value score indicates strong value, making him a compelling pick for today’s slate. Despite the recent slump, his ability to bounce back against a pitcher with a high hit rate could provide fantasy managers with a rewarding outcome.

Austin Riley ($5700), Braves – Projected 13.3 pts

Austin Riley shows a promising uptrend in his recent performances, with a 12.0% increase in DraftKings points and an impressive 81.8% surge in home runs per game over his last 10 games compared to the 10 games prior. Facing Griffin Canning, who ranks #248 in hits allowed per game, Riley’s potential to exploit this matchup is notable. His 2.3 DFS value score categorizes him as a core value pick. Riley’s consistent ability to secure total bases and runs, combined with his recent power-hitting improvement, positions him as a solid choice for today’s games.

Top Shortstop Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Bobby Witt Jr. ($6500), Royals – Projected 15.9 pts

Bobby Witt Jr. has been a standout performer for the Royals, showcasing a notable uptick in his daily fantasy points, averaging 14.8 on DraftKings over his last ten games, a 4.1% increase from his previous ten-game stretch. His matchup against Nick Lodolo, who ranks #481 in hits allowed per game, positions Witt as a potentially lucrative pick. Despite a slight decrease in singles and walks, Witt’s power metrics have surged, with home runs per game more than doubling and total bases increasing by 29.5%. His DFS value score stands at 2.4, marking him as a core value pick for today’s slate.

Trea Turner ($5900), Phillies – Projected 14.7 pts

Trea Turner, on the other hand, presents a strong comeback narrative. After a less impressive stretch, Turner has improved his performance significantly, with his DraftKings points per game jumping to 6.8, a 19.9% increase. His hits per game have seen a remarkable 66.7% rise, and despite a total absence of home runs and walks in the recent games, his overall base-reaching ability looks promising against Mackenzie Gore of the Nationals, who is ranked #163 for hits allowed per game. Turner’s DFS value score is 2.5, positioning him as a strong value in today’s games.

Top Catchers to Watch in Today’s DFS Slate

Yainer Diaz ($4700), Astros – Projected 11.9 pts

Yainer Diaz, the Astros’ catcher, has shown a fluctuating performance in his recent games. Over the last ten games, Diaz has averaged 8.0 DraftKings points per game, a significant drop from his previous average of 11.67. This decline in performance metrics, including a -32.6% in hits per game and a stark -77.3% in doubles per game, suggests a potential concern. However, facing Chris Flexen of the CWS, who ranks #207.0 in hits allowed per game, might provide Diaz with an opportunity to bounce back. With a DraftKings salary of $4700 and a projected point total of 11.9, Diaz holds a DFS value score of 2.5, marking him as a strong value pick for today’s games.

Adley Rutschman ($5100), Orioles – Projected 11.8 pts

Adley Rutschman of the Orioles presents an intriguing case in today’s DFS lineup. Despite Baltimore’s low rank in generating fantasy points, Rutschman has shown a remarkable improvement in his recent performances. His DraftKings points per game surged from 3.44 to 7.2, an increase of 109.3%. This improvement is further highlighted by a 233.3% increase in hits per game and a massive 384.8% jump in total bases per game. Facing Brayan Bello of the Red Sox, who is ranked #221.0 for hits allowed per game, Rutschman might capitalize further. With a DraftKings salary set at $5100 and a projected point total of 11.8, his DFS value score is 2.3, positioning him as a core value player in today’s fantasy sports landscape.

Top Outfielder Picks for Today’s MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

Aaron Judge ($7000), Yankees – Projected 15.8 pts

As the Yankees continue to rank high in generating fantasy points, Aaron Judge remains a pivotal figure in their lineup. Over his last ten games, Judge has averaged 13.4 DraftKings points, a slight dip from his previous ten-game average of 17.89 points. Despite this decrease, his performance against the Detroit Tigers, who rank poorly in hits allowed, suggests a potential rebound. With a 2.3 DFS value score, Judge offers core value in today’s games. His ability to consistently get on base and score runs, coupled with a favorable matchup, makes him a solid pick for any DFS lineup.

Juan Soto ($6500), Yankees – Projected 15.2 pts

Juan Soto, another key player for the Yankees, shows promising signs of improvement in his recent performances. Soto has seen a 10.5% increase in his DraftKings points per game over the last ten games compared to the ten before that. This uptick is highlighted by a significant increase in home runs per game, jumping from 0.22 to 0.6. Despite a decrease in singles and doubles, his overall power hitting and ability to draw walks (1.1 per game recently) enhance his fantasy value. With a 2.3 DFS value score, Soto is poised to exploit the Tigers’ pitching weaknesses, making him a valuable asset for today’s fantasy contests.