Strategy and Stats for 08/18/24 MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

As the clock strikes 12:05 PM EST today, the Major League Baseball universe gears up for an exhilarating slate of 15 games, promising a spectacle of fantasy riches. Among these, the spotlight shines brightest on the picturesque Coors Field, where the San Diego Padres and Colorado Rockies are set to clash in what’s expected to be a high-scoring affair, with an Over/Under tantalizingly set at 11.5. Fantasy enthusiasts should keep a keen eye on this game as hitters from both squads are poised to reap substantial rewards in the thin mountain air. This game not only sets the stage for potential fantasy goldmines but also serves as a perfect segue into our in-depth analysis of today’s top projected players at each position, ensuring your lineups are both formidable and optimized.

Top 1B Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Luis Arraez ($7600), Padres – Projected 13.3 pts

Luis Arraez has been a consistent performer for the Padres, averaging 9.3 DraftKings points over his last ten games, a significant improvement from his previous set of games. His ability to hit singles has been particularly impressive, with a 53.8% increase in this period. Despite his recent uptick in performance, his DFS value score sits at 1.8, primarily due to a high salary and a tough matchup against the Rockies, who rank poorly in hits allowed per game. Fantasy managers should weigh his recent form against these factors when considering his inclusion in their lineups.

Matt Olson ($5400), Braves – Projected 13.0 pts

Matt Olson, on the other hand, presents a more intriguing value. With a DraftKings salary of $5400, he has maintained a steady output, averaging 9.6 points in his last ten games. Although there’s been a slight dip compared to his previous ten games, Olson’s ability to contribute across multiple categories, including home runs and walks, makes him a valuable asset. His matchup against the Angels, who are more generous in allowing hits, further enhances his appeal. His DFS value score is 2.4, positioning him as a core value pick for today’s games.

Top Second Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Jose Altuve ($5600), Astros – Projected 13.3 pts

Jose Altuve has been a beacon of consistency for the Astros, and his recent performances suggest a strong outing is on the horizon. Over his last ten games, Altuve has averaged 8.2 DraftKings points, a significant improvement from his previous ten-game stretch where he averaged 4.67 points. This uptick in performance, highlighted by a 75.6% increase in DraftKings points and a 536.4% increase in runs per game, positions him as a valuable asset for today’s DFS slate. Facing a pitcher from the CWS, who ranks #381 in hits allowed per game, Altuve’s potential for hits and runs could be substantial. His DFS value score of 2.4 categorizes him as a core value pick, making him a solid choice for your lineup.

Xander Bogaerts ($8000), Padres – Projected 12.2 pts

Xander Bogaerts, on the other hand, presents a more challenging case. His recent performance has seen a decline, with a 33.2% drop in DraftKings points per game compared to his previous ten games. Additionally, his hits per game have decreased by 35.9%, and his total bases per game have seen a significant 45.3% reduction. Despite these challenges, Bogaerts is set to face a pitcher from the COL, who has a poor track record of allowing hits, ranked #421 in the league. However, given his high DraftKings salary of $8000 and a DFS value score of 1.5, Bogaerts is considered to have bad value for today’s slate. Fantasy players might consider other options unless banking on a potential bounce-back against a weaker pitcher.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Manny Machado ($9600), Padres – Projected 13.7 pts

Manny Machado’s recent performance shows a dip compared to his earlier games, with a decrease in most statistical categories. Over his last 10 games, Machado has averaged 8.5 DraftKings points, a significant drop of -29.8% from his previous 10-game average of 12.11 points. His hits and total bases have also seen declines, which is concerning given his high DraftKings salary of $9600. Despite facing None of the COL, who has a high rank for hits allowed per game, Machado’s projected DFS value score stands at a disappointing 1.4. This positions him as a risky pick for today’s slate.

Jose Ramirez ($6400), Indians – Projected 13.3 pts

Jose Ramirez presents a more appealing option at a lower salary. With an average of 10.4 DraftKings points over his last 10 games, Ramirez has shown a slight decrease in performance but maintains a better consistency compared to Machado. His projected DFS value score is 2.1, indicating a core value for today’s games. Facing Colin Rea of the MIL, who ranks #384.0 in hits allowed per game, Ramirez could potentially exploit this matchup to rebound from his recent slump in hits and home runs. At a DraftKings salary of $6400, Ramirez offers a more budget-friendly option with a decent upside.

Top Shortstop Picks for Today’s MLB Slate

Bobby Witt Jr. ($6500), Royals – Projected 16.0 pts

Bobby Witt Jr. has been on a tear recently, averaging 15.4 DraftKings points over his last ten games, a noticeable improvement from his previous ten-game stretch. His matchup against Andrew Abbott, who ranks 407th in hits allowed per game, positions Witt Jr. for continued success. Notably, his home run frequency has more than doubled in recent games, contributing significantly to his 2.5 DFS value score. Considering his rising form and favorable opposition, Witt Jr. stands out as a strong value pick at shortstop.

Elly De La Cruz ($6100), Reds – Projected 14.2 pts

Elly De La Cruz has faced challenges in his recent performances, with a sharp decrease in DraftKings points per game and a significant drop in total bases and home runs. Despite these struggles, De La Cruz’s matchup against Brady Singer, who ranks 432nd in hits allowed per game, might offer some redemption. However, his recent downturn gives him a DFS value score of 2.3. While this positions him as a core value player, fantasy managers should weigh his potential for recovery against his recent form.

Daily Fantasy Sports Analysis: Catchers to Watch

Yainer Diaz ($4600), Astros – Projected 11.5 pts

Yainer Diaz of the Houston Astros shows a promising setup for today’s game. With a DraftKings salary of $4600, Diaz has been averaging 8.2 points per game over his last ten outings. Despite a slight dip in performance compared to his previous ten games, where he averaged 10.78 points, Diaz’s matchup against the Chicago White Sox—who rank #381 in hits allowed per game—positions him well for a rebound. His hits, including singles and doubles, have seen a decrease, but his consistent ability to contribute across various categories keeps him relevant. With a DFS value score of 2.5, Diaz represents strong value and is a solid pick in today’s fantasy lineup.

Sean Murphy ($3900), Braves – Projected 11.3 pts

Sean Murphy of the Atlanta Braves, priced at a more affordable $3900 on DraftKings, has shown significant improvement in his recent performances. Over the last ten games, Murphy has averaged 5.8 points per game, a notable increase from 4.33 points in the previous set of ten games. His hitting has improved dramatically, with a 81.8% increase in hits per game. Facing the Los Angeles Angels, who allow 12.27 hits per game and rank #79 in this metric, Murphy has a favorable matchup that could see him exploit these weaknesses further. His DFS value score of 2.9 indicates strong value, making him an attractive option for today’s fantasy contests.

Top Outfielder Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Kyle Schwarber ($5700), Phillies – Projected 14.3 pts

Kyle Schwarber’s recent performance has shown a slight dip compared to his previous games, with a 19.3% decrease in DraftKings points and a 32.3% drop in hits per game. Despite this, Schwarber’s matchup against Jake Irvin, who ranks #466 in hits allowed per game, positions him favorably for today’s game. His projected DFS value score of 2.5 indicates strong value, making him a solid pick for your outfield slot. Schwarber’s ability to hit home runs and his potential for racking up total bases could be key factors in achieving or even surpassing his projected points.

Jarren Duran ($5800), Red Sox – Projected 14.0 pts

Jarren Duran’s performance has also seen a downturn in the last ten games, with notable reductions in hits and total bases. However, his speed and ability to get on base still make him a viable option, especially considering his slight increase in walks. With a DFS value score of 2.4, Duran is positioned as a core value player for today’s slate. Although the specifics of his opposing pitcher are unclear, Duran’s consistent play and potential to contribute across multiple statistical categories should not be overlooked.