Strategy and Stats for 08/20/24 MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

As the clock strikes 6:40 PM EST today, the Major League Baseball universe sets the stage for an exhilarating 15-game slate that promises fireworks and fantasy glory. Among the highlights, all eyes are on Yankee Stadium where the Cleveland Guardians take on the New York Yankees at 7:05 PM EST. With an Over/Under set at 8.5, this game is expected to be a treasure trove for hitters, making it a focal point for fantasy players looking to capitalize on potential high-scoring affairs. As we delve deeper into today’s matchups, keep an eye on the top projected players at each position, who are poised to turn the tide in their teams’ favor and could be crucial in clinching those fantasy points. 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 DFS Slate

Bryce Harper ($5500), Phillies – Projected 12.1 pts

Bryce Harper has been showing a solid uptick in his performance metrics over the last ten games compared to the previous ten, with notable improvements across several categories. His DraftKings points per game have risen by 23.3%, and his hits per game have surged by 64.2%. Particularly impressive is his increase in singles per game, up by a staggering 218.2%. This recent form suggests a rising trend, and with a 2.2 DFS value score, Harper stands as a core value pick for today’s games. His ability to consistently get on base and score runs makes him a reliable option at first base.

Freddie Freeman ($5200), Dodgers – Projected 11.7 pts

Freddie Freeman, on the other hand, has seen a slight dip in his performance in the last ten games when compared to the ten games prior. His DraftKings points have decreased by 19.3%, and his FanDuel points have also seen a decline of 27.1%. Despite these drops, Freeman has maintained a decent hit rate, with a 34.8% increase in hits per game recently. His consistency at the plate is evident, though the decrease in walks and runs could be a concern. However, with a 2.2 DFS value score, Freeman still represents a core value player who can contribute significantly, especially considering his matchup against a pitcher who has been relatively generous with hits.

Daily Fantasy Sports: Second Base Spotlight

Marcus Semien ($4800), Texas Rangers – Projected 11.5 pts

Marcus Semien has shown a steady performance in the recent games, averaging 7.5 points on DraftKings over his last ten games, a slight increase from his previous set of games. With a 2.4 DFS value score, Semien offers core value against Mitch Keller of the Pirates, who has been generous in allowing hits. Semien’s uptick in singles and doubles, alongside consistent scoring runs, makes him a solid pick for the upcoming slate, especially considering his reasonable salary and the matchup dynamics.

Jose Altuve ($5500), Houston Astros – Projected 11.5 pts

Jose Altuve’s recent surge in performance, marked by an 8.9 average on DraftKings in his last ten games, reflects a significant improvement from his earlier outings. Facing Nick Pivetta, who ranks low in limiting hits, Altuve’s prospects look promising. Despite a 2.1 DFS value score, his increased run production and total bases highlight his potential to outperform his valuation. Altuve remains a compelling choice, albeit at a higher cost, which is justified by his high ceiling in favorable matchups.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Rafael Devers ($5900), Boston Red Sox – Projected 12.7 pts

Rafael Devers has shown fluctuating performance in his recent games, but his potential against Houston’s Ronel Blanco, who ranks poorly in hits allowed, makes him a noteworthy pick. Over the last ten games, Devers has averaged 8.6 DraftKings points, a decrease from his previous average of 12.22. Despite a -29.6% drop in his performance, his upcoming matchup and a projected DFS value score of 2.2 suggest he could be a solid core value play in today’s slate.

Royce Lewis ($5600), Minnesota Twins – Projected 12.6 pts

Royce Lewis, although experiencing a significant dip in his recent performance with a -50.3% change in DraftKings points, still holds potential for today’s game. His last ten-game average of 5.3 points contrasts sharply with his previous 10.67, indicating a possible turnaround. With a DFS value score of 2.2, Lewis offers core value, especially considering his consistent ability to hit singles and his resilience in maintaining his scoring potential.

Daily Fantasy Sports: Shortstop Analysis

Tyler Fitzgerald ($5200), Giants – Projected 13.9 pts

Tyler Fitzgerald of the San Francisco Giants shows a promising uptick in his performance, making him a noteworthy pick for today’s DFS slate. With an average of 9.3 DraftKings points over his last ten games, Fitzgerald is slightly improving from his previous set of games. His matchup against Davis Martin, who ranks #499 in hits allowed per game, positions Fitzgerald for potential success. Despite a slight decline in certain metrics like home runs and total bases, his consistency in singles and slight improvement in walks per game highlight his ability to contribute across multiple categories. His DFS value score of 2.7 categorizes him as a strong value pick at a DraftKings salary of $5200.

Bobby Witt Jr. ($6600), Royals – Projected 13.2 pts

Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals has been a standout player, averaging 15.1 DraftKings points in his recent performances, a significant increase from his earlier games. Facing Tyler Anderson, who is ranked #540 for hits allowed per game, Witt Jr. has an advantageous matchup that could see him exploiting these pitcher vulnerabilities. His impressive 20.2% increase in DraftKings points and notable improvements in doubles, home runs, and total bases demonstrate his explosive potential. However, his DFS value score of 2.0 places him at the threshold of core value, primarily due to his higher salary of $6600, which slightly dampens his overall value proposition.

Top Catchers to Watch in Today’s DFS Slate

Cal Raleigh ($4500), Mariners – Projected 12.4 pts

Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners shows a promising uptick in daily fantasy potential, especially considering his recent performance metrics. Over his last ten games, Raleigh has averaged 8.7 DraftKings points, a slight dip from his previous average of 10.67 points. Despite this, his ability to hit home runs has improved, showing a 21.2% increase in home runs per game. However, his overall hitting and on-base metrics have seen a decline, with a significant 60.0% decrease in runs per game and a 48.7% drop in walks per game. Facing Walker Buehler, who ranks #113 in hits allowed per game with an average of 11.16, Raleigh’s matchup looks favorable. His DraftKings salary stands at $4500, and with a projected point total of 12.4, his DFS value score reaches 2.8, marking him as a strong value pick for today’s games.

Ryan Jeffers ($4300), Twins – Projected 11.6 pts

Ryan Jeffers of the Minnesota Twins is another catcher to consider in today’s DFS lineup. His recent performance shows a notable improvement from his previous ten-game stretch, with his DraftKings points per game increasing by 54.0% to 6.5. Particularly impressive is his surge in home runs per game, which has skyrocketed by 172.7%. Additionally, his total bases per game have increased by 50.0%, indicating a more impactful presence at the plate. Despite these gains, there are areas of concern, such as a 54.5% decrease in walks per game, which could limit his on-base opportunities. With a DraftKings salary of $4300 and a projected point total of 11.6, Jeffers’ DFS value score is 2.7, positioning him as a strong value in today’s fantasy contests.

Top Outfielder Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Corbin Carroll ($5300), Diamondbacks – Projected 14.9 pts

Corbin Carroll has been a beacon of consistency for the Diamondbacks, especially in his recent performances. Over the last ten games, Carroll has not only improved his hitting but also his overall fantasy output, averaging 11.3 DraftKings points per game, a slight increase from his previous ten-game stretch. His matchup against Edward Cabrera, who has been generous in allowing hits, positions Carroll to potentially exceed his averages. With a DraftKings salary of $5300 and a projected point total of 14.9, Carroll offers a 2.8 DFS value score, making him a strong value pick for today’s games.

Aaron Judge ($6900), Yankees – Projected 13.8 pts

Despite a recent dip in performance compared to his explosive previous games, Aaron Judge remains a formidable force at the plate. His last ten games have seen a decrease in fantasy points, averaging 12.3 on DraftKings, down from 17.0. However, facing Matthew Boyd, who ranks low in limiting hits, could provide Judge with the perfect opportunity to bounce back. With a current DraftKings salary of $6900 and a projected point total of 13.8, Judge holds a 2.0 DFS value score. While this positions him as a core value, his potential for a high-ceiling game makes him a risky yet possibly rewarding play.