Strategy and Stats for 09/01/24 MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

Today’s MLB fantasy landscape is buzzing with anticipation as we gear up for a packed slate of 15 games, kicking off at 12:10 PM EST. Fantasy managers should keep their eyes peeled for the high-octane clash at Coors Field, where the Baltimore Orioles face the Colorado Rockies at 3:10 PM EST in what’s expected to be a hitter’s paradise, boasting an Over/Under of 11.0. This game not only promises a wealth of scoring opportunities but also sets the stage for potential standout performances across the board. As we delve deeper into today’s matchups, we’ll uncover the top projected players at each position, leveraging their recent stats and current form to guide your fantasy picks. Stay tuned as we break down each game, providing you with the insights needed to dominate your daily fantasy contests.

Top First Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Bryce Harper ($8600), Phillies – Projected 12.9 pts

Bryce Harper, playing at 1B for the Phillies, shows a notable uptick in his performance metrics over the last ten games compared to the previous set. With a DraftKings points per game increase of 17.4% and a significant 46.1% rise in hits per game, Harper is finding his rhythm at the plate. Despite these improvements, his projected DFS value score stands at 1.5, primarily due to a high salary cost relative to his output. Facing None of the ATL, who has a high rank for hits allowed, could provide Harper with opportunities to exceed expectations, but his current valuation places him in a risky category for today’s slate.

Matt Olson ($8200), Braves – Projected 12.0 pts

Matt Olson of the Braves has demonstrated a remarkable surge in his recent performances, with his DraftKings points per game jumping by 90.1% and his total bases per game increasing by a staggering 162.3%. These metrics indicate a player who is not only hitting but doing so with power, as evidenced by a 263.6% increase in home runs per game. Olson’s matchup against Aaron Nola of the PHI, who allows a considerable number of hits, further bolsters his potential for today. However, similar to Harper, Olson’s DFS value score is calculated at 1.5. This score, underpinned by his $8200 salary, suggests that while his performance is strong, the cost may not yield the best value in today’s DFS contests.

Top Second Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Jose Altuve ($5400), Astros – Projected 14.2 pts

Jose Altuve’s recent performance shows a promising uptick in fantasy points, making him a noteworthy pick for today’s games. Over his last 10 games, Altuve has averaged 8.7 DraftKings points per game, a 13.4% increase from his previous set of 10 games. Despite a slight decrease in hits and singles, his ability to secure doubles and home runs has improved significantly, with an increase of 81.8% in both categories. Facing Alec Marsh, who ranks poorly in hits allowed, Altuve’s matchup is favorable, reflecting a 2.6 DFS value score. His consistent scoring and potential for high-value plays make him a strong candidate for today’s lineups.

Marcus Semien ($5000), Rangers – Projected 12.1 pts

Marcus Semien, on the other hand, has seen a decline in his performance metrics across the board. His DraftKings points per game have dropped by 39.1%, with significant decreases in hits, doubles, and total bases. However, it’s noteworthy that his walks have increased by 172.7%, indicating a potential for on-base opportunities. Despite these challenges, Semien’s upcoming game against a weak Oakland pitching staff could offer him a chance to rebound. His DFS value score stands at 2.4, positioning him as a core value play who might provide unexpected returns if he capitalizes on the matchup.

Top 3B Picks for Today’s MLB Slate

Rafael Devers ($5900), Red Sox – Projected 13.0 pts

Rafael Devers, despite a recent dip in performance, remains a pivotal player for DFS lineups. Over his last ten games, Devers has averaged 3.8 DraftKings points per game, a significant drop from his previous average of 8.89. This decline is reflected across multiple metrics, including a -57.3% change in DraftKings points and a -60.0% change in total bases per game. However, his projected points stand at 13.0 for the upcoming game, giving him a DFS value score of 2.2. This positions Devers as a core value pick, especially considering his potential for recovery against the Tigers, who rank poorly in hits allowed per game.

Royce Lewis ($5100), Twins – Projected 12.7 pts

Royce Lewis offers intriguing value for today’s slate. With an average of 4.1 DraftKings points over his last ten games, Lewis has shown a slight decrease from his previous 6.11 points. Despite a -32.9% drop in DraftKings points and a -37.5% reduction in total bases, his resilience at the plate is notable, maintaining a relatively stable hit rate. With a projected point total of 12.7 and a DFS value score of 2.5, Lewis stands out as a strong value pick. His consistent hitting and potential for scoring runs make him a solid choice for DFS players looking for value at the third base position.

Daily Fantasy Sports: Shortstop Analysis

Gunnar Henderson ($10000), Orioles – Projected 16.4 pts

Despite Gunnar Henderson’s recent dip in performance, his potential in DFS cannot be overlooked. Over the last ten games, Henderson has averaged 3.0 DraftKings points, a significant drop from his previous average of 11.11 points. This decline is reflected across multiple metrics, including hits and home runs, where he’s seen a decrease of 62.4% and 100%, respectively. Facing Cal Quantrill, who has been generous in allowing hits, might seem like an opportunity, but Henderson’s current form and a DFS value score of 1.6 suggest caution. His high salary of $10000 on DraftKings, combined with a projected point total that does not justify the investment, positions him as a risky pick for the upcoming slate.

Francisco Lindor ($5800), Mets – Projected 13.3 pts

Francisco Lindor presents a more appealing option at shortstop in today’s DFS lineup. With an average of 11.6 DraftKings points over his last ten games, Lindor has shown a consistent ability to contribute across the board. His performance has slightly improved from his previous ten-game stretch, particularly in doubles and home runs, where he’s seen increases of 81.8%. Facing Garrett Crochet, who ranks #524 in hits allowed per game, Lindor’s chances of capitalizing seem promising. With a DraftKings salary of just $5800 and a DFS value score of 2.3, he offers strong value and could be a key player in achieving fantasy success.

Top Catchers to Watch in Today’s DFS Slate

Adley Rutschman ($9000), Orioles – Projected 14.1 pts

Despite a recent dip in performance, Adley Rutschman remains a key player to consider. Over his last ten games, Rutschman’s output has seen a decrease, averaging only 3.6 DraftKings points compared to 5.78 in the previous set, marking a -37.7% change. His hits per game have also fallen from 1.0 to 0.6. However, facing Cal Quantrill, who ranks #286 in hits allowed per game, might offer Rutschman a chance to bounce back. His current DFS value score stands at 1.6, indicating a risky but potentially rewarding play given his high DraftKings salary of $9000.

Willson Contreras ($5000), Cardinals – Projected 12.9 pts

Willson Contreras presents a more favorable option in today’s DFS lineup. Contreras has maintained a robust average of 6.3 DraftKings points in his recent performances, a slight decrease from 8.22 points in the earlier games. Notably, his ability to hit singles has improved by 42.9%. Facing Nestor Cortes, who is ranked #376 in hits allowed per game, Contreras could exploit this matchup. With a DFS value score of 2.6, he offers strong value at a more affordable DraftKings salary of $5000.

Top Outfielder Picks for Today’s MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

Yordan Alvarez ($6100), Astros – Projected 15.3 pts

Yordan Alvarez has been a consistent performer for the Astros, and his recent stats suggest he’s a valuable pick for today’s DFS lineup. Over the last ten games, Alvarez has averaged 10.5 DraftKings points, showing a slight dip from his previous average of 14.56 points. Despite this decrease, his ability to hit singles has impressively increased by 96.4%. Facing Alec Marsh, who ranks 374th in the MLB for hits allowed per game with an average of 8.49, Alvarez’s matchup is favorable. His projected DFS value score of 2.5 indicates strong value at a DraftKings salary of $6100, making him a solid choice for today’s fantasy teams.

Colton Cowser ($8600), Orioles – Projected 14.0 pts

Colton Cowser of the Orioles presents a more nuanced choice for DFS players. With an average of 7.0 DraftKings points over his last ten games, Cowser has shown improvement from his previous 5.67 points. Notably, his total bases per game have increased by 44.1%, and his walks per game have risen by 81.8%. However, his high DraftKings salary of $8600 paired with a projected point total of 14.0 results in a DFS value score of 1.6. This score suggests that Cowser might not provide the best value for today’s slate, especially when considering his matchup against Cal Quantrill of the Rockies, who allows 9.07 hits per game. Fantasy players might consider other outfield options with a better value score.