Strategy and Stats for 09/04/24 Daily Fantasy MLB Slate

Today’s Major League Baseball action is packed with excitement across 15 games, starting at 3:07 PM EST, but all eyes will be on the Los Angeles showdown at 9:38 PM EST, where the Dodgers visit the Angels at Angel Stadium. With an Over/Under set at a whopping 9.5, fantasy players should brace for a high-scoring affair, making hitters from this game particularly valuable in today’s fantasy lineups. As we dive into the top projected players at each position, keep an eye on emerging trends and standout performers who could make or break your fantasy outcomes. This comprehensive analysis will guide you through selecting those key players who are poised to excel in today’s games, ensuring your lineup is both powerful and strategic.

Top 1B Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Freddie Freeman ($5200), Dodgers – Projected 14.7 pts

Freddie Freeman has been a consistent performer for the Dodgers, and his recent uptick in fantasy points makes him a compelling pick for today’s games. Over the last 10 games, Freeman has increased his DraftKings points per game by 35.0% to 10.5, compared to 7.78 in the previous set of 10 games. His power hitting has notably improved, with home runs per game jumping by a staggering 263.6%. Facing Griffin Canning, who ranks #270 in hits allowed per game, Freeman’s matchup is favorable, enhancing his potential to rack up points. His DFS value score of 2.8 indicates strong value at a $5200 salary.

Matt Olson ($5000), Braves – Projected 13.2 pts

Matt Olson of the Braves shows even more dramatic improvements in his recent performances. His DraftKings points have more than doubled from 6.33 to 13.3 per game, a 110.1% increase. This surge is backed by significant boosts in doubles and total bases, with his doubles per game increasing by 445.5%. Olson’s ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities is evident, with runs per game nearly doubling from 0.56 to 1.1. Despite a slightly lower DFS value score of 2.6 compared to Freeman, Olson’s lower salary and high potential against a weaker pitching matchup make him a valuable asset for today’s fantasy lineups.

Top Second Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Jose Altuve ($5400), Astros – Projected 14.3 pts

Jose Altuve’s recent performance shows a slight dip in production, with a decrease in DraftKings points per game from 8.56 to 7.1, and a similar trend in FanDuel points. Despite the downturn, Altuve’s matchup against Nick Martinez, who ranks 291st in hits allowed per game, positions him favorably for today’s game. His ability to maintain a steady hit rate, including an increase in doubles per game, underlines his potential to exploit Martinez’s weaknesses. With a DFS value score of 2.6, Altuve represents a strong value pick at second base, promising a solid return on investment in today’s DFS contests.

Jonathan India ($4900), Reds – Projected 11.6 pts

Jonathan India, facing an unspecified pitcher from the Astros, shows a notable decline in his recent performance metrics compared to his previous ten games. His DraftKings and FanDuel points have both seen a 20% decrease, and his total bases per game have significantly dropped. However, his ability to still generate runs—an increase from 0.56 to 0.7 runs per game—highlights his potential to contribute valuable points. Despite these challenges, India’s DFS value score of 2.4 places him as a core value player who could provide unexpected upside if he capitalizes on today’s matchup.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Rafael Devers ($6000), Boston Red Sox – Projected 13.3 pts

Despite a recent dip in performance, Rafael Devers remains a pivotal player in daily fantasy sports. Over his last ten games, Devers has averaged 3.3 DraftKings points per game, a significant decrease from his previous average of 8.89. This downturn is reflected across several metrics, including a drastic reduction in total bases and runs scored. However, facing Tylor Megill, who ranks poorly in hits allowed, Devers has a rebound potential. His DFS value score stands at 2.2, positioning him as a core value pick for today’s games.

Alex Bregman ($5000), Houston Astros – Projected 12.9 pts

Alex Bregman, another strong third baseman, has shown resilience in his recent performances. Averaging 5.5 DraftKings points in his latest stretch, Bregman has demonstrated his ability to contribute despite a slight decline from his previous 12.56 points average. His matchup against Nick Martinez, who also has a high rate of hits allowed, suggests a favorable scenario for Bregman to capitalize on. With a DFS value score of 2.6, Bregman emerges as a strong value pick, making him an attractive option for DFS lineups today.

Daily Fantasy Sports: Shortstop Analysis

Elly De La Cruz ($6300), Reds – Projected 14.9 pts

Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds is showing a promising uptrend in his performance, making him a noteworthy consideration for today’s DFS slate. Over his last ten games, De La Cruz has improved significantly, increasing his DraftKings points per game from 7.33 to 8.5, marking a 16.0% rise. His hitting has been particularly impressive, with a 53.8% increase in hits per game and a staggering 104.5% rise in singles per game. Despite a slight downturn in power hitting, with home runs per game dropping by 100%, his overall base-reaching ability has improved. With a DraftKings salary of $6300 and a projected point total of 14.9, De La Cruz offers a 2.4 DFS value score, positioning him as a core value pick against a Houston team that ranks poorly in hits allowed per game.

Bobby Witt Jr. ($6600), Royals – Projected 14.2 pts

Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals, despite a slight decrease in his recent performance metrics, remains a solid player to consider for your DFS lineup. Over the past ten games, Witt Jr. has seen a decrease in DraftKings points per game from 11.56 to 10.3, a 10.9% drop. His hitting metrics have also seen declines, particularly in singles and doubles, yet he has increased his home run rate by 81.8%. Facing Ben Lively of Cleveland, who has a high rank for hits allowed per game, could provide Witt Jr. with opportunities to capitalize on. With a DraftKings salary of $6600 and a projected point total of 14.2, his DFS value score stands at 2.2, making him another core value player for today’s games.

Catcher Insights: Daily Fantasy Analysis

Adley Rutschman ($5900), Orioles – Projected 11.4 pts

Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles shows a mixed bag of recent performances. Over his last ten games, Rutschman has seen a slight decrease in his DraftKings points per game, dropping from 4.89 to 4.6, a decrease of -5.9%. His FanDuel points also dipped by -7.3%. However, he has improved in singles per game, up by a significant 59.1%. Despite these fluctuations, his total bases and home runs have seen declines, with total bases per game falling by -32.3% and home runs per game dropping entirely. Facing a pitcher from the CWS who ranks #225 in hits allowed per game, Rutschman’s matchup could be favorable, yet his DFS value score of 1.9 suggests caution in expecting high returns for his $5900 DraftKings salary.

Will Smith ($4700), Dodgers – Projected 11.2 pts

Will Smith, the catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, presents a stronger case for DFS consideration. Despite a slight decrease in his DraftKings points per game from 6.67 to 6.3, a change of -5.5%, Smith maintains a robust performance in other areas. His FanDuel points have only slightly decreased by -6.6%, and he has maintained consistency in hits per game. Notably, Smith is facing Griffin Canning of the LAA, who ranks #270 in hits allowed per game, potentially setting Smith up for success. With a DFS value score of 2.4, Smith offers a core value at a DraftKings salary of $4700, making him a potentially strategic pick for the upcoming slate.

Top Outfielder Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Yordan Alvarez ($6200), Astros – Projected 16.4 pts

Yordan Alvarez continues to be a formidable presence at the plate for the Astros. Over his last ten games, Alvarez has maintained a solid average of 12.3 DraftKings points per game. Despite a slight decrease in performance compared to his previous ten games, where he averaged 12.78 points, his ability to consistently hit home runs and total bases has improved, showing a 51.5% increase in home runs per game and a 7.3% increase in total bases. Facing Nick Martinez of the Reds, who ranks 291st in hits allowed per game, Alvarez’s matchup looks promising. His projected DFS value score of 2.6 indicates strong value at his current salary, making him a robust choice for today’s fantasy lineups.

Jarren Duran ($6200), Red Sox – Projected 15.3 pts

Jarren Duran of the Red Sox shows potential to be a valuable pick in today’s DFS contests. Despite a decrease in his DraftKings points per game from 13.0 to 11.2 in his last ten games, Duran has shown notable improvements in hitting, with a 14.8% increase in hits per game and a 21.2% increase in home runs per game. Facing Tylor Megill of the Mets, who ranks 381st in hits allowed per game, could provide Duran with opportunities to capitalize on. With a DFS value score of 2.5, he stands out as a strong value pick, particularly given his recent uptick in base hits and potential for scoring.