Strategy and Stats for 09/11/24 MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

As the clock strikes 12:35 PM EST today, the MLB fantasy slate kicks off with an exhilarating lineup of 15 games, promising a full day of baseball action. Among the highlights, all eyes are on the classic rivalry at Fenway Park where the Baltimore Orioles face off against the Boston Red Sox at 7:10 PM EST. With an Over/Under set at a lofty 9.5, this game is anticipated to be a treasure trove for fantasy players, potentially featuring high-scoring innings and standout performances. Fantasy managers should particularly watch for top hitters and pitchers from this game, as their performances could be pivotal in today’s fantasy outcomes. This preview sets the stage for a deeper dive into each game, where we’ll break down key players and hidden gems across all positions to optimize your fantasy lineups.

Top 1B Picks for Today’s MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

Freddie Freeman ($5300), Dodgers – Projected 13.1 pts

Freddie Freeman’s recent performance has been a beacon of consistency and upward trajectory, making him a compelling choice in today’s DFS lineup. Over the last ten games, Freeman has averaged 8.7 DraftKings points, a significant improvement from his previous set of games where he scored 4.11 points on average. This 111.7% increase is indicative of his current form and adaptability at the plate. His matchup against the Cubs, who rank #246 in hits allowed per game, further bolsters his potential for a high-scoring game. With a DraftKings salary of $5300 and a projected point total of 13.1, Freeman’s DFS value score stands at 2.5, categorizing him as a strong value pick for today’s slate.

Bryce Harper ($5500), Phillies – Projected 12.4 pts

Bryce Harper, another formidable first baseman, shows promise despite a slightly less explosive increase in his recent performances. Harper has managed to elevate his game, averaging 7.9 DraftKings points in his last ten outings compared to 7.11 in the previous ten, marking an 11.1% increase. His ability to consistently hit, with an average of 1.5 hits per game recently, up 35.1% from before, keeps him relevant in DFS circles. Facing Shane Baz of the Rays, who ranks #539 in hits allowed per game, Harper could exploit this matchup. However, his DFS value score of 2.3 places him as a core value pick, slightly behind Freeman but still a viable option with a DraftKings salary of $5500 and a projected 12.4 points.

Top Second Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Jose Altuve ($5200), Astros – Projected 12.9 pts

Jose Altuve continues to be a beacon of consistency for fantasy players, especially considering his recent performances. Over his last ten games, Altuve has seen a noticeable uptick in his production, averaging 10.5 DraftKings points per game, a significant improvement from his previous 9.67. His hitting has been particularly impressive, with a 60% increase in hits per game and a staggering 354.5% increase in doubles per game. Facing a pitcher from Oakland who ranks #380 in hits allowed per game, Altuve’s prospects look promising. His 2.5 DFS value score categorizes him as a strong value pick for today’s slate.

Andres Gimenez ($4200), Indians – Projected 12.1 pts

Andres Gimenez might not be the first name that comes to mind for a DFS powerhouse, but his recent surge in performance makes him a player to watch. In his last ten games, Gimenez has significantly outperformed his prior stretch, with his DraftKings points jumping from 5.33 to 8.6 per game. His total bases per game have nearly tripled, and his hits per game have increased by over 64%. Facing Davis Martin of the CWS, who has a poor record of allowing hits, Gimenez’s potential to exploit this matchup is high. His 2.9 DFS value score positions him as another strong value for today’s games.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Rafael Devers ($5700), Boston Red Sox – Projected 13.9 pts

Rafael Devers, despite a recent dip in his performance metrics, remains a pivotal player in DFS lineups. Over the last ten games, Devers has seen a decrease in DraftKings points per game, dropping from 5.11 to 4.0, a -21.7% change. His hitting has slightly improved, with singles per game increasing by 25.0%. However, a significant drop in home runs per game by -100.0% and total bases per game by -26.2% are concerning. Facing Dean Kremer, who has a high rate of hits allowed, Devers could capitalize, but his recent form suggests caution. His DFS value score stands at 2.4, marking him as a core value pick for today’s games.

Jose Ramirez ($6300), Cleveland Indians – Projected 13.8 pts

Jose Ramirez continues to be a strong contender in daily fantasy, although his recent performances have shown some volatility. In the last ten games, Ramirez’s DraftKings points have decreased by -17.1% from 8.44 to 7.0. Notably, his singles per game have surged by 81.8%, but doubles per game have plummeted by -77.3%. His matchup against Davis Martin, who also allows a high number of hits, presents an opportunity for Ramirez to improve his stats. However, with a DFS value score of 2.2, he is categorized as a core value player, indicating potential but also some risk in today’s DFS landscape.

Daily Fantasy Sports: Shortstop Analysis

Elly De La Cruz ($6200), Reds – Projected 12.9 pts

Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds shows a mixed bag of recent performances but holds a 2.1 DFS value score, positioning him as a core value pick for today’s slate. Over his last ten games, De La Cruz has seen a decrease in production compared to the previous set, with his DraftKings points per game dropping by 25.3% to 8.3. Despite a significant dip in hits and runs, his walks have increased by 59.1%. Facing Lance Lynn, who ranks low in limiting hits, could provide De La Cruz an opportunity to bounce back and exceed his recent averages. His current form and matchup give him potential as a strategic play in DFS lineups.

Gunnar Henderson ($6400), Orioles – Projected 12.7 pts

Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles emerges as a standout at the shortstop position, boasting a 2.0 DFS value score. Henderson has shown remarkable improvement in his recent performances, with a 210.4% increase in DraftKings points per game, now averaging 13.1. His total bases have seen a substantial rise of 288.1%, and his consistent ability to hit home runs and doubles adds to his appeal. Facing Nick Pivetta, who has struggled significantly with allowing hits, Henderson’s current form suggests he could be a pivotal player in today’s DFS contests. His upward trajectory and favorable matchup make him a compelling option for fantasy managers looking for potential high scorers.

Top Catchers to Watch in Today’s DFS Slate

Will Smith ($4800), Dodgers – Projected 11.0 pts

Will Smith of the Los Angeles Dodgers shows a mixed bag of recent performances but holds potential for today’s game. Over his last ten games, Smith has averaged 5.3 DraftKings points, a slight dip from his previous average of 7.11 points. Despite this decrease, his matchup against the Chicago Cubs, who rank poorly in hits allowed, positions him for possible success. Notably, Smith has maintained a consistent hitting rate, with a slight increase in singles per game. However, his power metrics, including home runs and total bases, have seen a decline. With a DraftKings salary of $4800 and a projected point total of 11.0, Smith’s DFS value score stands at 2.3, marking him as a core value pick for today’s slate.

Adley Rutschman ($5600), Orioles – Projected 10.9 pts

Adley Rutschman, the promising catcher for the Baltimore Orioles, has experienced a slight downturn in his fantasy output, averaging 4.3 points on DraftKings over his recent stretch, compared to 4.89 in the prior period. Facing Nick Pivetta of Boston, who has a high rate of hits allowed, Rutschman could capitalize, yet his recent stats show a significant drop in power hitting, with home runs and total bases both decreasing. Despite an increase in walks, his overall production hasn’t compensated for his higher salary of $5600. With a projected point total of 10.9, Rutschman’s DFS value score is 1.9, indicating a less favorable value at his current price point.

Top Outfielder Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Kyle Tucker ($5300), Astros – Projected 14.3 pts

Kyle Tucker’s recent performance may have dipped with a notable -61.6% decrease in DraftKings points per game compared to his previous ten games, but his upcoming matchup against the Oakland Athletics, who rank #380 in hits allowed per game, positions him for a potential rebound. Despite a rough patch, Tucker’s ability to generate walks and occasional runs gives him a decent floor. His projected DFS value score of 2.7 suggests he holds strong value at his current salary, making him a viable pick in today’s fantasy lineup.

Mookie Betts ($6300), Dodgers – Projected 14.3 pts

Mookie Betts, on the other hand, has been on an upward trajectory, improving his performance by 47.5% in DraftKings points per game over his last ten outings. Betts has been particularly effective in increasing his total bases and runs, which are up by 98.7% and 104.5% respectively. Facing the Chicago Cubs, who are ranked #246 for hits allowed per game, Betts is poised to exploit this matchup. Despite a slightly lower DFS value score of 2.3, his consistent hitting and ability to score across multiple categories solidify his core value in today’s DFS contests.