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Happy Thursday, RotoBallers! In classic pre-weekend fashion, we've got a paired-down slate on our hands. However, a six-game slate is pretty big compared to most Thursdays this season.
Today's slate is likely about how the big four pitchers fare. Zack Wheeler, Luis Gil, Paul Skenes, and Luis Castillo take the mound and will be top-rated picks amongst DFS lineups. However, Luis Castillo has the toughest matchups (Yankees) and should have the lowest ownership, so he's the favorite pick for tournament formats. Philadelphia and New York have a 40 percent chance of rain for today's slate, so double-check those weather reports before locking in your lineups.
This article will provide my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 5/23/2024 and the slate locking at 12:35 p.m. EDT. The lineup picks will range from some elite players to mid-priced options and value plays. You can also read more DFS advice and lineup picks for other sports here. Monitoring injury news and today's MLB starting lineups is also essential.
DraftKings, FanDuel Pitchers - MLB DFS Lineup Picks
Luis Gil - RHP, NYY vs. Mariners ($10.0K DraftKings; $10.2K FanDuel)
After a career-high 14 strikeouts versus the White Sox, Luis Gil looks to continue building on his breakout campaign. Over his last four starts, the right-handed hurler is 4-0 with 27 strikeouts in 24 1/3 innings. Today, the 25-year-old can rack up more strikeouts against Seattle, with a league-leading 29.2 percent strikeout rate against RHPs. The 13.6 percent walk rate is a concern, but Gil has walked two or fewer batters in four of his previous five outings.
Paul Skenes - RHP, PIT vs. Giants ($9.5K DK; $9.5K FD)
Playing DFS is supposed to be fun, and there isn't a more fun pitcher to roster these days than Paul Skenes. The top pitching prospect in baseball makes the third start of his career today, and getting him on your squad gives you an even bigger reason to get him on your screen. Last time out, the 21-year-old scored 38.9 DK points to show us the kind of ceiling he has in his arsenal. Skenes is an excellent cash play and will be very popular. However, he could be a slight fade in tournaments if you want to get some leverage on the field.
Pitch No. 100: 💯
6 innings
0 hits
11 K'sPaul Skenes. Wow. pic.twitter.com/3nDXqJfJ8w
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 17, 2024
Also Consider: Zack Wheeler vs. TEX, Luis Castillo at NYY
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DraftKings, FanDuel Infielders - MLB DFS Lineup Picks
Jurickson Profar - OF/1B, SDP at Frankie Montas ($4.1K DK; $3.2K FD)
Some players fly under the radar more than most, and Jurickson Profar slips into that category for Thursday's slate. Ten games ago, he was $4.1K on DK, and 10 games later, he's the same price. This doesn't make much sense, considering the Padres outfielder has a .412 batting average and a 1.094 OPS in that stretch with nine runs, three extra-base hits, five RBI, and a steal. Regardless, DFS managers should pounce on an undervalued asset, and Profar is undoubtedly one of those on the six-game slate.
Abraham Toro - 1B/2B/3B, OAK vs. Ryan Feltner ($4.0K DK; $3.0K FD)
After a few years of bouncing around different teams, Abraham Toro has found a home in Oakland. He leads off for the A's and is having a breakout campaign. Through 47 games, the Oakland infielder owns a .294 average with a .803 OPS to accompany 25 runs, 18 RBI, 17 extra-base hits (five home runs), and two steals. The 27-year-old isn't the flashiest pick on today's DFS slate, but he tends to get the job done.
Matt Chapman - 3B, SFG at Paul Skenes ($4.1K DK; $3.4K FD)
While DFS managers shouldn't look to load up against the pitching phenom that is Skenes, a sprinkling of Matt Chapman in your lineups won't hurt on Thursday. The Giants' third baseman is hitting his stride in his second full month with his new team and is on a power surge. Over the last five games, the 31-year-old is 11-for-18 (.611) with 10 runs, five RBI, five doubles, and two home runs, averaging 29.1 FD PPG.
DraftKings, FanDuel Outfielders - MLB DFS Lineup Picks
Juan Soto - OF, NYY vs. Luis Castillo ($6.5K DK; $4.2K FD)
The MVP chants are getting louder and louder for Juan Soto in his first year with New York. In 51 games, the outfielder sports a .979 OPS with 37 runs, 40 RBI, 13 home runs, and four stolen bases. On Wednesday, he recorded his second multi-home run outing in his last five games and has a 1.020 OPS over his last 10 games. The 25-year-old is the most expensive hitter on DK and only trails Aaron Judge ($4.5K) on FD, but Soto's points-accruing potential is well worth the price of admission.
Juan Soto is mashing!
That's his second home run tonight. pic.twitter.com/yNzAmb8qjV
— MLB (@MLB) May 23, 2024
Andrew McCutchen - OF, PIT vs. Mason Black ($4.1K DK; $3.0K FD)
It's not the prettiest season for Andrew McCutchen (.698 OPS), but he's found his swing over the last week and a half. Since May 11, the 2013 NL MVP has owned a .333/.447/.564 slash line with nine runs, four extra-base hits (three home runs), and six RBI, averaging 10.6 DK PPG. Giants starter Mason Black should put up little resistance to the Pirates. His 7.71 ERA is backed by a 7.11 xERA and a not-so-nice 5.2 percent K%-BB%. Despite Pittsburgh's offensive struggles, they can put up some crooked numbers against the Giants this afternoon.
Mike Tauchman - OF, CHC vs. AJ Smith-Shawver ($3.9K DK; $3.0K FD)
With a right-handed hurler in AJ Smith-Shawver on the mound for Atlanta, Chicago will likely counter with Mike Tauchman at the top of their lineup. He regularly leads off for the Cubs when a righty is on the mound, and Thursday shouldn't be different. The left-handed outfielder isn't in the best form (.649 OPS over the last 10 games) but has three hits, a triple, and two RBI over the previous two games. A leadoff man at Tauchman's salary is always worth a roster spot in a DFS lineup.
DraftKings, FanDuel MLB DFS Stacks
1. San Diego Padres at Frankie Montas - RHP, CIN
Favorite Plays: Luis Arraez, Fernando Tatis Jr., Jake Cronenworth
2. Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Mason Black - RHP, SF
Favorite Plays: Andrew McCutchen, Bryan Reynolds, Nick Gonzales
3. Philadelphia Phillies at Andrew Heaney - LHP, TEX
Favorite Plays: Bryce Harper, Alec Bohm, Bryson Stott
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