Pitching: Cease (Optimal), McLean (Optimal 2), May (Value 1), Peterson (Value 2)
Hitting: CIN (Optimal), BAL (GPP 1), NYM (GPP 2), MIL (GPP 3)
Weather: All Clear
Welcome to a fun early slate as we dive into our favorite pitchers and hitting stacks!
The optimal pitcher of this slate is Dylan Cease who takes on the Chicago Cubs. He has strikeout rates of at least 35% to both sides of the plate. He’ll get to face at least five batters with strikeout rates above 23% which feeds into his upside. The X stats have been remarkable as he holds lefties to a rate of (.115/.273) and righties to a rate of (.071/.243). This is a great way to start your lineups in cash game contests.
The next pitcher we like is Nolan McLean as he takes on the Cleveland Guardians. He has strikeout rates of at least 27% to both sides of the plate. He’ll get to take on at least three batters with strikeout rates above 24%. The X stats have been reliable for McLean this year as he holds lefties to a rate of (.151/.322) and righties to a rate of (.101/.251). This is a solid spend up option to target in your lineups.
The first value pitcher we like is Dustin May who takes on a weak Pirates lineup. He has strikeout rates of at least 22% to both sides of the plate. He’ll get to face at least four batters with strikeout rates above 23%. The X stats have been great for him as well as he holds lefties to a rate of (.120/.316) and righties to a rate of (.135/.291). This is a great way to free up salary to spend for premium bats.
The next value pitcher we like is David Peterson who takes on the Toronto Blue Jays. The upsides with the amount of batters the Blue Jays bring with strikeout rates above 21%, which is five. Peterson has averaged 5 strikeouts over the course of his last 3 outings. The X stats solidify this play as he holds righties to the tune of a (.152xISO). That is key considering he’ll face a RHH heavy lineup. This is a great punt play to spend up for premium bats.
The optimal team of this slate is the Cincinnati Reds who take on Mason Barnett. The problem for Barnett is that his fastball is a pitch that has caused him problems this year. Elly De La Cruz, Sal Stewart, JJ Bleday, Tyler Stephenson, and Eugenio Suarez have had success against the fastball this year. Hector Rodriguez is also viable due to his success against RHP this year. Lastly, Dane Meyers, Ke’Bryan Hayes, and Matt McLain are values you can use to round out this stack. Our favorite options are Tyler Stephenson and Elly De La Cruz.
The Baltimore Orioles make our list next as they take on Ryan Johnson. The problem for Johnson has been that his sinker has been hit hard by both sides of the plate. Dylan Beavers, Pete Alonso, Gunnar Henderson, Leody Tavares, Colton Cowser, and Yohel Pozo have had success against the sinker this year. Christian Encarnacion–Strand has had success against RHP this year which puts him in play as a final option. Our favorite options are Pete Alonso and Christian Encarnacion-Strand.
The New York Mets make our list next as they take on Foster Griffin. The struggles for Griffin have come from the fastball so that is what we want to target. AJ Ewing, Carson Benge, Luis Robert, Eric Wagaman, and Luis Torrens have had success against the fastball this year. Marcus Semien, Francisco Alvarez, Francisco Lindor, and Bo Bichette have had success against LHP this year. Our favorite options are AJ Ewing and Luis Robert.
The last stack on our radar is the Milwaukee Brewers. The reason we like that is because they have feasted against the fastball and that is a primary pitch for Braxton Ashcraft. Cooper Pratt, Luis Lara, Andrew Vaughn, Williams Contreras, Garrett Mitchell, Jackson Chourio, and Brice Turang have had success against the fastball this year. Our favorite options are Brice Turang and Jackson Chourio.