FanDuel MLB: Saturday’s Main Slate Breakdown
With a shortened seven-game slate on FanDuel, Saturday promises to be a night of strategic lineup construction and calculated risk-taking. The key to success will be identifying the right balance between high-priced pitching options and maximizing value from bargain bats.
Key Takeaways
- Limited Slate: Seven games on the main slate mean we’ll see more similar lineup builds across most builds.
- High-Priced Pitching: Six pitchers are priced at $9,000 or greater, offering both potential and potential risk.
- High Run Total: Royals-Phillies presents the highest run line at 9.0, boosted by favorable winds in Kansas City.
- Favorable Wind: The wind is blowing out in double digits in Kansas City, making it a prime spot for offensive production.
Pitching: Embracing the Obvious, Navigating the Middle Tier
Tarik Skubal ($11,500) against the White Sox is a clear and obvious pay-up option. Skubal has been dominant, earning nine quality starts in his last 10. The White Sox have struggled against him, hitting .205 with a .487 OPS. While the cost is high, Skubal’s potential is undeniable.
Clayton Kershaw ($9,200) presents a viable pay-down option in the high-priced pitching tier. He’s recently shown signs of regaining his form, allowing only two runs across his last 16.1 innings. While innings restrictions remain a concern, Kershaw should offer stability against the Tampa Bay lineup.
The middle tier of pitching presents a more risky landscape. However, Jake Irvin ($7,400) against the struggling Braves offers a potential bargain play. The Braves have scored three runs or less in five straight games and are striking out at a high rate against righties. Irvin may be in a good spot to exploit this weakness.
Top Targets: Seeking Stability and Price Breaks
Francisco Lindor ($3,800) provides stability in the top target category at an affordable price. He’s hitting safely in four straight and 16 of his last 17 games. Bobby Witt ($4,400) offers a similar profile, albeit at a higher cost.
With the high run total and favorable winds in Kansas City, we’ll want exposure to both the Royals and Phillies. While Brady Singer has been better at home, he’s been more getable for lefties. This makes Bryce Harper ($3,700) and Kyle Schwarber ($3,700) intriguing targets.
C.J. Abrams ($3,400) is a BvP play with limited exposure. He’s gone 4-for-9 with two homers against Charlie Morton.
Bargain Bats: Finding Value in Unexpected Places
The Dodgers-Rays matchup may not seem ideal, but Vinnie Pasquantino ($3,200) is worth considering despite the price drop. He’s third in the league in RBIs and his recent form makes him a risk worth taking.
Jacob Young ($2,700) has been a nuisance for the Braves, boasting a .310 average against them. He’s a particularly attractive option against Morton, who has allowed 20 steals in 23 starts.
Detroit has the slate’s highest expected run total, so we need exposure even if they’re not a typical target. Spencer Torkelson ($2,800) has a .369 wOBA and 142 wRC+ against lefties, making him a feast-or-famine play. Andy Ibanez ($2,400) at four-position eligibility offers a safer option at a slightly lower price. Colt Keith ($2,700) is also a solid option due to his six-game hitting streak.
Stack to Consider: Dodger Power Against Taj Bradley
Stacking on a limited slate is difficult, so why not consider the Dodgers? Mookie Betts ($4,000), Freddie Freeman ($3,600), and Teoscar Hernandez ($3,400) offer a potent combination against a struggling Taj Bradley. He’s allowed 18 runs and 26 hits across his last four starts. Betts and Freeman are hitting extremely well against righties, while Hernandez provides a solid middle option.
This stack provides maximum exposure to Bradley while allowing for flexibility with Max Muncy ($3,400) or Gavin Lux ($2,800) as possible substitutions.
This Saturday’s FanDuel slate presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each player and utilizing the right strategies, you can build a lineup with a high probability of success.
