This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Baseball series.
If you like top-tier starting pitchers, Wednesday's evening slate in the majors is the one for you. While that might make offense hard to come by in some games, there are still a few appealing stacks that stand out. Let's break things down and discuss how some ownership percentages might play out.
Pitching Overview
The big four aces taking the mound are Max Scherzer ($56), Jacob deGrom ($59), Aaron Nola ($46) and Corey Kluber ($52). Although Scherzer can dominate any lineup, he has the toughest matchup against the Cardinals, so he might be one of the players in this group to avoid. deGrom is also a bit of a scary option for his start against the Reds. While the Reds are not a potent offense by any means, deGrom recently dealt with an elbow injury and has allowed 14 runs across his last 13 innings.
Despite his early struggles, Kluber figures to be highly owned against a Marlins team that has scored the fewest runs (82) in the league. The same can be said for Nola, who will take the mound against a Tigers team that isn't much better, having scored the third-fewest runs (94) in the early going. They are both excellent options.
He might not carry the same name recognition as the four pitchers previously mentioned, but don't sleep on Caleb Smith ($48) for his start against the Indians. He hasn't allowed more than three runs in a start this season, recording a 3.04 xFIP and a 33.9 percent strikeout rate.
Finally, Max Fried ($43) is also an appealing option for his matchup against the Padres, who were forced to place Fernando Tatis Jr. (hamstring) on the IL. Fried has a 3.60 xFIP this season and has done an excellent job limiting base runners with a 1.09 WHIP. His 20.5 percent strikeout rate isn't great, but he had a 31 percent strikeout rate during a brief stint with the Braves last year. He also had a 24.4 percent strikeout rate at Triple-A last year.
Key Values/Chalk
The Phillies figure to be a popular target for their matchup against Daniel Norris, who will be forced to start with Tyson Ross on the paternity list. Once a top prospect in the minors, he hasn't been able to live up to the hype with a 1.45 WHIP for his career. It's been much of the same for him this year, allowing 29 base runners over 18.1 innings.
The Astros should also have several players among the ownership leaderboard for their game against Martin Perez and the Twins. Despite his 3-0 record, Perez hasn't pitched well with a 4.77 xFIP and a 1.60 WHIP. He also isn't an overwhelming force with his career 14.1 percent strikeout rate.
Normally Rockies pitchers receive a boost on the road, but playing in Miller Park isn't exactly a pitching-friendly environment. In fact, the Brewers have the fifth-highest wRC+ (120) at home in the early going. Antonio Senzatela is a pitcher to attack, especially with his meager 17.7 percent career strikeout rate. Even without Christian Yelich (back), the Brewers have an excellent chance to have a productive evening.
Stacks
Phillies vs. Norris (Tigers)
Rhys Hoskins (1B- $21), Jean Segura (SS- $16), Maikel Franco (3B- $17)
With a lefty on the mound, the Phillies have some excellent right-handed bats to consider. Hoskins is the one to build around with his power upside, especially with Norris allowing 12 home runs across 62.2 innings in the majors since the start of 2018. Segura has posted a wOBA of at least .345 against lefties in back-to-back seasons. Franco has shown a tremendous eye at the plate this year with more walks (14) than strikeouts (12) to go along with a career-high .252 ISO. He's even batting .252 despite an abnormally low .224 BABIP.
Astros vs. Perez (Twins)
Alex Bregman (3B- $21), Carlos Correa (SS - $18), Yuli Gurriel (1B- $12)
Perez allowed an ugly .410 wOBA to right-handed hitters last year, which could spell trouble for him against an Astros lineup that is loaded with them. Bregman has been an on base machine this season with an 18 percent walk rate and a .410 OBP. Correa is also in the midst of an 12-game hitting streak that has seen him record four home runs and four doubles. Gurriel makes for an excellent cost-effective option after finishing with a 147 wRC+ against lefties last year.
Brewers vs. Senzatela (Rockies)
Mike Moustakas (2B- $17), Yasmani Grandal (C- $17), Eric Thames (1B- $14)
It's going to take a group effort for the Brewers to make up for the loss of Yelich. Moustakas provides plenty of power upside with his .289 ISO and he also has a career-high 10.8 percent walk rate. The switching-hitting Grandal was limited to a .324 wOBA by left-handed pitchers las year, but he had far more success with a .361 wOBA against righties. Thames, who is 10-for-30 with three home runs across his last 13 games, is also a viable option with a righty on the mound.
Nationals vs. Miles Mikolas (Cardinals)
Juan Soto (OF - $19), Matt Adams (1B- $10), Adam Eaton (OF - $16)
Mikolas is off to an ugly start with a 5.29 xFIP. His WHIP isn't terrible at 1.24, but he's allowed eight home runs over 34 innings. His numbers could be even worse if not for his .243 BABIP allowed. With his lack of swing-and-miss stuff, the Nationals could be in line for a big performance. Lefties are the way to go against Mikolas considering his wOBA against them was 86 points higher last year than it was against lefties. Not only is Soto's upside off the chart, but Adams and Eaton present two other viable options to form a budget-friendly trio.
