This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Baseball series.
With a lot of early start times on the schedule Wednesday, we are left with eight games to choose from for the main slate on Yahoo. There are a couple of excellent starting pitchers set to take the mound, but this could be a night that is dominated by offense. Let's break down the matchups and discuss which players might be best to target.
Pitching Overview
The best option among starting pitchers could very well be Shane Bieber ($47) against the Blue Jays. He's been a rock for the Indians with his 3.69 ERA and even better 3.29 FIP. One of main reasons for his improved numbers is his increase in strikeout rate, which has jumped up from 24.3 percent last year to 31.1 percent this season. With the Blue Jays striking out the eighth-most times (932) in baseball, Bieber could be primed for a great outing.
Staying in that same game, Marcus Stroman ($36) is another name to consider. While he could be on the move as we approach the trade deadline, he's made a case for contending teams to pay up to get him by allowing three earned runs or fewer in 11 of his last 12 starts. He can't be counted on for much in the strikeout department, but he's managed to remain successful by allowing only 0.8 HR/9. People might shy away from him based on the Indians recent offensive surge, making him a possible contrarian option in tournament play.
As far as favorable matchups go, Julio Teheran ($38) certainly has one against the Royals, who rank in the bottom-third of baseball in most major offensive categories. They have just an 84 wRC+ on the road and will be without the use of the DH with this game being played in Atlanta. Teheran has rebounded from a couple of bad outings to allow six runs (five earned) and record 21 strikeouts across 21 innings in his last four starts.
Key Values/Chalk
The Marlins have an opportunity for a strong showing against Reynaldo Lopez, who has largely struggled with his 5.76 ERA and 5.31 FIP. Going with a full Marlins stack might not be advisable due to their lack of talent, but Garrett Cooper ($17) and Jorge Alfaro ($11) could be a couple of names to consider. On a night with so few catching options, Alfaro could be especially appealing when you consider that he is 20-for-59 (.339) with two home runs and four doubles over his last 18 games.
J.A. Happ's first full season with the Yankees has been a disappointment with him posting a 4.86 ERA and a 5.11 WHIP. He's allowed 1.9 HR/9, which could end up being his downfall against the powerful Twins lineup. Two players on the Twins who stand out for this matchup are Nelson Cruz ($20) and Mitch Garver ($21), who have a 163 wRC+ and a 238 wRC+, respectively, against left-handed pitchers this season.
It's been a bit of a mixed bag for Ross Stripling since he moved into the starting rotation for the Dodgers. His first three outings were rough with him allowing 10 runs (nine earned) over 12 innings. His last two starts have been a bit better with him giving up four runs (three earned) across 10 innings. It should also be noted that he's allowed at least one home run in each of his last four appearances. Mike Trout ($27) should be popular options once again.
Expect to see a heavy dose of the Nationals' hitters across DFS for the second game of their doubleheader with the Rockies. Kyle Freeland will be on the mound for Colorado, who has been terrible with his 7.62 ERA and a 6.12 FIP. It will be important to keep an eye on the lineup card since a key starter or two could be rested in the nightcap, but this is a matchup to exploit.
Stacks
Braves vs. Brad Keller (Royals)
Ronald Acuna Jr. (OF - $23), Freddie Freeman (1B - $21), Nick Markakis (OF - $15)
Expect to see the Braves' players in plenty of lineups with Keller on the mound, who has been mediocre with his 4.39 FIP and 1.40 WHIP. Acuna is firing on all cylinders right now, hitting 31-for-101 (.307) with seven home runs and 13 steals across his last 25 contests. Freeman is having another great season with his .394 wOBA and Markakis is a viable cheaper option based on his .362 wOBA against right-handed pitchers.
Dodgers vs. Jaime Barria (Angels)
Cody Bellinger (OF - $25), Max Muncy (2B - $21), A.J. Pollock (OF - $22)
With the Angels running out of options, they called up Barria from the minors to start Friday against the Mariners. To say it didn't go well would be an understatement considering he gave up 10 runs over 3.2 innings. He allowed seven runs across 1.2 innings against the Royals earlier this season, so it's not like that was his only blowup, either. The Dodgers have one of the most potent lineups in baseball, leaving them with tremendous upside. Pollock is one name that particularly stands out since he is 14-for-36 (.389) with four home runs over 10 games since being activated from the IL.
White Sox vs. Zac Gallen (Marlins)
Jose Abreu (1B - $17), Yoan Moncada (3B - $19), Jon Jay (OF - $8)
Gallen has been somewhat lucky to record a 3.63 ERA across his first five starts considering he's allowed a 1.48 WHIP. He's had control issues, resulting in his 14.1 percent walk rate. If he can't start to do a better job of limiting base runners, the White Sox could be in line for plenty of scoring. Abreu is arguably the most lethal hitter on the White Sox while Moncada has a .396 wOBA against right-handed pitchers. Don't count on Jay to provide much power, but he's a cheaper to target since a righty will be on the mound.
