There is a split slate of MLB action on Thursday with seven early games (on DraftKings). With the split slate, my On the Hill articles will be abbreviated and FREE! For the early slate, I’m not listing stacks but instead my top plays at each position. Note that if I do stack it will be with the Cubs, Cardinals, Reds, and Red Sox. Enjoy today’s free picks!
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Let’s mow down the competition 3 Up and 3 Down…
3 Up
Ace
Caleb Smith (FD-$9,500 / DK-$9,400)
The Brewers appear to be in a funk during this series against the Marlins as they have been outscored 24-1 through the first two games. The funk could continue on Thursday afternoon with the Marlins best pitcher, Caleb Smith, on the hill. Smith has the highest strikeout upside on the slate and will anchor my DFS lineups.
Value
Jose Quintana (FD-$7,400 / DK-$7,500)
On the value side, give Quintana a look at home against the Rockies. The Rockies have a big 31.4% strikeout rate on the road against southpaws this season while also ranking in the bottom third in wOBA and wRC+. Quintana has pitched well at home this season with a 2.84 ERA and .268 wOBA allowed in six home starts. I haven’t made my decision yet if I work my way up to Zach Wheeler as my #2 SP on two-pitcher sites in Cash games by using some low-cost bats or if I just go with Quintana. I’m leaning Quintana.
Darkhorse
Chris Archer (FD-$6,400 / DK-$7,700)
Archer is a PvB (Pitcher vs. Batter) darkhorse option on the early slate. He has dominated Braves hitters over his career allowing just a .219 wOBA and a 29.5% strikeout rate in 132 career plate appearances. He is also at home where he has pitched decently this season compared to on the road. Give Archer a shot in GPPs.
3 Down
Hitters
Matt Wieters (FD-$2,500 / DK-$3,700)
Paul Goldschmidt (FD-$3,600 / DK-$4,200)
Joey Votto (FD-$2,900 / DK-$3,800)
Derek Dietrich (FD-$3,100 / DK-$5,100)
Jeff McNeil (FD-$2,700 / DK-$3,900)
Matt Carpenter (FD-$3,500 / DK-$4,400)
Javier Baez (FD-$4,000 / DK-$4,700)
JT Riddle (FD-$2,300 / DK-$3,300)
Mookie Betts (FD-$4,300 / DK-$4,600)
Jesse Winker (FD-$2,500 / DK-$3,800)
Kyle Schwarber (FD-$3,600 / DK-$3,700)
Carlos Gonzalez (FD-$2,500 / DK-$2,800)
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