It’s time for MLB DFS on a Thursday night, with a quick three-game slate going off at 7:10pm EDT. Three games does not provide the variation we would normally like for our lines. No matter, we’ll just turn this short stack in for a couple fat greenback stacks. Choosing pitchers tonight is especially important, and there are a couple good values that provide flexibility in your hitting options. As always, we’ll try to find great value where we can before filling in the rest with some boppers. You’ll find those studs listed after the value plays.
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***All prices listed are from DraftKings***
Value on the Hill
George Kirby – at Boston ($7,800)
After debuting two weeks ago with a dominant six-inning, seven-strikeout start blanking the Tampa Bay Rays, Kirby came down to earth. Facing off against a potent New York Mets lineup, Kirby coughed up three runs in four innings. The Red Sox, however, should offer immense bounce back potential for the young slinger. The team currently ranks 22nd in MLB in team runs scored per game. They also have an anemic 3.31 average runs scored at Fenway, which is the fourth-worst home average in baseball. Kirby should be dominant in this game.
Marcus Stroman – vs Arizona ($7,000)
Stroman offers tremendous value on this slate, even coming off the COVID list. He’s had two weeks off, but has been throwing bullpen sessions on the side and appears to be ready. The diminutive righty had a pair of starts early in the season that ballooned his earned run average, but has tossed six and seven innings, respectively, in his last two times out. That trend should continue against the Diamondbacks, who score just 3.59 runs/game overall in 2022 and rank second-to-last in strikeouts, whiffing over nine times per contest. That plays right into Stroman’s wheelhouse.
Value in the Field
Jonah Heim, C – at Houston ($3,900)
With just three games on tonight’s slate, the options behind the dish are few and far between. As far as value goes, look no further than the Texas backstop. Just yesterday, Heim cost $4,200 before going 3-for-5 with a double and a pair of runs batted in against the Los Angeles Angels. Today, the switch-hitter presents an even better bargain with high upside in the matchup against Framber Valdez and the Astros. On the season, Heim is slashing .300/.388/.543 (.931 OPS). He’s chipped in four long balls, scored 15 times while driving in 14 to go along with 10 walks.
Jesse Winker, OF – at Boston ($3,200)
Considering Winker is starting to show signs of life with the lumber, this price is a major bargain. With many DFS players opting for power in the outfield tonight, the price enables you to pick and choose some more reliable studs in the infield. Prior to last night (0-for-2), Winker had hit safely in nine straight games and 12 of his last 14. While it’s still a long road back, Winker has raised his average to .222 and his OPS to .641. Considering for his career those numbers are .282 and .865, the lefty probably has only scratched the surface with that hitting streak. He’s too good to be kept down, and fans should look for him to start a new streak tonight against 41-year-old Rich Hill. Winker will not be this inexpensive for long.
Yuli Gurriel, 1B – vs Texas ($3,900) PIVOT: Ty France at Boston
Almost always deferring to a big-bopper at first base, today I like the script flip because the other first baseman on the card are very ho-hum. Gurriel went hitless in three at bats last night, but prior to that he was hitting the cover off the ball. Four of the previous five games resulted in multiple hits and he smacked three moonshots with the boomstick during that time. He also drove in seven runs and scored six times. DFS darling France is a great pivot in case Gurriel is not in the lineup, and is actually $100 cheaper. With that said, the Astros first baseman’s hot streak is impossible to ignore. He also has a better matchup while facing the Rangers’ Glenn Otto and his 6.38 ERA.
Between the value gained on these pitchers and hitters, it leaves significant budget to fill out your lineup with the big guns and consistent hitters. A Houston stack is also worth considering. Here are some favorites for the rest of the slate.
Stud Finder: Trevor Story (2B – BOS), Rafael Devers (3B – BOS), Corey Seager (SS – TEX), Yordan Alvarez (OF – HOU), Alex Bregman (3B – HOU), Kyle Tucker (OF – HOU)
Best of luck with all of your lineups tonight.
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