Slate Breaker: FD MLB DFS (3/30)

Top Pitchers

Play of the Day: Dylan Cease, Padres (vs Giants)

After regressing following a 2022 Cy Young caliber campaign, there is a lot of doubt surrounding Cease but maybe a change in scenery is just what he needed to regain his elite form. He looked strong this spring with a 13.1 K9. High strikeouts are nothing new for Cease giving him a reliable floor even if he is unable to reliably find the strike zone. If Cease's control is on point, he has the highest ceiling out of any of the pitchers throwing on Saturday.

Joe Ryan, Twins (@ Royals)

There is no pitcher that will provide the same level of consistency and stability that Joe Ryan provides especially with a matchup against the Royals on hand. Ryan has utterly dominated the Royals for the entirety of his career. In six career appearances against the Royals, Ryan has pitched 36 innings winning 5 of those appearances while striking out 41 and compiling a 1.50 ERA. Ryan will likely not be the top pitcher on Saturday but his consistency will land him in the top 3 performers of the day.

Hunter Greene, Reds (vs Nationals)

No pitcher starting on Saturday has a higher upside than Hunter Greene. He is the nastiest pitcher taking the mound but his inability to consistently find the strike zone has prevented him from becoming a pitcher who can find a steady rhythm. This is a matchup that should highlight Greene's upside as he plays the Nationals who are very free swinging, drawing the 3rd fewest walks a year ago. Greene is no guarantee but his upside makes him a very enticing risk.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dodgers (vs Cardinals)

Yamamoto's talent should not need to be qualified, but after getting shelled in his MLB debut, everyone is doubting his capabilities. Yamamoto will quickly make those doubters look foolish. He is the best pitcher to ever come over from Japan never having a season with an ERA higher than 3.00. He may not immediately turn the ship around but he will do it at some point soon so make sure you do not overlook him and get left behind.


Top Stacks

Reds (vs Nationals)

Anytime Patrick Corbin takes the mound, his opponents become obvious easy stacks. Patrick Corbin is completely washed; he has nothing left in the tank but he will continue to take the mound every 5th day to collect that enormous paycheck. He has led the league in losses 3 seasons in a row and has allowed the most ERs in 2 of the last 3 seasons. The Reds are also very good against LHP with guys like Jonathan India and Spencer Steer projected to have huge games.

Rangers (vs Cubs)

I do not have confidence in Kyle Hendricks anymore. It is not 2018 anymore and he can no longer routinely paint the edges. With a fastball that tops out at the high 80s and diminishing command, I do not see how this stacked Rangers lineup does not end up putting up a crooked number. Somehow Corey Seager is 0 for 6 in his career against Kyle Hendricks but I am sure that will quickly change tomorrow. Literally every piece of this Rangers lineup is in a primed spot to succeed.

Diamondbacks (vs Rockies)

Somehow the Diamondbacks have gotten significantly better. They have been the MLB's top offense over the first two days of the season racking a monstrous 23 runs. And they will continue to rack up runs on Saturday since they are facing Austin Gomber, a pitcher they are very familiar with. They bashed Gomber for 6 earned runs last time they matched up. Guys like Christian Walker and Ketel Marte have slaughtered Gomber for the entirety of their career, going a combined 11 for 27 with 4 HRs. Look for the Diamondbacks to continue their hot streak in a major way.


One Offs

Austin Riley, Braves 3B (@ Phillies)

Aaron Nola has accomplished a lot in his career but he has never come close to figuring out division rival Austin Riley. Riley has toasted Nola with an OPS of 1.248 against the righty while launching 5 homers. This success does not come on the back of a small sample size either with the two matching up 54 times. After going hitless to begin the season, expect a motivated Riley to quickly reacquaint himself with Aaron Nola.

Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers (vs Cardinals)

After being league mates for the majority of Shohei Ohtani's career, Lance Lynn and Shohei have plenty of experience facing one another and it is clear who has the advantage in this matchup. Over 23 career at bats, Ohtani has 10 hits with 3 of those hits leaving the yard. I fully expect the Dodgers to shell Lance Lynn so any Dodger hitter will likely have a successful day, but Ohtani will be the guy leading the way.

Connor Joe, Pirates (@ Marlins)

Anytime a lefty takes the mound, Connor Joe's projections immediately shoot up, but this is not just any lefty he is facing, this is Ryan Weathers. Ryan Weathers has been a fall guy his entire year as he has been someone whose sole job has been to just eat up innings. He has an ERA over 5.00 in all 3 of his major league seasons and has been very susceptible to the long ball allowing nearly 2 HRs per 9 innings over his career. This is not Joe's first time in this juicy matchup either with Joe homering in a third of his career at bats versus Weathers. Joe has elite upside so he is worth consideration in all fantasy formats.


Dream Team

SP: Dylan Cease, Padres (vs Giants)

C/1B: Christian Walker, Diamondbacks (vs Rockies)

2B: Marcus Semien, Rangers (vs Cubs)

3B: Oswaldo Cabrera, Yankees (@ Astros)

SS: Corey Seager, Rangers (vs Cubs)

OF: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers (vs Cardinals)

OF: Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Diamondbacks (vs Rockies)

OF: Travis Jankowski, Rangers (vs Cubs)

OR Jason Heyward, Dodgers (vs Cardinals)

UTL: Blaze Alexander, Diamondbacks (vs Rockies)


**DISCLAIMER: Remember, sports and fantasy are supposed to be fun. Please play responsibly.**

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