Slate Breaker: FD MLB DFS (4/5)

Top Pitchers

Play of the Day: Tarik Skubal, Tigers (vs Athletics)

Tarik Skubal looked like he was in midseason form on Opening Day allowing just three base runners over 6 scoreless innings. A locked-in Skubal beats the A's 10 times out of 10 so I have absolutely zero concerns about Skubal in this one so if you can play Skubal make sure he is in your lineup.

Freddy Peralta, Brewers (vs Mariners)

The Mariners just do not look like they are ready for the hype. They have fallen flat on their face out of the gates and have failed to produce any kind of real offense. They have scored the 2nd fewest runs per game to open the season while also striking out at the highest rate in the MLB. They are a pitcher's dream matchup. Peralta can make any lineup look foolish, but expect a pitcher of his caliber to put on a masterclass against the Mariners.

Hunter Greene, Reds (vs Mets)

Like the Mariners, the Mets offense has been a huge letdown. They have scored just 13 runs over 6 games while failing to make consistent solid contact. They have the 3rd fewest hits in the entire MLB so this is an ideal boom spot for Greene. He can get roughed up by the big innings where the hits just do not stop, but with the Mets failing to rack up hits, Greene will be able to pile up his usual strikeouts while limiting the damage.

Zack Littell, Rays (@ Rockies)

I almost never like to play a pitcher at Coors Field, but Littell may be an exception. He does not miss a lot of bats, but he does give up a lot of weak contact which is the recipe for success at Coors. Against a much more talented Blue Jays lineup, Littell held them to an average exit velocity of 83.2 MPH nearly 6 MPH lower than the league average. I do not expect Littell to have another scoreless outing but I like his chances of coming away with a quality start against this weak Rockies lineup even at Coors.


Top Stacks

Dodgers (@ Cubs)

It pains me to say this, but Kyle Hendricks is not long for this league. He has seemingly lost all of the deception in his delivery and is basically offering up batting practice at this point. He got absolutely exposed by the Rangers serving up 9 hits, 2 walks and 5 runs while completely failing to miss bats generating just 4 swings and misses. The Dodgers are just as talented if not better than the Rangers so expect them to find similar success against Hendricks.

Rays (@ Rockies)

Austin Gomber was a good pitcher when playing away from Coors Field last year with a respectable 3.68 ERA, but when he was at home, opponents did whatever they wanted against him. He allowed an absurd 7.05 ERA at home with opponents batting .316 against him. Randy Arozarena and Yandy Diaz are obvious options anytime they are facing a lefty, but facing Gomber in Coors may present the best matchup these two hitters will get all season long.

Phillies (@ Nationals)

Patrick Corbin's decline has been highlighted by this matchup as over the past 3 seasons, the Phillies have torn him up. He has pitched 44.1 IP against the Phillies over that time frame and has allowed 36 ERs which is good for 7.31 ERA. Any time Corbin takes the mound all the righties; Trea Turner, JT Realmuto and Alec Bohm, need to be in your lineups because they are sure to connect on a laser or two.


One Offs

Anthony Volpe, Yankees (vs Blue Jays)

Volpe has been on a heater to open the season picking up 9 hits in just 22 at bats while also showing a bit of power with 3 XBHs. Hopefully he can keep the hot streak rolling into the home opener and he is in a good spot to do so since he is facing the lefty Yusei Kikuchi. Volpe struggled last year but he was still a decent hitter against LHPs hitting .248, 50 points higher than he hit against RHPs. While Volpe has been strong to start the season, he has not even been showing off his entire game with no steals to him name in 2024. With a solid combination of both speed and power, Volpe could be a huge asset on Friday.

CJ Abrams, Nationals (vs Phillies)

Abrams may be evolving into a superstar right in front of our eyes. He has elite speed, great defense, and decent power and he has been able to put all these aspects of his game together to begin the year. He has 3 XBHs and 3 steals in just 6 games while reaching base more than 40% of the time. Normally a matchup against Aaron Nola would be a bit of a deterrent, but Nola did not have his best stuff in his season debut with his velocity down nearly a whole MPH. We have to take advantage of Nola when he is not on his A-game so get Abrams in your lineup.

Bobby Witt Jr., Royals (vs White Sox)

Witt is the best player in all of baseball right, okay maybe Mookie Betts is better, but Witt is a close second. He is showing his devastating combination of power and speed with 7 XBHs and 2 steals already this season. Most encouragingly, he is hitting everything. Witt would always rack up XBHs and steals, but it looks like he has altered his approach a bit and is now taking what the defense gives him and has been piling up the singles too with a hit in 5 of 6 games and multiple hits in 4 of 6. If Witt's increase in contact is here to stay, he is a legitimate MVP candidate even while playing for the Royals.


Dream Team

SP: Freddy Peralta, Brewers (vs Mariners)

C/1B: JT Realmuto, Phillies (@ Nationals)

2B: Jose Altuve, Astros (@ Rangers)

3B: Alec Bohm, Phillies (@ Nationals)

SS: Trea Turner, Phillies (@ Nationals)

OF: MJ Melendez, Royals (vs White Sox)

OF: Whit Merrifield, Phillies (@ Nationals)

OF: Jake Meyers, Astros (@ Rangers)

UTL: Bobby Witt Jr., Royals (vs White Sox)


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

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