What is going on, everyone? Here is your analytical breakdown for the Sunday, May 17, 2026, main Slate. We have a big slate and some high-leverage pitching matchups, identifying the correct value points will be the difference between a winning Sunday and a "what-if" weekend. To maximize your builds, make sure you are utilizing our MLB DFS optimizer and checking the updated hitter projections. Before you lock in your rosters, dive into the MLB DFS Playbook, check the latest pitcher projections, and monitor ownership percentages to see where the field is gravitating. Here is everything you need to build a winning roster today.

Top Projected MLB DFS Pitchers

The pitching landscape today is headlined by a dominant Cy Young candidate who continues to outpace the market.

Paul Skenes (PIT) at PHI

I mean, what do we need to tell you about Paul Skenes that you don't already know? He's arguably the best pitcher in the game and can absolutely dominate any and all opposing lineups. His strikeout rate is north of 30% and his ERA is sub-2..again. 

Want the rest of the top plays for today's pitching staff? Unlock the full MLB DFS Playbook for every elite arm and strikeout projection to win your contests today!

Best MLB DFS Stacks Today

Targeting specific splits and regression candidates in favorable environments is the key to identifying the MLB DFS optimal lineup.

Atlanta Braves (vs Brayan Bello)

Obviously Brayan Bello has figured some things out based on his last few outings but lefties have still owned his soul this year. They've posted a .301 ISO, .324 xISO, .460 wOBA, and .451 xwOBA. The Braves have some really good lefties in Matt Olson, Drake Baldwin, Michael Harris, and Ozzie Albies.

Washington Nationals & Baltimore Orioles Game Stack

I was going back and forth on which team I prefer to target and I couldn't decide because they're both elite options. The Nationals are sending Miles Mikolas to the mound and both righties and lefties have .200+ ISOs against him. The Orioles are sending an equally subpar pitcher to the mound in Brandon Young and Young's been dominated by lefties while righties are having their successes to. Lefties have a .203 ISO and .217 xISO against him this year, much like it was last year.

On the Baltimore side; Gunnar Henderson, Pete Alonso, Samuel Basallo, Taylor Ward

On the Washington side; James Wood, CJ Abrams, Luis Garcia Jr., Jose Tena, Daylen Lile

Best Value Plays For DraftKings & FanDuel

To fit the Orioles and Nationals stars and an ace like Skenes, you must identify hitters in favorable split matchups.

Michael Harris (OF, ATL)

There's no reason Michael Harris should be this cheap. He has a .222 ISO and .360 xISO while posting a .405 wOBA and a .457 xwOBA. Bello can't get lefties out. Bingo spot.

Top Hitter Plays For DraftKings & FanDuel

CJ Abrams (SS, WSH)

Abrams has dominated right-handed pitching this year to the tune of a .327 ISO and .441 wOBA and we've already talked about how poorly Brandon Young has pitched against lefties.

Ready to crush your contests? Get every elite pick, positional breakdown, and the heart of the order in the full MLB DFS Playbook only at Fantasy Alarm!

MLB DFS Optimal Lineup For Today

Success on this early slate depends on balancing the expensive Coors Field exposure with a stable pitching floor. Below is a sample MLB DFS optimal lineup for DraftKings based on today’s metrics and the 1:10 PM ET lock.

Pos Player Team Opponent Salary Proj. Draft%
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