The 2023 MLB season is finally here and with it comes the return of MLB DFS. Opening Day gave us some fireworks with every team playing, but today we have just a 5-game slate on tap. As you noticed yesterday, we have a much different look to the MLB DFS Playbook, but, in our opinion the 2023 version is going to help everyone take their game to the next level. With that said, make sure to continue to utilize all of our fantastic MLB DFS tools. However, our new Playbook will be a one-stop shop that includes everything from easy-to-read player write-ups and suggestions to MLB Weather Reports to lineup construction tips to our best value plays for DraftKings and FanDuel. You will be given core plays around which to build your lineups, DFS stacks to consider for GPP tournaments and key statistics to help you in your DFS research. Let’s dive in! 

 

MLB DFS Playbook March 31

MLB Weather Updates

No concerns. The only two games with potential rain both have domes/retractable roofs. 

DFS Lineup Construction Thoughts

We are still very early on into the season, so there’s not as much data as there will be a week or two from now, but we can still make picks based off what we do know. Today’s slate shrinks to just a 5-game slate, so there will be less to comb through when creating your lineups. Pitching takes a big drop-off today, but there are still a few intriguing and exciting options. On the flip side of that, there are a few pitchers who we can target against with our selections on offense. 

Recommended DFS Starting Pitchers

Top Options for Strikeouts

Robbie Ray vs Cleveland Guardians

David Peterson vs Miami Marlins

Jesus Luzardo vs New York Mets

Cristian Javier vs Chicago White Sox

Dustin May vs Arizona Diamondbacks

Best Odds for a Win

Dustin May vs Arizona Diamondbacks (-190)

Nick Martinez vs Colorado Rockies (-185)

Robbie Ray vs Cleveland Guardians (-166)

Cristian Javier vs Chicago White Sox (-162)

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Favorite Starters to Use for DFS Lineups

Robbie Ray, Seattle Mariners

Ray was a completely different pitcher when pitching at home in Seattle last season as he had a 3.00 ERA with a 1.02 WHIP and averaged 19.9 DK points per game, compared to a 5.07 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, and 14.2 DK ppg on the road. On top of that, he always provides high strikeout upside, which makes him a good option for DFS lineups. 

Dustin May, Los Angeles Dodgers

May had himself a nice Spring Training, firing 18.1 innings with 20 strikeouts and a 2.95 ERA. He has good stuff and, while the Dbacks lineup is improved, he has one of the better matchups on tap today. The Dodgers are the heaviest favorites on tonight’s slate, which gives May a likely boost at a potential W. 

David Peterson, New York Mets

Peterson is coming off a strong season with a 3.88 ERA and 128 strikeouts across 106.2 innings of work. He carried that right into Spring Training, tossing 12 shutout innings with 13 Ks and opposing batters hit .028 against him. He gets a favorable matchup to kickoff the regular season as the Marlins are far from a high-powered offense. He is way too cheap and I expect heavy rostership today. 

Recommended DFS Hitters

Highest Expected Run Totals 

4.74 – San Diego Padres vs Kyle Freeland

4.49 – Los Angeles Dodgers vs Merrill Kelly

4.22 – Seattle Mariners vs Hunter Gaddis

4.21 – Houston Astros vs Lance Lynn

4.16 – New York Mets vs Jesus Luzardo

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Favorite Hitters to Use for DFS Lineups

Cal Raleigh, C, Seattle Mariners

Raleigh bashed 24 of his 27 home runs last year against righties and had a .509 SLG against them. Today, he faces a pitcher who has struggled against lefties and keeping the ball in the yard in Gaddis. He is probably the chalk play of the day at catcher. Mike Zunino provides more of the GPP option. 

Nelson Cruz, 1B, San Diego Padres

Cruz should draw the start at DH today with the Padres facing a lefty and Cruz has mashed lefties throughout his career. He has slashed .295/.382/.557 against southpaws in his career, compared to .267/.329/.499 against righties. He will likely slot into the lineup at the 5 spot and should have ample RBI opportunities. 

Tommy La Stella, 3B, Seattle Mariners

La Stella went 0-3 in his first official game with the Mariners, but I hope that doesn’t deter them from playing him in today’s lineup. La Stella has performed well against righties in his career and, as mentioned in Raleigh’s section, he faces a pitcher who has struggled against lefties and keeping the ball in the yard. All good things for La Stella’s potential upside today. 

Jarred Kelenic, OF, Seattle Mariners

Kelenic got his season started in pretty good fashion last night; he went 1-3 with a stolen base, but he also smoked a ball to dead center that had an xBA of .800, but it was caught on the warning track. He provides plenty of pop and speed, which is how you rack up fantasy points. And, as mentioned in Raleigh’s section, he faces a pitcher who has struggled against lefties and keeping the ball in the yard (hello Kelenic!). I like a Mariners mid-to-bottom of the order stack today. 

James Outman, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers

Outman started his season off with a bang, going 2-3 with a home run, walk, three runs scored, and two RBI. He provides a little pop/speed upside and he is currently the minimum price. Kelly is far from a dominant pitcher, so Outman is a great value play today, especially since Kelly’s ERA was 0.73 higher on the road last season than at home. 

Player Pool

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Stacks

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