Ahead of the Count: MLB DFS plays for Saturday (8/8)

Baseball is finally here and I could not be happier! We are pumped about our MLB product at FTN this year, and we promise you it is only going to get better as the season goes on and we find our footing.

As far as content coming from me, I will have my main slate preview from Monday to Saturday, as well as my projections and player ratings. My projections are currently loaded into the SaberSim optimizer on the site, but make sure you’re checking back and not setting lineups too early as my projections will often change once starters are announced.  My player rater system will be live on the site starting tomorrow.

This article is going to cover my thoughts on the slate, top to bottom. My goal is to provide you with as much analysis, strategy and advice as possible. I want to help you guys to not only make winning lineups, but also to learn, develop and dial in on a process of your own.

Be sure to check out the rest of our FTN MLB DFS content as we have you covered with anything you could possibly need. Also, please be sure to check for spotty weather and to confirm the starting lineups for each person I write up to ensure they made the starting lineup that day.

Top-tier pitchers

1. Clayton Kershaw – We are back to attacking the Giants tonight. Kershaw is the most expensive pitcher on both sites tonight and will surely carry some ownership. This Giants lineup doesn't strike out a whole lot against LHPs, with only three hitters over that 20% mark.
2. Chris Paddack – The price on DraftKings for Paddack is extremely interesting, which will cause him to receive a lot of ownership, but Paddack has the second-highest K% on the slate, and this Diamondbacks lineup has struggled this season. However, like the Giants, this Arizona lineup only has three hitters striking out at least 20% of the time.

Mid-tier pitchers

1. Jake Odorizzi – A favorite of mine tonight, Odorizzi is #1 in K% and Whiff% on this slate, which is very impressive considering Kershaw and Paddack are pitching. This Royals lineup is a little bit better of a matchup for pitchers than the two previous lineups, as they have four guys striking out at least 20% of the time.

Value pitchers

1. Patrick Sandoval – This matchup is scary for Sandoval, as he struggles against LHHs, so stacking these Ranger isn't a bad idea either. They should be contrarian, but Sandoval does come with solid K upside and is under $7,000 on both sides.

Pitcher rankings

1. Odorizzi
2. Paddack
3. Kershaw
4. Sandoval

Hitter stacks

1. Twins
2. Angels
3. Blue Jays
4. Dodgers
5. Rockies

Quick notes

Favorite value hitter – Mitch Garver (FD), Matt Davidson (DK)

Favorite value pitcher – Sandoval

Favorite one-off hitter – Christian Yelich

Favorite contrarian pitcher  – Jake Odorizzi

Favorite contrarian stack – Angels

The Bleacher Report (HR calls) – Anthony Rendon, Miguel Sanó, Max Muncy, Rowdy Tellez