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We have a full-slate to choose from today to build up our DFS MLB Stacks, so let’s take a look to identify the top plays of the day. According to the Vegas Odds tool here at Fantasy Alarm, we show that the Nationals and Twins lead the way, sharing (as of now) a 5.78 implied run total (IRT). Since the Nats, facing Vance Worley, will be a most popular choice, we’ll steer away for ownership percentage reasons.
ATLANTA BRAVES
The Braves and Phillies may be facing some weather concerns, so be sure to keep an eye on things in the Weather Center. Maybe those concerns will make the Braves less of a hot commodity tonight. The main reason for the stacking is the matchup with recently recalled Zach Eflin to start for Philadelphia. Eflin was optioned after two straight starts back in late-May that saw him allow a combined 13 runs on 21 hits with four walks and just five strikeouts. He has been better at Triple-A Lehigh Valley but those Braves bats will be loading up tonight.
Top options: Freddie Freeman; Ender Inciarte; Brandon Phillips
Value plays: Matt Adams; Nick Markakis; Tyler Flowers
CINCINNATI REDS
The Reds get the Padres’ Luis Perdomo tonight at Great American Ballpark. The park is one thing, and the opposing starting pitcher is very hit-and-miss. With more misses of .jpg)
late than hits (well, there are plenty of those to go around), now may be the time to pounce on some Reds sticks. This offense can be potent and appears to be on their way out of a bit of a combined slump. They are 12th in wRC+ over the last week at an even 100. Weather conditions appear favorable for some runs here tonight as well with clear skies and warmer temperatures.
Top options: Joey Votto; Adam Duvall; Zack Cozart
Value plays: Scooter Gennett; Tucker Barnhart
MINNESOTA TWINS
If you are looking for a bit more of a long shot, take a look at those Twinkies. Facing Matt Garza at Coors Field North (Target Field) is intriguing. They will be less owned than the Nats big-name boppers and the other two listed above. Sure, the Twins don’t scare many, especially of late with a wRC+ towards the very bottom of the league, but the conditions are ripe for an offensive explosion. Garza has been good of late and playing the percentages, he’s due for a clunker. Throw in 80-degree temps and a slight breeze blowing out at Target Field, which ranks 3rd in runs scored per game this year, and you have yourself a buying opportunity in your tournaments. Now, just to identify the right ones to play.
Top options: Brian Dozier; Joe Mauer; Eddie Rosario
Value plays: Eduardo Escobar; Jason Castro; Robbie Grossman
Good luck tonight!
Player News
Aaron Civale (hamstring) will make a rehab start Thursday for Triple-A Nashville.
Civale suffered a setback from his strained hamstring in the middle of April, but the 29-year-old has progressed enough to get back on the mound. The right-hander will assuredly need multiple outings before coming back to the majors, but he should be ready for the rotation by the end of May if he doesn’t have another setback.
William Contreras is playing with a fractured middle finger on his catching hand.
Contreras had X-rays last night, which revealed the fracture. It is reportedly an old fracture that “has bothered him for some time.” Contreras has played through it and will continue to do so. However, his catching hand is also the lead hand for his swing, so the fracture may be impacting some of his quality of contact. His barrel rate is just 3.1 percent on the season, and his average exit velocity is down almost three mph while posting a career-low hard hit rate. His bat speed has also fallen, with him ranking in the 65th percentile with an average bat speed of 72.8 mph after posting a 74.7 mph mark last year.
Rangers signed RHP Cory Abbott to a minor league contract.
Abbott had a 2.40 ERA in 15 innings for los Tecos de los Dos Laredos in the Mexican Independent League, striking out 15 batters and walking eight in an extremely hitter-friendly environment. He’s the third player signed out of the Mexican Independent League this week, with the Rangers also signing Robert Dugger and the Dodgers signing Nick Senzel. Abbott figures to join the starting rotation for Triple-A Round Rock.
Yordan Alvarez (hand) was diagnosed with a muscle strain on the top of his right hand.
The injury was previously reported as “inflammation,” but now we know that the inflammation is the result of a strain. Astros manager Joe Espada said the diagnosis was “good news,” and the team still hopes Alvarez will have a minimum stint on the IL, but he’ll obviously need to wait for the strained muscle or tendon to heal, which might take more than a week depending on the severity of the strain.
Royals signed RHP Stephen Nogosek to a minor league contract.
The 30-year-old last appeared in an MLB game for the Mets back in 2023. He was in the Nationals organization last season, but was released in May after posting a 9.77 ERA in 15 2/3 innings. He has a 5.02 career ERA in 57 1/3 MLB innings and figures to serve as organizational depth for the Royals’ bullpen.
Nick Senzel is playing third base and batting fifth for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday.
The 29-year-old was signed out of the Mexican Independent League after hitting .591/.654/1.136 in 26 plate appearances with three home runs and 10 RBI. He’ll likely serve as a utility player in Triple-A and be a fallback option for the Dodgers at multiple spots in the field.