MLB DFS Playbook September 1: Top Plays for DraftKings and FanDuel
Published: Sep 01, 2023
We have 14 games on tonight's MLB DFS main slate with some interesting pitching matchups and great spots for offenses to put up some nice run totals. Be sure to check in with our MLB DFS Tools, with the daily MLB projections, MLB DFS rostership projections, and our MLB DFS Lineup Generator when building those lineups today to help you decide which players you should be targeting!
MLB DFS Playbook: September 1
MLB Weather Updates
No weather issues for tonight's slate!
DFS Lineup Construction Thoughts
How can you not like Coors matchup tonight for the Blue Jays as they go up against the Rockies Chris Flexen? Fitting Blue Jays will be the name of the game here but there are some pretty interesting matchups across the board along with an intriguing value at pitcher that may go overlooked.
Recommended DFS Starting Pitchers
Top Options for Strikeouts
- Max Scherzer vs Minnesota Twins
- Tyler Glasnow vs Cleveland Guardians
- Kodai Senga vs Seattle Mariners
- Justin Verlander vs New York Yankees
- Freddy Peralta vs Philadelphia Philles
Best Odds for a Win
- Tyler Glasnow vs Cleveland Guardians
- Max Scherzer vs Minnesota Twins
- James Paxton vs Kansas City Royals
- Mitch Keller vs Pittsburgh Pirates
- See More
Favorite Starters to Use for DFS Lineups
Justin Verlander, Houston Astros
We've attacked the Yankees all season long with right-handed pitching and Verlander has dominated them, owning an ERA under 2.00 over three appearances this season. We just saw Matt Manning of the Detroit Tigers shut down this Yankees lineup and I think we would all agree that Verlander is a few tiers above Matt Manning when it comes to competition.
Mitch Keller, Pittsburgh Pirates
After a Cy Young caliber start to his season we saw Keller really regress for a bit but he has seemingly regained his form despite the fact the price tag continues to drop. The Cardinals offense still has some scary bats in their lineup but this is a team that has been far more effective against southpaws than righties this season. Keller has flashed double-digit strikeout potential and he has decent odds to pick up the win tonight.
Hyun Jin Ryu, Toronto Blue Jays
Ryu is a very good pitcher who is just coming off the injured list, having made just five appearances this season. In those five appearances however he has looked as good as he always does, posting a 2.25 ERA while striking out 20 over 24 innings. The Blue Jays are heavy favorites tonight and we've attacked the Rockies offense all season long. The lone draw back here is the fact that the game is being played in Coors Field but Ryu is at minimum an $8,000 pitcher so this is a discount I'm willing to buy.
Recommended DFS Hitters
Highest Expected Run Totals
- Toronto Blue Jays vs Chris Flexen
- Boston Red Sox vs Jordan Lyles
- Baltimore Orioles vs Zach Davies
- Houston Astros vs Carols Rodon
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Favorite Hitters to Use for DFS Lineups
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals
Vegas and everyone likes the Red Sox and James Paxton tonight and that is all fine and dandy but I will continue to tout my guy Bobby Witt Jr. On the season Witt is hitting .302 with a .369 wOBA and a .233 ISO against left-handed pitching. James Paxton was strong out of the gate for Boston but has been knocked around in his last two outings. I'm willing to bet Witt gets the job done here tonight, even it its the only damage that Paxton takes on the evening.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays
So, here's the thing, against right-handed hitters this season Chris Flexen is allowing a .427 wOBA, a .607 slugging percentage while boasting a near 26% HR/FB rate. Those are not good numbers, so, even though Vlad is having a tough go of things this season, and only hitting .250 against righties, he still has a .192 ISO and Chris Flexen is basically putting the ball on a tee for hitters this season.
Wilyer Abreu / Ceddanne Rafaela, Boston Red Sox
Not to straight rip from the Value Plays article today done by Mark but these two really are going to be in a lot of my lineups here tonight. Now, the hope, for me, is that both will play seeing as Ceddanne can play the infield while Abreu is in the outfield but I'm playing whoever is active regardless. We love attacking Jordan Lyles and both Red Sox prospects have some nice offensive upside. Abreu is the pure power hitter while Ceddane has some pop and stolen base potential.
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