This analysis uses predictive metrics to highlight notable players in today’s games.
Saturday’s Top MLB Picks: Fried, Snell, and Diamondbacks Shine
Table of Contents
Data-driven insights for today’s ballgames.
- Max Fried faces a struggling Cardinals lineup, offering a high ceiling despite recent struggles.
- Zebby Matthews presents a strong value play with significant strikeout potential against Detroit.
- Blake Snell aims to build on his recent success against his former team, the Padres.
- The Arizona Diamondbacks are a top stack option playing at hitter-friendly Coors Field.
- Michael Harris II is a standout hitter pick with exceptional recent performance.
As Saturday’s nine-game MLB DFS slate kicks off at 7:10 p.m. ET, all eyes are on the pitching options. Max Fried, priced at $10,200, stands out with the highest median, ceiling, and floor projections from multiple reputable sources. While Fried has shown vulnerability in his last few starts, his career dominance against the St. Louis Cardinals offers a compelling case for a bounce-back outing.
Pitching Prospects: Fried, Matthews, and Snell
Max Fried: The Stud Pick
Fried, a New York Yankees pitcher, boasts a 12-5 record with a 2.94 ERA in 24 starts this season. However, his last seven outings have seen a 6.00 ERA. Despite this, his career record against the Cardinals is an impeccable 5-0 with a 1.10 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 32 2/3 innings. The Cardinals are in a slump, scoring the fewest runs in the majors over the last 30 days. Fried is a high-risk, high-reward play against this struggling offense.
Zebby Matthews: The Value Play
Zebby Matthews of the Minnesota Twins, at $6,700, shows the highest Projected Plus/Minus among all pitchers. The 25-year-old has a 3-4 record in nine starts, with 57 strikeouts in 44 innings. His 5.11 ERA is inflated by hard contact, but his 30% strikeout rate suggests significant upside. In his last start, he recorded nine strikeouts, contributing to a 20.55 DraftKings point performance despite a loss. The Detroit Tigers, his opponent, have struggled offensively recently, hitting .240 as a team with a high strikeout percentage.
Blake Snell: The GPP Play
Blake Snell, the Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher at $9,800, presents an intriguing option for tournament players. His ownership projection is moderate, offering leverage. Snell has been effective in his four starts with the Dodgers, posting a 2.37 ERA and 3.90 FIP. He’s coming off a strong outing of five scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts against the Blue Jays. Facing his former team, the San Diego Padres, in a pivotal division matchup, Snell has the potential for a big performance, though the Padres’ ability to limit strikeouts makes him a boom-or-bust pick.
Hitters and Stacks: Powering Up Your Lineup
Notable Stack: Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks emerge as the top DraftKings stack, projected to have the highest implied run total on the slate. They face the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field, a notoriously hitter-friendly venue. The Rockies’ starting pitcher, Chase Dollander, has struggled with a 6.35 ERA and has allowed 15 home runs in 16 starts. At Coors Field specifically, his ERA balloons to 9.37. Key D-backs hitters like Corbin Carroll and Ketel Marte are strong considerations. Carroll is averaging 11.4 DraftKings points over his last 13 games, while Marte averages 12.2 points per game over his last 10 contests.
Other Hitter Picks
OF Michael Harris II
Michael Harris II of the Atlanta Braves ($3,400) offers the highest Projected Plus/Minus for hitters. He is on a tear, hitting .415 over his last 23 games with significant power and speed. Facing Cleveland Guardians pitcher Slade Cecconi, who has allowed multiple runs in eight consecutive starts, Harris is in a prime position to continue his hot streak. Left-handed hitters like Harris have performed well against Cecconi.
3B Brett Harris
Oakland Athletics’ Brett Harris ($2,000) is a budget-friendly option with the second-highest Projected Plus/Minus for third basemen. Called up for his season debut, he managed a hit and a walk. While he struggled last year, his Triple-A performance this season shows a .282 average with 12 homers. He faces left-handed pitcher Tyler Anderson of the Los Angeles Angels, and his low salary allows for salary cap flexibility.
OF Angel Martinez
Cleveland Guardians outfielder Angel Martinez ($3,200) is another strong value pick. Batting second against lefties, he hits .311 with five home runs and a .381 wOBA. He also has 10 home runs and six stolen bases on the season. Facing Atlanta Braves pitcher Joey Wentz, Martinez is on the favorable side of the platoon split.
