There are five games for the early state on Thursday afternoon, with the first two games beginning at 12:10 p.m. ET. The Phillies will play the Marlins and the Rockies will face the Mets. We are going to go over some top options on DraftKings and give out a few value picks to help you build your lineup.
Top Pitchers
Shane Bieber, Indians vs. Tigers ($10,800) — The last time I did an early slate MLB DFS targets post I highlighted Shane Bieber, who’s been good this season for Cleveland. Well, I’m going back to the well again as Bieber will play the Tigers at 1:10 p.m. ET. The former AL Cy Young award winner has struggled in his last two starts, producing 13.1 and 12.6 fantasy points, respectively. However, he could be due for a bounce back performance today vs. a Detroit squad, who he put 26.7 fantasy points against on Opening Day.
Marcus Stroman, Mets vs. Rockies ($9,900) — After having their game postponed on Wednesday, the Mets and Rockies will play two games on Thursday with the first at 12:10 p.m. ET. Stroman, who was supposed to start yesterday, will be on the mound. The former Blue Jays pitcher has been a solid No. 2 option in the Mets’ starting rotation this season. He has a record of 3-3, 2.66 ERA, and averaging 16.8 fantasy points per game.
In his last four starts, Stroman has recorded double-digit performances three times. Earlier this season, the veteran pitcher had his best start against the Rockies, where he put up a season-high 27.6 fantasy points (8.0 IP, 3 hits 1 earned run, 1 walk, and 5 strikeouts). If you do play Stroman remember, the game will only be for seven innings.
Top Hitters
Fernando Tatis Jr., Padres vs. Brewers ($6,200) — Tatis is one of the best hitters in the early slate and is the highest-priced position player. This season, the young shortstop is hitting .294 with 13 HR, 28 RBI, and averaging 12.5 fantasy points per game.
There aren’t many position players averaging double-digit fantasy points except Shohei Ohtani, Ronald Acuna Jr., and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. It’s truly an elite class. In his last five games, Tatis is averaging 15.6 DKFP per game, which is well worth playing in DFS.
Jean Segura, Phillies vs. Marlins ($5,200) — The veteran second baseman has turned out to be the Phillies’ best hitter this season, which one of the few brights for Philly. Segura is hitting .318 with 3 HR, 12 RBI, and producing 7.3 FPPG. While he does not possess the power that Tatis Jr. has, Segura has made it a point to just get on base. He has safely reached base in five out of the Phillies’ last six games.
Value Pitcher
Matthew Boyd, Tigers vs. Indians ($7,500) — If you want to save some salary cap to use at another position, then Tigers pitcher Matthew Boyd is not a bad secondary option. Boyd is 2-5 on the season with an ERA of 3.08, and is averaging 15.3 FPPG. Out of his nine starts this season, the southpaw has had at least starts where he scored 10 or more fantasy points. In his lone start this season against Cleveland, Boyd produced 16.6 fantasy points (5.2 IP, 3 hits, 4 walks, 2 strikeouts).
Value Hitter
Omar Narvaez, Brewers vs. Padres ($3,700) — With there being a lack of star power at the catcher spot in the early slate, Brewers catcher Omar Narvaez would not be a bad option to play at $3700. Narvaez is hitting .320 with 3 HRs, 13 RBI, and averaging 6.1 FPPG this season. He is the second-best option behind Willson Contreras of the Chicago Cubs, who is averaging 7.4 FPPG at a $5200 value.