Jared Contestabile 
Thursday is a nice, healthy slate for once! We have games all day with the final game starting at 6:10 ET. Lots of day baseball to enjoy, so let’s find some ways to cash in big!
MLB DFS Aces
Justin Verlander vs Detroit Tigers
On Thursday afternoon, Verlander makes his first start in what seems like ages. His buddy Max Scherzer just got lit up by this Tigers lineup last night, but I expect different on Thursday. Verlander is fresh off a 4.2 inning, scoreless rehab appearance with six punchouts.
He has been one of the most consistent arms (when healthy) in MLB, and I expect him to jump right back in where he left off. I’m certain the Mets won’t be giving him too long of a leash, but they were never going to rush him back. Facing his former team, one that is 28th in runs scores, 27th in BA, 29th in OBP…is an ideal return. Verlander looks like he’s ready to roll. He is a -170 favorite with a total of just 7.5.
Grayson Rodriguez vs Kansas City Royals
The Royals have been…terrible in 2023. I mentioned how bad Detroit has been on offense in 2023, and Kansas City may be even worse. They rank 28th in BA, 30th in OBP, 26th in HR, 28th in runs, 27th in hits…long story short, they are the worst offense in MLB.
On the bright side, the Orioles’ young ace has been electric over his last few starts. Across 15 innings of work against the Tigers, he struck out 15, walked four, allowed zero earned runs and just seven hits. The Royals are a carbon copy of that poor offense, and Grayson is once again in a great spot. Vegas has him listed as a -165 favorite here. Sign me up.
George Kirby vs Oakland Athletics
I’ve mentioned my affinity for Kirby before, and this is another great spot. He is a monster favorite (-220) against the lowly Athletics. While we are bashing bad offenses, let’s invite the Athletics to the party. They rank 25th or lower in runs scored, hits, AVG, OBP, SLG, and OPS. The only thing they do even fairly well is hit home runs.
Kirby likes to blast the strike zone, and has elite command. Across 30.2 IP this season, he has walked TWO batters. He is fresh off a dominant performance against the Phillies (8 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K), and I’m expecting more of the same against Oakland today.
MLB DFS Stacks
Baltimore Orioles vs Jordan Lyles
I feel like Jordan Lyles has been in MLB for my entire life. Somehow he is only 32, but one thing he is NOT is an effective pitcher. He has a 6.11 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and continues to have command issues. He has served up 9 round-trippers in 35.1 innings of work, and I’m betting that the Orioles hand out a free baseball or two to some fans in the outfield tonight. He has given up at least two homers in four of his six starts this season.
I’ll start my stack with Ryan Mountcastle, but looking for Cedric Mullins, Adley Rutschman, Jorge Mateo, Austin Hays, and Anthony Santander to round it out.
Milwaukee Brewers vs Conor Seabold
Although Seabold is unlikely to pitch deep in the game, the Brew Crew could do plenty of damage early. As usual, this Coors Field game has a high total at 11.5. This offense has actually been nothing short of offensive of late, including a 1-run performance in Coors last night.
I’m expecting them to break out this afternoon. I’m starting with Rowdy Tellez, Christian Yelich, Willy Adames, and Jesse Winker (if he is in, but he better be). I will be sprinkling in some lower cost bats from the Milwaukee side as well in this one. I’m expecting some fireworks.
Chicago Cubs vs Patrick Corbin
I honestly did try to find a better stacking option here in the final spot, but Corbin is just too fun. He has actually fared well over his last few starts, but I still don’t trust him, and neither should you. The Cubbies have been a solid offense in the early going, ranking 8th in runs, 2nd in hits, and top 8 in every other team category.
That should spell trouble for Mr. Corbin. The resurgent Cody Bellinger, Nico Hoerner, Ian Happ, Dansby Swanson, and Patrick Wisdom are my favorite targets in this one.
MLB DFS Summary
Thursday isn’t one of those weird slates for once! I’ll be locking in Kirby and mixing in Verlander and Grayson across builds. Hopefully the Cubs will be lower owned, but I’m all over them and the Orioles anyway!
Find the team in the Discord and let’s chat about some plays!
Good luck and hope to see you in the green.
Check me out on Twitter @BigItaly42 and let me know who you are playing tonight! Always around to talk some MLB!
