Jared Contestabile 
Eight games on tap for Thursday, with four beginning just after 1:05 ET, followed by a random 3:45 game, then the nightcap is three games starting at 6:40 ET. There are a few nice spots to target Thursday, so let’s get right to it!
MLB DFS Aces
Shane McClanahan vs Kansas City Royals
The Royals offense is hot garbage. They rank 29th in runs scored, 23rd in hits, 29th in OBP, 28th in OPS, and 26th in HR. McClanahan and the Rays are listed as ridiculous -360 favorites in this one, and it’s hard to argue with it. The Rays are more than 30 games ahead of Kansas City (yes, THIRTY), and McClanahan is in a tremendous spot.
He has given up 1 or fewer ER in four of his last six starts while compiling a 36/9 K/BB. He is striking out more than a batter per inning (97 in 89.1 IP), and has an elite WHIP of just 1.10. He will be very high owned on the late slate, but I don’t see much reason to fade him. This is one of the largest favorites we have seen this season, and there is very little downside in this matchup.
Joe Ryan vs Boston Red Sox
Joe Ryan is one of the best pitchers to not get the respect he deserves. His numbers this season are nothing short of elite.
84.2 IP
3.30 ERA
0.97 WHIP
91/15 K/BB
This isn’t an easy matchup by any means, as Boston ranks near the top of MLB in AVG, OBP, SLG, and OPS. That said, great pitching outweighs great hitting more often than not. Ryan is actually coming off his worst start of the season, as he gave up 6 ER to the lowly Detroit Tigers. His command was still excellent, posting a 7/0 K/BB. This isn’t an ideal spot for a pitcher, but I’m taking Ryan here rather than Aaron Nola against the Braves’ powerful lineup.
Logan Allen vs Oakland Athletics
Looking at the early games, Allen jumps out at me. The main draw here is the matchup (Oakland is the worst offense in baseball). Allen has actually struggled quite a bit over his last two starts, serving up 10 ER to the Padres and Astros. However, he hadn’t allowed more than 3 ER in any of his previous 8 starts this season.
Oakland’s offense is scaring nobody but their fans, and Allen has flashed some upside as well. He has three starts with at least 8 K in 2023, and Vegas is on board with him again today as a -175 favorite against JP Sears (who hasn’t been too bad himself).
MLB DFS Stacks
Atlanta Braves vs Aaron Nola
Aaron Nola is still a very good pitcher, but this isn’t the arm we are accustomed to. He has allowed 4 ER or more in four of his last five starts, and now faces the toughest lineup in MLB. The Braves took Nola deep three times in their last meeting, and hung five ER on him in six innings of work.
I’m going back to the well here. Ronald Acuna Jr., Austin Riley, and Marcell Ozuna have all had a lot of success against Nola (including 3+ HR each). That’s where I’m starting my stack. Ozzie Albies has been heating up, and Michael Harris II is batting over .500 for the last week. This team is absolutely on fire offensively, and there isn’t a pitcher on the planet I’m taking in this matchup right now.
Tampa Bay Rays vs Jose Cuas (and company)
In what will be a bullpen game for Kansas City, we will see Cuas, likely followed by Austin Cox and Brooks Kriske on Thursday. Regardless of which arm is on the mound, the Rays are in a great spot. Arguably the best lineup in baseball, I’m banking on the Rays to put up some big numbers here.
Yandy Diaz, Randy Arozarena, Wander Franco, and the power-hitting Isaac Paredes top my list here, but I’m OK with rostering just about anyone in this lineup. It’s likely that this one turns quickly for Kansas City.
Arizona Diamondbacks vs Jake Irvin
The Diamondbacks are one of the most fun young teams in MLB (well below my Cincinnati Reds…winners of 11 straight!). Irvin hasn’t necessarily been bad, but he doesn’t miss bats and his control has been poor. Across 36 innings of work, he has a 27/22 K/BB and has served up 21 ER.
Corbin Carroll, Christian Walker, Alek Thomas, Jake McCarthy, and Ketel Marte stand atop my list of bats to target Irvin with. We will be rolling as soon as we see Irvin get wild then Walker parks one in the cheap seats. All aboard the D-Backs train!
MLB DFS Summary
We have a nice fun split slate on Thursday, let’s ride some hot bats to the top of the leaderboards!
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!
