Jared Contestabile 
Thursday is a deep slate of games for once, with a nice afternoon slate and an evening slate with nothing starting past 8:40 ET! Let’s make some money tonight and end the sweats early for once!
MLB DFS Aces
J.P. France vs St. Louis Cardinals
With Jon Gray being pushed for the weekend, I’ll pivot to France. He has been an under appreciated asset to the Astros this season. He has posted four consecutive quality starts, including impressive outings against the Dodgers and Angels.
Aside from a 6-walk outing against the Guardians, his command has been solid. He owns a 42/18 K/BB over 53.1 innings of work this season.
Don’t expect a big strikeout number, but he should be in good shape for the win and a quality start with the Astros’ lineup behind him facing the corpse of Adam Wainwright (more on that below).
Brayan Bello vs Miami Marlins
Bello has been impressive this season, and the Red Sox have needed every bit of it. He owns a 3.27 ERA and 1.27 WHIP across 66 innings of work with a 62/21 K/BB. He hasn’t allowed more than 3 ER in a home start since April 17th, and the Marlins aren’t scaring anyone.
The debate is somehow raging on about Luis Arraez not getting enough love for MVP, but we all know that’s nonsense. Jorge Soler is the hitter that pitchers fear in this lineup, and that’s about it. Jazz Chisholm is back, so there are more strikeouts to have for Bello and company, although we do know he has some power. Bello has served up just 7 HR on the season, so I’m not overly concerned there.
The total here is 9.5 with the Sox as a small -120 favorite. I like the balance of floor and a bit of upside here with Bello. Jesus Luzardo doesn’t look too bad on the opposite side either, but he’s a much deeper play for me.
Taijuan Walker vs Chicago Cubs
Walker got off to a rocky start to his 2023 campaign, but has been fantastic of late. Over his last four starts (26 IP), he has allowed just two earned runs with a 26/6 K/BB. He takes on a Cubs team that is great at getting on base, but not great at finishing the job.
Walker faced the windy city foes on May 21st and was solid, giving up just two hits over 5.1 scoreless innings. On a night slate that doesn’t have many options to feel good about, Walker stands out as a solid option.
MLB DFS Stacks
Houston Astros vs Adam Wainwright
We are approaching an “Old Yeller” situation with Adam Wainwright. The Cardinals clearly love the guy, but he quite simply is a liability at this point. He has given up at least 8 hits in six consecutive starts, and owns a 16/9 K/BB over that span.
He isn’t missing bats anymore, and that’s a recipe for disaster against a potent Astros lineup. His fellow Cardinal Miles Mikolas learned that the hard way last night. The ‘Stros are in a great spot here. The red-hot Jose Abreu, Jose Altuve, Kyle Tucker, Jeremy Pena, Alex Bregman, and Yainer Diaz are all in great spots here. Grab any pieces you want in the contact party tonight. It may just be another shootout like last night.
Arizona Diamondbacks vs Yonny Chirinos
Yonny Chirinos is a guy who can eat innings, but he fools absolutely noone while doing so. He has just a 23/16 K/BB over 48.1 innings of work, and has a tough one ahead of him here. Arizona is 5th in runs scores, 4th in hits, 3rd in BA, 5th in OPS, 7th in SLG…the list goes on and on.
Ketel Marte has been raking, Corbin Carroll has been quiet but is in a good spot, Christian Walker continues to hit bombs, and that isn’t even all of it. Lourdes Gurriel is a statcast darling, Alek Thomas can help your wraparound stack. I love the D-Backs here.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs Chase Anderson
The Dodgers are still in Coors, you say? I’ll keep this one simple for you here. Chase Anderson against one of the best lineups in baseball in Coors? A match made in heaven.
Mookie Betts, Will Smith, JD Martinez, Freddie Freeman, you know what to do here. Anderson has given up 16 ER in his last 5.2 innings of work. Yes, SIXTEEN. There is no overthinking this one. You want Dodgers, and you want a lot of them.
It seems evident that the Rockies will give him some leash, as they have left him out to die the last two starts. If you can’t fit Dodgers in your lineup, you’re finding a way.
MLB DFS Summary
Dodgers, Dodgers, Dodgers! I’ll be mixing in some value plays, but my priority will be Coors. The Rockies don’t look bad against the rookie Sheehan either. Happy Thursday!
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!
