Jared Contestabile 
It’s Thursday again, and that means another small slate of MLB DFS action for us to attack. There is a two-game slate at 1:10 ET, followed by five games starting at 6:40 with Phillies vs Reds. It is once again Jeffrey Springs day, and Happy Holidays to all who observe. Let’s get to it!
MLB DFS Aces
Jeffrey Springs vs Boston Red Sox
Springs doesn’t get the pleasure of facing a lineup like Oakland again this time, but the Red Sox won’t scare me off of him. He has been nothing short of tremendous in the early going this season, and now takes on a division rival for the first time in 2023.
Across 13 innings, he has allowed zero earned runs, just three hits, and has a 19/4 K/BB. This is undoubtedly a step up in talent from Detroit and Oakland, but Springs remains a lock for me, especially if you’re playing the short slate. He and his undefeated Rays are listed as -220 favorites against the aging Corey Kluber with a total of 8.5. I’ll be leaning on Springs once again in the early (or all day slate).
Jordan Montgomery vs Pirates
The Pirates have been a nice surprise in the early going in 2023, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The unfortunate injury to O’Neill Cruz really put a damper on the Bucs’ hot start. They have scored two or less runs in three of their last four games, and I don’t see them having much success here either.
Montgomery won’t blow you away (career 8.57 K/9), but he is a solid pitcher who gets the job done. He keeps the ball in the zone (career 2.52 BB/9), and in the park (1.06 HR/9 in 2022).
The Pirates don’t have many bats you worry about right now outside of Bryan Reynolds, and J-Mont is listed as a huge -250 favorite. There are very few good arms or matchups to target on Thursday night, and Montgomery stands out to me.
Joe Ryan vs Yankees
I mentioned a lack of elite options, which leads me to Ryan. In my mind, he is certainly the most talented pitcher on the mound for the evening slate. The Yankees have a formidable lineup of course, but there are also strikeouts to be had here.
Ryan has a 16/3 K/BB over 13 innings thus far in 2023, and if he can keep the ball in the park (20 HR allowed in 147 IP in 2022), he could be in line for a nice night. He is a +125 underdog against the young Jhony Brito with a total of 8.5. It may not be a fun situation to roster him Thursday night, but I like his potential a LOT more than some guys I’ll discuss here soon…
MLB DFS Stacks
St. Louis Cardinals vs Vince Velasquez
Velasquez has been a DFS darling at times (I remember a game where he had ~14 strikeouts and won me a bunch of money years ago). That said, he simply isn’t good at this stage of his career. The Cardinals have a powerful lineup, and a reasonably patient one as well (9.4% BB in 2023).
Only five teams have struck out less than the Cardinals’ 19.8% in 2023, and if Velasquez isn’t putting guys away, he is in trouble. Across two starts this season, he has served up 8 ER in just 7.1 IP, allowing 11 hits and a 4/5 K/BB. Those numbers are trouble any way you look at it. The Cardinals might push for double-digits when this one is all over.
Give me the red-hot Nolan Gorman, Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, and I’ll grab some cheap bats as well. If Tommy Edman has a decent lineup spot, I’ll be after him. Take your pick. This one is going to get ugly.
Milwaukee Brewers vs Nick Martinez
The reliever-turned starter Nick Martinez is off to a rough start in 2023. Across 11.2 innings, he has given up 10 hits, 8 ER, a pair of homers, and has just a 9/7 K/BB. This Brewers lineup is loaded with upside, and I’ll be attacking tonight from all angles.
These guys strike out a ton (25.4% in 2023), but the power and upside is there. I’ll be targeting the likes of Rowdy Tellez, Brian Anderson, Garrett Mitchell, Brice Turang, and Willy Adames to get things rolling. I’m not forcing Christian Yelich into any lineups on name alone. He is striking out nearly 40% of his PA, and just doesn’t seem to have a good feel at the plate right now.
Toronto Blue Jays vs Spencer Turnbull
Last but not least, I’m going back to the well with the Blue Jays. They disappointed last night until the final frame, but I’m banking on them getting it together in a big way on Thursday night.
Matt Chapman is the hottest hitter on the planet right now, and Spencer Turnbull has gotten lit up in each start. Over 8 IP, he has given up 12 ER on 13 hits and has just a 4/5 K/BB. He simply isn’t missing bats, and Toronto is primed and ready to take advantage.
Give me Chappy with Daulton Varsho, Bo Bichette, Vladdy, you name it. I want lots of pieces of this Canadian attack against Turnbull.
MLB DFS Summary
Two decent slates to play, and plenty of ways to attack on Thursday. Happy Jeffrey Springs day!
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!
