Jared Contestabile 
Saturday is another full slate of games with action starting at 1:10 ET, and ending with a final game at 10:07 ET. There is no shortage of solid targets on the mound or at the plate, so without further ado, let’s get to it!
MLB DFS Aces
Michael Kopech vs Miami Marlins
There are few pitchers who have been as hot as Kopech recently, and I’m ready to roll him out against the Fish on Saturday. Over his last four starts, he has totaled 26.1 IP, allowing 6 ER on 11 hits with a 38/3 K/BB. He draws a Marlins team that is 26th in runs scored on the season.
The fish can hit (.259 BA), but they don’t have much power (24th in MLB with 60). Kopech has had some struggles with keeping the ball in the park in 2023 (15 HR in 68.2 IP), but I’m not overly concerned here. A win may be tough to come by with Sandy Alcantara opposing him, but Sandy hasn’t been his usual self this season.
Kopech and the White Sox are a small +105 dog in this one. I like the upside for Kopech here.
Miles Mikolas vs Cincinnati Reds
Speaking of guys who have been on fire of late, Mikolas has been fantastic since the beginning of May. Over his last six starts, he has allowed 1, 1, 3, 0, 0, and 2 ER, including 7 shutout innings against these Reds (minus Elly De La Cruz of course).
He doesn’t have big strikeout potential in any matchup, and that certainly applies here against a fairly patient Reds lineup. That said, he is a -165 favorite against the Reds and rookie Andrew Abbott (who was fantastic in his MLB debut). Miles is a safe bet for a QS here and could pay off nicely.
Triston McKenzie vs Houston Astros
If you’re chasing strikeout upside, McKenzie is your guy. He was electric in his 2023 debut, striking out 10 Twins over 5 shutout innings while allowing just a single hit and a one walk. Now, this Astros lineup is lightyears better, but the upside is still intact.
These two teams combined to use 15 pitchers in last night’s 14 inning game, so the leash might be a bit longer for McKenzie on Saturday. The Guardians are listed as -135 favorites, despite JP France on the other side who has been solid in his own right. I’m chasing some Ks here with Triston.
MLB DFS Stacks
Arizona Diamondbacks vs Matt Boyd
Matt Boyd has had his ups and downs in his career, but a few things have remained. He can strike batters out at about one per inning, but he is also prone to blowups, and that’s what I’m banking on here. The Diamondbacks have been one of the best surprises in 2023, and that should continue on Saturday.
Boyd has allowed 5 ER in two of his last five starts, and his success has come against the likes of Kansas City, Washington, and the White Sox. This Diamondbacks lineup is a different beast.
Corbin Carroll will be one of the first players clicked into a lot of lineups after his double dong game last night. Christian Walker, Ketel Marte, and Emanuel Rivera are my next favorite options here. There will be plenty of value to join in what could be another high-scoring day for the DBacks.
San Diego Padres vs Kyle Freeland
Kyle Freeland has found ways to invent some success at Coors Field, but overall he still isn’t a very good pitcher. Over his last two starts (both on the road), he has allowed 7 ER in 12.2 IP, including four HR and has a 2/3 K/BB ratio. Yes, you read that correctly. In fact, he has 1 or less strikeout in three of his last four outings.
The Padres are waking up at the plate, and that doesn’t bode well for him. Give me Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, Gary Sanchez, and Manny Machado here. Xander Bogaerts and Trent Grisham can fill in as well, I’m all aboard this train on Saturday.
Colorado Rockies vs Ryan Weathers
This is far from a bold prediction, but it seems too simple once again. I’m stacking both sides of Coors and hitting some HR parlays as well. Weathers has been brutal in 2023, posting an ERA north of 5 with a 1.53 WHIP and just a 23/15 K/BB over 35.1 IP.
He has served up 7 ER over just 5.2 innings of work in his last two outings. He doesn’t seem fit to be a starter, and Coors Field will amplify that.
Ryan McMahon is my favorite target here, with Charlie Blackmon, Elias Diaz, Nolan Jones, and Randal Grichuk right behind. I want all the pieces of this game. We saw 15 runs last night, and this total is a massive 12.5. I’m not sure even that is high enough!
MLB DFS Summary
Coors Field on tap again with two bad starters who can’t miss bats. There are plenty of SP in solid spots, but I’ll likely roll out Mikolas for safety then chase some upside with a guy like McKenzie along with my Coors bats!
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!
