Jared Contestabile 
Thursday is here once again and this time we have a six game slate for the day. There are four games early, starting at 12:35 ET, and a pair of games starting at 7:07 and 7:45 for the evening. We actually have a few solid arms on the mound today. Let’s find ourselves some spots to target!
MLB DFS Aces
Jose Berrios vs New York Yankees
I was torn between Berrios and Nestor Cortes here, but I’m going to continue to ride the Berrios train. He has been solid since a disastrous start to his 2023 campaign. Over his last two starts, he has totaled 12 IP, 11 H, 4 ER, and a 10/4 K/BB.
The Yankees have a ton of firepower in their lineup, and it has all come together of late. They have hit 14 HR as a team over the last week. They also own a BB rate of nearly 12% over that same span, but also carry a 23.4% K rate.
Berrios tends to get himself in trouble when he can’t find the strike zone, so this play is dependent on his command. There aren’t a ton of options on the slate, and I’d expect some Yankees bats to carry some ownership. Berrios and the Jays are a -130 favorite in this one with a total of 8.5 runs. It’s risky, but it could pay off big.
Eury Perez vs Washington Nationals
Perez has made just one start as he begins his 2023 campaign, but it went pretty well. He went 4.2 innings, allowing four hits and two earned runs while striking out seven against the Reds. He did allow a pair of solo homers, but the most encouraging part is the K upside.
The Nationals are…not a very good offense. They are almost completely devoid of power, and have just 4 HR as a team over the last week. The upside for Eury is solid here, as the Nats are arguably the worst lineup in MLB. I don’t expect his leash will be incredibly long, but if he can rack up 6-8 K over his time on the bump, he will smash salary. He is a -145 favorite with a total of just 7.5 runs.
Dylan Cease vs Cleveland Guardians
I’m ready to jump back aboard the Cease bandwagon. He hasn’t looked like the dominant arm we saw in 2022, but the flashes are there. The Guardians don’t strike out a lot, but they also have very little power. Cease is coming off one of his best starts of the season against a tough Astros lineup. He went 6 scoreless innings, allowed just four hits, and had a 5/2 K/BB.
I see him as a solid bet for at least a Quality Start bonus. The Sox are favored at -140 with a low total. of just 7.5.
MLB DFS Stacks
Los Angeles Dodgers vs Adam Wainwright
One of the most beloved Cardinals in their long history, this is the end of the road for Mr. Wainwright. He hasn’t looked sharp at all across his first two starts, and I’m expecting things to go much worse against a potent Dodgers’ attack.
Against Detroit and Boston, he served up 8 ER on 15 hits in just 10 innings of work.
This is a great spot for Max Muncy, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, James Outman, and Will Smith. Load up on some Dodgers tonight!
Toronto Blue Jays vs Nestor Cortes Jr.
I mentioned above how I considered looking toward Cortes today, but I’ve made my stand. Cortes has struggled massively of late, allowing 15 ER over his last three starts.
That doesn’t bode well against a potent Jays lineup in their own backyard. This lineup was held in check until extras yesterday, but I don’t see that happening today. Bo Bichette, Daulton Varsho, Matt Chapman, and Brandon Belt lead the way for me here. If Vlad is back and in the lineup, he is a great target as well.
Baltimore Orioles vs Tyler Anderson
Anderson has been very generous with baserunners, and the Orioles know how to take advantage. Over his last three starts, Anderson has allowed 24 baserunners in just 17.2 innings of work.
The Orioles are one of my favorite offenses to target because they are reasonably priced and the upside is massive. Ced Mullins, Ryan Mountcastle, Adley Rutschman, and Gunnar Henderson are my main targets, but I’m OK with slotting in some value bats as well depending on how the lineup shakes out.
MLB DFS Summary
Good ol’ Thursday. Let’s hope for some clear weather and lots of green on our screens!
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!
