Penned By: @Ryan_Humphries on Twitter and LineStar Chat.

• Check out LineStar's free 2023 MLB DFS Strategy Guide 

• Sign-up for PrizePicks using Promo Code "BETFULLY" to get 2-months free of LineStar Premium.

• Rate LineStarApp on the App store and get a shoutout on Twitter from @LineStarApp official account!

OnDeck MLB DFS & Prop Bet Podcasts 🎙️

Like, Subscribe, and Comment @ LineStar YouTube channel! You never know when we’ll shout you out or give you something cool. New episodes drop Mon-Fri feat. hosts Shannon Sommerville & Tyler Wiemann! Every episode is quick, informative, & easy to watch.

Main Slate Rundown 🏟

It’s another jam-packed day of baseball with all 30 teams hitting the field today! Plenty of games will already be underway by the time you’re reading this newsletter but we’ll have our attention turned toward this evening’s six-game main slate! Do stay mindful of the earlier-than-usual main slate start time today with the first game (OAK @ BAL) getting underway at 6:35 ET/3:35 PT! Between intriguing pitching and hitting/stack options along with zero weather concerns, it’s looking like we have a nice little slate on our hands. And, if you’re like me, you’re perfectly content with not having to worry about any Coors Field shenanigans this evening! Best of luck!

Main slate match-ups with implied run totals and moneyline odds:

Main Slate Weather Outlook 💨🌦️☁️

Check LineStar's MLB Daily Dashboard to see an overview of the most up-to-date game forecasts.

Overview: Half of the match-ups on this six-gamer will be held indoors and elsewhere, there are little-to-no weather impacts to speak of.

OAK @ BAL (6:35 ET): Around 75 degrees at first pitch with light winds blowing OUT to right at times.

LAD @ SF (9:45 ET): 10-15 mph winds blowing OUT to center, but, as always, I must mention that Oracle Park’s design mitigates wind impacts.

Pitchers to Consider ⚾

Spencer Strider (RHP), ATL | DK: $9.3k, FD: $10.9k | vs. CIN

As I’m sure everyone is aware, the most important aspect of DFS pitching comes down to strikeout upside, and Strider is going to lead the way in that category today. He’s tallied nine Ks in each of his first two starts of the year while accounting for a 40.0% kRate paired with an elite 16.8% SwStr% and 34.5% CSW% (called strikes + whiffs). Despite being filled with a bunch of low-profile players, the Reds have been a pretty scrappy team thus far on offense, and they’re hovering right at league average with a 100 wRC+ vs. RHPs (271 PA). They do offer up a high 24.7% kRate versus righties, which is currently the 8th highest strikeout rate in the MLB, so this will be a spot where Strider could reach double-digit Ks. The only issue with Strider is that, since he is so reliant on strikeouts, he can struggle to eat up innings despite reaching pitch counts of 96 and 101 in his two starts this season. His velocity is also down a touch early in this season but we’re still talking about a guy who averages 97.8 mph on his fastball. He’ll likely either be the highest-owned pitcher on tonight’s slate, or the second-highest. If you’re content with the chalk, he should be able to deliver in this spot and supply a win for the heavily-favored Braves (-270 ML).

Dean Kremer (RHP), BAL | DK: $5.5k, FD: $6.2k | vs. OAK

We’re getting risky here with a play like Dean Kremer, but on a smaller slate, taking a shot on a lower-owned pitcher who draws a solid match-up might just pay off. Kremer has not fared well in his first two starts of the season, though it was against some pretty strong competition on the road versus the Red Sox and at home against the Yankees last Friday. However, he had some stretches last year where he exceeded current salary expectations and he was much more reliable at home. Kremer averages +40% more FPPG at home and in 63.1 IP at home in 2022, he posted an admirable 2.84 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 0.57 HR/9, and a 20% kRate. He also boasted a 1.02 WHIP with 16 Ks across 18.2 IP in the spring. The A’s head in with a 26.8% kRate (3rd highest) in 298 PAs versus RHPs this season with just a .213 AVG, 278 wOBA, and 79 wRC+ -- all well-below-average numbers. The Orioles head into this game as heavy -190 ML favorites and this should easily be Kremer’s best start thus far in the young season. Again, it’s risky, but there is some moderate 20 DKFP/35 FDFP upside to be had with Kremer in this spot.

Taj Bradley (RHP), TB | DK: $4k, FD: N/A | vs. BOS

This is a “DraftKings only” play since Bradley is not in the player pool on FanDuel. Here, we’re hoping that some of the good fortunes that the 11-0 Tampa Bay Rays currently have will rub off on Taj Bradley in his MLB debut. Bradley, who enters the rotation in place of the injured Zach Eflin (back), is one of the MLB’s top-rated prospects -- MLB.com has him rated as the #6 pitching prospect and #18 overall prospect, so he comes into his big league debut with high expectations. Bradley posted a 2.57 ERA and 141:33 K:BB over 133.1 innings between Double-A Montgomery and Triple-A Durham in 2022. He’s not expected to handle a full workload right out of the gates so we’ll be lucky to get more than three or four innings out of Bradley tonight. However, since Bradley is priced at just $4,000 on DraftKings with 47 hitters having higher salaries than he does, it isn’t as if he needs to handle a typical starter’s workload. The Red Sox are an above-average offense and it’s clearly a major step up from his usual competition, but he’ll have a chance to return somewhere between 12-15 DKFP if he holds Boston in check and logs a few strikeouts along the way. This could easily backfire, but a $4,000 SP2 always goes a long way in opening up salary for a high-end SP1 and some bigger, pricier bats.

Other Pitchers to Consider:

Kevin Gausman (RHP), TOR | DK: $10.1k, FD: $11.1k | vs. DET

Clayton Kershaw (LHP), LAD | DK: $9.9k, FD: $10k | @ SF

Hunter Greene (RHP), CIN | DK: $6.9k, FD: $8k | @ ATL

Team Stacks to Target 🎯

Disclaimer: Stacking in MLB DFS is not a requirement but it is a very common strategy used to take down GPPs. This strategy is covered in more detail in the MLB DFS strategy guide linked in the header at the top of this newsletter. Check out the MLB StackFinder on LineStar.

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Eduardo Rodriguez (LHP), DET

+ Blue Jays: 5.0 implied runs.

+ With the new 2023 park dimensions, Rogers Centre may be more of a home run park than it was in 2022 when it ranked #8 in the MLB in home run factor. Toronto slammed five home runs in their home opener last night.

+ Eduardo Rodriguez has a 6.20 xFIP and 51.5% Fly Ball Rate through his two 2023 starts.

+ Rodriguez allowing a .226 ISO vs. RHBs in 34 PA this season.

+ Detroit’s bullpen has been one of the worst in the league thus far: 41.1 IP, 6.97 ERA, 5.20 xFIP, 1.50 WHIP, 18.5% kRate, and a league-worst 2.61 HR/9 Rate.

+/- In 107 PA vs. the current TOR roster, Rodriguez has allowed a .281 AVG and .331 wOBA, though he does own an impressive 31.8% kRate in those plate appearances.

- The preferred Blue Jays bats are fairly expensive and this may be the second-highest-owned stack on the slate.

Favorite TOR Bats: Vlad Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, Matt Chapman | Bargain Bat: Kevin Kiermaier

Baltimore Orioles vs. Ken Waldichuk (LHP), OAK

+ Orioles: 5.0 implied runs.

+ Waldichuk was terrible in spring training: 13.2 IP, 10.54 ERA, 2.27 WHIP, and he gave up four HRs.

+ Through two regular season starts (8.2 IP), Waldichuk is off to an abysmal start: 14.54 ERA, 6.56 xFIP, 2.42 WHIP, .574 opp wOBA, and he’s allowed SEVEN home runs already.

+ Waldichuk is allowing nearly a .500 ISO in 47 plate appearances.

+ BAL has smashed lefty pitching early on this season: 137 PA, .392 wOBA, .259 ISO, and 154 wRC+ (BAL ranks 2nd in all three statistical categories).

+ OAK bullpen ranks bottom 10 in all major categories and has an MLB-worst 16.4% kRate.

+ Outside of a couple of hitters, a Baltimore stack is very affordable.

- BAL is likely the highest-owned stack on the slate.

Favorite BAL Bats: Ryan Mountcastle, Austin Hays, Adley Rutschman | Bargain Bat: Jorge Mateo

Low-Owned Stack That Just Might Work Out 🤔

Kansas City Royals vs. Nathan Eovaldi (RHP), TEX

+ Royals: 4.1 implied runs -- considering they’ve averaged an MLB-low 2.83 runs/gm this season, that 4.1 implied run total is a decent indicator that they’re in a sneaky decent spot.

+ In 63 PA vs. Eovaldi, the current Royals roster is batting .410 with a .457 wOBA.

+ Eovaldi is allowing a 50% HardHit%.

+ Globe Life Field ranked #8 hitter’s park in 2022.

+ Most, or all, of the Royals bats should be <10% owned.

+ The Royals could be a victim of some bad luck early this season based on their MLB-low .238 BABIP, which is due for positive regression.

-/+ Rangers currently own a top-10 ranked bullpen that has put up a strong 1.07 WHIP, .194 opp AVG, and 2.23 ERA -- however, some of the underlying stats do indicate some moderate regression is due.

- KC ranks dead last vs. RHPs with a .252 wOBA and 53 wRC+.

Favorite KC Bats: Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino, Salvador Perez | Bargain Bat: Kyle Isbel

One-Off Bats ☝️

A maximum of one hitter per team will be listed below. Feel free to use these players as one-off options, one-half of a two-man mini-stack, or a core piece to a full team stack.

SS Wander Franco, TB | DK: $5.8k, FD: $4.1k | vs. Chris Sale (LHP), BOS

1B Matt Olson, ATL | DK: $5.2k, FD: $4.3k | vs. Hunter Greene (RHP), CIN

SS Bobby Witt Jr., KC | DK: $5.1k, FD: $2.9k | vs. Nathan Eovaldi (RHP), TEX

OF JD Martinez, LAD | DK: $4.9k, FD: $3.2k | vs. Alex Cobb (RHP), SF

3B Matt Chapman, TOR | DK: $4.7k, FD: $4.4k | vs. Eduardo Rodriguez (LHP), DET

1B Nathaniel Lowe, TEX | DK: $4.6k, FD: $3.2k| vs. Brad Keller (RHP), KC

1B Ryan Mountcastle, BAL | DK: $4.3k, FD: $3.3k | vs. Ken Waldichuk (LHP), OAK

Bargain Batters 💸

Note: Additional hitting value may open up once all official starting lineups are released. For now, here are some cheap hitters who are projected to be on the field tonight and find themselves in a good spot to pay off their modest DFS salaries.

Default cut-off to qualify as a 'Bargain Batter' is <$4,100 on DraftKings

SS Jorge Mateo, BAL | DK: $3.9k, FD: $3.6k | vs. Ken Waldichuk (LHP), OAK

OF Austin Hays, BAL | DK: $3.8k, FD: $2.9k | vs. Ken Waldichuk (LHP), OAK

3B Isaac Paredes, TB | DK: $3.7k, FD: $2.9k | vs. Chris Sale (LHP), BOS

OF James Outman, LAD | DK: $3.6k, FD: $3.3k | vs. Alex Cobb (RHP), SF

1B Vinnie Pasquantino, KC | DK: $3.3k, FD: $2.7k | vs. Nathan Eovaldi (RHP), TEX

OF Keven Kiermaier, TOR | DK: $3k, FD: $2.5k | vs. Eduardo Rodriguez (LHP), DET

1B Ryan Noda, OAK | DK: $2.5k, FD: $2.3k | vs. Dean Kremer (RHP), BAL

C James McCann, BA: | DK: $2.2k, FD: $2.1k | vs. Ken Waldichuk (LHP), OAK

OF Sam Hilliard, ATL | DK: $2.1k, FD: $2.3k | vs. Hunter Greene (RHP), CIN

Home Run Calls of the Day 💣

Ryan’s PrizePicks Power Play of the Day⚡

Here is a two-pick “Power Play” I’m liking for today's MLB action over on PrizePicks! Nothing is ever a guarantee to hit but I put my own money on these picks so I don't just lightly throw them out there without believing they'll cash! If it hits, it will return 3x the wager.

Ryan Mountcastle MORE than 7.5 Hitter Fantasy Score

Matt Olson MORE than 1.5 Hits + Runs + RBIs

🆕 Props AI 🆕

In LineStar’s ongoing mission to improve, innovate, and help you reel in some cash, we are introducing Props AI for MLB! This tool can help you find value and mispriced odds on player props from sportsbooks and, more specifically, for PrizePicks and UnderDog Fantasy!

Speaking of props, put the Props AI tool to use by signing-up for UnderDog Fantasy for 2-months of LineStar Premium (Promo code: LINESTAR). Plus $100 deposit match for new customers. What many people may not realize is that you can legally place prop bets in most states using UnderDog (or PrizePicks) – it’s called Pick'Em and it’s insanely easy.

Best of luck out there today, everyone!