Spotlight Pitchers: MLB DFS Picks for DraftKings + FanDuel | Max Scherzer + Value Options

Scherzer stands alone as the ace of tonight’s slate, and the ownership is going to be huge without many other options. He wasn’t his dominant self in his last start against the Marlins, lasting just 4.2 innings while giving up four earned and walking two. It was an uncharacteristic start for the three-time Cy Young Award winner and the first time of the 2020 season he didn’t last past the fifth inning. With that being said, Scherzer has been over 105 pitches in three straight starts, so we know the leash is completely off. When he’s able to command his fastball and slider, there still might not be a better pitcher in the MLB.

He’ll face off with the Phillies tonight, who have been one of the toughest teams in baseball against right-handed pitching with a .336 wOBA and an elite 19.6% strikeout rate. Scherzer will have his work cut out for him in this one, but we all know he’s up to the challenge, and the numbers don’t matter if he’s dealing. The Nationals are relying on Scherzer heavily every fifth day to deliver a win as every game is extremely important at this point in the year. There isn’t much of an opportunity cost on this slate, and the upside Scherzer brings to the table is tough to pass up.

This season has been pretty ugly for Boyd thus far, but he has been a lot better in each of his last two starts and has put up 30 and 28 FanDuel points. He faced the Indians and White Sox, so he was solid against two offenses that can beat a pitcher up if they make too many mistakes. He also got into a nice little scuffle with the Sox, so maybe he’ll start revving the engine a bit. Let’s remember this is a guy who struck out 11.56 batters per nine last season while sporting a 3.88 xFIP. He’s also been struck with a .373 BABIP, which will naturally come down as the sample size grows.

He faces off with a Twins lineup tonight that is far worse against left-handed pitching, ranking 21st with a .302 wOBA and 20% strikeout rate. The pitch count has been there, but 90-95 pitches in each of his last four games is still just enough to get it done at the current price. If Boyd can keep the walks down, he will get through five or six innings here, and the Twins are a lock to strikeout at least once per inning. The price on FanDuel is especially low, and the value is undeniable. Paying down from Scherzer to Boyd lets you do whatever you want with your hitters, and there’s a chance that’s the optimal way to go. If you like an expensive offense or two, pay down for Boyd and have your fun.

Yarbrough typically hasn’t gone deep this year, but that changed in his last start. He went 6.1 innings against the Blue Jays with six strikeouts but did allow four earned runs. He was stretched out to 97 pitches in the start and jumps right into the value discussion tonight if we’re expecting another 90 pitches or more. We all know the Orioles have hit over their head so far this season, and they’ve started to drop down the rankings as games have passed. Yarbrough is also going to be under-owned as that 17.5 fantasy points per game next to his name doesn’t look pretty. The majority of his appearances have come out of the bullpen, though, so it doesn’t really matter. If you feel like living on a limb, Yarbrough is a brave choice in GPPs.