- The dearth of runs is one of the early stories of the 2022 campaign. Through Monday's games, the league ERA was 3.92, down from 4.13 at a similar point last season. The main culprit is homers as the average fly-ball distance is five feet shorter than it was in 2021. Last season's average exit velocity on fly balls was 92.8 mph through around 300 games, compared to a slightly lower 92.4 mph this season. Weather could be a factor (colder temperatures and wind), but there have been concerns that MLB has again deadened the baseball. The takeaway for traditional fantasy is to stream pitching, before scoring increases. In DFS, being overly reliant on HR hitters could prove risky. Those betting on baseball need to find the edges where the lines and props are slow in catching up with this early-season landscape.
- Speaking of weather, early forecasts are favorable across the country, with only Kansas City being a concern -- scattered thunderstorms are a potential issue there. Using batters in games of this nature is risky, especially in daily fantasy leagues. After striking out in each of his first seven games (10 times in total), Miguel Sanohasn't fanned at all in his last three contests, portending a breakout. Sano is a nice DFS play with the platoon edge on Royals southpaw Daniel Lynch.
- With Blake Snell and Mike Clevinger both still sidelined, MacKenzie Gore (37% rostered in ESPN leagues) gets another start. In his debut, the rookie right-hander held his own against a tough Atlanta Braveslineup, holding them to just two earned runs over 5 1/3 innings, issuing three hits and two walks with three strikeouts. Next up is a struggling Reds lineup in Petco Park. Gore is one of the top streaming options on the slate.
- Dane Dunning (3%) isn't off to a great start, but he's pitched a bit better than his 5.19 ERA suggests. Dunning has been snakebit by a .391 BABIP, but has also hurt himself with a high 9.8% walk rate. On the other hand, the second year right-hander has fanned 11 across 8 2/3 innings. On Wednesday, Dunning will take the hill in T-Mobile Park against a Mariners offense with a below-average wOBA. He's best restricted to deep leagues, but if you need a streamer, Dunning is in play. Also in the streaming mix is Daulton Jefferies (2%), at home and backed by a surprisingly productive Oakland Athletics offense against Jordan Lyles and the Orioles.
- Tony Gonsolin's 1.29 ERA looks shiny, but his 1.71 WHIP tells a different story. While the chalk DFS plays will be backing the Colorado Rockies and Philadelphia Philliesin Coors Field (where the weather has been surprisingly warm), consider instead Braves hitters on the road against Gonsolin and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ozzie Albies, Matt Olson and Eddie Rosario will be cheaper than the Coors batters, freeing up budget for better pitching.
What you need to know for Wednesday's MLB Games
- Thread starter biggins
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