MLB DFS pitching gems August 20: Bieber fever in New York

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WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 6: Starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg #37 of the Washington Nationals throws to a Chicago Cubs batter in the second inning at Nationals Park on September 6, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

MLB DFS Pitching Plays

Stephen Strasburg – This is a great chance to “buy low” on Strasburg. He is only 10 K on FanDuel, and gets a great spot against the Pirates, who quite frankly, are a horrible team. With a 49% GB rate, 28.6% K rate, 3.62 SIERA, and 30% HC, I really like his floor today.

Yes Pittsburgh does not strike out very much, only 20%, but they have a .161 ISO, 93 wRC+, and they also play in a power suppressing ballpark. This is a good chance for Strasburg to go seven or eight innings, manage the contact well, and really put up a great performance.

Pitch Mix – I really like his mix of pitch usage, with the fastball, change, sinker, and curve all being used about the same. The whiffs are slightly down for him this month, but nothing very significant. The GB rates, however, are elite, with the sinker, curve, and change sitting over 50%, and the fastball at above 30% which is not bad.

I do like the movement he gets on his pitches, specifically the horizontal movement. He gets really solid movement on the curve, frequently getting over eight inches. For this price, I really think Strasburg is an elite play, especially at this price on FanDuel.