Zack Wheeler

Philadelphia Phillies
Pos: SP | Hand: R
Status: Active
player props
FPTS 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 SAL $1.2K $2.4K $3.6K $4.8K $6K $7.2K $8.4K $9.6K $10.8K $12K
  • FPTS: 1.25
  • FPTS: 22.5
  • FPTS: 19.75
  • FPTS: 14
  • FPTS: 30
  • FPTS: 0
  • FPTS: 27.85
  • FPTS: 0
  • FPTS: 27.7
  • FPTS: 29.55
  • FPTS: 0
  • FPTS: 5.15
  • FPTS: 9.3
  • FPTS: 11.55
  • FPTS: 8.6
  • FPTS: 21.4
  • SAL: $10.9K
  • SAL: $10.9K
  • SAL: $11K
  • SAL: $10.3K
  • SAL: $8.6K
  • SAL: $8.8K
  • SAL: $8.8K
  • SAL: $8.8K
  • SAL: $8.7K
  • SAL: $8.8K
  • SAL: $9K
  • SAL: $12K
  • SAL: $4.5K
  • SAL: --
  • SAL: --
  • SAL: $4.5K
09/18 09/23 09/28 10/04 10/05 10/09 10/11 10/17 10/22 10/23 10/25 03/05 03/11 03/17 03/22
Date Opp DKSAL FDSAL DKFPTS FDFPTS k ip ab sho w hra l er cg ha 3ba bba sba ibba whip hbp qstart 1ba k/9 2ba
2024-03-22 vs. DET $4.5K -- 21.4 31 5 5 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0.19 0 0 1 8.44 0
2024-03-17 vs. TOR -- -- 8.6 15 2 4 14 0 0 1 0 1 0 3 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 4.5 1
2024-03-11 vs. NYY -- -- 11.55 18 3 3 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0.67 0 0 0 9 0
2024-03-05 vs. BAL $4.5K -- 9.3 15 4 2 7 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 18 1
2023-10-24 vs. ARI $12K -- 5.15 8 1 1 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0.6 0 0 0 5.4 0
2023-10-23 vs. ARI $9K $10.5K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-10-21 @ ARI $8.8K -- 29.55 52 8 7 29 0 1 1 0 1 0 6 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 4 10.29 1
2023-10-16 vs. ARI $8.7K $10.5K 27.7 46 8 6 21 0 1 1 0 2 0 3 0 0 0 0 0.5 0 1 2 12 0
2023-10-11 vs. ATL $8.8K $9.6K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-10-09 @ ATL $8.8K $9.6K 27.85 47 10 6 24 0 0 1 0 2 0 3 0 1 0 0 0.63 0 1 2 14.21 0
2023-10-04 vs. MIA $8.8K $9.6K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-10-03 vs. MIA $8.6K $9.6K 30 51 8 6 24 0 1 0 0 1 0 5 0 0 0 0 0.75 0 1 4 10.8 1
2023-09-28 vs. PIT $10.3K $10.6K 14 24 5 4 17 0 0 0 0 1 0 4 0 1 0 0 1.25 0 0 3 11.25 1
2023-09-23 vs. NYM $11K $10.5K 19.75 40 6 7 30 0 1 0 0 3 0 8 1 1 1 0 1.29 1 1 7 7.71 0
2023-09-18 @ ATL $10.9K $10K 22.5 40 5 6 23 0 1 1 0 1 0 3 0 2 0 0 0.83 0 1 1 7.5 1
2023-09-12 vs. ATL $10.9K $11K 1.25 9 4 5 25 0 0 3 0 6 0 7 0 3 0 0 2 0 0 3 7.2 1
2023-09-11 vs. ATL $10.4K -- 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-09-06 @ SD $10.4K $10.9K 29.7 49 7 6 21 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0.5 0 1 1 10.5 0
2023-09-04 @ SD $10.5K $10.8K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-09-01 @ MIL $10.6K $10.8K 24.5 43 10 6 23 0 0 1 0 3 0 5 0 0 0 0 0.83 0 1 4 15 0
2023-08-28 vs. LAA $11.6K $10.8K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-08-26 vs. STL $11.6K $10.8K 35.95 58 10 7 24 0 1 1 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 0.43 0 1 2 12.86 0
2023-08-22 vs. SF $11.4K $11K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-08-20 @ WSH $13K $11K 12.95 24 5 7 28 0 0 0 1 4 0 7 0 1 0 0 1.14 0 0 6 6.43 1
2023-08-18 @ WSH $11.6K $10.8K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-08-15 @ TOR $11.6K $10.8K 19.55 37 5 7 27 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 4 0 0 1 0 1 3 6.43 0
2023-08-12 vs. MIN $12K $11K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-08-08 vs. WSH $9.7K $11K 19.3 37 6 6 26 0 1 2 0 3 0 7 0 0 0 0 1.17 0 1 4 9 1
2023-08-05 vs. KC $12K $11K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-08-02 @ MIA $11.8K $11K 13.3 28 4 6 25 0 0 2 0 2 0 5 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 3 6 0
2023-07-31 @ MIA $12K $10.6K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-07-29 @ PIT $9.8K $10.6K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-07-28 @ PIT $9.8K $10.6K 36.6 60 11 6 24 0 1 0 0 1 0 3 0 1 0 0 0.6 0 1 2 14.85 1
2023-07-24 vs. BAL $12K $10.3K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-07-22 @ CLE $9.8K $10.3K 26.15 46 8 7 27 0 0 0 1 1 0 5 0 1 0 0 0.86 0 1 5 10.29 0
2023-07-18 vs. MIL $12K $10K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-07-16 vs. SD $9.6K $10K 20.75 37 7 7 26 0 0 2 0 3 0 5 0 0 0 0 0.71 0 1 0 9 3
2023-07-15 vs. SD $9.3K $10.2K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-07-14 vs. SD $11.6K $10.2K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-07-07 @ MIA $9.3K $10.2K 17.3 34 7 6 25 0 0 1 0 3 0 7 0 0 0 0 1.17 0 1 4 10.5 2
2023-07-01 vs. WSH $9.1K $10.5K 15.05 27 6 5 22 0 1 1 0 4 0 7 1 0 0 0 1.4 0 0 4 10.8 1
2023-06-30 vs. WSH $9.5K $10.5K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-06-25 vs. NYM $9.5K $10.5K 10.8 25 8 5 28 0 0 1 0 5 0 9 0 2 0 0 2.06 1 0 8 13.5 0
2023-06-18 @ OAK $10.4K $10.6K 20.7 40 4 6 26 0 1 0 0 0 0 6 0 2 0 0 1.33 0 1 5 6 1
2023-06-13 @ ARI $10.1K $10.6K 26.5 46 7 6 23 0 1 0 0 1 0 4 0 1 0 0 0.83 0 1 1 10.5 3
2023-06-12 @ ARI $10.1K $10.8K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-06-10 vs. LAD $10.1K $10.8K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-06-08 vs. DET $10.1K $10.8K 30.7 50 8 7 26 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0.27 1 1 1 9.82 0
2023-06-05 vs. DET $9.2K $10.9K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-06-02 @ WSH $9.2K $10.9K -5.15 -1 3 3 20 0 0 1 0 7 0 8 0 1 1 0 2.46 0 0 4 7.36 3
2023-05-27 @ ATL $8.9K $9.5K 43 70 12 8 29 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 0.5 1 1 1 13.5 2
2023-05-24 vs. ARI $10.4K $9.5K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-05-22 vs. ARI $10.4K $9.5K 8.1 22 3 6 27 0 0 2 1 3 0 8 0 1 0 0 1.5 0 1 5 4.5 1
2023-05-16 @ SF $9.2K $9.4K 15.5 30 8 6 28 0 0 0 1 4 0 9 0 1 0 0 1.67 0 0 8 12 1
2023-05-12 @ COL $9.9K $10.2K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-05-10 vs. TOR $10.7K $10.2K 25.35 43 7 7 25 0 0 1 0 1 0 3 0 1 0 0 0.57 0 1 1 9 1
2023-05-05 vs. BOS $10.6K $10.2K 9.2 19 5 5 24 0 0 0 1 4 0 7 0 0 1 0 1.31 1 0 6 8.44 1
2023-05-01 @ LAD $10.7K $9.5K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-04-29 @ HOU $10.7K $9.5K 28.5 49 7 6 23 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 0.67 1 1 2 10.5 1
2023-04-25 vs. SEA $10.8K $9.3K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-04-23 vs. COL $12.4K $9.3K 29.3 52 11 6 25 0 1 0 0 3 0 3 0 3 1 0 1 1 1 3 16.5 0
2023-04-19 @ CHW $10K $9.7K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-04-18 @ CHW $10.3K $9.7K 11.85 24 5 5 24 0 1 0 0 4 0 8 0 0 0 0 1.6 1 0 5 9 3
2023-04-16 @ CIN $9.7K $9K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-04-15 @ CIN $9.6K $9K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-04-14 @ CIN $30 $9K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-04-13 @ CIN $9.8K $9K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-04-12 vs. MIA $9.7K $9K 19.9 37 6 6 24 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 3 0 0 1 0 1 1 9 2
2023-04-11 vs. MIA $30 $9.9K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-04-10 vs. MIA $30 $9.9K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-04-09 vs. CIN $9.6K $9.9K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-04-08 vs. CIN $9.3K $9.9K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-04-07 vs. CIN $9.4K $9.9K 13.2 25 5 5 22 0 0 0 0 2 0 5 0 3 0 0 1.5 0 0 2 8.44 3
2023-04-05 @ NYY $9.6K $10.4K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-04-04 @ NYY $9.6K $10.4K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-04-03 @ NYY $9.8K $10.4K 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-04-01 @ TEX $10.1K $10.4K 10.95 22 7 4 22 0 0 1 1 4 0 7 0 1 1 0 1.85 0 0 5 14.54 1
2023-03-30 @ TEX -- -- 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-03-19 vs. BOS -- -- 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023-03-16 @ DET -- -- 19.35 31 5 4 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 3 0 1 0 0 0.92 0 0 3 10.38 0
2023-03-10 vs. PIT -- -- 1.15 6 2 3 0 0 0 2 0 3 0 5 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 3 6 0
2023-03-05 @ TOR -- -- -15.8 -17 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 7 0 7 0 1 0 0 6 0 0 7 0 0
2023-02-28 vs. TOR -- -- 8.5 12 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0
2022-11-05 @ HOU $8.4K -- 15 25 5 5 20 0 0 0 1 2 0 3 0 1 0 0 0.75 1 0 3 8.44 0
2022-10-29 @ HOU $8.4K -- 3.85 12 3 5 24 0 0 1 1 4 0 6 0 3 0 0 1.8 0 0 2 5.4 3
2022-10-23 vs. SD $7.8K $10.2K 23.1 40 8 6 22 0 0 1 0 2 0 3 0 0 0 0 0.5 1 1 2 12 0
2022-10-18 @ SD $8.2K $9.7K 34.55 55 8 7 23 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0.29 0 1 1 10.29 0
2022-10-12 @ ATL $8K $9.8K 13.9 28 5 6 24 0 0 0 1 3 0 4 0 1 0 0 0.83 1 1 4 7.5 0
2022-10-07 @ STL $7.2K $10K 19.85 35 4 6 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0.47 1 1 2 5.68 0
2022-10-02 @ WSH $9.6K $9.5K 28.05 42 7 5 17 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0.4 0 0 0 12.6 2
2022-09-27 @ CHC $10.1K $10K 17.9 34 5 6 21 0 0 1 0 1 0 5 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 4 7.5 0
2022-09-21 vs. TOR $9.8K $9.7K 13.8 21 3 4 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0.5 0 0 2 6.75 0
2022-08-20 vs. NYM $10.1K $10.8K 10.6 22 6 5 24 0 0 0 1 4 0 5 1 4 0 0 1.69 0 0 4 10.13 0
2022-08-14 @ NYM $9.9K $10.8K 5.5 15 5 6 27 0 0 1 1 6 0 9 0 1 0 0 1.67 0 0 6 7.5 2
2022-08-09 vs. MIA $10.4K $10.7K 26.7 49 8 6 26 0 1 1 0 1 0 5 0 3 0 0 1.33 0 1 2 12 2
2022-08-03 @ ATL $9.9K $10.6K 28.75 49 7 7 25 0 1 1 0 1 0 5 0 0 0 0 0.71 0 1 3 9 1
2022-07-28 @ PIT $10.2K $10.7K 28.15 49 8 7 26 0 1 1 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 0 0.86 0 1 2 10.29 0
2022-07-23 vs. CHC $9.7K $10.6K 23.35 40 6 7 23 0 0 1 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 0.43 1 1 1 7.71 1
2022-07-13 @ TOR $9.7K $10.6K 1.7 8 4 4.2 0 0 0 2 1 6 0 7 0 1 2 0 1.71 0 0 5 7.73 0
2022-07-08 @ STL $10K $10.2K 26.15 46 5 7 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 5 0 1 0 0 0.86 0 1 5 6.43 0
2022-07-03 vs. STL $15.9K $10.2K 26.75 46 5 7 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 0 1 0 0 0.71 0 1 4 6.43 0
2022-06-28 vs. ATL $10.8K $10.4K 20.05 38 8 6.1 0 0 0 2 0 3 0 5 0 1 0 0 0.95 1 1 2 11.37 1
2022-06-22 @ TEX $10.5K $10.7K 15.75 31 8 4.1 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 7 0 3 0 0 2.31 0 0 4 16.63 3
2022-06-16 @ WSH $9.6K $10.6K 21.35 37 3 7 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 4 1 0 0 0 0.57 0 1 1 3.86 1
2022-06-11 vs. ARI $10.1K $10.5K 32.3 52 8 6 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0.33 0 1 1 12 1
2022-06-04 vs. LAA $10K $10.7K 26.1 49 9 6 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 6 0 2 0 0 1.33 1 1 5 13.5 1
2022-05-29 @ NYM $15.9K $10.7K 20.7 40 7 6 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 4 1 3 0 1 1.17 1 1 2 10.5 1
2022-05-23 @ ATL $9.9K $10.3K 30.2 54 10 6.2 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 8 0 0 0 0 1.2 0 1 6 13.51 2
2022-05-18 vs. SD $8.9K $9.5K 35.35 58 9 7 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0.57 0 1 3 11.57 1
2022-05-12 @ LAD $8K $9.5K 15.8 28 7 5.1 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 6 0 1 0 0 1.31 0 0 3 11.82 2
2022-05-04 vs. TEX $15.9K $8.1K 27.05 48 7 7.2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 1 0 0 0.91 0 1 5 8.22 1
2022-04-28 vs. COL $8.3K $8.1K 28.5 49 7 6 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 4 0 0 0.83 0 1 0 10.5 0
2022-04-23 vs. MIL $9.2K $10K 9.05 18 5 5 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 7 0 0 2 0 1.4 0 0 6 9 1
2022-04-17 @ MIA $10.2K $10.2K -8.45 -3 3 3 0 0 0 0 1 7 0 8 2 3 0 0 3.67 1 0 6 9 0
2022-04-12 vs. NYM $9.9K $10.2K 11.5 20 3 4.2 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 2 0 1 0 0 0.64 2 0 1 5.79 0

Zack Wheeler Daily Fantasy News, Rankings, Projections

Phillies-Tigers postponed Wednesday due to air quality

Phillies-Tigers postponed Wednesday due to air quality

Top Projected Pitcher Has Weather Concerns

Zack Wheeler struck out just four of the 22 Cardinals he faced in the Wild Card round with a single walk, a HBP and four hits over 6.2 shutout innings. He missed a month near the end of the season, but came back to strike out 15 of his final 52 batters. The discouraging part of that is that his swinging strike rate did not exceed 8.1% in any start since his return and averages at 5.6%. However, his velocity was intact with 63.9% of his contact on the ground and an 85.4 mph EV. Striking out a healthy 26.9% of batters (21.3 K-BB%), he’s the rare Phillies’ pitcher with all estimators above his 2.82 ERA, though they only extend to a 3.19 SIERA. That’s said because the Phillies are the only post-season team with a below average defense. In fact, -31 Runs Prevented is second worst in the majors, though Realmuto remains a top catcher (11.3 CDA is seventh) and they did improve the defense with some trade deadline acquisitions. The Braves have a 108 wRC+, but 25.1 K% vs RHP and also have a 16+ HR/FB both vs RHP and at home. Potentially a problem, Wheeler doesn’t have a pitch the Braves struggled against in the second half of the season. They were particularly proficient against sliders (0.32 wSL/C). Wheeler was strong in three starts against the Braves this year (20 IP – 6 ER – 3 HR – 1 BB – 25 K – 77 BF). Despite some weather concerns and an extremely hitter friendly umpire (neither of which are baked into projections), Wheeler projects as the top pitcher on the board and as the third most expensive one, the top projected FanDuel value. Wheeler is the second most expensive DraftKings pitcher and second best projected DK value.

Offensively, the Braves (4.04 implied runs) are essentially tied with the Dodgers for the top team run total, yet Ronald Acuna Jr. (118 wRC+, .153 ISO vs RHP this year) is the only top 10 projected Atlanta bat, while batters from either side of the plate are between a .262 and .290 wOBA and xwOBA against Wheeler this season. However, the first eight batters in the Atlanta confirmed lineup all exceed a 100 wRC+ and .150 ISO vs RHP this year. The Atlanta lineup does not feature a top 10 projected FanDuel value, but Eddie Rosario (64 wRC+, .122 ISO) and Marcell Ozuna (108 wRC+, .248 ISO) project as top 10 DraftKings values for less than $3K.

The start of Marlins-Phillies will be delayed Tuesday due to inclement weather

Game update: The start of Marlins-Phillies will be delayed Tuesday due to inclement weather

Top Pitcher Facing an Offense with a 44 wRC+ Since the Break

Strikeouts are down a bit (22.8% last five starts) and Zack Wheeler has had a couple of blowup games over his last six, but he’s still produced 12 Quality Starts in his last 15 tries. With a 21.2 K-BB% and great contact profile (85.9 mph EV, 6.3% Barrels/BBE, 33.5% 95+ mph EV), Wheeler’s 2.78 ERA lines up perfectly with his 2.77 FIP. It’s below, but within one-third of a run of all estimators. The Pittsburgh offense is fairly atrocious against every pitch in Wheeler’s arsenal and have an 85 wRC+ (25.4 K%) vs RHP overall with a 44 wRC+ since the break. Wheeler is not the most expensive pitcher on FanDuel, but the only one to reach a $10K price point on both sites and is the most expensive DraftKings arm. He is the second best projected pitcher on the board in this favorable spot, despite the hitter friendly weather, but projects just outside the top five pitching values on the slate. For tonight’s top projected arm and value plus more on a pair of potentially over-priced pitchers, check out Thursday’s PlateIQ Live Blog.

Top Arm in a High Upside, But Dangerous Spot

We get the full 15 on DraftKings on Tuesday with FanDuel omitting the second game of the double-header in Cleveland. There are no fewer than six $10K pitchers on the board with Zach Wheeler and Carlos Rodon the only two pitchers to reach that mark on both sites. Wheeler failed to complete six innings for just the second time in 10 starts last time out, as the Rangers ran up his pitch count and knocked him out in the fifth. He still struck out eight of 23 batters and has struck out at least seven in nine of those 10 starts. With a 22.4 K-BB%, above average ground ball rate and great contact management (86.8 mph EV, 5.6% Barrels/BBE), his 2.77 ERA is firmly within a quarter of a run of all non-FIP estimators (5.0 HR/FB with just three of 11 barrels leaving the park). Wheeler is in a dangerous, but high upside matchup against the Braves (101 wRC+, 25.4 K%, 14.8 HR/FB vs RHP) and may also benefit slightly from the fact that they line up predominantly right-handed. The most expensive arm on the board at $10.8K on DraftKings ($400 less on FanDuel), Wheeler is the second best projected arm on the board and a top five projected value on FanDuel. With a loaded pitching board tonight, some in great spots, some not so great, who projects as tonight’s top arm? Check out Tuesday’s PlateIQ Live Blog to find out.

Heavy Volume and Upside at the Top of the Board Tonight

No shortage of top end arms on a 10 game slate, as two pitchers reach the $10K price point on both sites tonight with three more only on FanDuel. The most expensive DraftKings pitcher ($10.2K) and $100 more, but only the fifth priciest on FanDuel is Brandon Woodruff. One start after Brandon Woodruff being pulled after three shutout innings for no apparent reason, Woodruff was blown up by the Cardinals for a season high six runs with two home runs, striking out just four of 24 batters. A 7.0 SwStr% in that game was also Woodruff’s worst mark of the season. While all estimators are above his 2.48 ERA this season, a 3.36 SIERA sits as the worst of those, produced with a 22.8 K-BB% and just 5% Barrels/BBE. The Reds have a 109 wRC+ and 17.1 HR/FB vs RHP, though more average power on the road (14 HR/FB). There aren’t a ton of strikeouts in the projected lineup with only one batter above 24.3% vs RHP this season.

The other pitcher reaching $10K on both sites is third most expensive on FanDuel ($11K) and exactly $1K less on DraftKings, where he should be considered one of the top values on the board. Zack Wheeler has allowed at least four runs in five of his last eight starts with a just a 24.8 K% (5.0 BB%), but still has just a 4.28 ERA over that span with no fewer than five strikeouts because he’s such a workhorse. He’s failed to complete six innings or face at least 26 batters just once each during this stretch. A 3.16 SIERA is Wheeler’s only estimator above three this season, as all are within half a run of his 2.77 ERA. The matchup is less than ideal against an offense with a 111 wRC+ vs RHP in a dangerous park, but the Rays lose the DH and Wheeler has been efficiently navigating this environment all season. Three of eight projected hitters for Tampa Bay exceed a 24.5 K% vs RHP. The workload expectation probably may make Wheeler the top overall arm on the board, as well as one of the top values.

Walker Buehler is the one guy on the board who can compete with Wheeler’s workload. Early on, he had contact issues with reduced velocity on his fastball, but after allowing 20 barrels over his first 11 starts, he’s allowed just nine of his last 14. Then the strikeout rate sat at just 23.8% after his first 13 starts, but has jumped up to 30.2% over his last 12. All the while, he kept pounding out quality start after quality start, missing just three times this year. While his 2.11 ERA is still well below all of his estimators, those estimators are all running at 3.65 (SIERA) or better. Buehler has the more favorable park than Wheeler, but faces a more contact prone offense (only one projected batter above a 23 K% vs RHP). Buehler is $300 more expensive than Wheeler on FanDuel, but $300 less expensive on DraftKings. It should be interesting to see how ownership shakes out between the two.

Shohei Ohtani is the most expensive pitcher on the board, carrying an $11.6K price tag on FanDuel. Since his debacle at Yankee Stadium, Ohtani has thrown thrown six straight quality starts with a total of seven runs allowed with a 25 K% and just four walks. While all estimators are well above his 2.79 ERA on the season, the worst is still just a 3.73 SIERA. He has a great matchup (Orioles 87 wRC+ vs RHP with seven of nine projected above a 23.5 K% vs RHP this year) in a difficult environment. Ohtani is a much better value for nearly $3K less on DraftKings.

Lastly, Robbie Ray is $10.5K on FanDuel, but $1.6K less on DraftKings. He tops the board with a 30.7 K%. It’s starting to get scary because Ray seems to have solved his lone remaining issue. He’s allowed just a single home run and four barrels over his last five starts. While his 2.79 ERA is below all of his estimators (89.5 LOB%), though the worst is just a 3.65 FIP. The White Sox have a 111 wRC+ and 15.9 HR/FB vs LHP with marginal strikeout totals in the projected lineup, but Ray did set a season high with 13 strikeouts in his only outing against the White Sox this year. Wheeler and Beuhler are your highest floors and certainly can compete for the top ceilings as well, while the remaining three are all fine GPP upside plays, where going against projected ownership may be your best play tonight.

Potential Cy Young Winner May Be Tonight's Top Arm

Oddly, DraftKings is the site with more $10K pitchers tonight (three to two) with both Walker Buehler and Zack Wheeler reaching that price on both sites. The 26.4 K% isn’t elite, but it’s above average and the 5.8 BB% nearly is elite, while Buehler has failed to produce a quality start in just three outings this season. That said, his 2.31 ERA is well below estimators (.234 BABIP, 82.7 LOB%), though the worst of them is a 3.64 SIERA. The Giants have a 110 wRC+ and 16.6 HR/FB vs RHP, but also a 25.7 K%, though only one batter in tonight’s projected lineup reaches that mark. You’re going to get length out of Buehler, but for $11.5K on FanDuel and even $10K on DraftKings, the value return might be marginal.

The longer Jacob deGrom remains out, the closer Wheeler comes to a Cy Young. Among those with more than a few starts, he tops the board with a 30.4 K%, to which he adds a 5.7 BB% with nearly half his contact on the ground (49.7%) and an 84.5 mph EV (4.2% Barrels/BBE). He’s completed seven innings in 12 of 20 starts and his 3.07 SIERA is the only estimator above three. He has to weather a positive run environment, but has been negotiating that park in Philly all year. The Nationals have just a 94 wRC+ vs RHP and will be without Trea Turner tonight. At a lesser cost, Wheeler is the superior value tonight and potentially the top overall arm.

The last $10K pitcher on DraftKings is a bit mind blowing as Tyler Mahle costs $2.9K less on FanDuel, where his superior strikeout rate (29.2%) might still afford him some value, despite recent struggles. Mentioned in a recent New York Times article as one of the pitchers most effected by the new sticky substance rules, Mahle hasn’t felt it in his strikeout rate that much, which still remains above a quarter of batters faced over the last month, but he has allowed seven home runs over his last five starts and walked 15 of his last 98 batters faced. On the season, a 4.02 FIP is his only estimator above a 3.92 ERA, though none are more than one-third of a run below. While the weather seems hitter friendly at Wrigley tonight, Weather Edge suggests it may not be a significant factor (though that could change). The Cubs have just an 88 wRC+ and 26.5 K% vs RHP, plus who knows who’ll still be with the team tonight.

Two more pitchers worth mentioning are Anthony DeSclafani, who is a bit below $9K on either site and Lucas Giolito, who’s above $9K on both. Eighteen of Anthony DeSclafani’s 39 runs allowed have been surrendered to the Dodgers, though his most recent outing was a quality start against them with seven strikeouts. But this will be the fifth time he’s faced them over a 12 start span, which has to give some advantage to the offense. DeSclafani has otherwise been a very productive pitcher with a 17.1 K-BB% and not a single estimator reaching four, although all are well above his 2.87 ERA (.239 BABIP, 80.7 LOB%). He’s a reasonable GPP leverage play against a lineup that doesn’t seem to be clicking on all cylinders right now. Giolito has suffered from inconsistency. He just followed up a three hit, eight strikeout complete game against the Astros by walking more Brewers than he struck out (five to three). The overall numbers are very good, if not great. A 20.3 K-BB% has generated estimators fairly close to his 3.78 ERA with a 4.23 DRA and 3.41 xERA being exceptions. He’s certainly GPP worthy in Kansas City (88 wRC+, 10.6 HR/FB vs RHP) where the projected lineup includes five batters above a 26 K% vs RHP this year.

A Fairly Extensive Rundown of Tonight's Top Arms

Six of 28 starting pitchers reach the $10K price point on at least one site tonight, as it seems like every team is throwing one of their best arms out there tonight. Although he somewhat disappointed despite six shutout innings against the Dodgers last time out, Zach Wheeler could be considered the top overall pitcher tonight and is the most expensive on FanDuel for his matchup against the Nationals (90 wRC+ vs RHP). Wheeler’s command was off, as he tied a season high with four walks against the Dodgers, striking out six of 27 and failing to complete seven innings for just the second time in 10 starts. Incredibly, a 3.01 SIERA is his only estimator above three and worse than his opponent tonight, Max Scherzer. He has a 38 K% and 15.9 SwStr% over the last 30 days and an 85.4 mph EV (5.2% Barrels/BBE) on the season. He combines a heavy workload with an elite strikeout rate and contact profile. The Nationals don’t strike out a ton, but three of eight projected batters exceed a 26 K% vs RHP since 2020.

Gerrit Cole is exactly $11K on both sites, making him top dog on DraftKings. He has allowed just four runs over his last 14 innings, all on solo home runs. While he struck out nine Twins with just an 8.5 SwStr% two starts back, last time out, he struck out just four Blue Jays, but with a 14.4 SwStr%. Perhaps the most concerning sign here is that he’s allowed multiple home runs in four of his last eight starts with more than seven strikeouts just twice over that span (27.9 K%). Of course, he also has just a 4.6 BB% and 13.3 SwStr% over that span as well. It’s not like he’s going to be a below average pitcher now either way, but perhaps the spin rate thing drops his output enough to strip any excess value at his current price tag. Estimators are around three and a half over the last month. The Royals have just a 22.1 K% vs RHP.

Scherzer essentially missed two starts with a hamstring issue having come out of his previous start after facing only a single batter. He tops the slate with both a 36 K% and 16.5 SwStr% with the risks being obvious in the park and Philly and a potentially shortened workload. From a performance standpoint, his worst estimator is a 3.13 xFIP, but all are at least a half run above his 2.21 ERA (.239 BABIP, 89.1 LOB%). He’s $10.8K on either site with four of eight projected Phillies above a 25 K% vs RHP since 2020. If you buy into a full workload, Scherzer could be a stronger GPP leverage play than normal if other players are backing off due to risk amid all the other strong options tonight.

Lucas Giolito, Clayton Kershaw and Freddy Peralta reach $10K on just one site tonight. With a 33.6 K% (17.5 SwStr%) over his last five starts, Giolito has pushed his season rate up to 30.9% (15.9 SwStr%), which is somehow only fifth best on this board. He’s been extremely home run prone this year (18.3 HR/FB), which is exacerbated by a 35.6 GB% even with a decent 88.3 mph EV. It’s been a bit of misfortune that 16 of his 20 Barrels (9.9%) have left the yard. All non-FIP estimators are below his 3.86 ERA and in fact, a 3.30 xERA is his lowest mark. He’s should excel in run prevention tonight (Pirates 84 wRC+, 8.9 HR/FB vs RHP). Kershaw’s 16.1 SwStr% is second best on this board, though his 29.3 K% just seventh. He’s completed six innings with nine strikeouts in three straight starts, though did allow five runs in one of them and has allowed that many earned runs four times this season, throwing the occasional clunker amongst his gems. His 3.36 ERA is actually above all of his estimators, but not by a significant margin with only a 2.75 FIP (12 HR/FB) more than a half run removed. Just three of eight projected Padres exceed an 18 K% vs LHP though. A 35.9 K% puts Peralta barely second on tonight’s board. He’s allowed more than two runs in just two of 13 starts with exactly a 10% walk rate. Only 33.7% of his contact has been on the ground, but with just an 87.8 mph EV, he’s allowed just 7.1% Barrels/BBE. A 2.49 xERA is his best estimator and most in line with a 2.28 ERA. The .197 BABIP is unlikely to be sustainable though. Arizona has just an 80 wRC+ and 8.9 HR/FB vs RHP, but the projected lineup has mostly marginal strikeout rates. While you’re unlikely to go too far wrong with any of these top arms, matchups may dictate that your best chances lie with Wheeler and Giolito tonight.

Is the High Priced Arm You Want Facing a Top Offense Tonight?

Despite a mere eight game slate on Wednesday night, three pitchers reach the $10K price point on both sites, along with Zack Wheeler on just FanDuel. Ironically, Wheeler, the cheapest of the four, may be the least flawed tonight. The only thing that can stop Jacob deGrom seems to be Jacob deGrom. He hasn’t allowed a run over his last three starts, but has only faced 100 batters since the start of May (striking out 44 of them). He was removed from his last start due to elbow tendonitis, but still struck out 10 of the 18 Padres he faced. His 46.2 K% and 21.2 SwStr% easily lead the slate, league and universe. The Cubs (97 wRC+, 25.5 K% vs RHP) could be considered a high upside matchup, but deGrom’s workload is in question. He could go merely five innings with 70 pitches and still strike out 10, but he’s a risk when paying $11K or more. If healthy, there’s no question he’s the top pitcher on the slate and still potentially a decent value even at his current exorbitant price.

Everyone noticed that Gerrit Cole allowed five runs to the Rangers as his spin rate dropped, but he still struck out seven of 22 batters. Last time out, he allowed just two runs to the Twins with nine strikeouts, but actually had his second lowest swinging strike rate of the season (8.5%) and allowed multiple home runs for just the third time this season. His 36.7 K% is the second highest on the board behind deGrom, but how much of that pitcher are we getting right now? The Blue Jays also have a 113 wRC+, 16.8 HR/FB and 22.8 K% vs RHP. Only one batter in the projected Toronto lineup exceeds a 24.5 K% vs RHP since last season. Cole may best serve as a GPP leverage play tonight.

The pitching matchup of the day takes place at Dodger Stadium where Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers host Zack Wheeler and friends. The expected absence of Bryce Harper hurts less against Kershaw, a lefty, though it’s still not ideal. The Phillies have a 101 wRC+ and 14.9 HR/FB vs LHP. Although they also have a 27.3 K% against lefties this year, only one of seven batters with more than six PAs in the projected lineup has a strikeout rate above 24.5% against southpaws since last year. Kershaw has the second highest swinging strike rate on the board (16.4%) and has shown the ability to still be able to dominate in any given outing this year, but has also thrown in a few clunkers, allowing five earned runs on four different occasions. He still has a 24.7 K-BB% with estimators barely on either side of three, all below his 3.39 ERA (69.6 LOB%), allowing just 6.0% Barrels/BBE. Wheeler’s had double digit strikeouts in four of his last five games (41.2%), as he ramps up his slider usage and has gone at least seven innings in eight of his last nine. All of his estimators are now below three with a 2.84 SIERA being the worst of them. He continues to be a great contact manager (86.2 mph EV), but now has an elite strikeout rate (32.4%) to add to it. While the Dodgers have a 125 wRC+ at home and 119 wRC+ vs RHP, this is a lineup without Seager, Bellinger or Muncy. Matt Beaty is projected to bat cleanup. Let’s boldy go ahead and call Wheeler the second best pitcher on the slate tonight and potentially the top high priced choice, depending on how much risk you’re willing to embrace with deGrom’s workload.

No Easy Answers at the Top of the Board Tonight

There are four pitchers priced above $9.5K on both sites ($10K on FanDuel) tonight. Brandon Woodruff is the most expensive in his matchup with the Royals. His strikeout rate is up a couple of points from last year to 33.2% (14.1 SwStr%) and his Barrels/BBE have gone from 7.2% to 4.6%, while his ERA sits at 1.64 and all estimators are below three through eight starts. Woodruff has also struck out 21 of his last 51 with a 20.9 SwStr% though. The Royals have a 93 wRC+ with an average 23.4 K% vs RHP. This is a fairly neutral spot for Woodruff.

Second most expensive is Zack Wheeler. Fewer ground balls (47%) is a very acceptable tradeoff for more strikeouts (26.7%, 11.3 SwStr%) for daily fantasy players, but the overall package looks even better because Zack Wheeler is completing three trips through the lineup on average this year. Five of his eight starts have been quality starts and Wheeler has also been an exceptional contact manager (86.4 mph EV) for several seasons now. The Marlins (84 wRC+, 26.3 K% vs RHP) add even more value to this matchup. Six of eight batters in the projected Miami lineup exceed a 24 K% vs RHP since 2019.

Lance Lynn and Julio Urias are in somewhat tougher spots. Lynn has gone just five innings in three straight starts off the IL, but his velocity was back up last time and he struck out nine of 24 Twins with 111 pitches. That pushes his season strikeout rate up above 30% (12.6 SwStr%), while he’s only allowed an earned run in two of his six starts (there have been some unearned runs). The 29.6 GB% is well below his career rate and he’s been a bit fortunate that just two of seven Barrels (8.1%) have left the yard. He loses value if he’s not going deep into games and the Twins have a 104 wRC+ with a 22.7 K% vs RHP. Urias has a 26.9 K% (13.4 SwStr%) with just seven walks and all estimators are within a quarter run of his 3.26 ERA. He’s also averaging 24 batters per start and while Dodger Stadium is already a negative run environment, Weather Edge suggests a further environmental boost tonight. The biggest issue is that Arizona has a 117 wRC+ and 11.3 K-BB% vs LHP. No player in the projected lineup with more than 32 PAs vs LHP since 2019 exceeds a 23 K% against them.

This is tough and maybe paying down is even the right move. There shouldn’t be massive ownership concerns on this slate. Wheeler probably serves as the best value on FanDuel and your best bet at a Quality Start and the matchup upside may push him over the top on DraftKings as well, but it probably wouldn’t surprise anybody if any of these four came out on top tonight. Any of them are fine, though none seem absolutely necessary. It may even be possible to roster two of them on DraftKings with only three teams currently above 4.5 implied runs tonight.