3 MLB FanDuel Studs to Target for Thursday 6/22/23

In daily fantasy baseball on FanDuel, finding and utilizing productive high-salary players is integral to building a successful lineup.

In terms of hitters, we're looking for individuals with big numbers, favorable matchups, and fellow players around them who are likely to produce, as well, increasing our chances for runs and RBI. For pitchers, we want high strikeout totals. Still, the ability to labor deep into a game while earning a win is also valuable.

With high-salary picks playing such a crucial role in your lineup, you can't afford to miss on these guys, so let's take a look at a few top high-salary plays for today's main slate on FanDuel, which begins at 1:05 p.m. EST.

Bryce Elder, SP, Atlanta Braves ($9,900)

Starting on the mound Thursday for the red-hot Atlanta Braves is second-year pitcher Bryce Elder. In this final game of the current series, Elder will face division the rival Philadelphia Phillies. Worth mentioning: Elder has faced every NL East team in 2023 except Philadelphia.

In 14 games started for Elder this season, he has allowed three or fewer runs 11 times. Currently, his 2.60 ERA is tops on the Braves while reflecting the fifth-best figure in the Majors. Elder's skill-interactive ERA (SIERA) is also impressive at 3.89.

He has improved on his strikeout production recently, having punched out at least five hitters in four of his past six starts. Additionally, Atlanta's explosive offense will always give Elder a shot at posting a win.

numberFire projects 27.0 FanDuel points from Elder at Citizens Bank Park in Philly.

Ketel Marte, 2B, Arizona Diamondbacks ($3,900)

To some, the Arizona Diamondbacks have been the feel-good story of 2023. At the end of the 2022 campaign, Arizona finished at 74-88, which landed them in fourth place in the division behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants. Fast-forward to now, and all three of those franchises are looking up at the D-backs in the NL West standings.

Undoubtedly, do-it-all middle infielder Ketel Marte has been one of Arizona's leading contributors. Marte has already collected over 75 hits, which has him wrestling with Corbin Carroll for the club lead. At the moment, Marte's OPS sits comfortably at .864. He has also stolen six bases in seven attempts this season.

Per numberFire's model, Marte is projected to earn 14.1 FanDuel points against the Washington Nationals on Thursday, which makes him the second-ranked batter on the slate. He will take his initial at-bats in the nation's capital against starting pitcher Jake Irvin.

Marte has averaged 12.1 FanDuel points per game over 70 contests played this year. Right now, Marte's weighted on-base percentage (wOBA) is at one of the best marks of his career: .372 (up from .317 in 2022).

Matt Olson, 1B, Atlanta Braves ($4,000)

Going with another member of the Braves, Matt Olson seems like a great DFS selection on most days, especially so when slated to face a right-handed starting pitcher. On Thursday, Olson will set his sights on righty Aaron Nola of the Phillies.

Olson is tied for the second-most home runs (21) in the National League, trailing only Pete Alonso. Of all Olson's homers in 2023, slightly more than 85% of them have come against right-handers. Additionally, Olson is drawing walks at one of the best rates of his career, earning the free pass in 14.3% of his plate appearances. That increased walk rate has helped keep him within the top 10 of MLB's run scorers. He's also in the top 10 for RBIs.

For a strong left-handed hitter, Olson has done well to bring down his pull rate this season. At the moment, he is pulling the ball into right field 38% of the time, the lowest mark of his career. To compensate, Olson is smashing the ball into center-field (also on 38% of his batted balls in play) more often than he ever has. Whether a righty or lefty in on the mound, making solid contact up the middle is a true indication of a hitter that is "dialed-in."

For Thursday's matinee in Philly, Olson is projected to contribute 10.5 FanDuel points, according to numberFire. Leaning toward Olson's platoon advantage over Nola, I am confident in Olson's production in the batter's box.

The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author’s advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.