May 8th MLB DFS: Sleeper Picks And Hitter To Avoid

Aria Freeman

4 min read

Post on May 16, 2025

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Top Sleeper Picks for May 8th MLB DFS:

Undervalued Pitchers:

• Bullet Point 1: Spencer Strider (ATL) vs. Washington Nationals: Strider boasts a stellar 2.60 ERA and a 0.90 WHIP. The Nationals possess a relatively low batting average against right-handed pitching, making Strider an excellent high-strikeout potential option for your May 8th MLB DFS lineup. His DFS ownership might be lower than expected given his recent performance, making him an attractive sleeper pick.

• Bullet Point 2: Framber Valdez (HOU) vs. Oakland Athletics: Despite a slightly higher ownership projection, Valdez's consistent performance and strong recent outings make him a viable option. The Athletics' weak batting lineup presents a favorable matchup for Valdez, increasing his chances of a quality start and potentially high fantasy points. His ability to generate ground balls is a major asset in avoiding big innings.

• Bullet Point 3: Shane McClanahan (TB) vs. Boston Red Sox: While McClanahan might have a higher ownership projection, his high strikeout potential against a Red Sox lineup prone to swinging at bad pitches makes him a worthwhile consideration. His elite strikeout rate combined with his ability to limit walks makes him a strong DFS option for May 8th, despite potentially higher ownership.

Hidden Gems in the Batting Order:

• Bullet Point 1: Michael Massey (KC) batting 7th or 8th: Massey, even batting lower in the order, has displayed a surprisingly high OPS (.850+) recently. His strong BABIP (.350+) suggests he's making consistent hard contact. Facing a pitcher with a history of allowing line drives could translate to significant fantasy points for your May 8th MLB DFS lineup.

• Bullet Point 2: Bobby Witt Jr. (KC) playing in a high-offense environment: Witt Jr. playing against a pitcher with a high ERA and WHIP, particularly one who struggles against left-handed hitters. This high-offense environment makes him a high-value pick. His speed and power combination provides multiple avenues to score fantasy points.

• Bullet Point 3: Pete Alonso (NYM) considering park factors: Alonso’s home run potential is always high, but it’s amplified in certain ballparks. Check the park factors for Citi Field on May 8th. If favorable, and if he’s facing a pitcher susceptible to home runs, Alonso could be a worthwhile high-risk, high-reward addition to your May 8th MLB DFS lineup, even with higher ownership.

Hitters to Avoid on May 8th MLB DFS:

Pitching Matchup Nightmares:

• Bullet Point 1: Any hitter facing Gerrit Cole (NYY): Cole’s dominance is well-documented. His track record of stifling opposing lineups, particularly right-handed hitters, makes any hitter facing him a high-risk proposition. Avoid players facing elite pitchers like Cole in your May 8th MLB DFS lineup.

• Bullet Point 2: Hitters with a history of struggling against specific pitching styles: Research hitters' historical performance against pitchers with similar styles (e.g., a high-velocity fastball, or a heavy reliance on breaking balls) to identify potential struggles. Avoid those with a clear history of underperforming against these styles.

• Bullet Point 3: Hitters against top pitching rotations: Avoid hitters whose teams are facing dominant starting pitching staffs. The combined dominance of the rotation drastically reduces the likelihood of many runs scored.

Injury Concerns and Lineup Changes:

• Bullet Point 1: Monitor injury reports: Check for late-breaking news on injuries or lineup changes before locking in your May 8th MLB DFS lineup. Many DFS sites offer updates, as do reputable baseball news sources.

• Bullet Point 2: Consider recent slumps: A hitter experiencing a significant slump, even one with a strong track record, is a risky proposition. Look at recent batting averages and other key statistics for any signs of a prolonged downturn in performance.

• Bullet Point 3: Beware of inflated ownership: High-ownership hitters might be based on past performance that is unlikely to repeat. A hitter projected for high ownership, but facing a tough matchup, is best avoided. Look for lower-owned, high-upside players instead.

Conclusion: Mastering Your May 8th MLB DFS Strategy

To summarize, selecting the right players for your May 8th MLB DFS lineup requires a nuanced approach. We've identified several sleeper picks, such as Spencer Strider and Michael Massey, who present high-value options due to favorable matchups and undervalued projections. Conversely, we’ve highlighted hitters like those facing Gerrit Cole who should be avoided due to tough matchups. Remember to always consider pitching matchups, recent performance, and potential risks when constructing your DFS lineup. Utilize these May 8th MLB DFS sleeper picks and avoid these potential busts to maximize your chances of winning! Check back tomorrow for more daily fantasy baseball analysis!