MLB DFS Lineup Advice: May 8th Sleeper Picks & Hitter To Avoid

Mei Lin

4 min read

Post on May 16, 2025

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May 8th MLB DFS Sleeper Picks

Finding those hidden gems—the sleepers—can be the difference between a winning and losing DFS lineup. Here are some players we believe are poised for strong performances on May 8th:

Top Pitcher Sleeper: Kyle Wright (ATL) vs. COL

Kyle Wright of the Atlanta Braves presents a compelling sleeper pick for May 8th. His matchup against the Colorado Rockies offers significant upside. The Rockies notoriously struggle against strong pitching, boasting a low team batting average and a high strikeout rate against right-handed pitchers like Wright.

• Strong Recent Performance: Wright has shown excellent form in his last few starts, demonstrating improved command and velocity.
• Favorable Park Factors: While playing at home doesn't always guarantee success, Truist Park can be advantageous for pitchers.
• Low Projected Ownership: Many DFS players may overlook Wright, creating a potential value opportunity if he performs well.
• Key Stats: ERA under 4.00, WHIP under 1.20, high K/9 (strikeouts per 9 innings).

Top Batter Sleeper (1): Bobby Witt Jr. (KC) vs. [Opposing Pitcher's Team]

Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals represents a high-upside sleeper pick. He's facing [Opposing Pitcher's Team], whose pitching staff has shown vulnerabilities recently.

• High Upside Potential: Witt Jr. possesses considerable power and speed, making him capable of a multi-category performance.
• Excellent Recent Form: Look at his recent batting average, on-base percentage (OBP), and slugging percentage (SLG) for confirmation.
• Matchup Advantage: Identify the opposing pitcher's weaknesses and how they've performed against left-handed hitters (if Witt Jr. is a lefty).

Top Batter Sleeper (2): Whit Merrifield (TOR) vs. [Opposing Pitcher's Team]

Whit Merrifield is another intriguing option. While not known for power, his ability to get on base and steal bases makes him valuable in DFS. He’s facing [Opposing Pitcher's Team], another team known for allowing stolen bases.

• High Stolen Base Potential: Merrifield's speed is a significant asset, and the matchup could be conducive to stolen bases.
• Consistent Contact Hitter: He’s a reliable player who gets on base frequently.
• Under-Owned Asset: Many DFS players may focus on power hitters, potentially overlooking Merrifield’s consistent value.

Hitter to Avoid on May 8th: Shohei Ohtani (LAA) vs. [Opposing Pitcher's Team]

While Shohei Ohtani is a superstar, he represents a high-risk, low-reward player for our May 8th MLB DFS lineups.

High-Risk, Low-Reward Player: Shohei Ohtani (LAA)

• Recent Slump: Ohtani has been experiencing a recent dip in performance, affecting his batting average and power numbers.
• Tough Pitching Matchup: He's facing a strong pitching staff, which significantly reduces his chances of a strong performance.
• High Projected Ownership: Due to his name recognition, many DFS players will likely select Ohtani, meaning less of a reward for you.
• Unfavorable Park Factors: [Mention any potential negative park factors]

Why Avoiding This Player Boosts Your Lineup:

Avoiding Ohtani frees up salary cap space, allowing you to invest in higher-potential players at other positions. Strategic salary cap management is crucial for building a competitive MLB DFS lineup.

Additional DFS Strategy Tips for May 8th

Stacking:

Consider stacking players from the same team. If you believe one team will score multiple runs, stacking its hitters increases your points potential.

Utilizing Weather Reports:

Check weather reports. Rain delays or strong winds can impact player performance and game outcomes.

Monitoring MLB News:

Stay updated on the latest news! Injuries and lineup changes can significantly impact player value.

Conclusion

To recap, for May 8th, we've highlighted Kyle Wright and Bobby Witt Jr. and Whit Merrifield as sleeper picks and advised against Shohei Ohtani due to his current form and matchup. Remember to consider matchups, player form, and ballpark factors when constructing your MLB DFS lineup. Using this MLB DFS lineup advice for May 8th will allow you to build a winning team! Remember to carefully consider sleeper picks and avoid potential underperformers to maximize your Daily Fantasy Baseball returns. Good luck!