MLB DFS Top Stacks & Top Pitchers: September 23, 2026

EMac's top stack today: BAL vs RHP Max Scherzer, 4.1 implied runs. Both teams are going to be trying today as each is in a battle to chase down CHW for the final AL wild card slot.

EARLY Pitchers 9/23 ⚾️ 🏖️

Framber Valdez vs WAS · 3.7 runs

This will be the final start of the season for Valdez and the Motor City Kitties were eliminated from the postseason this weekend, ending their consecutive playoff streak at two. The Nationals should have 4-5 high-strikeout candidates (HKCs) in the lineup this afternoon and while this has been a down year for Valdez on that front, a strong finish is in the cards. It would be a surprise to see him log more than 5-6 innings or however far 85-90 pitches gets him, though he is the best of the bunch on Wednesday's early slate.

Connor Prielipp at SFG · 3.6 runs

The Twins saw their playoff hopes end this weekend as well and it is important to note that Prielipp logged 92 pitches on Friday, which was his most in the month. This is a great matchup with the Giants down to their deep understudies at most positions, though there is no incentive for Minnesota to push their prospect too hard on the road. Expect 4-5 innings and 75-80 pitches this afternoon. In his four starts prior to Friday, he was able to close out the fifth inning three times, despite averaging only 76 pitches in that trio of tilts.

The Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays are playing two today, with both teams still having an outside chance at the final Wild Card slot in the AL. RHPs Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt are both tournament possibilities, though if they struggle early and the game is close, a quick hook is likely. If either team manages to win both legs in Camden Yards they will have a leg up.

Top Stacks 9/23 ⚾️🎇

BAL vs RHP Max Scherzer · 4.1 runs

Both teams are going to be trying today as each is in a battle to chase down CHW for the final AL wild card slot. We could see a quick hook if either pitcher in the game struggles, or if it is out of hand they could be tasked with eating innings to keep more options available for the nightcap. Mad Max no longer has strikeout stuff and he allows power to batters from both sides of the plate. Lefties look good against the 42-year-old, though do not shy away from Pete Alonso or Coby Mayo in this matchup.

TOR at RHP Chris Bassitt · 4.1 runs

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is dealing with a back issue and may not play in either game. That will open up a slot for someone and it should be noted the outfielder Brett Bateman is dinged up as well. We will need to see a starting lineup to make our decisions, but it is important to note that the 37-year-old veteran is nowhere near as steady this season as he was in the preceding three for the Jays.

DET vs LHP Richard Lovelady: No bulk has been announced, but with the usual long relievers used over the last two days, expectations are the RHP Brad Lord and LHP Will Dion will work a couple innings each after Lovelady. Max Clark, Spencer Torkelson, Riley Greene and Kevin McGonigle are the most appealing Tigers' batsmen.

MIN will be the most popular stack, though leverage can be had by going with WAS and SFG, in the hopes that one or both of the two most popular pitchers on the short slate do not do anything noteworthy.

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