MLB DFS Top Stacks & Top Pitchers: September 30, 2026

EMac's top stack today: HOU vs RHP Sean Burke, 4.1 implied runs. The 'Stros are the only team with an implied total over 4.0 for the second installment of the Wild Card round, though Burke has allowed only one tater in his last 23.1 IP and his season long rate was a stellar 0.99 per nine innings.

Pitchers 9/30 ⚾️💪

Cristopher Sanchez at ATL · 3.6 runs

Sanchez was the 2025 Cy Young Award runner up last year to Paul Skenes and he likely will finish second again behind Jacob Misiorowski this year. The key Atlanta hitters have found personal success against Sanchez, though he is an apex ace in a must win game and in good current form.

Max Fried vs BOS · 3.3 runs

Injuries limited the 32-year-old to 112.2 innings over 20 starts, though he is in good current form having allowed only eight runs in his last four starts. It would be a little surprising if he goes more than 80 pitches or five innings as the NY bullpen is daisy fresh, with most relievers having last seen action on Friday, aside from Paul Blackburn and John Schreiber who finished off Monday's dominating victory. The BoSox offense stumbled down the stretch and after being blanked yesterday, the pressure is really on in this potential elimination game.

Hunter Brown at CHW · 3.6 runs

The 'Stros will need their stopper to deal this evening, with yesterday's 6-3 loss. Across his last 111 batters faced, Brown has a 34.2 K%, up from his season long 27.4% rate. He should see four high-strikeout candidates from the ChiSox, though the trade off is power upside and that is something the Southsiders have been known for this season, with three boppers in the top-16 with 31+ round trippers each. This is a "both-sideser" which we did not have yesterday. To his credit, Brown had only one multi-HR outing his his 20 starts.

Top Stacks 9/30 ⚾️🎇

HOU vs RHP Sean Burke · 4.1 runs

The 'Stros are the only team with an implied total over 4.0 for the second installment of the Wild Card round, though Burke has allowed only one tater in his last 23.1 IP and his season long rate was a stellar 0.99 per nine innings. Look to lefties Yordan Alvarez, with Lucas Spence and Tylor Trammell the discount dandies. Jose Altuve has struggled in same-handed matchups this season, particularly over the last month, though he has ample postseason experience and will be in the heart of the order.

CHC at RHP Nick Pivetta · 3.6 runs

Pivetta missed five months with elbow discomfort, including a late-summer setback. This will be his fifth appearances since retuning to action, though it would be a surprise to see him with more than 70-75 pitches. The Cubbies were quiet yesterday and they set up better against southpaws, but the top-five all look strong against the soon to be 34-year-old's pitching portfolio.

PHI at RHP Tyler Mahle · 3.8 runs

Injuries have curtailed Mahle's workload and overall success for the last half decade, so it has been fun to see him with a late-career surge since joining Atlanta. The Phillies core players have not performed well since the All-Star Break, though we do have to acknowledge the baseline talent and historical success of the top-5, with Brandon Marsh and honorable mention.

SDP vs RHP Kevin Gausman · 3.9 runs

The Gas Can Man is likely to give up a home run or two this evening, the main question will be if they are solo shots or if there are ducks on the pond. The LHBs and top-five are the primary building blocks for stacks or mini-stacks.

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