The MLB weekend brings an exciting lineup for DFS players, with 11 games scheduled. Notable pitchers include MacKenzie Gore of the Washington Nationals, who is showcasing a remarkable 2.88 ERA and a 12.61 K/9 rate, making him a strong candidate against the Miami Marlins. Noah Cameron of the Kansas City Royals is also a key player to watch despite a tough last outing against the Yankees, facing the Oakland Athletics next. Colin Rea is a budget-friendly option against the Pittsburgh Pirates, who have been struggling offensively.

Among hitters, Kyle Schwarber's power remains a focal point, aiming for his 40-homer season, while Christian Yelich is rebounding with significant contributions. Stacking recommendations include the Atlanta Braves against Austin Gomber's Rockies and the Mets facing Shane Baz, with stars like Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo leading the charge.

The Washington Nationals are in the midst of a challenging stretch, suffering from a franchise-worst seven-game losing streak, with their latest loss coming against the Miami Marlins. The Nationals, who have lost five games by two runs or less, find themselves in fourth place in the NL East, just two games ahead of the last-place Marlins. Manager Dave Martinez emphasized the players must take responsibility, calling out the need for better execution on the field.

As they prepare for a crucial game against Miami, ace Mackenzie Gore, with a 2.88 ERA, is set to take the mound, facing off against Eury Pérez, who has struggled with a 12.00 ERA. The Nationals need this win to avoid being swept in a series for the third time this season. Following the Marlins, they will face the Colorado Rockies in a four-game home series.

In Week 12 of fantasy baseball, five pitchers are showing breakout potential: Framber Valdez, Jacob deGrom, Robbie Ray, Jack Flaherty, and MacKenzie Gore. Valdez has transitioned to heavily relying on his curveball, leading to a surge in strikeouts and impressive ERA. deGrom's low ERA comes with concerns over workload and potential regression, making him a possible sell-high candidate. Ray continues to evolve, mixing his pitches effectively, while Flaherty has rebounded with strong performances. Gore leads MLB in strikeouts, proving to be a valuable asset.

Juan Soto, the former Washington Nationals star now with the New York Mets, left an indelible mark on his original team. After being called up as the league's youngest player in 2018, he propelled the Nationals to their first World Series title in 2019. In a recent face-off against the Nationals, Soto hit a 373-foot solo homer and finished the game with a solid 2-for-4 performance, including two RBIs as the Mets secured a 5-4 victory after a dramatic walk-off double by Jeff McNeil.

Soto's current season stats show he is slashing .248/.386/.454 with 12 home runs and 33 RBIs over 66 games. Meanwhile, the Mets sit atop the NL East, five games clear of the Phillies.

With an exciting 11-game slate set to kick off at 7:10 PM EDT, today's MLB lineup analysis focuses on the pitching matchups, given the lack of hitter-friendly parks. MacKenzie Gore, priced at $10,000, stands out with the best metrics in strikeout percentage and SIERA despite a tough matchup against the Mets. Lance McCullers, now at $8,500, offers some risk but has scored impressively in recent starts against the White Sox. Other notable pitchers include Grant Holmes and Chris Bassitt, both offering value options for DFS players.

In terms of hitting, the San Francisco Giants are a sleeper pick against Carson Palmquist, who has struggled in his starts. Players like Heliot Ramos and Jackson Chourio may provide solid returns. Value bats also feature Marcus Semien and options from the A's lineup. Meanwhile, stacking players from the Mariners and Rays could yield promising results, considering their matchups against Brandon Pfaadt and Lucas Giolito, respectively.