MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 7/30/2019
After a limited slate Monday, we’re back to a packed schedule consisting of 14 night games Tuesday. While there are a few great pitching options, there are a lot of teams set up to have big offensive nights. Let’s highlight some players who look primed to cash in on favorable matchups. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our MLB Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
STARTING PITCHERS
Jake Odorizzi vs. Miami Marlins
Stadium – Marlins Stadium
FanDuel = $7,300
DraftKings = $9,400
After a great start to the season, Odorizzi has come crashing back down to Earth, giving up 30 runs (29 earned) across 32.2 innings in his last seven outings. With the Indians starting to close in on the Twins in the AL Central standings, Odorizzi needs to turn things around in a hurry. This is as good of a matchup as any to do that considering the Marlins have scored the second-fewest runs (378) in baseball. If you decide to load up on high-priced hitters, Odorizzi could be worth taking a chance on.
Griffin Canning vs. Detroit Tigers
Stadium – Angel Stadium
FanDuel = $6,700
DraftKings = $7,900
Continuing to target cheap options at pitcher brings us to Canning, who has been even worse than Odorizzi of late, allowing 16 runs over 11.2 innings in his last four starts. On the bright side, he did have 16 strikeouts over that same stretch. He won’t get a much more favorable matchup than the Tigers, making him another option to consider in tournament play.
CATCHER
Will Smith vs. Kyle Freeland, Colorado Rockies
Stadium – Coors Field
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $4,500
Freeland had such a disastrous start to the season that he found himself back in the minor leagues. He struggled down there, as well, and hasn’t pitched great since returning, so the Dodgers are likely going to be one of the most popular stacks of the night. Smith has shined during his brief time in the majors, especially in the power department with his .457 ISO. That number isn’t sustainable, but he’s still in a prime position to thrive in this game.
Others to consider: Carson Kelly
FIRST BASE
Christian Walker vs. J.A. Happ, New York Yankees
Stadium – Yankee Stadium
FanDuel = $3,000
DraftKings = $4,300
Happ continues to struggle for the Yankees, who could really use a boost to their starting rotation at the trade deadline. He’s pitched especially poorly with a 5.63 FIP at Yankee Stadium. Add in the fact that he’s allowed 2.0 HR/9 and the powerful Walker could provide plenty of value at his reasonable price on both sites.
Others to consider: Edwin Encarnacion and Albert Pujols
SECOND BASE
Ketel Marte vs. J.A. Happ, New York Yankees
Stadium – Yankee Stadium
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $5,000
Sticking with the Diamondbacks against Happ brings us to Marte, who has at least two hits in seven of his last 11 games. He’s not just slapping singles, either, with two home runs, three doubles and a triple during that stretch. When also factoring in his .407 wOBA against left-handed pitchers, he could be well worth his hefty price tag.
Others to consider: Max Muncy and Keston Hiura
THIRD BASE
David Fletcher vs. Drew VerHagen, Detroit Tigers
Stadium – Angel Stadium
FanDuel = $3,000
DraftKings = $3,700
If you’re looking for a power bat at third base, Fletcher isn’t your guy. However, he’s been a productive member of the Angels’ lineup by hitting 29-for-88 (.330) with 10 doubles and 13 runs scored over his last 20 games. VerHagen has had a rough go of it during his brief time in the majors, including during his last start against the Mariners in which he allowed seven runs (six earned) over four innings.
Others to consider: Eduardo Escobar and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
SHORTSTOP
Didi Gregorius vs. Taylor Clarke, Arizona Diamondbacks
Stadium – Yankee Stadium
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $5,000
While the Diamondbacks have a great chance to score in bunches versus Happ, the Yankees are in a similar situation against Clarke. He has a 6.10 ERA and a 6.33 FIP, which can be somewhat attributed to him allowing 2.3 HR/9. That could end up being his downfall against this potent Yankees’ lineup. Although he’s pricey on DraftKings, Gregorius has the potential to provide significant value on FanDuel.
Others to consider: Marcus Semien and Bo Bichette
OUTFIELD
Mike Trout vs. Drew VerHagen, Detroit Tigers
Stadium – Angel Stadium
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $5,700
In a position to score in bunches against the struggling Jordan Zimmermann, the Angels produced a dud Monday. Trout was one of the culprits, finishing 1-for-3 with a single and a hit-by-pitch. He’ll eat up a significant portion of your budget, but with another juicy matchup on tap, his upside is off the charts.
Teoscar Hernandez vs. Mike Montgomery, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Kauffman Stadium
FanDuel = $3,200
DraftKings = $4,000
The Blue Jays are dealing away their veterans, making room for the young players on their roster. Despite showing promise at times during his career, Hernandez has largely struggled this season. The good news is that he’s finally starting to come to life, hitting 14-for-42 (.333) with seven home runs and two doubles over his last 12 games. Look for him to keep things rolling against Montgomery and his 1.76 WHIP.
Josh VanMeter vs. Joe Musgrove, Pittsburgh Pirates
Stadium – Great American Ball Park
FanDuel = $2,700
DraftKings = $3,800
Speaking of trying to ride the hot hand, VanMeter is playing so well that the Reds have to consider keeping him in their lineup on a daily basis. Across his last 36 plate appearances, he’s 14-for-32 (.438) with four home runs and three doubles. He was also raking in the minors with his .320 ISO and 173 wRC+, which is encouraging for his prognosis moving forward. Continue to take advantage of him at a cheap price while you still can.
Others to consider: Aaron Judge and Cole Kalhoun
Author Bio:
Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat, and was a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. Follow Mike on Twitter @rotomikebarner.