MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 7/31/2019

Wednesday could end up being a wild day in the majors due to the trade deadline. We already saw a big three-team deal consummated Tuesday and several contending teams are still looking to make upgrades. To add to the excitement, we have an eight-game evening slate in DFS, so let’s breaks things down with the understanding that matchups could change depending on what moves are made. 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

Jose Berrios vs. Miami Marlins
Stadium – Marlins Park
FanDuel = $10,400
DraftKings = $10,700

It doesn’t get much more enticing than this matchup. Berrios has what would be a career-best 2.94 ERA, although his FIP is higher at 3.81. One of the main reasons for his success is his 5.4 percent walk rate, which has helped him record a 1.14 WHIP. Taking the mound at pitcher-friendly Marlins Park against one of the worst lineups in baseball should make him one of the chalk pitchers of the night. If you’re playing in a cash game, he’s going to be difficult to keep out of your entry.

Jose Urquidy vs. Cleveland Indians
Stadium – Progressive Field
FanDuel = $8,000
DraftKings = $7,000

The Indians made a big splash Tuesday, dealing Trevor Bauer to the Reds in a three-team trade that included the Padres. They received a couple of key hitters in return, which should provide a much-needed boost to their lineup. However, neither Yasiel Puig nor Franmil Reyes should be available to them for this matchup, making Urquidy someone to consider in tournament play. He had a 35.2 percent strikeout rate at Triple-A this season and might have found his groove in the big leagues, allowing two runs and recording 15 strikeouts across 13 innings in his last two starts.

CATCHER

Travis d’Arnaud vs. Rick Porcello, Boston Red Sox
Stadium – Fenway Park
FanDuel = $3,400
DraftKings = $4,800

The Rays should be a popular team to stack with Porcello on the mound, who has struggled with a 5.55 ERA and a 4.69 FIP. On a night with limited catching options, d’Arnaud stands out as one of the best targets. He’s been a different player since joining the Rays, posting a .900 OPS through 194 plate appearances.

Others to consider: Christian Vazquez

FIRST BASE

Matt Olson vs. Jordan Lyles, Milwaukee Brewers
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $3,400
DraftKings = $4,300

Desperate for starting pitching depth, the Brewers acquired Lyles from the Pirates earlier in the week. He wasn’t exactly shining before the trade, allowing 23 runs (20 earned) over his last 12 innings. He has also allowed a .416 wOBA to left-handed hitters this year, leaving Olson with plenty of upside.

Others to consider: Yuli Gurriel and Mark Canha

SECOND BASE

Jose Altuve vs. Zach Plesac, Cleveland Indians
Stadium – Progressive Field
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $5,100

After missing nearly a month of the season, Altuve is trying to make up for lost time. He’s been as hot as it gets of late, hitting 29-for-64 (.453) with five home runs and six doubles across his last 15 games. Plesac’s 5.15 FIP indicates he hasn’t been as impressive as his 3.10 ERA would lead you to believe, leaving Altuve with an excellent opportunity to continue his recent run of success.

Others to consider: Keston Hiura and Michael Chavis

THIRD BASE

Matt Chapman vs. Jordan Lyles, Milwaukee Brewers
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $4,100

This is more based on the matchup for Chapman rather than how he’s playing right now. While he’s one of the most potent hitters on the A’s, he’s only 5-for-39 (.128) over his last 10 games. If there is a silver lining, he had two doubles and a home run during that stretch. If there was ever a game for him to get back on track, this is it.

Others to consider: Alex Bregman and Luis Arraez

SHORTSTOP

Marcus Semien vs. Jordan Lyles, Milwaukee Brewers
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $4,700

Continuing to pile on Lyles brings us to Semien, who is sporting a career-high 120 wRC+. He’s also reduced his strikeout rate to 13.6 percent, which is seven percentage points lower than his career mark. Don’t be scared off because he doesn’t have the platoon advantage here since he actually has an identical wOBA (.348) against both lefties and righties this season.

Others to consider: Jorge Polanco and Carlos Correa

OUTFIELD

Yordan Alvarez vs. Zach Plesac, Cleveland Indians
Stadium – Progressive Field
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $5,500

With Plesac allowing 1.5 HR/9, this could end up being a long night for him against the potent Astros, especially Alvarez. He hasn’t disappointed after being one of the more hyped prospects in the minors, recording a .356 ISO since being recalled. He also has a 193 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers.

Austin Meadows vs. Rick Porcello, Boston Red Sox
Stadium – Fenway Park
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $4,800

After getting off to a blistering start, Meadows went through a prolonged rough patch that really took a toll on his numbers. Still, it’s hard to be down on a guy with a .368 wOBA in his first full season in the majors. He seems to have somewhat righted the ship, hitting 15-for-54 (.278) with three home runs, three triples and two doubles over his last 14 games. With his 150 wRC+ against righties, this could be the time to get him back onto your DFS radar.

Byron Buxton vs. Sandy Alcantara, Miami Marlins
Stadium – Marlins Park
FanDuel = $3,000
DraftKings = $4,200

The one thing with Buxton is that he plays the outfield with reckless abandon. That puts him on the IL more often than you’d like to see, but at least he’s shown this season that he can hit when healthy. Since being activated from his most recent stint on the sidelines, he is 7-for-17 with a home run and four doubles across five games. As far as cost-effective options go, he’s one of the more appealing options for the slate.

Others to consider: George Springer and Khris Davis

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.