MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 8/26/2019

Monday’s seven-game evening slate in DFS is certainly short on quality pitching options. However, there are still a couple of hurlers that stand out as viable targets. Let’s dive into their matchups, as well as highlight some of the hitters who could be in positions to thrive. 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

Sonny Gray vs. Miami Marlins
Stadium – Marlins Park
FanDuel = $11,300
DraftKings = $11,200

Gray is pricey, but if you’re playing in a cash contest, expect him to be the chalk pitcher for this start against the Marlins. Not only have the Marlins been one of the worst offensive teams in baseball, but this game will be played at pitcher-friendly Marlins Park. Gray has taken his fantasy value to the next level this season by increasing his strikeout rate to 29.2 percent, so look for him to have another valuable performance.

Jason Vargas vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
Stadium – Citizens Bank Park
FanDuel = $6,800
DraftKings = $7,900

If you want to fade Gray in tournament play, Vargas could be the starter to target. After allowing 1.8 HR/9 last year, he’s only given up 1.3 HR/9 this season. He’s also lowered his WHIP from 1.41 to 1.27. His limited strikeout upside is a bit of a bummer, but his cheap price tag is certainly factoring that in. This is about as favorable of a matchup as it gets considering the Pirates have the worst wRC+ (70) against left-handed pitchers in baseball.

CATCHER

Tom Murphy vs. J.A. Happ, New York Yankees
Stadium – T-Mobile Park
FanDuel = $3,000
DraftKings = $5,100

After struggling to get his career on track with the Rockies, Murphy has proven to be a revelation for the Mariners. He’s particularly thrived in the power department with a .314 ISO. That’s a key stat to consider for this matchup against Happ, who has allowed a staggering 2.2 HR/9.

Others to consider: Will Smith

FIRST BASE

Josh VanMeter vs. Pablo Lopez, Miami Marlins
Stadium – Marlins Park
FanDuel = $2,500
DraftKings = $3,600

Lopez will be activated off the IL to start this game after being out since June. He’s likely to be on a somewhat limited pitch count, so don’t expect him to go deep into this contest. He’s held right-handed hitters to a .246 wOBA, but lefties have had a bit more success with a .318 wOBA against him. VanMeter has a .364 wOBA against righties, so he could be a cheap option worth considering. Of note, he is only eligible at first base on FanDuel since he is listed as second base and the outfield on DraftKings.

Others to consider: DJ LeMahieu and Rhys Hoskins

SECOND BASE

Austin Nola vs. J.A. Happ, New York Yankees
Stadium – T-Mobile Park
FanDuel = $2,800
DraftKings = $4,500

Nola didn’t hit for a ton of power in the minors this season, but he still was productive with a .400 wOBA. With the Mariners long out of the playoff chase, he’s getting a chance to prove himself down the stretch. So far, so good based on his 134 wRC+. With Happ struggling through his first full season with the Yankees, Nola is another cost-effective option worth considering.

Others to consider: Gleyber Torres and Keston Hiura

THIRD BASE

Gio Urshela vs. TBD, Seattle Mariners
Stadium – T-Mobile Park
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $4,300

The Mariners will use an opener for this game, who will then be followed by Tommy Milone. With Milone set to log multiple innings, this is a great opportunity to deploy a Yankees’ stack. He’s had a few strong outings, but he’s mostly struggled with his 4.95 FIP. One of the more attractive options is Urshela with his .375 wOBA against left-handed pitchers.

Others to consider: Mike Moustakas and Justin Turner

SHORTSTOP

Marcus Semien vs. Brad Keller, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Kauffman Stadium
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $4,800

Semien might not grab a lot of headlines playing for the A’s, but his improvement should not be overlooked. He’s developed an excellent eye at the plate, recording a 14.7 percent strikeout rate to go along with an 11.7 percent walk rate. He also has a career-high .210 ISO. Add in the fact that he actually has better numbers against righties (125 wRC+) than he does lefties (121 wRC+) and he’s one of the top targets at the shortstop position.

Others to consider: Paul DeJong and Jean Segura

OUTFIELD

Aaron Judge vs. TBD, Seattle Mariners
Stadium – T-Mobile Park
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $4,600

It’s crazy to think that the Yankees have played so well based on all of their injuries. Also, Judge has struggled mightily down the stretch. At one point, he had a stretch of 28 games in which he hit just one home run. However, he’s the type of hitter that can produce massive paydays in DFS when he’s hot. He’s cranked things up lately by going deep in three straight games, so he should be on your radar again. He’s especially enticing at his reduced price on DraftKings.

Mark Canha vs. Brad Keller, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Kauffman Stadium
FanDuel = $3,200
DraftKings = $4,800

Entering this season, Canha was mostly a liability against right-handed pitching. He’s done his part in shoring up that aspect of his game, posting a 155 wRC+ against righties. He’s been particularly hot of late, going 16-for-36 (.444) with five home runs during his current nine-game hitting streak. If deploying an A’s stack, be sure to include Canha.

Chris Taylor vs. Eric Lauer, San Diego Padres
Stadium – Petco Park
FanDuel = $2,800
DraftKings = $4,200

After being on the IL for over a month due to a forearm injury, Taylor has gone 7-for-20 (.350) with a home run and two doubles over five games since being activated. He should be in the lineup once again with Lauer on the mound since he has a .356 wOBA versus left-handed pitchers. Lauer isn’t an overpowering force based on his 19.1 percent strikeout rate, leaving Taylor as a cheaper option to target in tournament play.

Others to consider: Christian Yelich and A.J. Pollock

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.