Hitting could reign supreme considering the group of pitchers set to take the mound across baseball Monday. With that being said, there are still a few pitchers in favorable spots to provide value.
Read MoreMLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 8/12/2019
If you’re looking for a night filled with pitcher duels, you won’t find it Monday. While it’s not a light slate, the eight games on the schedule bring a severe lack of quality pitchers.
Read MoreMLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 5/15/2019
Weather shouldn’t be an issue Wednesday for the main evening slate in DFS, which is a relief considering all of the rain that some teams have dealt with recently. With eight games to choose from, we have a nice mix of pitchers and hitters to discuss.
Read MoreMLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 5/9/2019
We don’t have a lot of options to choose from in baseball Thursday with just five games making up the main evening slate in DFS. However, there’s still money to be won, so let’s dive into the viable options that do stand out.
Read MoreMLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 5/7/2019
Tuesday’s 13-game main evening slate in DFS brings a nice mix of choices. There are not only a few pitchers at various price points who could provide value, but there are also some stacks that could pay off in a big way.
Read MoreMLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 5/1/2019
Wednesday’s evening slate in DFS will be dominated by elite starting pitching options. While there are some expensive studs who could shine, there are also some lesser-names that could provide value.
Read MoreMLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 4/3/2019
Wednesday brings a lot of day games across the majors, leaving just five games to choose from for the main evening slate in DFS. While quality pitching options are hard to come by, the night still has plenty of great hitters to choose from.
Read MoreMLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 6/18/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
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There are only 10 games in the majors Monday, but there are still a lot of great options to choose from in DFS. Sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
STARTING PITCHERS
Trevor Bauer vs. Chicago White Sox
Stadium – Progressive Field
FanDuel = $11,200
DraftKings = $12,400
On many other teams, Bauer would be considered a staff ace. He doesn’t get that distinction in Cleveland with Corey Kluber ahead of him, but his 2.69 ERA and 2.32 FIP this year are impressive. His 1.12 WHIP has been a big reason for his success. His .303 BABIP allowed is right in line with his career mark, which makes his hot start even more encouraging for his long-term value. He also has at least 10 strikeouts in five of his last six starts, leading to an 11.6 K/9 overall. He faced these same White Sox in his last start, allowing three runs and recording 12 strikeouts in 7.2 innings. Look for him to have another great game Monday.
Andrew Suarez vs. Miami Marlins
Stadium – AT&T Park
FanDuel = $6,600
DraftKings = $6,800
Suarez’s 4.92 ERA leaves a lot to be desired, but his 3.85 FIP indicates he isn’t pitching that poorly. He has a respectable 1.26 WHIP and an 8.5 K/9, but he’s been done in by a 1.4 HR/9. Most of his struggles have come on the road this season with a 6.18 ERA and a 1.66 WHIP, compared to a 3.55 ERA and a 0.83 WHIP at AT&T Park. Not only does he have the home start working in his favor, but he is also facing a Marlins team that has scored the second-fewest runs (253) and has hit the fewest home runs (56) in baseball. Suarez is a cheap option with upside in tournament play.
CATCHER/FIRST BASE
Evan Gattis vs. Ryne Stanek, Tampa Bay Rays
Stadium – Minute Maid Park
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $4,300
Gattis is on a crazy run right now, hitting 17-for-44 (.386) with six home runs and 21 RBI in his last 11 games. The Astros lineup has been hot as a whole, which helped lead to that lofty RBI total. This will be another bullpen day for the Rays since Stanek has not pitched more than two innings in a game this season. Keeping riding Gattis’ hot bat until he shows signs of slowing down.
Yuli Gurriel vs. Ryne Stanek, Tampa Bay Rays
Stadium – Minute Maid Park
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $3,800
Gurriel was batting only .224 entering May, but he batted .310 that month and has been even better with a .362 average in June. He only has two home runs this season overall, but he does have 13 RBI in his last 14 games with the Astros scoring in bunches. He doesn’t have the upside that Gattis does, but he’s still someone to consider at this reasonable price.
Others to consider: Paul Goldschmidt (first base) Cody Bellinger (first base)
SECOND BASE
Josh Harrison vs. Jhoulys Chacin, Milwaukee Brewers
Stadium – PNC Park
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $3,900
Harrison doesn’t put up flashy numbers, but he’s been a valuable part of the Pirates lineup this season. He’s batting .294 and although he doesn’t hit for a lot of power, he also doesn’t strike out much with a 13.7% strikeout rate. He is batting 15-for-41 (.366) in his last 10 games and has similar numbers against both lefties and righties, so don’t shy away from him because he doesn’t have the platoon advantage against Chacin.
Daniel Descalso vs. Jaime Barria, Los Angeles Angels
Stadium – Angel Stadium
FanDuel = $3,200
DraftKings = $3,900
The Diamondbacks lineup struggled at the start of the season but has really turned things around of late. Descalso has been one of their constants this year, batting .281 with eight home runs. He is swinging at fewer pitches outside of the strike zone and has a 44.4% hard-hit rate, two factors that have been driving forces to his success. He also has a .407 wOBA against right-handed pitchers, making him someone to target against Barria
Others to consider: Jose Altuve and Asdrubal Cabrera
THIRD BASE
Mike Moustakas vs. Bartolo Colon, Texas Rangers
Stadium – Kauffman Stadium
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,900
Colon was pitching surprisingly well to start the season, but opponents had a crazy low BABIP against him and he wasn’t recording many strikeouts, so it was only a matter of time before his numbers started to decline. He’s been destroyed in his last five starts, allowing 25 runs in 23.2 innings. He also allowed 10 home runs during that stretch, setting up a nice matchup for the power-hitting Moustakas.
Adrian Beltre vs. Ian Kennedy, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Kauffman Stadium
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $3,700
Beltre has been bothered by hamstring problems this year, leaving him to play only 42 games. He’s performed well when he has been on the field, batting .326 with a .388 OBP. His power numbers aren’t great, but he has at least two hits in four of his last five starts. Kennedy allows a lot of baserunners and has had equal problems against both lefties and righties, so look for Beltre to continue to swing a hot bat in this game.
Others to consider: Max Muncy and Justin Turner
SHORTSTOP
Carlos Correa vs. Ryne Stanek, Tampa Bay Rays
Stadium – Minute Maid Park
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,800
It’s amazing to think what numbers Correa could have put up last season if he didn’t get hurt. Despite playing only 109 games, he still had 24 home runs and 84 RBI. He also hit a career-high .315, but that was partly aided by his .352 BABIP. His .273 average this year is more in line with his first two seasons in the majors as a result of his BABIP dropping to .318. Like several of the Astros hitters, Correa is playing well right now, hitting 12-for-36 (.333) with three homers in his last nine games.
Jurickson Profar vs. Ian Kennedy, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Kauffman Stadium
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $3,900
Profar is finally getting a chance to play every day with Elvis Andrus (elbow) on the DL. His numbers aren’t great, but with the Rangers buried in the standings, it might be a wise idea for them to continue to find at-bats for him even when Andrus returns. Profar is 7-for-23 (.304) with two home runs during his current five-game hitting streak and is a viable option if you don’t want to pay up for Correa.
Others to consider: Francisco Lindor and Chris Taylor
OUTFIELD
David Peralta vs. Jaime Barria, Los Angeles Angels
Stadium – Angel Stadium
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $4,800
Peralta couldn’t find his way at the plate in May, batting .211 with two home runs. He’s making up for that lack of production in June, batting .350 with seven home runs in 60 at-bats. With a career .370 wOBA against right-handed pitchers, he’s someone you want to target for your entry, especially considering his price on FanDuel.
Joey Gallo vs. Ian Kennedy, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Kauffman Stadium
FanDuel = $2,900
DraftKings = $3,900
Gallo is a risky play because he’s an all-or-nothing hitter. He’s hitting .198 with a 37.1% strikeout rate, but he also has 18 home runs. Kennedy is on pace to allow at least 1.5 HR/9 for the fourth straight season, so this might be the night to take the gamble and roll with Gallo.
Joc Pederson vs. Tyler Chatwood, Chicago Cubs
Stadium – Wrigley Field
FanDuel = $2,800
DraftKings = $4,400
Pederson has had problems striking out in his career, but he’s made significant improvement with just a 14.2% strikeout rate this season. It’s no coincidence that his .276 average is by far the highest of his career. His improved plate discipline hasn’t come at the expense of his power numbers, though, as he still has eight homers and 14 doubles. He also has a .406 wOBA against righties and gets a struggling one in Chatwood on Monday.
Others to consider: Matt Kemp and Lonnie Chisenhall
MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 5/3/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 5/3/18
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Thursday brings a light schedule in baseball with 11 games, most of which start in the afternoon. Sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
STARTING PITCHERS
Patrick Corbin vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Stadium – Chase Field
FanDuel = $10,000
DraftKings = $12,500
Corbin is off to a masterful start this season with a 2.25 ERA, 2.71 FIP, and 0.75 WHIP. He has been somewhat lucky with opponents posting a .222 BABIP, but his 33.7% hard-hit rate allowed is almost spot on with his career mark. The big difference this season has been his increased strikeouts with a 12.4 K/9 compared to an 8.1 K/9 for his career. He’s thrown a first-pitch strike to 68% of the hitters he has faced this season, which is the second-highest mark of his career. He’s already faced the Dodgers once this season, throwing 7.1 shutout innings and recording 12 strikeouts. With the Dodgers missing several key players in their lineup, Corbin could be in line for another strong start Thursday.
Sean Manaea vs. Seattle Mariners
Stadium – Safeco Field
FanDuel = $9,000
DraftKings = $11,200
Manaea has had even better luck than Corbin with opponents recording just a .148 BABIP this year. His numbers are excellent with a 1.03 ERA and 0.62 WHIP through six outings. His K/9 remains on par with his career mark, but he’s cut down on his walks, posting just a 1.4 BB/9 so far. This will be his second start against the Mariners this year after he held them to one earned run with four strikeouts across seven innings in his first outing. If you are playing the night slate, Manaea is one of the best options to consider.
CATCHER/FIRST BASE
Hanley Ramirez vs. Mike Minor, Texas Rangers
Stadium = Globe Life Park in Arlington
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $4,400
The Red Sox have struggled against left-handed pitching this season, posting the second-lowest OPS (.619) against them in baseball. Ramirez is one of the few Red Sox that is having success against them this season with a .374 wOBA. Look for him to take advantage of Minor, who has allowed a .355 wOBA to righties in the early going.
Matt Adams vs. Trevor Williams, Pittsburgh Pirates
Stadium – Nationals Park
FanDuel = $2,900
DraftKings = $3,800
With the Nationals lineup riddled with injuries, Adams has proven to be an important part of their team. He’s mashed three home runs in his last two games and has a 1.111 OPS so far this season. Williams has a 2.29 ERA this year, but his 5.9 K/9 and opponents posting just a .222 BABIP doesn’t exactly bode well for his continued success. If you need to save money at first base, Adams is someone to consider in tournament play.
Others to consider: Albert Pujols (first base) and Kurt Suzuki (catcher)
SECOND BASE
Ozzie Albies vs. Jason Vargas, New York Mets
Stadium – Citi Field
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $5,000
Albies is doing it all for the Braves and now has a prime spot hitting leadoff in their lineup. With Ronald Acuna Jr. and Freddie Freeman providing him with protection, he is an excellent position to produce. He finished with a .396 wOBA against lefties last year and sits at a staggering .716 wOBA against them this season, so don’t hesitate to add him to your lineup against Vargas.
Ian Kinsler vs. Chris Tillman, Baltimore Orioles
Stadium – Angel Stadium
FanDuel = $3,200
DraftKings = $3,700
Don’t get too excited about Tillman’s last start where he threw seven shutout innings as it came against one of the worst offenses in baseball in the Tigers. He had allowed at least four earned runs in each of his first four starts while recording only eight total strikeouts. Kinsler has batted .286 with two home runs in 31 career plate appearances against Tillman, making him a viable option Thursday.
Others to consider: Jed Lowrie and Asdrubal Cabrera
THIRD BASE
Matt Chapman vs. Wade LeBlanc, Seattle Mariners
Stadium – Safeco Field
FanDuel = $3,400
DraftKings = $4,100
Chapman has slowed down after his hot start, going 3-for-22 in his last six games. He’s hitting the ball hard with a 45% hard-hit rate, but he’s not the type of player who is going to hit for a high average. He does have loads of power and has a .346 wOBA against lefties in his brief Major League career, so he could break out of his slump against the underwhelming LeBlanc on Thursday.
Luis Valbuena vs. Chris Tillman, Baltimore Orioles
Stadium – Angel Stadium
FanDuel = $2,800
DraftKings = $3,300
Valbuena is a cost-effective option to target against right-handed pitching because even though he had an unsightly 15 wRC+ against lefties last year, he was much better against righties with a 104 wRC+. He also has excellent numbers in his career against Tillman, batting .364 with a home run in 13 plate appearances.
Others to consider: Jeimer Candelario and Colin Moran
SHORTSTOP
Carlos Correa vs. Masahiro Tanaka, New York Yankees
Stadium – Minute Maid Park
FanDuel =$4,200
DraftKings = $4,900
Tanaka can be a tough pitcher to gauge as he doesn’t seem to have much of a middle ground. This season has been a prime example of that with him allowing one earned run each in three of his six starts, but allowing at least five earned runs in two of his other outings. Home runs tend to be his issue, allowing a 1.8 HR/9 last year. Correa is hitting .316 with two home runs in 20 career plate appearances against Tanaka, so he might be worth the risk even considering his high price tag.
Marcus Semien vs. Wade LeBlanc, Seattle Mariners
Stadium – Safeco Field
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $4,200
Semien has been consistent of late, getting at least one hit in nine of his last 10 games. His .356 BABIP means a regression in his batting average may be on the horizon, but it might not start Thursday against the LeBlanc, who will be making his first start in the majors since 2016. Semien also has a career. 344 wOBA against left-handed pitchers compared to .299 against righties.
Others to consider: Manny Machado and Andrelton Simmons
OUTFIELD
A.J. Pollock vs. Alex Wood, Los Angeles Dodgers
Stadium – Chase Field
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $5,500
Pollack was limited to just 112 games due to injury last year, but he still managed to hit 14 home runs to go along with 20 steals. He’s off to an even better start this season, batting .300 with 10 home runs and seven steals. His .311 BABIP is actually a little lower than his career mark, so there’s no reason to believe he can’t keep hitting for a high average. His power numbers are likely unsustainable as they have largely been buoyed by a 44% hard-hit that that is almost 10 percent higher than what he has averaged over the course of his career. With a .421 average to go along with two home runs and three doubles across 19 plate appearances against Wood in his career, look for a productive day from Pollock.
Ronald Acuna Jr. vs. Jason Vargas, New York Mets
Stadium – Citi Field
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $4,300
One of the elite prospects in all of baseball, Acuna appears to be in the majors to stay after his hot start, logging at least two hits in four of seven games since being called up. He’s shown excellent power as well, hitting one home run and five doubles. Vargas doesn’t exactly have an overpowering pitch arsenal with a career 6.0 K/9, so expect big things from Acuna in this contest.
Mark Canha vs. Wade LeBlanc, Seattle Mariners
Stadium – Safeco Field
FanDuel = $3,400
DraftKings = $3,800
A career .242 hitter, Canha has far exceeded expectations this season with a .391 average. His .375 BABIP won’t hold, but he has shown he can hit for power in the minors. He has mashed left-handed pitchers this season with a 240 wRC+ and with LeBlanc not exactly having overpowering stuff, Canha could continue his hot streak Thursday.
Others to consider: Mike Trout and Corey Dickerson
MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 4/17/18
Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 4/17/18
Earlybird special! Use Code PAMLB10 at checkout
The weather doesn’t seem like it will be a big issue in baseball Tuesday, which should hopefully leave us with a full night of options in DFS. Sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
STARTING PITCHERS
Patrick Corbin vs. San Francisco Giants
Stadium – Chase Field
FanDuel = $9,500
DraftKings = $9,800
Corbin is off to an excellent start this season, posting a 2.45 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and 14.2 K/9 through three starts. He’s never had a K/9 above 8.4 and has a career WHIP of 1.34, so he is likely in line for some regression across the board as the season wears on. However, Tuesday brings an excellent matchup against a bad Giants lineup that has scored the second-fewest runs (49) in baseball this season. Although both Corey Kluber and Shohei Ohtani are taking the mound Tuesday, Corbin could provide similarly excellent results at a more reasonable price.
Yonny Chirinos vs. Texas Rangers
Stadium – Tropicana Field
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $4,700
Chirinos has been one of the pitchers the Rays have thrown out first on their “bullpen days”, but he’s pitched so well that he’s made a case to be in the starting rotation moving forward. In 14.1 innings this season, he has yet to allow a run and has a sparkling 0.70 WHIP. His K/9 isn’t great at 7.5, but he’s shown excellent control with a 1.3 BB/9. He’s obviously going to give up a run at some point and has been a bit lucky with opponents posting a .222 BABIP, but he’ll face a Rangers lineup Tuesday that is missing Elvis Andrus (elbow), Rougned Odor (hamstring) and Delino DeShields Jr. (hand). At this price, Chirinos might be worth the risk in tournament play.
CATCHER/FIRST BASE
Yasmani Grandal vs. Bryan Mitchell, San Diego Padres
Stadium – Petco Park
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $3,600
The Padres have a lot of young promising players, but Mitchell is not one of them. Brought over in a trade from the Yankees to help fill out their rotation, Mitchell has been awful through three starts. Not only does he have a 6.64 FIP, but he has only three strikeouts compared to 14 walks. He doesn’t have overpowering stuff by any means, making Grandal a great option for your entry considering the hot bat he is swinging as well.
C.J. Cron vs. Matt Moore, Texas Rangers
Stadium – Tropicana Field
FanDuel = $2,800
DraftKings = $2,800
Moore has been almost as bad as Mitchell, recording an 8.76 ERA and 2.11 WHIP through three starts. Opponents are squaring him up well with a 44.7% hard-hit rate after he allowed a career-high 34.7% hard-hit rate in 2017. Cron is a better hitter against lefties, finishing with a .331 wOBA against them last year. If you’re looking to save money at the position. Cron is a viable option.
Others to consider: Cody Bellinger (first base) and Joey Votto (first base)
SECOND BASE
Jed Lowrie vs. Miguel Gonzalez, Chicago White Sox
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $3,900
Lowrie is off to a scorching start this season, batting .343 with four home runs and 14 RBI. His BABIP sits at .392, so expect that to come down close to his career mark of .296 at some point in the near future. He could keep his hot streak going for at least one more game Tuesday though, in a favorable matchup against Gonzalez, who only has a career 6.3 K/9. Lowrie also hits right-handers well, finishing with a 123 wRC+ against them in 2017.
Jonathan Villar vs. Sal Romano, Cincinnati Reds
Stadium – Miller Park
FanDuel = $2,800
DraftKings = $3,000
After a breakout 2016 campaign, Villar came crashing back to Earth last year hitting .241 with a .293 OBP. His .373 BABIP from 2016 dropped to .330 last season, which was a big reason for his decline in production. He’s shown improvement with a .273 average in the early going and will get to bat from his stronger side of the plate against the righty Romano on Tuesday, who has struggled with a 1.50 WHIP in his brief Major League career.
Others to consider: Jose Altuve and Ian Kinsler
THIRD BASE
Kris Bryant vs. Adam Wainwright, St. Louis Cardinals
Stadium – Wrigley Field
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,100
Bryant is not only batting .352 this season, but he has more walks (10) than strikeouts (eight). He’ll face Wainwright on Tuesday who is a shell of his former self, posting an ERA of at least 4.62 and a WHIP of at least 1.40 in both of the last two seasons. He hasn’t been any better in 2018, recording 5.06 ERA and 1.50 WHIP through two starts.
Travis Shaw vs. Sal Romano, Cincinnati Reds
Stadium – Miller Park
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $4,100
Shaw is off to a bit of a slow start, hitting only .266 through the first 16 games of the season. He has just a 23.5% hard-hit rate, which is significantly lower than his career mark of 33.7%. Facing Romano might be just what he needs to jump-start his bat since he had a .373 wOBA against right-handers in 2017.
Others to consider: Todd Frazier and Matt Carpenter
SHORTSTOP
Carlos Correa vs. Ariel Miranda, Seattle Mariners
Stadium – Safeco Field
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,800
Miranda is making his first start of the season after finishing with a 5.12 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 7.7 K/9 in 2017. He wasn’t a big strikeout pitcher in the minors either with a career 8.3 K/9. Correa’s 187 wRC+ against left-handed pitching ranked inside the top-15 in the majors last year, leaving him as an excellent option to consider Tuesday.
Corey Seager vs. Bryan Mitchell, San Diego Padres
Stadium – Petco Park
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $4,200
Seager is batting just .200 so far this season, but he has been victimized by a .224 BABIP. A lot of that could be because he is not hitting the ball hard, posting a 28% hard-hit rate compared to his career mark of 41.4%. However, with Mitchell’s struggles and lack of an overpowering pitch arsenal, this could be a breakout performance from Seager.
Others to consider: Zack Cozart and Marcus Semien
OUTFIELD
George Springer vs. Ariel Miranda, Seattle Mariners
Stadium – Safeco Field
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,700
Springer’s bat is starting to heat up, collecting at least two hits in three of his last four games. He hit for excellent power over that stretch as well, slugging three home runs. Like Correa, Springer also excels against left-handed pitching, posting a 165 wRC+ against them in 2017.
Dexter Fowler vs. Tyler Chatwood, Chicago Cubs
Stadium – Wrigley Field
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $3,600
After being limited to just 118 games due to injury last year, Fowler is not off to the kind of fresh start he hoped for with a .183 average. You might be able to take advantage of his reduced price Tuesday though against Chatwood, who allowed a .360 wOBA to left-handers last year. The switch-hitting Fowler is better against righties, finishing with a wOBA of at least .363 against them in both of the last two seasons.
Matt Joyce vs. Miguel Gonzalez, Chicago White Sox
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $2,900
DraftKings = $3,100
Joyce is someone you normally want to target as a cost-effective outfield option against right-handed pitching since he has a .351 wOBA against them in his career. This season has been no different as he has a .362 wOBA versus lefties in his first 17 games. Lefties were able to finish with a .360 wOBA against Gonzalez in 2017, making Joyce an excellent option once again Tuesday.
Others to consider: Charlie Blackmon and Jose Pirela