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 4/1/2019
Welcome to our first daily fantasy baseball article of the season. We have 13 games across the majors on Monday, nine of which will make up the main evening slate. Let’s dive into the matchups to see which players stand out as having favorable opportunities to be productive.
Read MoreMLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 8/31/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
August special! Use Code MCMLB50 at checkout
This will be our last baseball DFS article for the season. Hopefully, we’ve been able to help you turn a profit over the long grind. Let’s finish things on a high note and bring home some money Friday. 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
Zack Wheeler vs. San Francisco Giants
Stadium – AT&T Park
FanDuel = $10,000
DraftKings = $10,600
Wheeler has been fantastic of late, allowing two runs or fewer in seven straight starts. He has excellent numbers, overall, with a 3.46 ERA that is supported by a 3.31 FIP. He does a great job limiting baserunners with a 1.21 WHIP and has only allowed 12 home runs across 153.1 innings. Last year, he allowed 15 homers in only 86.1 innings. Facing the Giants earlier this month, Wheeler allowed one run and recorded 10 strikeouts across seven innings. The Giants recently lost Buster Posey for the season due to injury and just traded away Andrew McCutchen, so an already thin lineup is now even worse. Wheeler could be in line for a dominant performance.
Austin Gomber vs. Cincinnati Reds
Stadium – Busch Stadium
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $7,700
Gomber had very good numbers at Triple-A, posting a 3.42 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and a 10.0 K/9. He’s mostly pitched out of the bullpen for the Cardinals, but he’ll be making his sixth straight start Friday. He’s actually been better as a starter this season, recording a 2.51 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and an 8.4 K/9 across six outings. One of those starts came against these same Reds when he held them to two runs and recorded six strikeouts over 6.1 innings. If you want to take a chance on a cheap starting pitcher in tournament play, Gomber might be your man.
CATCHER/FIRST BASE
Tyler White vs. Jaime Barria, Los Angeles Angels
Stadium – Minute Maid Park
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $4,400
White kept up his torrid pace Thursday, finishing the game 2-for-4 with a home run. He has logged at least two hits and a home in three of his last four games. Barria’s 3.67 ERA looks nice, but he hasn’t pitched that well based on his 4.58 FIP. Even though he is right-handed, Barria has actually struggled more against righties (.392 wOBA) than he has lefties (.262 wOBA).
Yadier Molina vs. Homer Bailey, Cincinnati Reds
Stadium – Busch Stadium
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $4,000
The Cardinals are going to be a popular stack against Bailey. He’s having another awful season, posting a 6.17 ERA and a 1.62 FIP. He’s also allowed 21 home runs in just 96.1 innings. Molina has great numbers against Bailey in his career, hitting 19-for-47 (.404) with three home runs.
Others to consider: Matt Carpenter (first base) and Wilson Ramos (catcher)
SECOND BASE
Daniel Murphy vs. Nick Pivetta, Philadelphia Phillies
Stadium – Citizens Bank Park
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $4,300
Although the Cubs seemed to have a lot of depth already, acquiring Murphy could prove to be a crucial move. He’s been excellent since joining the team, hitting .306 with two home runs and two doubles over eight games. Murphy has a .372 wOBA against right-handed pitchers and while Pivetta does record a lot of strikeouts, he’s allowed a .354 wOBA against lefties.
Yoan Moncada vs. Nathan Eovaldi, Boston Red Sox
Stadium – Guaranteed Rate Field
FanDuel = $3,100
DraftKings = $4,100
Eovaldi started out his Red Sox career on a high note, but he’s allowed 21 runs (14 earned) over 17 innings in his last four starts. He didn’t exactly face juggernaut lineups either with three of those starts coming against the Orioles, Phillies, and Rays. Moncada strikes out a ton, but he still has plenty of power with 16 home runs and 23 doubles. He’s also a much better hitter against righties, possibly making him a target in tournament play.
Others to consider: Travis Shaw and DJ LeMahieu
THIRD BASE
Jurickson Profar vs. Stephen Gonsalves, Minnesota Twins
Stadium – Globe Life Park in Arlington
FanDuel = $3,400
DraftKings = $4,100
With the Rangers battling injuries much of the season and falling out of contention early, Profar has already played a career-high 119 games. His numbers aren’t off the charts, but he’s been excellent at home, batting .277 with a .900 OPS. Gonsalves has been hit hard in his first two outings for the Twins and things won’t get any easier for him having to pitch in hitter-friendly Globe Life Park in Arlington.
Todd Frazier vs. Andrew Suarez, San Francisco Giants
Stadium – AT&T Park
FanDuel = $3,000
DraftKings = $4,200
Frazier has come on strong down the stretch, batting .265 with six home runs and five doubles in August. His .500 slugging percentage for the month is by far his best power stretch of the season. Suarez has allowed 18 home runs this season, 17 of which were to right-handed hitters.
Others to consider: Mike Moustakas and Matt Chapman
SHORTSTOP
Paul DeJong vs. Homer Bailey, Cincinnati Reds
Stadium – Busch Stadium
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $4,100
After going on a power surge earlier in August, DeJong has just one home run over his last 14 games. He has 14 for the season overall, but that’s a disappointment considering he hit 25 long balls in only 108 games last year. He’s not exactly swinging a hot bat, in general, with a .191 average in August. However, with the struggling Bailey on the mound, DeJong might be a contrarian play who could pay dividends in tournament play.
Amed Rosario vs. Andrew Suarez, San Francisco Giants
Stadium – AT&T Park
FanDuel = $2,900
DraftKings = $3,500
Rosario has been dreadful hitting at Citi Field, batting just .205 with a .326 slugging percentage. He’s been a much better hitter on the road, though, recording a .292 batting average and a .416 slugging percentage. While he doesn’t carry much homer upside, he’s cheap enough on both sites to at least warrant consideration for your entry. Suarez has allowed a .362 wOBA against right-handed hitters as well.
Others to consider: Gleyber Torres and Elvis Andrus
OUTFIELD
Carlos Gonzalez vs. Brett Kennedy, San Diego Padres
Stadium – Petco Park
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $5,100
Gonzalez has quietly had a very strong campaign, batting .292 with 15 home runs and 26 doubles. He’s trying to help the Rockies make a push for the playoffs, batting .322 with a .932 OPS since July 1. Kennedy hasn’t lasted more than five innings in any of his previous four starts and has a 1.95 WHIP during that stretch, so this has the makings of a high-scoring game for Gonzalez and the Rockies.
Tyler O’Neill vs. Homer Bailey, Cincinnati Reds
Stadium – Busch Stadium
FanDuel = $3,200
DraftKings = $4,600
With the Cardinals thin in their outfield due to injuries, O’Neill is finally getting a chance to play every day. He’s provided them with plenty of power, hitting four home runs across his last eight games. He has a .521 slugging percentage for the season overall, leaving him as a great option against Bailey.
Harrison Bader vs. Homer Bailey, Cincinnati Reds
Stadium – Busch Stadium
FanDuel = $2,800
DraftKings = $3,900
Bader has also been forced into more playing time, showing a nice mix of power and speed with 10 home runs and 12 stolen bases. He’s had by far his best stretch of the season in August, batting .303 with four homers, eight doubles, and three steals. If you want to go with a Cardinals stack, he’s one of their better cheap hitters to consider.
Others to consider: Christian Yelich and Trey Mancini
MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 8/27/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
August special! Use Code MCMLB50 at checkout
There are only seven games across the majors on Monday, leaving you with far fewer options to choose from than normal 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 – AT&T Park
FanDuel = $11,100
DraftKings = $11,500
Corbin has fooled a lot of hitters this season, producing a 15.0% swinging-strike rate and an 11.0 K/9. His 3.17 ERA would be the best mark of his career, but it could actually be even better considering his 2.37 FIP. He’s only issued 2.2 BB/9 and has allowed 11 home runs across 161.2 innings, which has helped him allow fewer than four runs in 20 of his 26 starts. He’s already made five starts against the Giants this year, posting a 2.20 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, and a 10.2 K/9 across those outings. Expect him to have plenty of upside again Monday.
Jon Lester vs. New York Mets
Stadium – Wrigley Field
FanDuel = $8,200
DraftKings = $8,200
Lester appears to have turned things around after a brief rough patch, allowing one run and recording 11 strikeouts over 11.2 innings in his last two starts. His 3.64 ERA overall is a big improvement from last year, but his 4.74 FIP indicates he hasn’t actually pitched much better. One area of concern has been his lack of strikeouts. His 8.3% swinging-strike rate is his lowest mark since 2008, resulting in just a 7.2 K/9. Even taking all of that into consideration, he’s still a viable option against the Mets in tournament play because they have the third-lowest OPS against left-handed pitchers (.649) in baseball.
CATCHER/FIRST BASE
Kendrys Morales vs. David Hess, Baltimore Orioles
Stadium – Oriole Park at Camden Yards
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $5,000
Morales is on an incredible run right now as he has hit at least one home run in seven straight games. He’s not just hitting for power, though, going 17-for-34 during his current 10-game hitting streak. This is a major mismatch against Hess and his 6.11 FIP.
Justin Smoak vs. David Hess. Baltimore Orioles
Stadium – Oriole Park at Camden Yards
FanDuel = $3,200
DraftKings = $4,200
Smoak has a career-high 14.0% walk rate this year, but he hasn’t been able to build off of his .270 batting average in 2017, hitting just .249 this season. He likely won’t match the 38 home runs he hit either, but he’s still provided significant power with 19 homers and 32 doubles. He has a .369 wOBA against righties, making him another great option against Hess.
Others to consider: Tyler White (first base) and Danny Jansen (catcher)
SECOND BASE
DJ LeMahieu vs. Odrisamer Despaigne, Los Angeles Angels
Stadium – Angel Stadium
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $4,200
This would be a much sweeter matchup if this game was being played in Coors Field, but the Rockies will likely still be a popular stack against Despaigne. Despaigne has mostly pitched in the minors this season and didn’t stand out with a 4.47 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP. His first two starts with the Angels have not gone well, allowing eight runs over eight innings. LeMahieu has largely had a disappointing season, but he’s coming on strong down the stretch by hitting .340 across his last 13 games.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. vs. David Hess, Baltimore Orioles
Stadium – Oriole Park at Camden Yards
FanDuel = $2,600
DraftKings = $4,300
Gurriel was on a crazy streak of 11 straight multi-hit games before landing on the DL with an ankle injury. He missed almost a month of action and although he only has one hit in three games since being activated, he did reach base in all three contests. Hess allows plenty of baserunners with his 1.40 WHIP, which could leave Gurriel in line for a productive evening. His price is a little high on DraftKings, but he’s a great target in tournament play on FanDuel.
Others to consider: Jose Altuve and Jonathan Villar
THIRD BASE
Alex Bregman vs. Brett Anderson, Oakland Athletics
Stadium – Minute Maid Park
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $5,400
Bregman is quietly one of the best hitters in baseball. He already has 24 home runs and 40 doubles to go along with a .283 average, but maybe his most impressive stat is that he has more walks (75) than strikeouts (68). Add in his 163 wRC+ against left-handed pitching and he could be a troublesome out for Anderson.
Eduardo Escobar vs. Chris Stratton, San Francisco Giants
Stadium – AT&T Park
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $4,200
Stratton was excellent in his last start against the Mets, holding them to two runs across 6.1 innings. However, that was more than likely because of his opponent than anything else. He had allowed 19 runs over 12.2 innings in his previous three starts and has a bloated 1.52 WHIP overall. If you don’t want to pay up for Bregman, Escobar could also provide plenty of value based on his .365 wOBA against righties.
Others to consider: Miguel Andujar and Anthony Rendon
SHORTSTOP
Trevor Story vs. Odrisamer Despaigne, Los Angels Angels
Stadium – Angel Stadium
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $4,600
Story on the road against a righty is not normally a matchup you want to take advantage of. He has received a significant boost from Coors Field, but that can be said for many of the hitters on the Rockies. He still has excellent power upside with 26 home runs and 36 doubles, so don’t necessarily overlook him against Despaigne.
Aledmys Diaz vs. David Hess, Baltimore Orioles
Stadium – Oriole Park at Camden Yards
FanDuel = $3,200
DraftKings = $4,200
Diaz posted a .510 slugging percentage during his rookie season in 2016 but regressed significantly to a .392 slugging percentage last year. No longer with the Cardinals, Diaz has rediscovered his power stroke with the Blue Jays, recording 16 home runs and 18 doubles over 333 at-bats. He enters Monday with at least one hit in seven of his last eight games and is batting .282 in August, overall.
Others to consider: Gleyber Torres and Trea Turner
OUTFIELD
David Peralta vs. Chris Stratton, San Francisco Giants
Stadium – AT&T Park
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $5,500
Peralta is showing no signs of slowing down, batting .395 with nine home runs in August. He’s already blown by his previous career high with 25 home runs this year while maintaining an excellent .304 average. With his 159 wRC+ against righties, he’s someone to build around in what could be a productive Diamondbacks stack.
Billy McKinney vs. David Hess, Baltimore Orioles
Stadium – Oriole Park at Camden Yards
FanDuel = $2,800
DraftKings = $3,900
McKinney was buried on the Yankees depth chart in their loaded outfield, but he’s getting a chance to play after being traded to the Blue Jays. It’s only been eight games, but he’s taken advantage of his opportunity by going 9-for-23 with three home runs. The former first-round pick may never live up to lofty expectations, but he’s still only 23 years old. He doesn’t cost much on either site and is a great cheap option to plug into any Blue Jays stack against Hess.
David Dahl vs. Odrisamer Despaigne, Los Angeles Angels
Stadium – Angel Stadium
FanDuel = $2,700
DraftKings = $4,800
Dahl has played well in the minor leagues with a .306 batting average and a .508 slugging percentage for his career, but he’s had a hard time earning an everyday role with the Rockies. He was finally recalled at the beginning of August and is starting to pay dividends, hitting .289 with two homers and three doubles over his last nine games. His price on DraftKings is a bit high, but he’s someone to target on FanDuel in tournament play at the very least.
Others to consider: A.J. Pollock and Carlos Gonzalez
MLB Fantasy Baseball Schedule Analysis for Week 23
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
August special! Use Code MCMLB50 at checkout
As we shift to NFL DFS coverage next week on Lineup Lab, this will be the last starting pitching schedule analysis article for the season. Hopefully, these articles have helped you be successful in your league. Let’s end things on a high note. Here are some starters who will each start two games in the week ahead that you should either target or avoid for your lineup.
Starters With Favorable Matchups
Carlos Carrasco, Cleveland Indians: vs. MIN, vs. TB
Carrasco’s last start didn’t go well as he allowed six runs (five earned) across 3.2 innings. It came against the Red Sox in Fenway Park, so don’t be overly concerned. He was dealing heading into that outing, allowing three runs or fewer in eight straight starts. Not only does he have a lofty 10.2 K/9, but he’s shown excellent control by issuing 1.8 BB/9. The end result has been a 1.13 WHIP and a 3.55 ERA that is supported by an even stronger 3.10 FIP. The Twins have only averaged 3.9 runs across their last 10 games and the Rays haven’t had as much success on the road (.712 OPS) as they have a home (.737 OPS), potentially setting up Carrasco for a dominant week.
Jon Lester, Chicago Cubs: vs. NYM, at PHI
Lester appears to have turned things around after a brief rough stretch, allowing one run and recording 11 strikeouts across 11.2 innings in his last two starts. His 3.64 ERA overall is a big improvement from last year, but his 4.74 FIP certainly instills less confidence. One area of concern has been his lack of strikeouts. His 8.3% swinging-strike rate is his lowest mark since 2008, resulting in just a 7.2 K/9. With that being said, he still could be very productive this week. Both the Mets and Phillies have an OPS against left-handed pitchers that are in the bottom-third of baseball.
Lance Lynn, New York Yankees: vs. CWS, vs. DET
Lynn started off strong with the Yankees, allowing one run across 16.2 innings in his first three appearances. He pitched so well in his first outing out of the bullpen that he quickly replaced Sonny Gray in their rotation. His last two starts have been rough, allowing 10 runs over 9.1 innings. The good news is he struck out 11 batters during those two games, helping boost his K/9 for the season to 9.3. His first start for the Yankee came against these same White Sox and he responded with nine strikeouts in 7.1 scoreless innings. With the White Sox and the Tigers both in the bottom-third of the league in runs scored, Lynn could be in line for a couple of rebound performances. He is still available in 55% of Yahoo! leagues.
Brian Johnson, Boston Red Sox: vs. MIA, at CWS
With the Red Sox dealing with injuries, Johnson has been elevated into their starting rotation. He’s made 10 starts so far, posting a 3.63 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and an 8.0 K/9. He’s had some rough opponents of late, facing the Yankees, Indians and Blue Jays in three of his last four starts. Things look much more favorable for him in Week 23 since both the Marlins and the White Sox are in the bottom-third of baseball in terms of OPS against left-handed pitching. If you’re looking for a viable streaming option, Johnson is still available in 93% of Yahoo! leagues.
Starters to Avoid
Kyle Gibson, Minnesota Twins: at CLE, at TEX
After posting an ERA of exactly 5.07 in both of the last two seasons, Gibson has been much improved this year with a 3.63 ERA. One of the keys to his success has been his 1.29 WHIP, which is significantly below his 1.41 career mark. He hasn’t been as good in August, though, with a 4.56 ERA and a 1.73 WHIP. He gets two tough opponents in Week 23 based on the Indians and Rangers both being in the top-five in home OPS. You may have leaned on Gibson many times this season, but this might be the time to keep him on your bench.
Carlos Rodon, Chicago White Sox: at NYY, vs. BOS
Rodon has been excellent of late, allowing two runs or fewer in seven on his last eight starts. He has a sparkling 2.71 ERA for the season, but he’s been somewhat lucky based on his 4.27 FIP and incredibly low .206 BABIP allowed. His 7.2 K/9 is also the lowest mark of his career, although his 9.5% swinging-strike rate isn’t too far off from his career average. He’ll have to face the two juggernauts in the AL East in Week 23 and even though the Yankees are missing some key bats, I’d still shy away from putting Rodon into your lineup.
Ivan Nova, Pittsburgh Pirates: at STL, at ATL
If there is one thing you can count on with Nova, it’s that he’s not going to walk many hitters. He’s only issued 1.8 BB/9, which would be his third-straight season of under two walks per nine innings. While that certainly helps his cause, he doesn’t have an overpowering arsenal with just an 8.7% swinging-strike rate and a 6.2 K/9. Facing the Cardinals is no easy task as they have averaged 5.9 runs across their last 10 games. The Braves are also in the top-10 in runs scored overall, so don’t even think about streaming Nova.
MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 8/23/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
August special! Use Code MCMLB50 at checkout
With only four games making up the main evening slate in DFS, there are far fewer options to choose from than normal for your entry Thursday. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t end the night a winner. 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
Cole Hamels vs. Cincinnati Reds
Stadium – Wrigley Field
FanDuel = $9,200
DraftKings = $10,400
To say Hamels has pitched well since joining the Cubs is an understatement. In his first four starts since being traded, Hamels has a 0.72 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, and an 8.3 K/9. While that ERA is obviously unsustainable, his 2.40 FIP supports his improved performance. He really struggled at Globe Life Park in Arlington as a member of the Rangers, so it’s not all that surprising that the change of scenery has boosted his value. On a night with very limited pitching options, Hamels stands out as one of the top choices.
Tyler Glasnow vs. Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Tropicana Field
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $8,400
After spending most of this season in the Pirates bullpen, the Rays have done a nice job building Glasnow back up to start. His pitch count has increased in each of his four outings with the Rays, topping out at 94 pitches in his most recent start. He shouldn’t have any limitations going forward. He provides excellent strikeout upside with an 11.6 K/9 and he’s shown improved control with a 2.9 BB/9 since being traded. The Royals have scored the fewest runs (463) in baseball, leaving Glasnow with the potential to provide significant value at this cheap price.
CATCHER/FIRST BASE
Freddie Freeman vs. Elieser Hernandez, Miami Marlins
Stadium – Marlins Park
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $5,000
There are two stacks that stand out Thursday with the Braves being one of them. Hernandez has mostly pitched in relief this season with only five starts in his 26 appearances. He has struggled with a 5.08 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP, overall. He doesn’t strike out many hitters, either, with a 6.2 K/9. With Freeman’s .401 OBP this year, expect him to be on base plenty of times in this game.
Joe Mauer vs. Trevor Cahill, Oakland Athletics
Stadium – Target Field
FanDuel = $3,100
DraftKings = $3,800
Cahill has done a great job for the Athletics this season, but most of his success has come at home, where he has a 0.85 ERA and a 0.76 WHIP. However, he’s been hammered on the road with a 6.62 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP. Mauer doesn’t have much power upside, but he is batting .343 with a .410 OBP across his last 10 games.
Others to consider: J.T. Realmuto (catcher)
SECOND BASE
Jed Lowrie vs. Kohl Stewart, Minnesota Twins
Stadium – Target Field
FanDuel = $3,400
DraftKings = $4,900
The other stacking opportunity that stands out is the Athletics against Stewart. They have a .706 OPS at home, but their .804 OPS on the road is the highest in baseball. Stewart has pitched at both Double-A and Triple-A this season, recording a 4.47 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP combined across both levels. In two starts with the Twins, he’s allowed six runs and recorded only three strikeouts across seven innings. The switch-hitting Lowrie has a .370 wOBA against righties this year.
Ozzie Albies vs. Elieser Hernandez, Miami Marlins
Stadium – Marlins Park
FanDuel = $3,400
DraftKings = $4,500
Albies has had a rough month of August by batting only .235 with one home run. After he slugged 14 home runs in his first 56 games this season, he has just seven homers across his last 66 contests. He has had better success against left-handed pitching this year, but Albies has a .517 slugging percentage on the road compared to .423 at home. He’s someone to consider with Hernandez on the mound, although Lowrie would be my first choice at second base.
Others to consider: Daniel Murphy
THIRD BASE
Matt Chapman vs. Kohl Stewart, Minnesota Twins
Stadium – Target Field
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $4,600
Chapman has shown an improved eye at the plate this year, reducing his strikeout rate from 28.3% in 2017 to 23.0% this season. He’s still hitting for plenty of power, too, with 17 home runs and 30 doubles across 407 at-bats. Chapman has actually hit better against right-handed pitchers (.378 wOBA) than he has lefties (.348 wOBA), so he could prove to be a tough out for Stewart.
Brian Anderson vs. Sean Newcomb, Atlanta Braves
Stadium – Marlins Park
FanDuel = $2,900
DraftKings = $3,500
After an excellent start to his season, Newcomb has a 6.00 ERA and a 1.60 WHIP since July 1. He has an 11.3% walk rate and a 21.7% strikeout rate for the year, but he has a 12.6% walk rate and a 17.4% strikeout rate since his struggles began. Anderson could be worth considering in tournament play since he has a .349 wOBA against lefties and is 5-for-10 with two walks against Newcomb in his career.
Others to consider: Johan Camargo
SHORTSTOP
Javier Baez vs. Anthony DeSclafani, Cincinnati Reds
Stadium – Wrigley Field
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $4,700
Baez has at least two hits in three straight games and has eight multi-hit performances so far in August. He’s made a case to be considered for the NL MVP award as he is batting .292 with 26 home runs, 92 RBI, and 20 steals. He has fairly similar numbers against both lefties and righties, so don’t shy away from using him Thursday just because he doesn’t have the platoon advantage against DeSclafani.
Jorge Polanco vs. Trevor Cahill, Oakland Athletics
Stadium – Target Field
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $3,900
Polanco quietly had a productive 2017 campaign with 13 home runs, 74 RBI and 13 steals across 488 at-bats. He didn’t play his first game this season until July due to suspension, but he’s provided the same sort of production with three home runs, 25 RBI and four steals in 173 at-bats. He has just a 34 wRC+ against lefties this year, but he’s been far more successful with a 137 wRC+ against righties.
Others to consider: Marcus Semien
OUTFIELD
Khris Davis vs. Kohl Stewart, Minnesota Twins
Stadium – Target Field
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $5,700
Davis has put the Athletics on his back as they make a push for the playoffs, hitting .313 with 18 home runs and 10 doubles since July 1. He has hit four home runs in his last four games and is one of the most dangerous power hitters in baseball when he’s locked in like this. He’s pricey, but he also has one of the highest upsides of anyone playing Thursday due to this matchup against Stewart.
Max Kepler vs. Trevor Cahill, Oakland Athletics
Stadium – Target Field
FanDuel = $3,200
DraftKings = $3,900
Kepler has struggled to hit for average again this season, but he’s managed to hit 17 home runs and 26 doubles. He’s been terrible with a .197 average and a .640 OPS on the road, but he has a .275 average and a .886 OPS at home. He doesn’t cost much on either site and could provide value when you combine his success at home with Cahill’s struggles on the road.
Stephen Piscotty vs. Kohl Stewart, Minnesota Twins
Stadium – Target Field
FanDuel = $2,500
DraftKings = $3,900
Piscotty is coming off of a productive three-game series against the Rangers where he finished 6-for-13 with a home run and two doubles. He has already tied his career-high with 35 doubles this year and has chipped in 16 homers as well. He has similar numbers against both lefties and righties, making him one of the better cheap options if you are going with an Athletics stack.
Others to consider: Ronald Acuna Jr. and Ender Inciarte
MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 8/16/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
August special! Use Code MCMLB50 at checkout
There are a lot of bad pitchers scheduled to take the mound Thursday, which should lead to plenty of offense for 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
Clay Buchholz vs. San Diego Padres
Stadium – Petco Park
FanDuel = $8,600
DraftKings = $9,500
The Diamondbacks have to be ecstatic with the production they have received from Buchholz. He missed almost all of 2017 due to injury after finishing 2016 with a 4.78 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP. However, he’s excelled with his new team, posting a 2.67 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP. His FIP isn’t as strong at 3.66, but that’s still a very respectable number considering his recent struggles. He’s allowed only seven home runs across 64 innings and even though his 7.7 K/9 isn’t great, he’s only issued 2.3 BB/9. The Padres have scored the fourth-fewest runs (472) in baseball and have the second-worst OPS against right-handed pitchers (.661), setting up Buchholz nicely for another valuable outing.
Julio Teheran vs. Colorado Rockies
Stadium – SunTrust Park
FanDuel = $8,000
DraftKings = $8,200
Buchholz stands out to me as the pitcher to play Thursday. If you’re looking to save a few bucks at the position, Teheran might be someone to consider. His 4.33 ERA isn’t great and it could be much worse considering his 5.23 FIP. He also has troubles keeping hitters inside the park with a 1.6 HR/9. On the bright side, his 1.25 WHIP is much improved from last year and his 8.3 K/9 would be the highest mark of his career. He also has two stats working in his favor for this contest. First, the Rockies only have a .725 OPS against righties compared to a .794 OPS against lefties. Second, the Rockies have been stellar at Coors Field with a .812 OPS, but their OPS on the road is only .688.
CATCHER/FIRST BASE
Jurickson Profar vs. Taylor Cole, Los Angeles Angels
Stadium – Globe Life Park in Arlington
FanDuel = $3,400
DraftKings = $4,800
With all of the injuries the Rangers have suffered, Profar has found himself getting consistent playing time across multiple positions. His .249 batting average doesn’t jump off the page, but he’s flashed some power with a .452 slugging percentage. He loves hitting at home, posting a .276 batting average with nine of his 13 home runs this season coming at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Of note, Profar is only eligible at first base on FanDuel as he is listed at third base and shortstop on DraftKings.
Danny Jansen vs. Glenn Sparkman, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Kauffman Stadium
FanDuel = $2,200
DraftKings = $3,600
Jansen stood out to me as a tournament option with upside Wednesday, but he received the day off. The Blue Jays offense had a productive game, scoring six runs off the porous Royals staff. They’ll throw out another struggling pitcher in Sparkman, who has allowed nine runs in 16 innings this season. He wasn’t much better in Triple-A either, posting a 4.58 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP. As long as Jansen is in the lineup, he’s a viable option once again.
Others to consider: Anthony Rizzo (first base) and Justin Smoak (first base)
SECOND BASE
Javier Baez vs. Ivan Nova, Pittsburgh Pirates
Stadium – PNC Park
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $5,000
Anthony Rizzo has been batting leadoff for the Cubs lately, but Baez was moved into that spot Wednesday. He was his usual productive self, finishing the game 2-for-5 with a triple and a run scored. Baez has batted in various spots of the Cubs lineup this year and had been batting second recently, so don’t expect the change to have much impact on his value. He doesn’t have the platoon advantage in this game against Nova, but that’s not much of a concern based on his .367 wOBA against right-handed pitchers this season.
Rougned Odor vs. Taylor Cole, Los Angeles Angels
Stadium – Globe Life Park in Arlington
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $4,900
Odor has cooled off a bit as he is 1-for-11 across his last three games. Don’t read too much into that, though, as he is batting .329 with 10 home runs and 11 doubles since July 1. This is likely to be a bullpen game for the Angels since Taylor hasn’t pitched more than 3.2 innings in any of his nine appearances. Odor is another Rangers’ hitter who loves playing in Arlington, recording a .293 average there this season.
Others to consider: Daniel Murphy and Kolten Wong
THIRD BASE
Miguel Sano vs. Francisco Liriano, Detroit Tigers
Stadium – Target Field
FanDuel = $2,800
DraftKings = $4,500
Sano is only batting .221 this year, but he’s posted a .268 average across 16 games since being recalled from a stint in the minors. He’s only hit two home runs during that stretch, but the best part of his game is certainly his power upside. He has a .356 wOBA against lefties for his career, leaving him as a viable option against Liriano and his 1.45 WHIP.
David Freese vs. Jon Lester, Chicago Cubs
Stadium – PNC Park
FanDuel = $2,500
DraftKings = $4,200
Freese didn’t exactly get off to a bad start this year, but he’s been red-hot lately, batting .352 with a .582 slugging percentage since July 1. He’s usually someone to target versus lefties considering he has a .364 wOBA against them for his career. Lester is also really struggling right now, allowing 30 runs (29 earned) over his last 28 innings.
Others to consider: Anthony Rendon and Eduardo Escobar
SHORTSTOP
Elvis Andrus vs. Taylor Cole, Los Angeles Angels
Stadium – Globe Life Park in Arlington
FanDuel = $3,200
DraftKings = $4,400
It was going to be tough for Andrus to match the production he put up in 2017, which was by far the best season of his career. He’s only played 60 games this season due to injury and he didn’t get off to a great start when he was first activated from the DL. He’s doing his best to salvage some value down the stretch, batting .296 since July 1. It’s tough to count on him when he’s playing on the road, but he’s batting .329 so far at home.
Andrelton Simmons vs. Ariel Jurado, Texas Rangers
Stadium – Globe Life Park in Arlington
FanDuel = $2,700
DraftKings = $4,200
The Rangers starting rotation has been a mess. Jurado is getting a chance to prove himself, but it’s not going well as he has a 5.66 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP across four starts. He only has eight strikeouts in 20.2 innings and wasn’t a big strikeout pitcher in the minors, either, with a 6.9 K/9 for his career. Simmons has only struck out 25 times all year and is batting .302, leaving him with the potential to be on base plenty in this contest.
Others to consider: Trea Turner and Aledmys Diaz
OUTFIELD
Kole Calhoun vs. Ariel Jurado, Texas Rangers
Stadium – Globe Life Park in Arlington
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $4,400
With Jurado on the mound in what is a hitter-friendly park, the Angels are likely going to be a popular stack Thursday. Calhoun stands out as one of their hitters who provides significant upside based on his recent run of success. Over his last 30 games, Calhoun is batting .325 with 11 home runs and eight doubles.
Shohei Ohtani vs. Ariel Jurado, Texas Rangers
Stadium – Globe Life Park in Arlington
FanDuel = $3,400
DraftKings = $5,200
Ohtani wasn’t in the lineup for the Angels in their last series against the Padres since there was no DH available in San Diego. As he likely makes his return Thursday, he’s another great Angels’ hitter to target based on his .419 wOBA against righties.
Kevin Pillar vs. Glenn Sparkman, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Kauffman Stadium
FanDuel = $2,800
DraftKings = $4,100
Pillar has had a productive first three games of this series, going 4-for-10 with a home run and five RBI. His .281 OBP this season is disappointing, but his .414 slugging percentage would be the highest mark of his career. He actually has better numbers against righties this year, leaving him as someone to consider in tournament play if you’re looking for a cheap outfielder.
Others to consider: Juan Soto and Joey Gallo
MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 8/8/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
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Wednesday brings 14 games across the majors, but only nine of them make up the main evening slate 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
Jose Quintana vs. Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Kauffman Stadium
FanDuel = $8,200
DraftKings = $8,300
Quintana has had control problems this season, issuing a career-high 4.1 BB/9. His 4.12 ERA isn’t terrible, but it could be worse considering his 4.60 FIP and 1.38 WHIP. He has pitched better of late, allowing two runs or fewer in four of his last five starts. Of those four starts, three of them came against bad lineups in the Tigers, Giants, and Padres. He gets another great matchup Wednesday against a Royals squad that has scored the fewest runs (414) in baseball, giving him an excellent opportunity to continue his recent run of success.
Jhoulys Chacin vs. San Diego Padres
Stadium – Miller Park
FanDuel = $8,000
DraftKings = $7,500
Chacin was hammered in his last start against the Dodgers, allowing nine runs (eight earned) and three home runs across 4.1 innings. The Dodgers have one of the best lineups in the National League, though, so don’t read too much into one bad outing. He had allowed two runs or fewer in five of his six previous starts. Don’t count on him for a lot of strikeouts with his 7.2 K/9, but he’s only allowed 13 home runs across 132 innings. The Padres have the second-lowest OPS against right-handed pitchers (.653), setting up Chacin nicely for a rebound performance.
CATCHER/FIRST BASE
Matt Carpenter vs. Trevor Richards, Miami Marlins
Stadium – Marlins Park
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $5,400
Carpenter went deep again Tuesday, marking his fourth home run in the last five games. If it wasn’t for such a horrible start, Carpenter could have one of the better cases for NL MVP. Even with his early struggles, he’s still batting .282 with a .393 OBP and 30 home runs. Keeping riding his hot bat against Richards and his 1.39 WHIP.
Yasmani Grandal vs. Mike Fiers, Oakland Athletics
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $2,800
DraftKings = $4,300
The A’s are making a push for the playoffs and have added a few players for the stretch run. One of the guys they brought in was Fiers, who will be making his first start since being acquired from the Tigers. His 3.48 ERA looks nice, but his 4.65 FIP indicates he is not pitching that well. He’s also had problems keeping hitters inside the park with a 1.5 HR/9. The switch-hitting Grandal has had very little success against lefties, but he has a .382 wOBA against right-handed pitching.
Others to consider: Anthony Rizzo (first base) and Jake Bauers (first base)
SECOND BASE
Javier Baez vs. Heath Fillmyer, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Kauffman Stadium
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $5,700
Baez is having a great season, in general, but he’s been even hotter of late by hitting .378 with six homers and five doubles over his last 11 games. His .346 BABIP this season looks high, but it’s actually almost in line with his .336 career mark. Fillmyer has a 4.83 FIP and a 1.42 WHIP with the Royals and posted 5.75 ERA and a 1.63 WHIP at Triple-A, making Baez an extremely appealing option.
Neil Walker vs. Lucas Giolito, Chicago White Sox
Stadium – Guaranteed Rate Field
FanDuel = $2,500
DraftKings = $3,800
Walker has struggled with the Yankees, often finding himself on the bench due to the stellar play of Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar. Playing time has opened up for him lately with Aaron Judge on the DL as he now starts most games against right-handed pitchers. He’s taken advantage of his opportunity, batting .364 with a home run and a double of his last 41 plate appearances. At this cheap price, he’s someone to consider against Giolito based on his 1.49 WHIP.
Others to consider: Joey Wendle and Jonathan Villar
THIRD BASE
Jose Ramirez vs. Jake Odorizzi, Minnesota Twins
Stadium – Progressive Field
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $6,000
Ramirez has already tied or surpassed his previous career-highs in home runs, RBI, and stolen bases this season. His batting average hasn’t suffered at the expense of his power at .297 and he actually has more walks (74) than strikeouts (55). In three previous starts against the Indians this season, Odorizzi has allowed 16 runs (15 earned) across 13.2 innings. Look for them to have another big night Wednesday with Ramirez likely right in the middle of all the action.
Johan Camargo vs. Tommy Milone, Washington Nationals
Stadium – Nationals Park
FanDuel = $3,200
DraftKings = $4,100
With the Nationals thin at starting pitcher, they have turned to the journeyman Milone to fill a spot in their rotation. Milone has had some success during his minor league career, but he has a 4.35 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP over his career in the majors. Camargo has excelled with a .389 wOBA against lefties this year, making him a great option if you don’t want to pay up for Ramirez.
Others to consider: Miguel Andujar and Mike Moustakas
SHORTSTOP
Didi Gregorius vs. Lucas Giolito, Chicago White Sox
Stadium – Guaranteed Rate Field
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $5,000
One of the deepest lineups in baseball heading into the season, the Yankees really need Gregorius to be productive right now with Judge and Gary Sanchez both sidelined. While his numbers aren’t off the charts, he is batting .279 with two home runs, seven RBI and eight runs scored across 11 games since Judge hit the DL. He has a .348 wOBA against righties and provides significant upside against the underwhelming Giolito.
Aledmys Diaz vs. Brian Johnson, Boston Red Sox
Stadium – Rogers Centre
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $3,900
Diaz came through with another hit Tuesday to extend his hitting streak to five games. Although he broke a streak of five straight games with at least one run scored, Diaz is locked into significant playing time with Lourdes Gurriel on the DL. Johnson has posted a 3.74 ERA for the Red Sox, but that’s not likely going to hold up based on his 1.42 WHIP. At this cheap price on both sites, Diaz could provide plenty of value.
Others to consider: Francisco Lindor and Xander Bogaerts
OUTFIELD
J.D. Martinez vs. Mike Hauschild, Toronto Blue Jays
Stadium – Rogers Centre
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,500
Martinez is flat out amazing. He’s given the Red Sox everything they could have hoped for after signing him to a big contract, batting .328 with 34 home runs and 97 RBI. With all the talented hitters around him, Martinez gets plenty of opportunities to rack up counting stats. The Red Sox are likely going to be a popular stack against Hauschild based on his 4.88 ERA and 1.55 WHIP at Triple-A this year.
Mallex Smith vs. Andrew Cashner, Baltimore Orioles
Stadium – Tropicana Field
FanDuel = $3,100
DraftKings = $4,700
When the Rays acquired Tommy Pham and Austin Meadows, it looked like Smith might be in line for a smaller role. However, the Rays sent Meadows directly to Triple-A and Pham quickly landed on the DL with a foot injury. Smith is getting all the playing time he can handle as a result and is hot right now, going 11-for-19 with six walks over his last seven games. He’s a terror when he’s on base that much, resulting in five steals over that stretch. Cashner struggles to keep runners off base with his 1.56 WHIP, making Smith a viable option despite his lack of power.
Yasiel Puig vs. Mike Fiers, Oakland Athletics
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $2,600
DraftKings = $4,400
The ability to use the DH in this series helps the Dodgers free up a bit of a logjam they have created for their lineup after adding Manny Machado and Brian Dozier. It also gives the hitters in the lineup added opportunities for counting stats without the pitcher being required to hit. Puig has at least two hits in three of his last four games and while he doesn’t have the platoon advantage against Fiers, he actually has a higher wOBA against righties (.382) than he does lefties (.283).
Others to consider: Randal Grichuk and Jackie Bradley Jr.
MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 8/6/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
August special! Use Code MCMLB50 at checkout
Baseball kicks off the week with 10 evening games Monday, leaving plenty of quality 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
Cole Hamels vs. Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Kauffman Stadium
FanDuel = $8,500
DraftKings = $9,000
Hamels being traded to the Cubs should provide a significant boost to his value. He was terrible pitching at home for the Rangers, posting a 6.41 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP across 10 starts. He has a 2.69 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP over his other 11 starts outside of Globe Life Park in Arlington. The move to the National League helps, as well, since he will get to avoid the DH. He will have to navigate the DH playing in Kansas City on Monday, but the Royals have scored the fewest runs (413) in the league.
Matthew Boyd vs. Los Angeles Angels
Stadium – Angels Stadium
FanDuel = $7,600
DraftKings = $7,600
Boyd closed out July on a high note, allowing three runs and recording 20 strikeouts over 19 innings in his last three starts. Two of those starts came against the Royals and the Reds, but one was against the potent Red Sox lineup. Boyd has been aided by a .264 opponents’ BABIP this season, but his 4.22 ERA is actually slightly higher than his 3.84 FIP indicates that it should be. He does have a respectable 8.2 K/9 and can provide value in the right matchup, which could be the case Monday since the Angels have the third lowest OPS against lefties (.656) in baseball.
CATCHER/FIRST BASE
Anthony Rizzo vs. Jakob Junis, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Kauffman Stadium
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $4,800
The Cubs have been hitting Rizzo leadoff lately and the move has paid off as he’s batting .370 with a .458 OBP in that spot of the order. He’s also slugged six home runs, helping to boost his total to 17 for the season. While he may have a hard time hitting at least 30 homers for the fifth straight season, he could still be in line for a big finish to the season. Lefties have held Rizzo to a .266 wOBA this year, but he’s a great option against Junis since he has a .374 wOBA against right-handed pitchers.
Jose Martinez vs. Wei-Yin Chen, Miami Marlins
Stadium – Marlins Park
FanDuel = $2,700
DraftKings = $4,000
Martinez has found himself on the bench more often than not lately because he is a defensive liability. However, with Dexter Fowler and Tyler O’Neill injured, he’s going to see some time in the outfield moving forward. He can hit, posting a .298 average and a .462 slugging percentage. Chen has allowed a .374 wOBA to righties this year, making Martinez a cost-effective option with upside.
Others to consider: Jose Abreu (first base) and J.T. Realmuto (catcher)
SECOND BASE
Javier Baez vs. Jakob Junis, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Kauffman Stadium
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $5,500
Baez is showing no signs of slowing down, batting .362 with five home runs, five doubles and 14 RBI over his last 16 games. He’s already set new career-highs in home runs and RBI and is making a case to be named the NL MVP. Don’t worry about him not having the platoon advantage against Junis because Baez has a .376 wOBA against righties.
Ben Zobrist vs. Jakob Junis, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Kauffman Stadium
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $4,700
Zobrist only hit .232 last year, but he was dragged down by an abnormally low .251 BABIP. He’s been on the opposite end of the spectrum this season with a .335 BABIP, leading to a .310 batting average. He’s in line for some regression, but that might not start Monday considering his .391 wOBA against right-handed pitchers.
Others to consider: Gleyber Torres and Neil Walker
THIRD BASE
Jurickson Profar vs. Wade LeBlanc, Seattle Mariners
Stadium – Globe Life Park in Arlington
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $4,700
LeBlanc has hit a bit of a rough patch, posting a 6.11 ERA across his last five starts. He has a 3.50 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP at home overall but has had issues on the road with a 4.57 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP. Profar is finally getting a chance to play every day and is swinging a hot bat right now as he is 22-for-72 (.306) with 14 runs and 12 RBI over his last 21 games. He’s also excelled with a .361 wOBA against left-handed pitchers this season.
Jedd Gyorko vs. Wei-Yin Chen, Miami Marlins
Stadium – Marlins Park
FanDuel = $2,800
DraftKings = $4,000
Gyorko slugged 30 home runs over 400 at-bats in 2016 but followed that up with only 20 homers across 426 at-bats last year. His power numbers have continued to regress this year with just eight homers in 246 at-bats. However, his 181 wRC+ against lefties still makes him someone to consider in tournament play at this cheap price.
Others to consider: Miguel Andujar and Maikel Franco
SHORTSTOP
Didi Gregorius vs. Dylan Covey, Chicago White Sox
Stadium – Guaranteed Rate Field
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $5,100
Gregorius’ batting average is down this year, but his walk rate has almost doubled at 8.1%. He’s already reached the 20-homer plateau for the third-straight year and his 10 steals are a new career best. He’s more deadly at Yankee Stadium, but he could still put up big numbers Monday considering Covey’s 5.57 ERA and 1.57 WHIP.
Jean Segura vs. Martin Perez, Texas Rangers
Stadium – Globe Life Park in Arlington
FanDuel = $3,100
DraftKings = $4,600
Perez was initially slated to start Sunday against the Orioles, but he was pushed back a day in favor of Drew Hutchinson. That’s good news for the Mariners since Perez has an unsightly 6.50 ERA and a 1.97 WHIP. He’s allowed 10 home runs in only 45.2 innings and doesn’t miss many bats with a 5.9 K/9. Segura might not carry the greatest home run upside, but he’s batting .309 and could be on base plenty in this game.
Others to consider: Trevor Story and Elvis Andrus
OUTFIELD
Nelson Cruz vs. Martin Perez, Texas Rangers
Stadium – Globe Life Park in Arlington
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $5,200
Cruz is on another power surge, slugging four home runs in his last five games to bring his total to 29 for the season. He’s been one of the most consistent power hitters in baseball, hitting at least 39 home runs in four straight seasons. With Perez’s propensity to give up the long ball, Cruz is someone to build your lineup around.
Jason Heyward vs. Jakob Junis, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Kauffman Stadium
FanDuel = $3,100
DraftKings = $4,000
Heyward isn’t exactly knocking the cover off the ball, but he’s made significant strides this season to bat .283 with a .347 OBP. He has a career-low 11.7% strikeout rate and his 31.8% hard-hit rate is his highest mark since 2012. Junis has allowed a .360 wOBA against left-handed hitters, making Heyward a viable option at his reasonable price on both sites.
Harrison Bader vs. Wei-Yin Chen, Miami Marlins
Stadium – Marlins Park
FanDuel = $2,400
DraftKings = $3,800
Bader was already starting to see more playing time after Tommy Pham was traded to the Rays, but the injuries to Fowler and O’Neill is going to leave him with all the starts he can handle. He has a promising mix of power and speed, finishing with 20 home runs and 15 steals at Triple-A in 2017. He’s only gone deep six times with the Cardinals this year, but he’s flashed his speed with 11 steals and is batting a respectable .271. If you want to take a chance on a cheap outfielder in tournament play, Bader could provide value against Chen.
Others to consider: Kyle Schwarber and Mitch Haniger
MLB Fantasy Baseball Schedule Analysis for Week 20
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
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If you are playing in a head-to-head fantasy league, using starting pitchers that have two starts in a week can give you a significant edge over your opponent. Here are some starters who will each start two games in the week ahead that you should either target or avoid for your lineup.
Starters With Favorable Matchups
Trevor Bauer, Cleveland Indians: vs. MIN, at CWS
Bauer has been extremely consistent for the Indians. He hasn’t allowed more than four earned runs in any of his starts this season and he’s allowed two earned runs or fewer in 17 of his 23 outings. The end result has been a sparkling 2.34 ERA that is backed by a 2.42 FIP. Luck hasn’t been a factor as opponents have a .305 BABIP against him. One of the big reasons for his improvement is his career-high 13% swinging-strike rate, which has resulted in an 11.4 K/9. The Twins have had their struggles scoring runs and traded away two of their best hitters in Eduardo Escobar and Brian Dozier. The White Sox are in the bottom third of baseball in runs scored, as well, setting up Bauer for a very productive Week 20.
Cole Hamels, Chicago Cubs: at KC, vs. WAS
Hamels has to be happy after being traded to the Cubs. He was awful pitching at home for the Rangers, posting a 6.41 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP across 10 starts. He has a 2.69 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP over his other 11 starts outside of Globe Life Park in Arlington. The move to the National League helps, too, since he will get to avoid the DH. Although he won’t get that luxury in his first start of Week 20 playing in Kansas City, the Royals have scored the fewest runs (413) in the league. The Nationals are certainly a much tougher opponent, but they only have a .708 OPS on the road compared to a .775 OPS at home.
C.C. Sabathia, New York Yankees: at CWS, vs. TEX
Sabathia has found a way to pitch with diminished velocity and still be a valuable part of the Yankees rotation. He sometimes struggles to provide length, but he’s still managed to record a 3.59 ERA. His 4.70 FIP suggests he’s been a bit lucky, but his .282 opponents’ BABIP is close to his .293 career mark. With the White Sox struggles offensively already detailed, Sabathia could start Week 20 off on a high note. The Rangers are an excellent hitting team at home, but they have the sixth-lowest OPS (.682) on the road. To top it off, Sabathia has a 2.69 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP over 11 starts at Yankee Stadium.
Matthew Boyd, Detroit Tigers: at LAA, vs. MIN
Boyd finished July strong, allowing three runs and recording 20 strikeouts across 19 innings in his last three starts. Although two of those starts came against the Royals and the Reds, one was against the vaunted Red Sox lineup. Boyd has been aided by a .264 opponents’ BABIP this season, but his 4.22 ERA is actually higher than his 3.84 indicates it should be. He does have a respectable 8.2 K/9 and can provide value in the right matchup. Both the Angels and the Twins are in the bottom five of baseball in terms of OPS against left-handed pitching, making Boyd a viable streaming option who is still available in 80% of Yahoo! leagues.
Starters to Avoid
Rich Hill, Los Angeles Dodgers: at OAK, at COL
Hill has been limited by injuries again this season, but he’s pitched well when healthy. He’s been especially hot of late, recording a 2.90 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and a 10.5 K/9 over his last seven outings. His first start of the week isn’t bad because even though he has to face the DH, the Athletics are actually a far worse hitting team at home than on the road. However, his second start at Coors Field is scary. The Rockies have the second-highest OPS against left-handed pitching (.798) and the third-highest OPS at home (.827). Hill might not be worth the risk.
Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners: at TEX, at HOU
Hernandez might be at a crossroads in his career. He’s struggled with diminished velocity, resulting in a 5.49 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP this year. His strikeouts are down, as well, with a 7.4 K/9. He’ll need to make an adjustment like Sabathia did to once again become a viable fantasy commodity. He has a respectable 4.02 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP at home, but he’s been destroyed on the road with a 7.58 ERA and a 1.62 WHIP. The Rangers love hitting at home and the Astros are still dangerous despite some key injuries, so make sure to keep Hernandez out of your lineup.
Marcus Stroman, Toronto Blue Jays: vs. BOS, vs. TB
Stroman was crushed in his last start against the Athletics, giving up seven runs over five innings. He’s been prone to blowups this season, allowing at least five runs in six of his 15 starts. His 1.49 WHIP is by far the highest mark of his career, which is a problem considering he doesn’t have an overpowering arsenal. Facing the Red Sox in his first start for Week 20 could be a disaster. The Rays aren’t as daunting of a task, but they have averaged 5.3 runs across their last 20 games. With his limited strikeout potential, Stroman seems like an unnecessary to take if you need a streaming option.