As is usually the case Thursday’s, we have a limited evening slate in DFS that consists of just five games. With few quality starting pitchers set to take the mound, it presents an opportunity to spend more on hitters than you might normally be accustomed to.
Read MoreMLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 6/28/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
June special! Use Code MCMLB50 at checkout
Only four of the 10 games in baseball have evening start times Thursday, so let’s examine some players with favorable matchups throughout the day 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
Aaron Nola vs. Washington Nationals
Stadium – Citizens Bank Park
FanDuel = $9,700
DraftKings = $12,100
Nola had a very good campaign for the Phillies in 2017, but his numbers are off the charts this year. His 2.58 ERA is supported by a 2.83 FIP and a 1.02 WHIP despite the fact that his strikeout rate is actually down from 26.6% last year to 25.1% this season. His swinging-strike rate is actually up, though, at 11.2% and he’s done a great job keeping hitters in the ballpark with a 0.5 HR/9. He’s also been stellar pitching at home with a 1.86 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP. The Nationals lineup is finally getting healthy, but they have still only averaged 2.1 runs across their last seven games. One of those contests was against Nola, who held the Nationals to two runs while recording five strikeouts in six innings.
Chris Stratton vs. Colorado Rockies
Stadium – AT&T Park
FanDuel = $7,500
DraftKings = $6,900
Stratton’s numbers are very average this season with a 4.14 ERA, 4.00 FIP, and a 1.36 WHIP. Normally if you want to take a chance on a cheap pitcher in tournament play, you want to target someone with strikeout upside. That’s not Stratton’s strong suit as he only has a 6.9 K/9. However, he has pitched well in June with a 2.48 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP in five starts. The Rockies are juggernauts at Coors Field with a .804 OPS, but they only have a .676 OPS on the road. Stratton might still be worth the risk at this price despite his lack of strikeouts.
CATCHER/FIRST BASE
Jesus Aguilar vs. Anthony DeSclafani, Cincinnati Reds
Stadium – Great American Ball Park
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $5,200
Aguilar was presented with an opportunity to play every day when Eric Thames went down with an injury earlier this season and has played so well that he is still starting regularly even though Thames has returned. He has a ton of power with 18 home runs, four of which have come in his last four starts. His nine home runs in June are impressive, but equally as impressive is that he is hitting .300 in the month despite only having a .286 BABIP. He has shed his stigma of not being able to hit righties with a .399 wOBA against them this year, making him a great option again Wednesday.
Evan Gattis vs. Ryne Stanek, Tampa Bay Rays
Stadium – Tropicana Field
FanDuel = $3,200
DraftKings = $4,200
Stanek will start for the Rays, but this will be one of their bullpen games as Stanek hasn’t pitched more than two innings in a game this season. Lefty Ryan Yarbrough is expected to follow Stanek and should eat up several innings. He hasn’t exactly been lights out with a 3.96 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP and could have plenty of trouble with Gattis, who is batting .279 with eight home runs and a staggering 30 RBI in June, five of which have come in his last two games.
Others to consider: Mitch Moreland (first base) and Chris Herrmann (catcher)
SECOND BASE
Scooter Gennett vs. Junior Guerra, Milwaukee Brewers
Stadium – Great American Ball Park
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $4,600
Gennett is 13-for-40 (.325) with three doubles, a home run and 10 runs scored during his current 10-game hitting streak. He has shown no signs of struggling after a breakout season in 2017, batting .336 with 13 home runs and 53 RBI this year. With a .377 wOBA against righties, Gennett is one of the best options available at his position Wednesday.
Dee Gordon vs. Jimmy Yacabonis, Baltimore Orioles
Stadium – Oriole Park at Camden Yards
FanDuel = $3,400
DraftKings = $4,400
As if the Orioles starting rotation wasn’t bad enough, they’ll turn to Yacabonis to start against the Mariners. His 16 career appearances in the majors over the last two seasons have all come out of the bullpen and resulted in a 5.48 ERA and a 1.74 WHIP. His 3.14 ERA and 1.10 WHIP as a starter in Triple-A look nice, but it’s concerning that he only posted a 6.8 K/9. Gordon doesn’t strike out much and can do a lot of damage when he gets on base, giving him upside against the inexperienced Yacabonis.
Others to consider: Ian Kinsler and Brock Holt
THIRD BASE
Alex Bregman vs. Ryne Stanek, Tampa Bay Rays
Stadium – Tropicana Field
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $5,300
Bregman must be sad to see the Astros series against the Blue Jays come to an end as he was 9-for-14 with three home runs in five doubles in the three contests. He’s shown a much better eye at the plate this season and actually has more walks (47) than strikeouts (46). With a .400 wOBA against left-handed pitchers, he could put up some big numbers again once Yarbrough enters this game.
Kyle Seager vs. Jimmy Yacabonis, Baltimore Orioles
Stadium – Oriole Park at Camden Yards
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $4,100
Seager has taken advantage of the Orioles’ mediocre pitching in this series, hitting 5-for-16 with two home runs in three games. His average still sits at an ugly .230, but he’s up to 15 home runs and 20 doubles. He’s not overly expensive on either site and could be a valuable part of any Mariners stack.
Others to consider: Jed Lowrie and Justin Turner
SHORTSTOP
Jean Segura vs. Jimmy Yacabonis, Baltimore Orioles
Stadium – Oriole Park at Camden Yards
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $4,900
A Mariners stack against Yacabonis will probably be one of the most popular plays of the day. Add Segura into the mix, who appears to be fine after missing some time with a forearm infection as he is 5-for-9 with four runs scored in the last two games. Segura only has six home runs this year, but he’s hitting .338 and could score plenty of runs if the Mariners do explode offensively.
Kike Hernandez vs. Jose Quintana, Chicago Cubs
Stadium – Dodger Stadium
FanDuel = $3,000
DraftKings = $3,600
Hernandez has made a compelling case to start more regularly, hitting 17-for-51 (.333) with six home runs, 10 RBI and 13 runs scored in his last 15 games. Chris Taylor’s hamstring injury has opened up playing time for Hernandez, but he is expected to rejoin the lineup Thursday. Hernandez is much better against lefties with a .349 wOBA, so he still might find his way into the lineup.
Others to consider: Xander Bogaerts and Andrelton Simmons
OUTFIELD
Andrew Benintendi vs. Jaime Barria, Los Angeles Angels
Stadium – Fenway Park
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $5,000
Benintendi’s success is sometimes lost in the crazy seasons that Mookie Betts and J.D. Martinez are having, but he’s been excellent as well by hitting .290 with 13 home runs and 13 steals. With so many potent bats around him in the Red Sox lineup, he’s racked up the counting stats with 51 RBI and 56 runs scored. Barria’s 4.77 FIP indicates he is not pitching as well as his 3.40 ERA might make you think. Benintendi only has a .297 wOBA against lefties but is much better against righties with a .404 wOBA.
Eddie Rosario vs. Lucas Giolito, Chicago White Sox
Stadium – Guaranteed Rate Field
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $5,500
One of the key pieces of the trade that sent Adam Eaton to the Nationals, Giolito has been awful this year with a 7.01 ERA and a 1.61 WHIP. Not only does he have a 5.4 BB/9, but he’s allowed 12 home runs in 78.1 innings. He has allowed a .403 wOBA to left-handed hitters and will have to face one of the hottest ones in baseball in Rosario. He’s expensive on DraftKings, but his price on FanDuel provides the potential for excellent value.
Denard Span vs. Jimmy Yacabonis, Baltimore Orioles
Stadium – Oriole Park at Camden Yards
FanDuel = $2,700
DraftKings = $4,100
Span has been a great addition for the Mariners, batting .296 with three home runs in 89 plate appearances since joining the team. He usually doesn’t provide much in the power department, but he is batting .282 for his career. He has a .347 wOBA against right-handed pitchers since the start of the 2015 season and is yet another Mariner worth considering for your entry.
Others to consider: Christian Yelich and Justin Upton
MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 6/27/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
June special! Use Code MCMLB50 at checkout
Wednesday’s main evening slate in DFS is light on excellent starting pitchers, so there could be plenty of runs scored throughout baseball. 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
Kyle Gibson vs. Chicago White Sox
Stadium – Guaranteed Rate Field
FanDuel = $8,300
DraftKings = $8,500
Gibson entered 2018 having finished with an ERA of 5.07 and a WHIP of at least 1.53 in both of the last two seasons. This year has been a different story as he enters Wednesday with a 3.25 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP. He has been aided by a .254 opponents BABIP, but he also has an 8.7 K/9 after posting a 6.5 K/9 for his career. He has allowed two runs or fewer in five straight games and had success in his first start against the White Sox this season, allowing three runs and recording eight strikeouts in 6.2 innings. On a night short of elite pitchers, Gibson is shaping up to be one of the best options available.
Wade LeBlanc vs. Baltimore Orioles
Stadium – Oriole Park at Camden Yards
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $7,800
LeBlanc pitched exclusively out of the bullpen for the Pirates last year, posting a 4.50 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. Without much starting pitching depth, the Mariners have had to turn to LeBlanc to fill out the back end of their rotation. He’s exceeded expectations so far, posting a 2.91 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP across 10 starts. His .292 opponents BABIP is right in line with his career numbers, so he hasn’t exactly been getting lucky. One big reason for his improvement is getting opponents to swing at 36.3% of his pitches outside of the strike zone, which is six percentage points higher than his career mark. The Orioles have scored the second-fewest runs (285) and have the third-worst OPS against left-handed pitchers (.664) in baseball, so LeBlanc might be worth the risk in tournament play at this cheap price.
CATCHER/FIRST BASE
Paul Goldschmidt vs. Wei-Yin Chen, Miami Marlins
Stadium – Marlins Park
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $5,400
Goldschmidt is currently on an eight-game hitting streak and has done a great job rebounding from an abysmal start. He’s batting .380 with 10 home runs in June while finally providing owners in season-long fantasy with the type of production they expected when they selected him in the first round. He has a 197 wRC+ against lefties and will get to face a struggling one in Chen, who has a 6.70 ERA and a 1.69 WHIP.
Buster Posey vs. Kyle Freeland, Colorado Rockies
Stadium – AT&T Park
FanDuel = $3,200
DraftKings = $4,200
Posey doesn’t put up flashy numbers, but he’s not exactly hitting poorly with a .285 average and a .364 OBP. He has just five home runs and has only hit at least 20 home runs in a season twice in his career, so don’t expect him to go on a power surge anytime soon. He can still provide a lot of value, though, against Freeland since Posey has a .390 wOBA against lefties.
Others to consider: Matt Olson (first base) and Carlos Santana (first base)
SECOND BASE
Brian Dozier vs. James Shields, Chicago White Sox
Stadium – Guaranteed Rate Field
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $3,800
Dozier traditionally struggles in the first half of the season and this year has been no different. He has yet to go on a big run, but he does have at least one hit in five of his last six games. Dozier doesn’t have the platoon advantage against Shields, but he has actually performed better this year against righties. He has also had success against Shields in his career, hitting 13-for-42 (.310) with four home runs and a 1.114 OPS.
Ketel Marte vs. Wei-Yin Chen, Miami Marlins
Stadium – Marlins Park
FanDuel = $3,100
DraftKings = $3,600
With Chen on the mound for the Marlins, it’s a good idea to target Diamondback hitters for your entry. Although their lineup is predominantly left-handed, the switch-hitting Marte has an edge because Chen has allowed a .398 wOBA to righties. Marte is also significantly better from the right side of the plate, posting a .366 wOBA against lefties compared to a .261 wOBA against righties.
Others to consider: Javier Baez and Dee Gordon
THIRD BASE
Matt Carpenter vs. Shane Bieber, Cleveland Indians
Stadium – Busch Stadium
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $4,700
Carpenter hit .155 with two home runs in his first 105 plate appearances this season. He’s been a different hitter since then, especially of late as he is batting .319 with eight home runs in his last 104 plate appearances. He has great numbers overall against righties with a .384 wOBA this year, so look to ride is hot bat again Wednesday.
Kyle Seager vs. Alex Cobb, Baltimore Orioles
Stadium – Oriole Park at Camden Yards
FanDuel = $2,900
DraftKings = $3,800
Seager is hitting only .225 this year in large part because of a career-high 22.2% strikeout rate. He’s still provided value in the power department with 14 home runs, but he’s going to need to cut down on his strikeouts if he’s going to turn things around. The good news for Wednesday is that Cobb doesn’t strike out many hitters and has been prone to giving up crooked numbers as he has allowed at least five earned runs in a game six times already this season.
Others to consider: Max Muncy and Jed Lowrie
SHORTSTOP
Jean Segura vs. Alex Cobb, Baltimore Orioles
Stadium – Oriole Park at Camden Yards
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $4,000
Jumping on the Mariners bandwagon against Cobb, Segura is another player to consider for your entry. He recently missed some time with a forearm infection, but he went 3-for-4 in his second game back Tuesday. He’s been one of the Mariners most consistent hitters this season with a .337 batting average and continues to be aggressive on the basepaths with 14 steals. Cobb allows a lot of baserunners with a 1.63 ERA, setting Segura up nicely for a productive game.
Scott Kingery vs. Luis Cessa, New York Yankees
Stadium – Citizens Bank Park
FanDuel = $2,400
DraftKings = $3,000
The Yankees called up Cessa to give their starters an extra day of rest in preparation for a series against the Red Sox this weekend. He’s pitched both out of the bullpen and in the starting rotation during his career in the majors, posting a 4.41 ERA, 5.40 FIP, and a 1.22 WHIP. He’s an average pitcher even on his best day and doesn’t have overwhelming stuff with a 6.6 K/9. A Phillies stack could pay off Wednesday and Kingery is priced so low that he can really help your budget while still providing some upside in tournament play.
Others to consider: Didi Gregorius and Elvis Andrus
OUTFIELD
Odubel Herrera vs. Luis Cessa, New York Yankees
Stadium – Citizens Bank Park
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $5,200
Herrera was one of the hottest hitters in baseball heading into this series against the Yankees but he went 0-for-7 with a walk in the first two games. Don’t expect that slump to last long with Cessa on the mound Wednesday. Hererra also loves hitting at home with a .325 average and eight home runs at Citizens Bank Park compared to a .275 average and five home runs on the road.
Eddie Rosario vs. James Shields, Chicago White Sox
Stadium – Guaranteed Rate Field
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $5,300
Speaking of hot hitters, Rosario is batting .353 with 14 home runs and a .437 wOBA since May 1st. Maybe one of the most impressive things about Rosario’s excellent first half is that not only are his power numbers up, but he’s also cut his strikeout rate down to 16.9% compared to his 21.3% career mark. He’s particularly excelled against righties with a .416 wOBA.
Brian Anderson vs. Robbie Ray, Arizona Diamondbacks
Stadium – Marlins Park
FanDuel = $3,000
DraftKings = $3,600
Ray will be making his first start since April after suffering an oblique injury. He only threw 66 pitches in his last rehab outing, but with Clay Buchholz getting injured, the Diamondbacks are going with Ray probably one start sooner than they would have liked to. He could be on a pitch limit in this game as a result. Ray can be a dominating pitcher, but he also has a 1.36 WHIP for his career. Anderson has a .369 wOBA against lefties this season and is cheap enough to warrant consideration in tournament play.
Others to consider: Leonys Martin and Manuel Margot
MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 5/2/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 5/2/18
Earlybird special! Use Code PAMLB10 at checkout
Tuesday was a day filled with aces taking the mound, but Wednesday will bring plenty of star pitchers as well, including Corey Kluber and Luis Severino. 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
Corey Kluber vs. Texas Rangers
Stadium – Progressive Field
FanDuel = $11,600
DraftKings = $13,200
Kluber is off to a great start this season, recording a 2.18 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, and 9.3 K/9 through six starts. He has pitched at least 6 2/3 innings and allowed three runs or fewer in each of those outings. Many hitters have found themselves in a hole early against Kluber, who has thrown a first-pitch strike to 66.5% of the batters that he has faced this season. Opponents have been a bit unlucky with a .198 BABIP against him, but his 33.3% hard-hit rate allowed is actually almost six percent higher than his career average. Kluber has been even more dominant pitching at Progressive Field, finishing with a 1.81 ERA there last year and allowing just three runs in 16 2/3 innings there this season. He’s expensive, but he should be worth it.
Sean Newcomb vs. New York Mets
Stadium – Citi Field
FanDuel = $7,300
DraftKings = 7,600
Newcomb was originally scheduled to start Tuesday but was pushed back a day in favor of Mike Soroka making his Major League debut. Soroka is one of the rising stars in the Braves organization, but they are also relying on Newcomb to become an important part of their starting rotation. He’s had control issues in his brief Major League career, posting a 5.0 BB/9 through 127.2 innings. The good news is he doesn’t allow a lot of solid contact with a 27.4% hard-hit rate for his career. Add in his 9.7 K/9 last season and his 11.1 K/9 this year and he can provide value despite his high walk rate. The Mets have the second-lowest OPS (.603) against left-handed pitching this season, leaving Newcomb as a viable option at a reduced price.
CATCHER/FIRST BASE
Justin Smoak vs. Fernando Romero, Minnesota Twins
Stadium – Target Field
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,500
The right-handed Romero will be making his Major League debut Wednesday for the Twins after getting his first taste of Triple-A this season. He spent last season in Double-A, finishing with a 3.53 ERA and 8.6 K/9. He won’t get an easy task in the Blue Jays, who have the sixth-highest OPS (.757) against righties this year. Although Smoak does have better numbers against left-handed pitchers, his .359 wOBA against righties last year still makes him someone to consider for your entry.
Joe Mauer vs. Marcus Stroman, Toronto Blue Jays
Stadium – Target Field
FanDuel = $3,100
DraftKings = $3,300
Mauer isn’t nearly the threat that he was in his prime, but don’t forget that he still hit .305 last year with a .384 OBP. He’s off to another good start this year with a .286 average and a lofty .439 OBP. He’s followed up his .354 wOBA against righties last year with a .378 mark this season. If you want to take a cheaper route at first base, Mauer is someone to consider even with his lack of power upside.
Others to consider: Hanley Ramirez (first base) and Salvador Perez (catcher)
SECOND BASE
Javier Baez vs. Tyler Anderson, Colorado Rockies
Stadium – Wrigley Field
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $4,400
Baez is off to a tremendous start this season with a .963 OPS, well above his career mark of .745. His .304 BABIP is lower than his career average, but he’s increased his hard-hit rate to 35.5% and his line-drive rate to 27%. Baez finished with a .378 wOBA against lefties in 2017, so he could be in line for a big day Wednesday.
Matt Carpenter vs. Lucas Giolito, Chicago White Sox
Stadium – Busch Stadium
FanDuel = $3,100
DratfKings = $3,800
Carpenter batted a career-low .241 last year and has followed that up with an even worse .170 average this season. His BABIP was low last year, but his .203 BABIP this year is far lower and indicates his numbers should be on the rise sooner rather than later. Giolito is off to a nightmarish start with a 7.71 ERA and 1.71 WHIP through five outings, leaving Carpenter with upside.
Others to consider: Whit Merrifield and Wilmer Difo
THIRD BASE
Christian Villanueva vs. Derek Holland, San Francisco Giants
Stadium – AT&T Park
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,400
Villanueva has continued his red-hot start and now has a 1.112 OPS this season, which actually leads the National League. He has a staggering 386 wRC+ against lefties this year and will take on the struggling Derek Holland on Wednesday, who allowed a .408 wOBA to right-handed hitters in 2017.
Eugenio Suarez vs. Wade Miley, Milwaukee Brewers
Stadium – Great American Ball Park
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $4,500
Suarez has been limited to 14 games this season due to injury, but he’s hit when he’s been able to take the field, posting a .327 average and .410 OBP to go along with three home runs and 17 RBI. He had a .383 wOBA against lefties last year and Miley isn’t much more than a journeyman pitcher at this point in his career, so Suarez could provide excellent value.
Others to consider: Kris Bryant and Evan Longoria
SHORTSTOP
Manny Machado vs. Andrew Heaney, Los Angeles Angels
Stadium – Angel Stadium
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,900
Machado’s low BABIP in 2017 indicated he would be in for a much better season average-wise this year and he hasn’t disappointed, hitting .366 so far. His power numbers certainly haven’t suffered at the expense of his higher average, recording nine home runs and nine doubles through 29 games. He’s normally good against left-handed pitchers and is crushing them for a 209 wRC+ this season as well.
Jose Peraza vs. Wade Miley, Milwaukee Brewers
Stadium – Great American Ball Park
FanDuel = $3,100
DraftKings = $3,700
Peraza and his .259 batting average last year were a major disappointment, but he’s batting .296 so far this season. His .317 BABIP isn’t overly high, but he’s making better contact with a 27.1% hard-hit rate, which is six percent higher than last year. The Reds are a great stacking opportunity against Miley on Wednesday, Peraza included.
Others to consider: Francisco Lindor and Jean Segura
OUTFIELD
J.D. Martinez vs. Danny Duffy, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Fenway Park
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $5,300
Martinez hasn’t been able to keep up with the ridiculous home run pace that he was on with the Diamondbacks last year, but his .955 OPS this season would actually be the second-highest mark of his career. He’s always someone you want to target against left-handed pitchers after he finished with a .531 wOBA against them last year. Duffy is really tough against lefties, but righties had much better success against him last year with a .329 wOBA.
Mitch Haniger vs. Brett Anderson, Oakland Athletics
Stadium – Safeco Field
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,900
Haniger played only 96 games last year but still managed to hit 16 home runs. He’s off to an even better power start this year, slugging 10 home runs and posting a 1.075 OPS through 28 games. He has been destroying lefties, recording a .443 wOBA against them this year. Anderson will be making his first start of the season for the Athletics after allowing a .351 wOBA to righties last year, making Haniger someone to consider for your entry.
Eddie Rosario vs. Marcus Stroman, Toronto Blue Jays
Stadium – Target Field
FanDuel = $3,100
DraftKings = $3,500
Rosario is only hitting .242 this year in large part due to his .275 BABIP that is almost 50 points lower than his career average. He’s hitting the ball well with a 35.1% hard-hit rate, so expect his batting average to improve as the season wears on. After recording a .377 wOBA against righties last year, he’s a viable cost-effective option against the struggling Stroman on Wednesday.
Others to consider: Nelson Cruz and Curtis Granderson