Monday brings plenty of action across the majors with 12 games on the schedule. There are some excellent matchups to take advantage of in DFS, including both Los Angeles teams being in prime positions for an offensive explosion.
Read MoreMLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 6/6/2019
With only five games included in the main evening slate of DFS on Thursday, we don’t have a ton of great options to choose from. Still, there are some teams and players who stand out as being in favorable positions to provide value.
Read MoreMLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 5/21/2019
Tuesday will be a busy night in baseball with 14 games making up the main slate in DFS. Whether you like to pay up for pitchers or hitters, there are plenty of viable options to pursue either strategy.
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 5/2/2019
We have an odd slate in the majors Thursday with mostly day games, including a couple that start at 12:10 PM EST. There are only two night games, so let’s dig into the entire slate and highlight some players with favorable matchups.
Read MoreMLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 4/17/2019
If you like excellent starting pitching, you might want to avert your eyes for Wednesday’s set of evening games. With several bad starting pitchers set to take the mound, we could be in line for an offensive explosion.
Read MoreMLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 4/15/2019
Monday brings a nine-game evening slate across DFS that will feature some of the better starters in the league. There are also plenty of stacking situations to target with some teams trotting out a member of the back of their rotation.
Read MoreMLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 8/17/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
August special! Use Code MCMLB50 at checkout
Thursday didn’t bring a lot of great starting pitching options, but that won’t be the case Friday with Max Scherzer, Carlos Carrasco, and Charlie Morton all scheduled to take the mound. 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
Carlos Carrasco vs. Baltimore Orioles
Stadium – Progressive Field
FanDuel = $11,000
DraftKings = $11,200
Carrasco dominated the White Sox in his last start, recording nine strikeouts across even shutout innings. He’s having a great season with a 3.50 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP, but he’s been even better lately with a 1.59 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP over his last seven outings. He also has a stellar 11.8 K/9 during that stretch. The Orioles have scored the fifth-fewest runs (478) in baseball and have a much shallower lineup after their roster was stripped down at the trade deadline, leaving Carrasco with a favorable chance to provide another excellent performance.
James Shields vs. Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Guaranteed Rate Field
FanDuel = $7,100
DraftKings = $6,300
Shields’ 4.41 ERA and 4.75 FIP aren’t great, but he’s having his best season since joining the White Sox. Although he only has a 7.0 K/9, his 1.29 WHIP is his lowest mark since 2014. He’s struggled with a 5.75 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP on the road this year, but he’s been much better at home with a 3.56 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. The Royals have averaged 3.4 runs across their last 10 games and have scored the fewest runs (447) in the league, making Shields a cheap option with upside in tournament play.
CATCHER/FIRST BASE
Yonder Alonso vs. David Hess, Baltimore Orioles
Stadium – Progressive Field
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $4,500
The Indians stand out as an excellent stacking play against Hess, who has a bloated 6.25 ERA that is backed by an equally poor 6.42 FIP. He has a 1.51 WHIP and has allowed 2.1 HR/9, which certainly isn’t a recipe for success. With left-handed hitters posting a .371 wOBA against him, Alonso carries significant upside.
Ronald Guzman vs. Odrisamer Despaigne, Los Angeles Angels
Stadium – Globe Life Park in Arlington
FanDuel = $2,500
DraftKings = $4,400
Recently acquired in a trade with the Marlins, Despaigne will make his first start with the Angels on Friday. He has pitched mostly out of the bullpen this year, recording a 5.31 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP. He only has a 5.4 K/9 for his career, which doesn’t leave him with much room for error. Guzman hasn’t hit for a high average, but he’s a power threat to consider in tournament play, especially at his cheap price on FanDuel.
Others to consider: Jose Abreu (first base) and Robinson Chirinos (catcher)
SECOND BASE
Rougned Odor vs. Odrisamer Despaigne, Los Angeles Angels
Stadium – Globe Life Park in Arlington
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $4,900
After slugging at least 30 home runs in both of the last two seasons, it appears Odor will fall short of that threshold this year as he only has 14 homers entering Friday. However, his 8.7% walk rate is almost four percentage points higher than his career mark and his .270 batting average has been a major improvement. Add in his .358 wOBA against right-handed pitchers this season and he checks in as another Ranger to consider for your entry.
Scooter Gennett vs. Casey Kelly, San Francisco Giants
Stadium – Great American Ball Park
FanDuel = $3,000
DraftKings = $4,200
After finishing with 27 home runs and 97 RBI last year, Gennett is proving it was no fluke as he has 18 long balls and 70 RBI this season. He’s also batting .305, which would be his highest mark in any season where he has played at least 100 games. Kelly did not pitch well at Triple-A this season, posting a 4.78 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP over 23 starts.
Others to consider: Jason Kipnis and Daniel Murphy
THIRD BASE
Jurickson Profar vs. Odrisamer Despaigne, Los Angeles Angels
Stadium – Globe Life Park in Arlington
FanDuel = $3,400
DraftKings = $4,800
Profar started off this series with a bang Thursday, finishing 2-for-3 with his 14th home run of the season. He now has at least one hit in nine-straight games at home, slugging three homers and three doubles during that stretch. Even though he has better numbers against lefties, don’t shy away from playing him against the underwhelming Despaigne.
Yandy Diaz vs. David Hess, Baltimore Orioles
Stadium – Progressive Field
FanDuel = $2,300
DraftKings = $3,900
With Edwin Encarnacion on the DL, Diaz will likely see a lot of playing time at DH. He only has 200 career plate appearances in the majors, but he’s posted a .294 average and a .370 OBP. His success isn’t that surprising since he has hit .311 with a .413 OBP in his career in the minors. At this dirt cheap price, he’s a very intriguing tournament play.
Others to consider: Jose Ramirez and Miguel Andujar
SHORTSTOP
Francisco Lindor vs. David Hess, Baltimore Orioles
Stadium – Progressive Field
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $5,800
Lindor has hit a brief cold stretch, going 3-for-22 over his last five games. However, he was 13-for-33 during his eight-game hitting streak before his mini-slump started. This might be just the matchup he needs to get back on track. Not only has Hess been horrible, but Lindor is batting .321 at home this year compared to .262 on the road.
Andrelton Simmons vs. Drew Hutchinson, Texas Rangers
Stadium – Globe Life Park in Arlington
FanDuel = $2,800
DraftKings = $4,100
Mike Minor was supposed to start this game for the Rangers, but he’s been scratched due to a stiff back. Hutchinson will start in his place, marking his third appearance since joining the Rangers. His first two didn’t exactly go well as he allowed nine runs in 8.1 innings. He’s not much more than a journeyman starter at this point in his career, so Simmons is someone to consider if you want to save money at shortstop.
Others to consider: Willy Adames and Elvis Andrus
OUTFIELD
Bryce Harper vs. Dan Straily, Miami Marlins
Stadium – Nationals Park
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $5,400
Harper has been a different hitter since the All-Star break, batting .352 with seven home runs and eight doubles across 25 games. He’s been aided by a .453 BABIP, but he was due for some improvement after his abnormally low .226 BABIP before the break. Straily allows plenty of baserunners with his 1.40 WHIP and has given up 1.6 HR/9, setting Harper up with another favorable matchup.
Kole Calhoun vs. Drew Hutchinson, Texas Rangers
Stadium – Globe Life Park in Arlington
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $4,200
Calhoun took advantage of a great matchup against Ariel Jurado on Thursday, finishing the night 3-for-4 with a home run. He’s firmly put his slow start in the rearview mirror and now has 17 home runs total, giving him a chance to hit at least 20 for only the second time in his career. He has a .522 wOBA against right-handed pitchers since July 1 and could provide significant value based on his price on both sites.
Nomar Mazara vs. Odrisamer Despaigne, Los Angeles Angels
Stadium – Globe Life Park in Arlington
FanDuel = $2,500
DraftKings = $4,100
After missing a month with a thumb injury, Mazara hit a home run in his return from the DL on Thursday. He finished with 20 homers and 101 RBI last year and has followed that up with 16 homers and 60 RBI this season despite his stint on the DL. He shouldn’t be priced this low, especially against Despaigne.
Others to consider: Shohei Ohtani and Joey Gallo
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 8/14/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
August special! Use Code MCMLB50 at checkout
Tuesday brings a packed schedule across the majors with 14 games making up the main 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
Anibal Sanchez vs. Miami Marlins
Stadium – SunTrust Park
FanDuel = $8,600
DraftKings = $8,600
Sanchez left his last outing early after getting hit on the calf, but he’s not expected to miss any time. He finished with an ERA of 4.99 or higher in each of the last three seasons with the Tigers, but he’s been a different pitcher since joining the Braves. While it will be hard for him to maintain his current 2.83 ERA, his FIP is still strong at 3.73. One of the main reasons for his success has been cutting back on allowing home runs. He allowed at least 1.7 HR/9 in each of his previous three seasons but has only allowed 1.0 HR/9 this year. The Marlins have scored the second-fewest runs (444) in baseball, so start Sanchez with confidence.
Jameson Taillon vs. Minnesota Twins
Stadium – Target Field
FanDuel = $8,200
DraftKings = $9,000
Taillon finished with a 4.44 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP last year, but that was a bit deceiving based on his 3.48 FIP and opponents’ posting a .352 BABIP against him. His BABIP against has normalized to .300 this year, helping reduce his ERA to 3.63 and his WHIP to 1.22. He had a few big blowups early in the season, but Taillon has allowed three earned runs or fewer in 13 straight starts. Although he’ll have to deal with the DH Tuesday, the Twins lineup suffered a big blow when Brian Dozier was traded to the Dodgers. Look for Taillon to continue his recent run of success.
CATCHER/FIRST BASE
Paul Goldschmidt vs. Yovani Gallardo, Texas Rangers
Stadium – Globe Life Park in Arlington
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $5,200
After swiping at least 18 bases in three straight seasons, Goldschmidt’s stolen base Monday marked only his fifth of the year. He still finished the game with two hits and is now on a seven-game hitting streak. Although he doesn’t have a platoon advantage against Gallardo, Goldschmidt hasn’t struggled versus righties with a .380 wOBA against them this year.
Yadier Molina vs. Gio Gonzalez, Washington Nationals
Stadium – Busch Stadium
FanDuel = $3,200
DraftKings = $4,100
Molina is currently on a five-game hitting streak and is batting .315 with four home runs and 10 doubles since July 1. He’s been one of the best offensive catchers in baseball, batting .288 with 15 homers overall. Gonzalez has allowed plenty of baserunners with a 1.48 WHIP, giving Molina an excellent opportunity to extend his hitting streak.
Others to consider: Yonder Alonso (first base) and Jose Martinez (first base)
SECOND BASE
Daniel Murphy vs. John Gant, St. Louis Cardinals
Stadium – Busch Stadium
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $4,200
After playing at least 140 games in five of the last six years, Murphy has been limited to just 50 games this year due to injury. It took him a while to shake off the rust from a lengthy stint on the DL, but Murphy is 23-for-59 (.390) with three home runs and four doubles across his last 16 games. He’s struggled with a .279 wOBA against left-handed pitchers, but he’s had far more success against righties with a .360 wOBA.
Jason Kipnis vs. Sal Romano, Cincinnati Reds
Stadium – Great American Ball Park
FanDuel = $3,100
DraftKings = $4,100
In a great matchup against Homer Bailey on Monday, Kipnis finished the game 2-for-5 with a double, two RBI and a run scored. It actually marked his third-straight multi-hit performance. He gets another plus matchup Tuesday against Romano, who has a 1.39 WHIP and doesn’t strike out many batters with a 6.4 K/9.
Others to consider: Jeff McNeil and Jonathan Villar
THIRD BASE
Justin Turner vs. Andrew Suarez, San Francisco Giants
Stadium – Dodger Stadium
FanDuel = $3,400
DraftKings = $4,300
Turner went deep Monday, marking just his seventh home run this season. While his power numbers are down, he’s still batting .284 with a .378 OBP. He’s always someone to target versus lefties, as well, considering his 180 wRC+ against them. Suarez doesn’t exactly come into this contest on top of his game, allowing 22 runs in 26.2 innings across his last five starts.
Jedd Gyorko vs. Gio Gonzalez, Washington Nationals
Stadium – Busch Stadium
FanDuel = $2,900
DraftKings = $4,000
Gyorko is starting to heat up for the Cardinals, batting .325 so far in August. His power numbers haven’t been great, but he did slug his ninth homer of the season Monday. He’s been almost as good against lefties as Turner has, posting a 173 wRC+ this year.
Others to consider: Jose Ramirez and Miguel Andujar
SHORTSTOP
Paul DeJong vs. Gio Gonzalez, Washington Nationals
Stadium – Busch Stadium
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $4,200
DeJong only has one multi-hit performance during his current seven-game hitting streak, but he’s hit four home runs during that stretch. He hit 25 home runs and posted a .532 slugging percentage last year in only 108 games, so he carries significant power potential down the stretch. Gonzalez doesn’t give up a ton of home runs, but 11 of the 13 that have been hit off of him this year have been by righties.
Tim Beckham vs. Jason Vargas, New York Mets
Stadium – Oriole Park at Camden Yards
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $3,900
Vargas has been a trainwreck for the Mets. He’s only made 12 starts, but he’s posted an 8.75 ERA and a 1.84 WHIP. He’s also allowed a staggering 12 home runs across 47.1 innings. The Orioles lineup is extremely thin after the trades of Manny Machado and Jonathan Schoop, but there are still some players that could provide value against Vargas. Beckham could be one of them as he is batting .283 with three home runs over his last 13 games.
Others to consider: Francisco Lindor and Didi Gregorius
OUTFIELD
Kole Calhoun vs. Brett Kennedy, San Diego Padres
Stadium – Petco Park
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $4,100
Calhoun has brought one of the craziest swings of production we have seen this season. Entering July, he was batting .162 with three home runs. Since then, he is hitting .311 with 13 homers. Kennedy put up some good numbers in Triple-A this year, but his first career start was a disaster as he gave up six runs over four innings. With the way Calhoun is swinging the bat, he’s an excellent option at this reasonable price on both sites.
Mark Trumbo vs. Jason Vargas, New York Mets
Stadium – Oriole Park at Camden Yards
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $4,600
Trumbo has been battling knee soreness, but he’s hopeful to return to the lineup Tuesday. He’s stepped up since the trades of Machado and Schoop, batting .368 with five home runs in August. His .468 slugging percentage overall is a big improvement over his .397 mark in 2017. As long as he’s in the lineup, he’s someone to target against Vargas.
Harrison Bader vs. Gio Gonzalez, Washington Nationals
Stadium – Busch Stadium
FanDuel = $2,600
DraftKings = $4,500
The Cardinals trading away Tommy Pham was a sign they were gaining more confidence in Bader and Tyler O’Neill. Once Dexter Fowler and O’Neill both landed on the DL, they had to lean heavily on Bader. He’s hasn’t let them down, batting .325 with two home runs so far in August. He’s not that cheap on DraftKings, but he’s a great option at his price on FanDuel considering his .407 wOBA against lefties.
Others to consider: Michael Brantley and Cedric Mullins