We have the customary packed Tuesday with 15 games making up the evening slate in DFS. With so many teams in action, there are a few different strategies available to be deployed.
Read MoreMLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 6/11/2019
Tuesday brings a loaded night in DFS with 15 games to choose from. Whether it’s ace pitchers or lineups with favorable matchups, there are various ways to attack this slate.
Read MoreMLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 5/22/2019
Wednesday’s evening slate of action will be highlighted by an excellent pitching matchup between Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom. They aren’t the only stud pitchers set to take the mound, either.
Read MoreMLB 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 8/20/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
August special! Use Code MCMLB50 at checkout
Monday brings plenty of options in DFS with 10 games on the schedule. It should be an exciting night with games including the Indians against the Red Sox, the Astros versus the Mariners and the Cardinals taking on the Dodgers. 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 – Citi Field
FanDuel = $9,100
DraftKings = $9,300
In what has been a lost season for the Mets, Wheeler has made significant improvements. After finishing with a 5.21 ERA and a 5.03 FIP in 2017, he has a 3.75 ERA and a 3.43 FIP this year. Not only has he reduced his WHIP from 1.59 to 1.23, but he’s allowed 0.8 HR/9 compared to 1.6 HR/9 last year. He’s on a hot streak right now, as well, allowing five runs and recording 30 strikeouts over 33 innings in his last five starts. The Giants have the third-lowest OPS on the road (.664) in baseball, potentially setting up Wheeler for a great performance.
Kevin Gausman vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
Stadium – PNC Park
FanDuel = $7,500
DraftKings = $7,100
Gausman has pitched well since joining the Braves, allowing five runs across 19 innings in three starts. He only had 12 total strikeouts, but it’s encouraging that he also allowed just one home run. Homers have been a problem for him this season since he’s allowed 1.4 HR/9 overall. The move from the American League to the National League can provide a big boost for pitchers, which could be the case even more so for Gausman since he was pitching in the AL East. The Pirates are in the bottom third of baseball in home runs, so Gausman might be worth considering in tournament play.
CATCHER/FIRST BASE
Matt Olson vs. Bartolo Colon, Texas Rangers
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $4,100
Bartolo Colon was originally scheduled to start Sunday, but he was pushed back a day after dealing with some back stiffness. That’s good news for Olson and the A’s since Colon has a 5.19 ERA and has allowed 1.7 HR/9. Olson only has a .309 wOBA against left-handed pitchers, but he has a .348 wOBA against righties. He’s hit 19 of his 23 homers off of righties as well.
Ji-Man Choi vs. Jorge Lopez, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Tropicana Field
FanDuel = $2,000
DraftKings = $3,700
The Rays could prove to be a productive stack Monday. Lopez mostly pitched in relief for the Brewers Triple-A squad this season, posting a 5.65 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP. His first start for the Royals did not go well as he allowed six runs over 4.2 innings to the Blue Jays. Choi is currently on a seven-game hitting streak and he has a .349 wOBA against righties, making him a great cheap option with upside.
Others to consider: Jesus Aguilar (first base) and Robinson Chirinos (catcher)
SECOND BASE
Travis Shaw vs. Homer Bailey, Cincinnati Reds
Stadium – Miller Park
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $4,700
The Brewers will likely be another popular stack with Bailey starting for the Reds. Bailey allowed 10 runs over 8.2 innings in his last two starts and has a 6.33 ERA and a 1.63 WHIP overall. He’s had trouble keeping hitters inside the park, as well, giving up 1.9 HR/9. Shaw has plenty of power and has hit 23 of his 24 home runs against righties this year.
Joey Wendle vs. Jorge Lopez, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Tropicana Field
FanDuel = $2,300
DraftKings = $3,900
Wendle might not be flashy, but he’s batting .327 with 12 RBI so far in August. He doesn’t hit many home runs, but he’s been a reliable hitter for the Rays with a .291 average this season. He doesn’t have nearly the ceiling that Shaw does, but that doesn’t mean he can’t provide value at this price against the underwhelming Lopez.
Others to consider: Rougned Odor and Brian Dozier
THIRD BASE
Justin Turner vs. Austin Gomber, St. Louis Cardinals
Stadium – Dodger Stadium
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,500
Turner is one of the hottest hitters in baseball right now as he is 24-for-52 (.462) with three homers and six doubles during his current 13-game hitting streak. Gomber has largely pitched well for the Cardinals, but with the way Turner is hitting and his 175 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers this season, don’t count on his hitting streak ending Monday.
Matt Chapman vs. Bartolo Colon, Texas Rangers
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $3,000
DraftKings = $4,300
Chapman is not only one of the premier defensive third baseman in baseball, he’s one of the best defenders in general. He seems to make sparkling plays on a nightly basis, but he’s done far more than just excel in the field. He’s made a significant improvement at the plate, batting .276 with a .363 OBP. He’s batting .311 with four homers in August and is another A’s hitter to consider against Colon.
Others to consider: Mike Moustakas and Todd Frazier
SHORTSTOP
Jorge Polanco vs. Lucas Giolito, Chicago White Sox
Stadium – Target Field
FanDuel = $3,200
DraftKings = $4,200
There is no shortage of bad starting pitchers scheduled to appear Monday. Giolito has managed to stay in the White Sox rotation the entire season, but he’s been awful with a 6.15 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP. He’s had significant control problems, issuing 72 walks compared to only 91 strikeouts. Polanco might not have a ton of power, but he does have a stellar .395 wOBA against right-handed pitchers.
Jose Peraza vs. Chase Anderson, Milwaukee Brewers
Stadium – Miller Park
FanDuel = $3,100
DraftKings = $4,500
Peraza has been more disciplined at the plate this year, recording only a 10.4% strikeout rate. He still doesn’t walk a lot, but his .292 batting average is a significant improvement from his .259 mark last season. Although he’s not a power hitter, he has slugged a home run in both of his last two games and has at least two hits in four-straight contests. I prefer Polanco out of the two as they both have similar prices, but Peraza could also provide value for your entry.
Others to consider: Amed Rosario and Marcus Semien
OUTFIELD
Khris Davis vs. Bartolo Colon, Texas Rangers
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $5,000
The A’s have not only played their way into the Wild Card race, but they are also giving the Astros a run for their money in the AL West. Davis has been a huge reason for their success, hitting 36 home runs to go along with 98 RBI. He’s well on his way to his third-straight season with at least 40 homers and 100 RBI. With Colon’s propensity to give up the long ball, Davis could be in for a monster night.
Max Kepler vs. Lucas Giolito, Chicago White Sox
Stadium – Target Field
FanDuel = $2,900
DraftKings = $3,900
Kepler struggles with his batting average, but he’s followed up his 19 home runs in 2017 with 16 homers so far this season. He’s actually having a respectable month, overall, in August, batting .255 with a .367 wOBA. Giolito has allowed a .374 wOBA against left-handed hitters, making Kepler a viable option at this cheap price in tournament play.
Mallex Smith vs. Jorge Lopez, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Tropicana Field
FanDuel = $2,800
DraftKings = $4,600
Although the Rays acquired Tommy Pham and Austin Meadows at the trade deadline, Smith isn’t going anywhere in their outfield. He’s been red-hot since July 1, batting .365 with a .448 OBP. He’s a terror when he’s on the bases, swiping 11 bags during that stretch and 26 for the season overall. With Lopez’s struggles to keep runners off base, Smith carries plenty of upside in this game despite his lack of power.
Others to consider: Christian Yelich and Lorenzo Cain
MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 5/1/18
Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 5/1/18
Earlybird special! Use Code PAMLB10 at checkout
If you like ace starting pitchers, you are in luck Tuesday with Max Scherzer, Chris Sale, Clayton Kershaw, Justin Verlander and Noah Syndergaard all scheduled to take the mound. Offense might be hard to come by in those games, but there are still a lot of great hitting options for the night as well. 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
Chris Sale vs. Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Fenway Park
FanDuel = $11,300
DraftKings = $12,400
Where to begin? Sale was one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball last year, finishing with a 2.90 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 12.9 K/9. It marked the third time in the last four seasons that he finished with a K/9 of at least 10.8. He hasn’t slowed down this season, posting a 2.31 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 11.6 K/9 through six starts. He owns left-handed hitters, holding them to a .234 wOBA last year. Some of the Royals best hitters are left-handed, which is not good news for their offensive potential Tuesday. Their lineup has been bad in general this year, scoring the fewest runs (95) with the sixth-lowest OPS (.681) in baseball. Of all the aces taking the mound Tuesday, Sale might finish with the most impressive performance.
Sean Newcomb vs. New York Mets
Stadium – Citi Field
FanDuel = $7,400
DraftKings = $7,600
The Braves are loaded with young talent, including Newcomb, who they are relying on to be 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 year and he can provide value despite his high walk rate. The Mets have the second-lowest OPS (.605) against left-handed pitching this season, so Newcomb might be worth the risk Tuesday.
CATCHER/FIRST BASE
C.J. Cron vs. Matthew Boyd, Detroit Tigers
Stadium – Comerica Park
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $3,900
Cron has provided the Rays with an excellent power bat of late, hitting five home runs in his last eight games. He’s never played more than 116 games in a season, but should easily top that this season if he can stay healthy. Boyd’s 2.74 ERA looks nice, but his 4.72 FIP indicates he has not pitched that well and he’s been lucky with opponents having just a .194 BABIP. Cron might be one player who turns Boyd’s luck around Tuesday.
Albert Pujols vs. Alex Cobb, Baltimore Orioles
Stadium – Angel Stadium
FanDuel = $2,900
DraftKings = $3,600
Pujols isn’t exactly red-hot right now and hasn’t had a multi-hit performance in any of his last 12 games. However, Cobb has been one of the worst pitchers in baseball during the early going, allowing a 13.11 ERA and 2.83 WHIP. He has allowed at least 10 hits in each of his first three starts and only has four total strikeouts. At this cheap price, Pujols could be worth the risk in tournament play.
Others to consider: Joey Votto (first base) and J.T. Realmuto (catcher)
SECOND BASE
Robinson Cano vs. Andrew Triggs, Oakland Athletics
Stadium – Safeco Field
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,900
Cano only has three home runs this year, but he’s batting .313 with a .422 OBP. He has shown an excellent eye at the plate, drawing 17 walks and striking out just 18 times. With a career .379 wOBA against right-handed pitchers, Cano could be in line for a big performance Tuesday.
Ian Kinsler vs. Alex Cobb, Baltimore Orioles
Stadium – Angel Stadium
FanDuel = $3,100
DraftKings = $3,800
Kinsler has already spent some time on the DL this season, limiting him to only 15 games. He’s struggled to the tune of a .224 batting average, but his abnormally low .218 BABIP and 25% hard-hit rate suggest better things to come. With Cobb’s struggles already detailed, Kinsler is another Angels’ hitter to consider adding to your entry.
Others to consider: Jed Lowrie and Matt Carpenter
THIRD BASE
Christian Villanueva vs. Andrew Suarez, San Francisco Giants
Stadium – AT&T Park
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $4,400
The Padres couldn’t have asked for more from Villanueva to start the season, hitting .321 with a 1.103 OPS, eight home runs, and 19 RBI. His .370 BABIP might not be sustainable though and he batted only .269 with a .780 OPS during his career in the minors. While regression is likely in his future, it might not come Tuesday against the left-handed Suarez since Villanueva has a 339 wRC+ (you’re not reading that wrong) against lefties in his brief Major League career.
Martin Prado vs. Zach Eflin, Philadelphia Phillies
Stadium – Marlins Park
FanDuel = $2,700
DraftKings = $3,000
A career .291 hitter, injuries limited Prado to only 37 games last year and only three games this season. He doesn’t hit for a lot of power, but he doesn’t strike out much either with an 11.2% strikeout rate for his career. Eflin will be making his first start of the season after finishing with a 1.42 WHIP and 4.9 K/9 last year, bringing Prado and his cheap price into the conversation for Tuesday.
Others to consider: Alex Bregman and Daniel Robertson
SHORTSTOP
Trea Turner vs. Chad Kuhl, Pittsburgh Pirates
Stadium – Nationals Park
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $4,300
Turner was in a funk to start the season but has broken out of it, hitting 13-for-30 (.433) in his last seven games. He’s been excellent on the bases as well, recording four steals and five runs scored during that same stretch. Kuhl has struggled to keep runners off base with a 1.43 career WHIP, so don’t be surprised if Turner has another multi-hit performance in this game.
Andrelton Simmons vs. Alex Cobb, Baltimore Orioles
Stadium – Angel Stadium
FanDuel = $2,800
DraftKings = $3,900
Simmons is one of the best defensive shortstops in baseball, but don’t forget that he has batted at least .278 in back-to-back seasons. He’s off to an even better start this season at .312, but a lot of that has to do with his 39.5% hard-hit rate, which is over 13% higher than his career mark. With Cobb on the mound Tuesday though, he’s yet another Angels’ hitter who could provide value.
Others to consider: Carlos Correa and Adeiny Hechavarria
OUTFIELD
Bryce Harper vs. Chad Kuhl, Pittsburgh Pirates
Stadium – Nationals Park
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $5,300
Harper is hitting just .247 this season, but his .219 BABIP indicates that won’t hold up. He’s still hitting the ball well, posting a 40.3% hard-hit rate. His eye at the plate has been impeccable with 38 walks and only 21 strikeouts this year, leading to a lofty .458 OBP. With Kuhl’s struggles to keep runners off base, Harper might be worth paying up for Tuesday.
Marcell Ozuna vs. James Shields, Chicago White Sox
Stadium – Busch Stadium
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $3,800
After setting career-highs with a .312 average and 37 home runs in 2017, it was going to be tough for Ozuna to duplicate that for his new team this year. He’s off to a slow start batting .250, but his .313 BABIP isn’t that low. It should be noted that his career batting average is .276 and his career BABIP is .326, so he may have just played over his head last year. He’s still someone to consider Tuesday though against Shields, who doesn’t have overpowering stuff and finished with a 1.44 WHIP last year.
Max Kepler vs. Marco Estrada, Toronto Blue Jays
Stadium – Target Field
FanDuel = $2,800
DraftKings = $3,400
Kepler is a much better hitter against righties, finishing with a .350 wOBA against them last year compared to .203 against lefties. Of the 19 home runs he hit last year, 17 of them came off of righties. Estrada allowed 31 home runs last year and has already given up seven this season, making Kepler a viable option at a cheap price.
Others to consider: Mike Trout and Christian Yelich