This article will outline the best daily fantasy MLB plays of the day at every position. We’ll take a comprehensive look across the DFS industry to uncover these core recommendations, factoring respective salaries into the analysis.
Please note, these player picks were organized early in the day. For MLB contests, always check lineups and weather closer to game time. Rain, wind, or unexpected managerial decisions could open up additional sources of value. Be sure to keep an eye on the MLB Headlines and Injuries desk.
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We will be looking at the four-game main slate starting at 7:07 ET.
PITCHER
Hyun-Jin Ryu – LA Dodgers (vs. San Diego)
There are only four games in tonight’s evening slate, which really limits our pitching options. Ryu is the only reliable choice that jumps off the screen, looming head and shoulders over the other candidates. The Dodgers’ lefty had a rare meltdown with seven earned runs last Friday, but that came in the hitter-friendly environment of Coors Field. This is a strong bounce-back spot in San Diego, facing a Padres’ team that ranks below average in wRC+ with the second-highest strikeout rate at 26%. Teammate Walker Buehler enjoyed a nice rebound last night after struggling in Colorado, and now it’s Ryu’s turn to get back on track.
Also Consider: Lance Lynn, Marcus Stroman (value)
CATCHER / FIRST BASE
Freddie Freeman – Atlanta (vs. Philadelphia)
Freeman is one of my favorite overall hitters on this slate. He’s expensive, so you’ll definitely need to take that into consideration, especially if you plan on entertaining Ryu’s cumbersome salary. Freeman is one of the most reliable hitters in the game with an excellent blend of contact and power. This is a promising home matchup against Zach Eflin’s .356 wOBA split to left-handed bats.
Also Consider: Justin Smoak, Matt Beaty
SECOND BASE
Ozzie Albies – Atlanta (vs. Philadelphia)
Albies feeds off the same rationale listed above with Freeman. Philadelphia RHP Eflin has fallen on tough times lately while allowing 19 hits and nine earned runs through 11 innings over his past two games. The quality of competition hasn’t necessarily been great either, facing the Mets and Marlins in those contests. Eflin’s struggles could continue against a tough Atlanta offense, and Albies will look to jump on his .356 wOBA split to lefties.
Also Consider: Max Muncy, Eric Sogard
THIRD BASE
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – Toronto (vs. Boston)
It was just announced that Guerrero will be participating in the Home Run Derby next week. Perhaps we’ll see a preview tonight. Boston RHP Hector Velazquez will make a spot-start, and he has been shaky with a 5.31 ERA on the season. Guerrero and company could put up some runs in this situation, and Vlad Jr has been swinging a confident bat with three hits, two doubles, one homer, three RBIs, and five runs over his past four starts.
Also Consider: Justin Turner, Asdrubal Cabrera
SHORTSTOP
Chris Taylor – LA Dodgers (vs. San Diego)
You could look towards Xander Bogaerts or Elvis Andrus at shortstop, but Taylor has my vote as a reasonable bargain lift. The veteran shortstop has been swinging a steady bat since taking over the full-time role following Corey Seager’s injury. For example, Taylor has collected 20 hits, three homers, nine runs, and 14 RBIs over his last 12 games. There’s a good chance he’ll continue to impress in a non-imposing matchup against San Deigo RHP Dinelson Lamet.
Also Consider: Elvis Andrus, Freddy Galvis
OUTFIELD
Joc Pederson – LA Dodgers (vs. San Diego)
Let’s go ahead and feature another Home Run Derby participant. Pederson has 20 round-trippers on the season, but he surprisingly hasn’t smacked one since June 20. It has been comforting to see that he’s still posting fantasy value with five hits and four RBIs over his past three games. San Diego RHP Lamet will make his season debut tonight, and I believe the Dodgers can get to him tonight.
Nomar Mazara – Texas (vs. LA Angels)
The Rangers check in with the highest run-scoring projection of the night, thanks in large part to their hitter-friendly home ballpark. Angels’ RHP Griffin Canning has been somewhat mediocre lately, and that could spell trouble considering the park shift in Texas. Mazara is an economical candidate to take advantage while holding multi-hit upside with power.
Also Consider: Shohei Ohtani, Alex Verdugo, Kole Calhoun, Nick Markakis, Andrew Benintendi
