This article outlines the best daily fantasy MLB plays of the day at every position. We take a comprehensive look 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.
HITTING STACKS
Oakland A’s - The Athletics have one of the best matchups of the night while stepping in against Texas RHP Jordan Lyles and his 9.25 ERA on the season so far.
Tampa Bay Rays - Baltimore LHP John Means has gotten knocked around in four appearances, which has contributed to a heavy 10.12 ERA. The Rays are well-equipped with capable right-handed bats to continue those struggles.
Minnesota Twins - The Twins are banged-up at the moment, so we won’t be able to roster lefty-mashers like Josh Donaldson or Mitch Garver tonight. However, Miguel Sano, Marwin Gonzalez, and Nelson Cruz will take hacks against Detroit LHP Matthew Boyd’s erratic pitching.
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PITCHER
Chris Bassitt - DK: $8,600 FD: $7,800 Yahoo: n/a
Bassitt is reasonably-priced while stepping in as a strong -190 road favorite. His offense should provide enough run support to earn the victory, and I truly believe Bassitt could flirt with a quality start as well. Most of that stems from his opponent, Texas, ranking dead last in wRC+ while also holding an above-average strikeout rate at 24%.
Also Consider: Randy Dobnak, Max Scherzer
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CATCHER
Ryan Jeffers - Minnesota (at Detroit) - DK: $2,400 FD: $2,100 Yahoo: n/a
Jeffers is a rookie catcher who is filling in for Mitch Garver. He’s dirt-cheap while looking at a righty/lefty matchup against Detroit LHP Mattew Boyd, who has struggled with seven earned runs in two of his last four outings. I don’t mind taking the value with Jeffers here, which will help you roster the top dollar bats listed below.
Also Consider: Mike Zunino, Kurt Suzuki
FIRST BASE
Matt Olson - Oakland (at Texas) - DK: $5,300 FD: $3,500 Yahoo: n/a
Olson is one of the best overall DFS plays on this slate. Oakland checks in with the highest run-scoring projection of the night, and their first baseman could easily lead the way. The A’s will face Texas RHP Jordan Lyles, who has gotten hammered to the tune of 18 earned runs and 24 hits across 13 innings in his last three starts.
Also Consider: Renato Nunez, Howie Kendrick
SECOND BASE
Mike Brosseau - Tampa Bay (vs. Baltimore) - DK: $4,700 FD: $2,500 Yahoo: n/a
Brosseau is a quality hitter who should hold a premium lineup spot for Tampa. He’s also way too cheap at $2,500 on FanDuel. The 26-year-old infielder is currently hitting .318 with three homers and seven RBI in 44 at-bats. He could add to those totals against Baltimore LHP John Means, who carries a 10.12 ERA at the moment.
Also Consider: Robinson Cano, Cavan Biggio
THIRD BASE
Matt Chapman - Oakland (at Texas) - DK: 5,400 FD: $3,700 Yahoo: n/a
Chapman is expected to play tonight after missing one game due to taking a pitch to the helmet. He’s expensive (especially on DK), but the matchup is undeniable against RHP Lyles’ aforementioned shortcomings. The Oakland slugger has legitimate upside, as he flexed with an incredible hot streak last week. This draw could be the start of another run for Chappy.
Also Consider: Yandy Diaz, Marwin Gonzalez
SHORTSTOP
Willy Adames - Tampa Bay (vs. Baltimore) - DK: $3,900 FD: $2,900 Yahoo: n/a
Adames is another economical, but sensible bargain play to help you stack top-notch hitters like Olson and Chapman. The Rays are in an excellent position to score some runs against LHP John Means, On top of that, I’m not a believer in Baltimore’s bullpen, even though they have been decent through 30 games. Adams should be able to take advantage, and he has been a strong DFS bargain numerous times since the calendar flipped to August.
Also Consider: Marcus Semien, Trea Turner
OUTFIELD
Nelson Cruz - Minnesota (at Detroit) - DK: $5,700 FD: $4,300 Yahoo: n/a
I’m aware that Cruz doesn’t have good numbers against Detroit LHP Matthew Boyd, but I don’t care. The Minnesota slugger is on top of his game at the moment, while Boyd has struggled by allowed seven earned runs in two of his last four. It’s time for Cruz to adjust his personal numbers vs. Boyd, and I’ll be looking to align my DFS teams accordingly.
Hunter Renfroe - Tampa Bay (vs. Baltimore)- DK: $3,800 FD: $2,500 Yahoo: n/a
Renfroe is another value play from Tampa while looking to take advantage of the righty/lefty matchup against Means. Admittedly, this is a boom-or-bust play, but Renfroe has plenty of power upside against left-handed pitching. He should see numerous RBI situations as well, so I believe the potential rewards are worth the risk at an obtainable salary.
Also Consider: Mark Canha, Juan Soto, Ramon Laureano, Jose Martinez, Teoscar Hernandez
BARGAINS
Adam Eaton (OF - WAS) and Luis Garcia (2B - WAS) are a few cheap fillers to consider as well. Washington could represent a sneaky-good stack tonight, as they are facing Philadelphia RHP - who has allowed four homers and 19 hits in 11.2 innings this season.
Ryan Mountcastle (1B/OF - BAL) is more of a tournament play who is heating up with five hits over his last three games. He’ll look to jump on tonight’s righty/lefty matchup against Ryan Yarbrough - who has coughed-up four or more earned runs in three of his last four.
GPP PIVOTS
Miguel Sano (1B - MIN) is a multi-homer threat, but he’s also putting better swings on the ball while cutting down the strikeout rate. That has resulted in a career-high hitting streak of ten games. Sano would be in a great position to thrive if LHP Matthew Boyd’s struggles persist.
