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Welcome to the MLB DFS Stacks article - where we’ll be looking to highlight the best hitting stacks of the day. These recommendations are categorized as “Cash Game Stacks” and “Tournament Stacks” while outlining risk/reward situations. We will add additional context with other hitting/pitching options throughout the article.
Keep in mind that the following player write-ups were constructed earlier in the day, and sometimes injury/rest situations can alter the fantasy landscape. Monitoring our MLB News & Headlines Feed throughout the day will keep you in the loop while giving you the subsequent DFS consequences of each information piece.
We will be looking towards the 10-game main slate beginning at 7:10 ET.
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CASH GAME STACKS
Tampa Bay (at Cleveland - RHP J.C. Mejia)
It’s no secret that Cleveland RHP J.C. Mejia has been struggling. The Indians (Guardians?) hurler owns a 7.53 ERA while allowing 23 earned runs and 27 hits across 22 innings over his last five starts. The Rays could exacerbate those problems, and the addition of Nelson Cruz doesn’t hurt. Cruz is a headline pick within this Tampa stack, so take him alongside guys like Brandon Lowe, Austin Meadows, and Wander Franco. Ji-Man Choi and Kevin Kiemaier are also in the mix as bargains.
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Cincinnati (vs. St. Louis - RHP Jake Woodford)
I wouldn’t classify Jake Woodford as a bad pitcher, but he hasn’t made the best impression as a major leaguer. The St. Louis righty has tossed 52 big league innings, owning a 4.67 ERA that could be much worse as indicated by a 6.02 FIP. Woodford also carries a .358 wOBA split to left-handed bats. That could be a source of pain while facing this capable Cincinnati lineup in a hitter-friendly ballpark. Joey Votto, Jesse Winker, and Tyler Naquin are strong choices to attack the vulnerability. Eugenio Suarez is a high-upside tournament pick while Tyler Stephenson is a well-aligned value for the Reds.
Top Plays: Joey Votto, Brandon Lowe, Wander Franco, Eugenio Suarez, Jesse Winker, Austin Meadows, Nelson Cruz
Top Value: Tyler Stephenson, Ji-Man Choi, Kevin Kiermaier, Tyler Naquin
TOURNAMENT STACKS
Houston (vs. Texas - RHP Kyle Gibson)
Has Kyle Gibson finally turned into a pumpkin? “Gibby” was having a breakout All-Star season, which typically doesn’t happen for 33-year-old veterans with a career ERA around 4.50. Regression has jumped on his back, as Gibson allowed 13 earned runs and 18 hits across 11.1 innings over his last two games. Both of those came against Detroit, who has a significantly worse offense than he’ll see at Houston this evening. The Astros could extend Gibson’s struggles, so I’m looking toward Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez as premium picks. Michael Brantley and Kyle Tucker are mid-range bargains to round out a healthy Houston stack.
Toronto (at New York Mets - RHP Taijuan Walker)
Speaking of struggling pitchers, Taijuan Walker is coming off his worst start of the season: recording just one out with four earned runs and four walks at Pittsburgh last Sunday. Yikes! Walker will try to reclaim his control, but that is a tricky proposition against a Toronto offense that ranks top ten in most major hitting categories. There’s a chance Walker will bounce back nicely, but savvy DFS investors stand to benefit if his problems continue. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., George Springer, and Teoscar Hernadez are the top picks - listed in order of preference. Cavan Biggio and Lourdes Gurriel are bargain lifts within this stack.
