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Today’s edition of Aces and Bases focuses ONLY on FanDuel’s nine-game MLB DFS Main Slate for 7:05PM ET, hopefully finding you some green screens!

No weather that will likely impact play, and best hitting environments are in Baltimore, Cincinnati, Coors Field and Anaheim.

MLB DFS: The Aces

Top MLB DFS Ace: Corbin Burnes ($11,100)

He’s the top ace of the day with a fine matchup against the Mets, and will likely be the most popular for cash games. With an obnoxious, almost unheard-of 1.58 FIP and 2.34 ERA in line with his 2.31 XFIP, Burnes is having a historic season. His 12.59 K/9 is amazing, but it’s even more implausible when we consider the 1.82 BB/9 rate. The Mets just got flummoxed by Eric Lauer last night, and now they face a pitcher with a curveball/cutter combo that’s among the best we’ve seen over the past 20 years. Lock him into cash lineups and move on.

Best GPP Play: Robbie Ray ($10,800)

Ray has had two poor starts among his last three, but his regularity in the 45-70 point range this season means he’s the best GPP play on the board against the Twins in Minnesota. We could see some portion of the field move to Burnes given the recency bias of Ray’s last start. The Toronto ace shouldn’t have too many problems with the righty-heavy Twins lineup, and although they hit fastballs well, Ray’s is among the best in baseball. Adam Strangis goes through some of the same rationales in his excellent Starting Rotation article for 9/25, and while that mainly looks at DK pricing, the thought process only affirms itself even more on FD, where you have to choose one pitcher. Ray is the best GPP option considering price and upside.

Contrarian GPP Play: Lance Lynn ($10,000)

He’s a contrarian play based on the other two pitcher I’ve discussed, so if you really want to get different I don’t have a problem with using Lynn in large-field GPPs. For single entry I’d prefer both Burnes and Ray, but Lynn does have some upside in this matchup vs. Cleveland and still boasts ands nice 30-35 point floor because of his solid metrics (3.26 FIP and 27.8% K rate). The mases won’t be on him, so maybe he’s a good pivot in one-third to half your multi-entry lineups.

MLB DFS: The Bases

Top Stack: San Francisco Giants

If we can fit these guys, I think today is one of the days we have to play them. Brandon Crawford ($3,900), LaMonte Wade, Jr. ($3,800), Tommy La Stella ($3,600), Brandon Belt ($4,300) and Kris Bryant ($4,300) and Evan Longoria ($3,700) are not cheap, but I’m hoping we can find a way to get a full four-man stack in there with a couple of value plays from the Reds and a two more (one-offs or two-man mini stack). , Mike Yastrzemski ($3,800) is day-to-day after being removed from Friday’s contest with knee soreness, so keep an eye on who starts in the outfield. We may find a player like Alex Dickerson ($2,500) in a good spot at a reduced salary.

GPP Value Stack: Cincinnati Reds

This just feels like a Reds day facing Erick Fedde, and they’ve got good hitting weather, a hittable pitcher, and a lineup peppered with enough value plays that will let us spend at SP without much discomfort. I’m looking at four-man combinations of the following hitters: Joey Votto ($4,100), Nick Castellanos ($3,800), Max Schrock ($2,100), Jonathan India ($3,500), Tucker Barnhart ($2,200), Kyle Farmer ($3,300) and T.J. Friedl ($2,100). And that’s in order of priority.

GPP Value Stack #2: Seattle Mariners

Angels SP Jaime Barria has an xFIP over 5.00, and we have a slew of relatively inexpensive hitters from both sides of the plate who match up well in this spot. Prioritize the 1-5 hitters, especially J.P. Crawford ($3,000), Ty France ($3,000) and Mitch Haniger ($3,600) and mix in guys like Jake Fraley ($2,000) and Abraham Toro ($2,400) if you’re tight on salary.

Bonus Contrarian Stacks: Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles

Make sure to keep an eye on the starters as lineups are released. Good luck tonight, and please utilize the MLB Projection models to land on your one-offs and off-the-wall value plays!

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Today’s edition of Aces and Bases focuses ONLY on FanDuel’s nine-game MLB DFS Main Slate for 7:05PM ET, hopefully finding you some green screens!

Possibility for a stray shower that could cause a late start or brief delay at Citi Field for Dodgers-Mets, but other than that we don’t have to worry about much other than the usual weirdness in these trying times!

MLB DFS: The Aces

Top MLB DFS Ace: Walker Buehler ($11,500)

The price may prohibit us from getting all the bats we want, but there’s no denying that Buehler offers the safest option for cash games as long s the weather looks like it will hold prior to lock. The Mets are just about middle-of-the-road in K rate in MLB (23.6%), and Buehler’s pitch repertoire all but guarantees they’ll have trouble barreling him up tonight. From a MLB DFS perspective, there’s plenty of reason to steer away on GPPs and single-entry builds where we’d like to get some big bats, but there may be some sneaky stack value that could help us combine Buehler’s high floor with the hitting points necessary to nail down a solid cash game lineup.

NOTE: If you’re willing to assume a little more risk and need the extra savings, Joe Musgrove ($9,600) is also a viable option against a somewhat feckless Arizona lineup.

Best GPP Value: Luis Garcia ($7,900)

Garcia is woefully mispriced on FD and we’re going to take advantage in GPPs. In his MLB DFS Starting Rotation 8.14 article, Adam Strangis points out that Garcia has a great spot for production here, and that’s a DK-oriented piece where he’s actually priced at $9,900, while Buehler is just $10,600. On FD, however, we only need one SP — and Garcia’s average of 31.7 PPG (with duel season highs of 52 points coming in his last start and two of his last four starts) is a huge plus. He’s clearly our best bang for the buck against an Angels lineup that has a few bright spots but has been among the worst in the league over the past 14 days (.214/.282/.314 team slash; .264 team wOBA and 66 wRC+). Single-entry, large-field GPP — maybe even cash games — I’ll be all over Garcia tonight in MLB DFS tonight.

Contrarian GPP Play: Dylan Cease ($8,900)

The Yankees offense is very scary, but they do strike out at a 24.3% rate this season and this game will not be played in a wind tunnel Field of Dreams where any hard hit fly ball ends up in the corn. Cease is projected for over 30 FD points and he could easily exceed the 40-point mark if he can avoid the walks and big blast (he’s made big strides in 2021, lowering his BB/9% to 3.69 from 5.25 in a tumultuous 2020). He should carry low ownership against the Bronx Bombers and pitching on his home field should help a bit, as he’s posted a .267 wOBA on the South Side of Chicago, compared to .301 in road games. This is a risky play but Cease does have upside in this matchup if he can keep the Yankees off base and limit the HR damage to solo blasts.

MLB DFS: The Bases

Top Stack: Los Angeles Dodgers

Taijuan Walker hasn’t been too good since the end of June, yielding a whopping .464 wOBA since the All-Star break and an almost hilarious .333/.406/.711 slash line to opposing hitters. And now, folks, he gets to face the Los Angeles Dodgers! We can focus our attention on the lefties here. making a point to include Cody Bellinger ($3,600) — who’s really been heating up — along with Corey Seager ($3,200), Max Muncy ($3,700) and finish off our four-man stack with RHB A.J. Pollock ($3,100), who’s still relatively cheap. Trea Turner is also worth a look, but he’s expensive at $4,000, and if Albert Pujols ($2,200) starts he’ll be a bargain.

GPP Value Stack: San Francisco Giants

I profited quite a bit from having almost 100% of Austin Slater ($2,500) and Wilmer Flores ($3,000) last night in the late slate contests, and we want to take advantage of their soft prices and crazy splits against LHP again tonight, as they’ll be facing Rockies SP Kyle Freeland, a southpaw with a .364 wOBA (and nine HR allowed this season in 52.0 total IP) against right-handed batters. Throw in cleanup hitter Darin Ruf ($2,700) and (future HOFer?) Buster Posey ($3,300) and you’ve got a solid and inexpensive four-man stack, viable for cash or GPP. 3B/OF.UTIL eligible Kris Bryant is also worth a look and makes sense to mix in if you can afford him at $3,900, and we have another cheap option in Donovan Solano ($2,500), who’s having an excellent second half (.307/.381/.453).

GPP Stack #2: Houston Astros

The Astros could also be popular tonight, and I’m fine starting my builds with Michael Brantley ($3,000), Yordan Alvarez ($3,900), Kyle Tucker ($3,200) and GPP wunderkind Aledmys Diaz ($2,700). Sure, we can squeeze in Jose Altuve ($3,800) if we can afford him and there’s no reason to bet against Carlos Correa ($3,500) and value option Chas McCormick ($2,300) if he gets into the lineup. Angels SP Jaime Barria has been decent since returning from Triple-A in late July, but this Astros lineup is just too good at making contact and barreling up baseballs. Don’t forget to mix in a stack or two in your GPPs.

Make sure to keep an eye on the starters as lineups are released. Good luck tonight, and please utilize the MLB Projection models to land on your one-offs and off-the-wall value plays!

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On our Thursday 9/5 DFS 7:05 main slate, there are seven ballgames – with one that stands out as a good single-game stack with a couple one-offs (a hot-hitting Cub and some RHBs on the lefty-mashing Houston buzzsaw). Are we ready to, once again, embrace the variance and win some green? You bet we are – and there’s enough pitching value to fade the top arms and build a lineup with serious studs.

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9/5 DFS Hitting Stacks of the Day

Boston Red Sox vs. Martin Perez

Most of this stack’s full-bodied components will be discussed hitterby hitter in greater detail below, but this is my top stack of the slate and I’llhave plenty of exposure to this game in general. The usual suspects apply. TheRed Sox are slashing a robust .285/.355/.506 at home this season and there’s nobodyI’d be careful to avoid.

Minnesota Twins at Nathan Eovaldi

The Twins have a little tougher matchup as they are underdogs inFenway Park, but they’d slashed .319/.384/.584 as a team over the past 7 daysheading into last night’s tough matchup vs. Eduardo Rodriguez (which resultedin a 6-2 loss). Look for the Twins to rebound in a big way against a hittable Eovaldi(6.23 ERA, 5.62 FIP). I like the outfielders (though Max Kepler was removedfrom last night’s game with upper chest soreness) and the slugging infielders (JorgePolanco, Miguel Sano, C.J. Cron, Luis Arraez).

Houston Astros vs. Marco Gonzales

Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman and Yuri Gurriel make up the core of this stack, with Michael Brantley and/or Yordan Alvarez rounding it out on FD/DK. But if you’ve only got room for hitters like Aledmys Diaz, Abraham Toro and cheap catching option Robinson Chirinos, there’s still plenty of reason to get excited. The Astros has demolished LHPs this season to the tune of a 133 wRC+ and have great number sat home (.217 team ISO with just an 18.8% K rate – the second lowest in the league).

9/5 DFS Hitting Stacks to Consider 

Chicago Cubs at Chase Anderson (Reverse splits pitcher and an implied total near 5 runs)

Baltimore Orioles vs. Kolby Allard (high-risk/value/contrarian)

Tampa Rays vs. Trent Thornton (high-risk/value/contrarian)

9/5 DFS Hitting Catcher  

Jason Castro, MIN at BOS UPDATE: Castro is not in the starting lineup

PIVOT: Robinson Chirinos, HOU vs. SEA

DK ($3,400)   FD ($3,000)

With Castro starting this game out on the bench, I’m pivoting to Chirinos. He’s about the same price and offers similar upside in this matchup. Chirinos sports a .444 xwOBA in 174 ABs (217 plate appearances) vs. LHPs over the past couple of seasons.

9/5 DFS Hitting First Baseman 

Yuri Gurriel, HOU vs. SEA

DK ($4,300)   FD ($3,600) 

Gurriel has cooled off a little bit since his insane July (.408/.437/.847 in 24 games), but not much, as he posted a .344/.423/.677 slash in August. He’s actually a little better against RHPs but maintains a .237 ISO vs. lefties, so he’s maybe a tad contrarian if you’re mini-stacking stacking Astros along with Boston bats. The .298 home ISO and 148 home wRC+ make him an attractive option.

9/5 DFS Hitting Second Baseman 

Jose Altuve, HOU vs. SEA

DK ($4,500)   FD ($4,300) 

Altuve (.302/.369/.599 with 14 HR at home this season) isunderpriced on DK and the Astros have the second highest implied total (about 6runs) on the evening slate. The diminutive slugger has been in a bit of a funk withno XBH on the five-game road trip, but a return to friendlier confines could bejust what he needs. It’s hard to find better implied value at this position, sowhy look past the five-and-a-half footer if we’re putting our best foot forward?

9/5 DFS Hitting Third Baseman 

Rafael Devers, BOS vs. MIN

DK ($5,300)   FD($4,100) 

Lefty on lefty for Devers hasn’t bothered me since he took AroldisChapman deep as a youngster for the Sox, and he’ll be an overlooked part of theBoston stack and low-owned because of it. He’s completely avoidable if you’renot stacking this team, but I love going with Devers at 3B because he’s alwaysin the thick of this offense and his production this season (.320/.369/.579 slashwith 29 HR and 107 RBI) shows it.

9/5 DFS Hitting Shortstop 

Xander Bogaerts, BOS vs. MIN

DK ($5,300)   FD ($4,100) 

We’ve had success recently with Bogaerts, and this is agreat matchup for the power-hitting SS to show off his .416 xwOBA against LHPs overthe past two seasons. Martin Perez isn’t a bad pitcher these days, but he has stillyielded a .184 ISO and .865 OPS since 2018. I’ve been doing well not overthinkingon Xander, so that’ll continue as I plug him into most of my lineups at SS. Thesomewhat underpriced Alex Bregman ($4,900 DK, $4,400 FD) is the obvious pivotat 3B and SS if you’re not anxious play both Devers and Bogaerts.

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9/5 DFS Hitting Outfielders 

Mookie Betts, BOS vs. MIN

DK ($5,000)   FD ($4,200) 

Bettshad a monster game last night and when Mookie gets hot, you continue to playhim. Boston’s leadoff hitter connected for a couple homers last night en routeto a 4-for-5, five RBI night. He’s still underpriced at $5K on DK and is a Benjamincheaper than J.D. Martinez on FD. Since the start of 2018, Betts is sporting anxwOBA of .430 against LHPs and even if Perez gets yanked early, a righthander faceseven more obscene Betts data (.468 xwOBA vs. RHPs and home xwOBA of .478).

Nicholas Castellanos, CHI at MIL

DK ($4,500)   FD ($3,500) 

Mr. Castellanos has taken the Windy City by storm, and he getsto travel to Milwaukee to hit in a controlled environment. The problem is thatthese walls cannot possibly contain him either, and he’s been a revelatory offensivepowerhouse since joining the Cubs in a deadline deal, slashing .346/.378/.709 witha ridiculous .362 ISO, .439 wOBA, 12 homers and 24 RBI in just 31 games. It’snot just Wrigley, either: the bell-ringer has split his dingers 6/6 betweenhome and road. Plus, he’s massively underpriced facing a reverse-splits righty (ChaseAnderson) on a small slate. It’ll be tough to leave him out in any format.

Sam Travis, BOS vs. MIN

DK ($3,300)   FD (1B $2,800) 

The Sox are my favorite team and Travis is much-welcomed valueto help you finish them off on FD with these four hitters I’ve listed, or even addin another bat on DK if you’re going that route. He hits lefties well (.382 xwOBA,.200 ISO and under a 20% strikeout rate over the past two seasons). He’s higherrisk and may attract some ownership, but at that low, low price I’ll make roomto differentiate elsewhere.

Additional options:

C: Wilson Contreras ($4,200 DK, $3,100 FD), Travis d’Arnaud($4,000 DK, $2,700 FD)

1B: Josh Bell ($4,800 DK, $4,200 FD), Garrett Cooper (valueat $3,500 DK, $2,700 FD)

2B: Jonathan Schoop ($4,600 DK, $3,100 FD), Starlin Castro($3,500 DK, $3,000 FD)

3B: Abraham Toro ($2,600 DK, $3,200 FD, Miguel Sano ($5,100DK, $3,900 FD)

SS: Alex Bregman, Jonathan Villar ($4,700 DK, $3,400 FD)and possibly Javier Baez (thumb, DTD – $4,600 DK, $4,100)

OF: Twins galore (Max Kepler, Eddie Rosario, Nelson Cruz, JakeCave), Trey Mancini, Anthony Santander and Ryan Braun (.475 xwOBA vs. LHPs, 415ISO including five career HR vs. Jose Quintana)

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I feel as though there are a handful of teams worth targeting on this slate and we’ll provide analysis on why we like them and include player recommendations at the end. With that in mind, let’s get into our 9/1 DFS Hitting Stacks and Picks.

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9/1 DFS Hitting Stacks of the Day

Minnesota Twins vs. Jordan Zimmermann 

This is easily the best stack on the board. We get the top-scoring offense in the Majors facing a guy with a 1-9 record to match his 6.24 ERA and 1.42 WHIP. Minnesota’s not only the top offense in the league, they also rank first with a .477 xSLG, .355 xwOBA and .349 wOBA. Don’t fade this team against a bad pitcher like Zim! 

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Asher Wojciechowski 

This is one of the sneakier stacks on the board, as I truly anticipate the Rays rolling right through Wojciechowski. While he got off to a good start this season, the Baltimore righty is pitching to a 6.75 ERA and 1.64 WHIP over his last six starts. While the Rays have a league-average offense when looking at the statistics, all of these guys are nice values in their respective price range with an implied team total north of five.  

Cincinnati Reds vs. Drew Smyly 

Smyly has simply been one of the worst pitchers in the league for years now and it’s truly hard to understand how he still has a job. A 6.95 ERA and 1.68 WHIP tells you everything you need to know, as that’s even tougher in a hitter’s haven like Great American Ballpark. This lineup is full of potent righties right now too, with Eugenio Suarez, Aristedes Aquino and Nick Senzel all breaking out in the second half.  

Loa Angeles Dodgers vs. Peter Lambert 

The Rockies are my favorite team but they may be the worst club in baseball right now. A major reason why is this pitching staff, with Peter Lambert being one of the worst pitchers of the bunch. His 6.63 ERA and 1.63 WHIP says a lot about how bad he’s been and that’s truly scary against a Dodgers lineup that ranks Top-5 in xwOBA, wOBA, OPS, OBP and runs scored.  

9/1 DFS Hitting Stacks to Consider 

Chicago Cubs vs. Justus Sheffield 

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Tyler Beede 

Atlanta Braves vs. Jacob Waguespack

Cleveland Indians vs. Ross Detwiler 

9/1 DFS Hitting Catcher  

Yadier Molina, STL vs. SFG 

DK ($4,200)   FD ($3,000) 

While the Cardinals didn’t find their way into the stacking section, they’re surely in play against Tyler Beede. The reason for that is because the Giants righty is pitching to a 5.56 ERA and 1.59 WHIP this season. That’s scary against a surging bat like Molina, who’s hitting .472 over his last 11 games en route to a .568 OBP, .889 SLG and 1.457 OPS.  

9/1 DFS Hitting First Baseman 

Ji-Man Choi, TB vs. BAL 

DK ($4,100)   FD ($2,800) 

Choi might be my favorite play on the board in this brilliant matchup against Woja-whatever. What makes him an attractive option are his splits against righties, with Choi generating a .371 OBP and .860 OPS against right-handers since 2017. That’s why he typically bats leadoff or cleanup in these circumstances, which only adds to his value. All of that makes these price tags surprising, but his .455 AVG, .480 OBP, .818 SLG and 1.298 OPS over his last six games make them truly mind-blowing.   

9/1 DFS Hitting Second Baseman 

Luis Arraez, MIN at DET 

DK ($4,000)   FD ($2,800) 

While Arraez is the only Twin that I’m writing up, all of these guys are in play. The reason I chose him is because he’s a fantastic value. This dude has done nothing but mash since getting called up and it’s hard to understand this pricing. We’re talking about a hitter with a .333 AVG and .829 OPS in 67 games played. That’s truly scary for Zimmermann, especially with Arraez accruing a .353 AVG, .399 OBP, .485 SLG and .884 OPS against righties so far this year.  

9/1 DFS Hitting Third Baseman 

Kris Bryant, CHC vs. SEA 

DK ($4,200)   FD ($4,100) 

The Cubs just missed out on being one of the stacks of the day and the reason I didn’t choose them is because their prices are so high. With that said, I love Bryant no matter the price. This dude has been destroying left-handers all season long, to the tune of a .457 OBP, .702 SLG and 1.159 OPS. Those nearly match his absurd splits from last season and we definitely want to exploit a guy like Justus Sheffield, who’s got an unsightly 7.94 ERA and 1.94 WHIP.  

9/1 DFS Hitting Shortstop 

Corey Seager, LAD vs. COL 

DK ($4,200)   FD ($3,300) 

Let’s kick off this superb matchup against Lambert with one of the hottest shortstops in the game. Over his last 23 games, Seager has collected 14 doubles and three homers en route to a .294 AVG, .565 SLG and .894 OPS. That’s the stud that we’ve been waiting for all season long and we have to like him against a righty, with Seager amassing a .285 AVG, .523 SLG and .871 OPS with the platoon advantage in his favor this season.  

9/1 DFS Hitting Outfielders 

Joc Pederson, LAD vs. COL 

DK ($4,300)   FD ($3,400) 

Let’s continue our Dodgers rundown with their leadoff hitter. This dude has quietly had a bounce-back season and it’s hard to fade him anytime he faces a weak righty. So far this season, Pederson is accumulating a .520 SLG and .856 OPS against right-handers. What really adds to his value is the fact that he’s always atop the lineup in these circumstances and that’s huge for a lineup that’s projected for nearly six runs.  

Nick Senzel, CIN vs. PHI 

DK ($4,400)   FD ($3,400) 

We’re going to cap things off with the Reds outfielders. These guys have quietly been really good since the All-Star break and it’s definitely one of the sneakiest stacks on the board. While Aristedes Aquino is undoubtedly the best play, these next two guys are some great values. Let’s start with Senzel, as he typically finds himself batting leadoff against left-handers. That’s really no surprise when you see his splits, with Senzel totaling a .311 AVG, .370 OBP, .533 SLG and .903 OPS against southpaws so far this season.  

Philip Ervin, CIN vs. PHI 

DK ($3,600)   FD ($2,400) 

If you think those Senzel splits are nice, wait until you see these. While Ervin has yet to see a full-time role with the Reds, he’s always in the heart of the order against left-handers. You can see why when you realize that he has a .411 AVG, .468 OBP, .750 SLG and 1.218 OPS against southpaws this season. That’s truly horrifying for a terrible pitcher like Smyly and it makes these price tags truly mind-boggling.  

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Joe Musgrove looked better in June and his road numbers reflecta more positive DFS outlook. But he is always prone to a blowup start and couldbe in some danger at Wrigley Field tonight. I would opt for Anthony Rizzo at$4700 on DraftKings and Kyle Schwarber at $4100. Victor Carantini is just $3700if he is in the lineup. Kris Bryant is worth the $4800, as he is hitting .333with two homers and five RBI over the past week. Jayson Heyward (4800) ishitting .304 with three homers and 10 RBI in the past week. I will considerseveral Cubs as DFS GPP plays.

Trent Thornton held down the Red Sox on June 21 in Fenwaybut I do not believe he will do so again at home, seeing Boston again in such ashort time span. Rafael Devers ($4,900) is hitting .556 over the past week andJ.D. Martinez ($4600) is at .529 with two homers and five RBI in that span.Jackie Bradley Jr. is at just $3600 and is hitting .500 over the past week andXander Bogaerts ($4800) is at .357 with two homers and six RBI.  Brock Holt is at $3700 if he is in the lineup.

The Rays will be facing Asher Wojciechwoski, who has not appeared in an MLB game since 2017. He has a 6.64 career MLB ERA. Tampa Bay offers some friendly priced DFS options. Willy Adames ($3900) is hitting .308 with three homers and five RBI over the past week. As noted in our Winners and Losers column today, Kevin Kiermaier ($3700) may be starting to heat up as well. Ji-Man Choi is just $3600 and Brandon Lowe is at $4200 for the lefty/righty split. Yandy Diaz ($4400) is always worth consideration when the Rays are in a spot to fare well.

Zack Wheeler allowed six homers in five June starts with apair of two-HR games, so you should expect him to surrender at least twolongballs against the Yankees. Aaron Judge (4,300) , D.J. LeMahieu ($5300) andDidi Gregorius ($3600) have all homered twice in the past week. Judge andGregorious give you nice DFS exposure to a powerful lineup against an erraticstarter. Their prices are friendly after recent long injury layoffs.

Chase Anderson’s first name is fitting because that whatopposing hitters seem to do to him often this year. He only has lasted past 5.1IP once. The Reds hammered him for six runs on June 21 and should “chase” Andersonagain to your DFS delight. Joey Votto is at just $4100 and is hitting .364 overthe past week. Eugenio Suarez is at a nifty $4200 and is hitting .364 withthree HRs and seven RBI over the past week. Jesse Winker gives you a lefty/rightysplit at $4000, and so does Scooter Gennett at $3900.

Jose Suarez had a 5.57 ERA in four starts earlier this yearand now returns from the minors to face the Rangers. Joey Gallo ($5,500) is ishitting .328 with seven homers and 28 RBI vs. LHPs this year, and Elvis Andrus ($4,600)is at .317 with 12 RBI and 13 runs scored. Both hitters are worth spending upfor in DFS tonight.

The Houston/Colorado game is very stackable in DFS tonight from both sides, as German Marquez is way more hittable at home. Houston prospect Jose Urquidy has pitched pretty well in the minors this season, so I lean to the Astros bats in this one. Yuli Gurriel ($4,100) is hitting .350 over the past week and Alex Bregman ($5,000) has hit .348 over that span, as has Josh Reddick ($4,200). You will have to check on the status of Gurriel, though, as an ankle issue caused him to miss Sunday’s game.

Cleveland stacks will also be popular against Jakob Junis.Jason Kipnis ($3600) and Bobby Bradley ($3300) are some DFS salary saversthere.

Minnesota bats will certainly get consideration againstDaniel Mengden, but the park factor may make it better to steer in some otherdirections tonight when the schedule is so full. Nelson Cruz ($4,900) ishitting .435 with three home runs and 10 RBI over the past week.

Dodgers bats will get DFS play against Taylor Clarke, too,as he saw them just a week ago. Cody Bellinger ($5,700) homered against him andAlex Verdugo is a very good play at $4400.

The Padres have been hot and should tear up Tyler Beede.Spend in DFS for Manny Machado at $5200. Eric Hosmer ($4,600) is at .481 withnine RBI over the past week. If Greg Garcia ($4,300) is in the lineup, he hashit .308 over the past week.

Monkey Knife Fight Pick of the Day

Let’s have some Subway Series fun here. In my DFS hitting outlook for the Yankees above, I indicated that Zack Wheeler could give up at least two homers. So he may not last long enough to go over 6.5 strikeouts. I will take the under. Wheeler lasted 4.2 innings last time he faced the Yanks and finished at six Ks. Paxton had his worst start of the year against the Mets last month, lasting only 2.2 innings with one strikeout. I’ll take the under on both in another high scoring Subway Series affair. Play MLB Props for tonight and get 100 percent bonus!

Monkey Knife Fight in DFS Hitting Rundown
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Chicago Cubs

The ColoradoRockies’ Antonio Senzatela is struggling this season with a slate high 5.43SIERA. The Rockies’ right-hander is producing just a 16.29% whiff rate and willbe pitching in hitter-friendly Coors Field tonight. Senzatela has particularlystruggled with lefties this season with a .416 wOBA and a 1.93 HR/9 allowed tothem.

So, start your Cubs stack with Anthony Rizzo (FanDuel: $4,700, DraftKings: $5,600). The power hitting left-handed first baseman has a .301 ISO and a .418 wOBA versus righties this season. But also consider that Senzatela is primarily a fastball pitcher as he has thrown that pitch on 64.6% of the time. That also plays into Rizzo’s strong suit. The first baseman has a .315 ISO this season against the fastball.

Otherleft-handed bats to consider are: Kyle Schwarber (FanDuel: $3,900, DraftKings:$5,000) and Carlos Gonzalez (FanDuel: $3,300, DraftKings: $3,300). Both outfieldershave ISOs greater than .220 against righties this season.

Of course, you can pick from some of the right-handed sticks as well as Kris Bryant (FanDuel: $4,500, DraftKings: $5,500), Javy Baez (FanDuel: $4,300, DraftKings: $5,500) and Willson Contreras (FanDuel: $3,900, DraftKings: $5,200) are always in play.

The Cubs will likely be the chalk on Wednesday but for good reasons. Load up on Chicago bats.

Cleveland Indians

The Cincinnati Reds’ Anthony DeSclafani is a pitcher you definitely want to stack against whenever he takes the bump. The veteran right-hander is allowing a 43.2% flyball rate that has resulted in 2.12 HR/9 so far in 2019. DeSclafani has really struggled with left-handed batters. The Reds’ starter is allowing a .414 wOBA, a 44.8% hard contact rate and 2.93 HR/9 to the lefty sticks this season.

Your Cleveland build will start with Carlos Santana (FanDuel: $3,500, DraftKings: $4,600) and Francisco Lindor (FanDuel: $3,900, DraftKings: $5,200). Both of these lefty sticks have ISOs over .245 against right-handed pitching this season.

Over theirlast seven the Cleveland offense has a .313 ISO and a .343 wOBA. So feel freeto make this a three or four man stack and include the likes of Jose Ramirez (FanDuel:$3,100, DraftKings: $3,500) and Jake Bauers (FanDuel: $2,600, DraftKings: $3,200).

Boston Red Sox

Texas’ Lance Lynn has a respectable 4.39 ERA this season but is getting hit hard. Most notably, he is allowing a 42.1% hard contact rate to RHBs

The Boston build, of course, will need to include Mookie Betts (FanDuel: $4,200, DraftKings: $4,400). The Red Sox outfielder homered on Tuesday and has a .222 ISO against right-handed pitching in 2019. Also keep in mind that the Rangers’ Lynn is throwing his fastball almost 49% of the time. This is a bonus for Betts, as he has a .256 ISO against such pitch this season.

Also consider Xander Bogaerts (FanDuel: $4,000, DraftKings: $4,300), as he has a .363 wOBA versus righties. J.D. Martinez (FanDuel: $4,000, DraftKings: $4,500) owns a .324 batting average against fastballs this season, so he clearly needs to be in your player pool as well. Rafael Devers (FanDuel: $3,800, DraftKings: $4,100) also has killed the fastball this season, with a .256 ISO. You can use Andrew Benintendi (FanDuel: $3,600, DraftKings: $4,000) as well.

The Red Sox should provide plenty of hard contact againstLynn.

Other Stacks to Consider: Colorado Rockies, Minnesota Twins.

Value Stacks: Baltimore Orioles (FanDuel), Toronto Blue Jays (FanDuel), San Diego Padres (FanDuel), Cincinnati Reds (FanDuel/DraftKings).

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Catcher

Gary Sanchez ($4,300 FD & $5,400 DK): Right-handed power batters typically fare well in the Rogers Centre. I don’t know what it is about the stadium because it’s a dome, so there are no environmental factors but year after year right-handed power bats kill at the Rogers Centre. The Yankees are also favored at – 185 with a 9 under/over. Sanchez should be a solid part of this offensive effort as they’ll be facing the left-handed Clayton Richard. Richard has started only twice so far this season and has yet to make it past the fifth inning. Toronto’s bullpen is sporting a 4.21 season ERA, which is ranked 12th in the Majors. But you have to remember, the Blue Jays are in the midst of a six game losing streak and have an extremely depleted bullpen. The Yankees catcher is slightly pricey but 100% worth it tonight.

First Base

Edwin Encarnacion ($3,700 FD & $4,100 DK): Encarnacion owns a .389 BA with three homers against Wade Miley. Although I do think Miley tosses a solid game, I also think Encarnacion continues his success against Houston’s left-hander.

Second Base

Whit Merrifield ($3,800 FD & $4,700 DK): Every one likes going against E-Rod today and for good reason. Kansas City has been striking out at a massive rate and on top of that producing minimal runs over a two week span. This has occurred in K.C. before, and they usually have a go-to remedy. That remedy is small ball. Merrifield is likely the man to benefit off some solid Kansas City small ball. Stolen Bases, Runs, maybe even an RBI off of a well executed hit and run. Don’t expect the long ball but there are still fantasy points to be had. Merrifield is currently 5-6 against E-Rod with one stolen base.

Third Base

Kris Bryant ($4,200 FD & $5,200 DK): Bryant has two homers in seven at-bats against Jeff Hoffman. The Cubs are at -200 with a 10.5 under/over. Hoffman is currently allowing a .375 BA with two homers to opposing right-handed batters in 32 at-bats. Kris Bryant? Lock him in please.

Shortstop

Corey Seager ($3,500 FD & $4,700 DK): The Los Angeles Dodger left-handed batters: I love all of them. Joc, Muncy, Bellinger etc. I don’t know where to start. How about the fact that opposing pitcher Taylor Clarke has a 7.56 ERA over his past two starts, or that opposing lefties are hitting .297 with two dingers in 37 at-bats. How about this one: In his last start he allowed five earned over two innings pitched to the Colorado Rockies. Corey Seager and the Los Angeles Dodgers left-handed batters, one of my most confident plays of the day.

Outfield

Cody Bellinger ($4,600 FD & $5,800 DK):

Everything that I mentioned for Corey Seager applies to Cody Bellinger. Except there is one more advantage for Bellinger which is, he is expected to be in that cleanup spot. This could be huge for potential RBI opportunities. Los Angeles is favored at -220 with a 9.5 under/over.

Joc Pederson ($3,800 FD & $5,600 DK): Do I have to say all of this again. I’ll add one prediction here, leadoff home run for Joc Pederson. Los Angeles left-handed batters, love them tonight.

David Dahl ($3,500 FD & $4,300 DK): has two home runs in six at-bats against Kyle Hendricks. Similar to the Edwin call, I do think Hendricks performs well tonight. With that said, Dahl could hit another home run against Hendricks on a long ball kind of day in Chicago.

JaguarDFS Monkey Knife Fight Pick of the Day

Let’s go big or go home! I’ve made it pretty clear that I like Wade Miley tonight, with Seattle striking out the way they have over the past week. We’re going to be locking the OVER in for the first section. The next prop including Encarnacion is easy to me, 1.5 runs + RBI should definitely be OVER as well.

Encarnacion is batting .389 with three homers in 25 at-bats against Miley. For the third and fourth picks including Bregman and Brantley, I will be updating this article when the confirmed pitcher is announced for Seattle. With that said, the last pick including Mallex Smith, is an easy UNDER for me. Mallex should be going L/L for most of the game and if he’s not leading off, this prop is a definite under to me. Smith is currently batting .220 against lefties and is even worse against right-handed pitchers with a .186 BA. Three of these five plays are easily locked in for me, Play MLB Prop Games NOW and get 100 percent bonus.

Updated: 11:13 AM EST

Seattle will be starting Andrew Moore, and by every indication he is NOT ready for this start. In Triple-A this season he was rocking a 12.98 ERA in four starts. Prior, he allowed massive number in limited starts in Double-A. Not quite sure what they see here but we are going to take the over on both the Brantley and Bregman props. So, to be clear from left to right; Over, over, over, over and Mallex Smith’s parlay I predict the under.

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After a postponement in St. Louis on Tuesday, we definitely need to monitor the weather today. Be sure to check in with the weatherman, Mark Paquette before submitting lineups.

Catcher 

Gary Sanchez, NYY at BAL 

DK ($5,500)   FD ($4,400) 

Stacking Yankees has become very popular recently and it’s hard to argue with people’s logic. Sanchez has been at the heart of those stacks and he’s simply the best hitting catcher in baseball. What’s truly amazing about Sanchez are his peripherals, with the slugging catcher posting a .450 xwOBA and .400 ISO so far this season. Those are both Top 5 in the league and it shows just how potent his bat is right now. A homer on Tuesday is a good omen too, as facing the Orioles is a treat for any hitter. The Orioles are throwing out Dan Straily for this game, who is sitting with a 8.51 ERA and 1.89 WHIP so far this season. 

Also Consider: Willians Astudillo faces gas can Matt Harvey, and that definitely puts him in play at just $3,600 on DK. 

First Base 

Kendrys Morales, NYY at BAL 

DK ($3,500)   FD ($2,600) 

While this recommendation didn’t work out on Monday, we’re going right back to the well. If it doesn’t work here, go ahead and forget about Morales for the rest of the year, because we just want to exploit the Baltimore matchups. Coming into Tuesday, Morales batted fifth in four of his first five games with the Yankees. That alone makes him a great option, with the Yankees projected for nearly six runs in this game. He’s also done some damage in those four games, providing two runs, one homer and four RBI in that span. We’re talking about a lefty bat with a career .190 ISO hitting in one of the best parks in baseball. All that would make one believe Morales is approaching $4,000 on both sites, as he remains quite the bargain in the $3,000-range against Straily. 

Also Consider: Paul Goldschmidt is too cheap on both sites and could have success against a struggling starter like Brad Keller.  

Second Base 

Jonathan Schoop, MIN at LAA 

DK ($4,100)   FD ($3,400) 

Stacking Yankees is probably going to be extremely popular, but stacking Twins should be right there with em’. The simple fact is, Matt Harvey should no longer be called the Dark Knight. I’d rather call him the Green Light because you want to start as many bats against him as possible. Dating back to 2016, Harvey has posted a 5.51 ERA and 1.45 WHIP. The peripherals have been just as bad, with Harvey posting a FIP above 5.00 over the last three years while posting a .373 xwOBA so far this season. That puts all of the Twins bats in play, as they’re currently the highest-scoring team in baseball. Schoop has been a huge part of that, collecting four doubles, four homers and 14 RBI over his last 17 games. 

Also Consider: Gleyber Torres is pricey but he’s absolutely obliterated this bad Orioles pitching staff all season long.  

Third Base 

Miguel Sano, MIN at LAA 

DK ($4,100)   FD ($3,500) 

This write-up will be abbreviated after that Schoop recommendation, as we obviously don’t need to discuss how badly we want to stack against Harvey. We’ll talk more about Sano, because he’s simply one of the best power bats in the game. In his first five games of the season, Sano has accumulated two doubles, two homers, five runs scored and five RBI. That shows the sort of potential he has, as his .235 career ISO is one of the best marks in the Majors too.

Also Consider: Alex Bregman is one of the highest-priced players on the board but he very well may be one of the best options out there against Ivan Nova.  

Shortstop 

Carlos Correa, HOU vs. CWS 

DK ($5,100)   FD ($4,100) 

I really want to get some Astros in this article, but Correa is seemingly the only stud who is healthy.  After a down 2018, Correa appears to be back to his 2017 form, in which he nearly snatched an AL MVP. In fact, Correa is posting a ,292 average and .925 OPS so far this season, while providing 11 homers, 12 doubles, 24 runs scored and 31 RBI. That simply makes him one of the best bats in baseball and it’s hard to fade him against a guy like Ivan Nova. The White Sox pitcher is sitting with a 7.42 ERA and 1.80 WHIP to match his .453 wOBA. 

Also Consider: If you’re looking for a cheaper option, Corey Seager, at just $3,600 is quite the bargain for someone in the heart of one of the best lineups in baseball.

Outfield 

Kris Bryant, CHC vs. PHI 

DK ($5,400)   FD ($4,300) 

I initially had Bryant as a consideration at third base, but the more I thought about it, I had to get this guy in my article. Bryant is actually my best bet to homer on the slate and it’s really hard to argue with his recent form. Since April 26, Bryant is one of the league leaders with 10 homers, 22 runs scored and 24 RBI. Those are absurd numbers in a 22-game span and he’s especially tough to fade against lefties. For his career, Bryant is touting an absurd .979 OPS against left-handed pitching and has an OPS approaching 1.100 over the last two years. 

Josh Reddick, HOU vs. CWS 

DK ($4,400)   FD ($3,200) 

In the last two games without George Springer, Reddick has been moved into the leadoff spot. That’s the main reason we like him here, as the Astros have one of the highest projected team totals on the slate against Nova. That means their leadoff hitter should be very pricey and we actually get quite the bargain in this price range. Reddick is in the midst of one of the best seasons of his career too, posting a .331 average and .850 OPS. 

Jorge Soler, KC at STL 

DK ($3,600)   FD ($3,000) 

It’s hard to understand why Soler’s price remains so low, as he should be closer to $4,000 on both sites. Over the last two years, Soler has provided 19 homers and 30 doubles in about 100 games played. That’s a fantastic rate and it’s really no surprise when you consider his .216 ISO and .340 wOBA in that span. Those numbers are too good from someone priced so cheaply and we’re definitely not concerned about facing Adam Wainwright. Since 2016, Wainwright is sitting with a 4.77 ERA and 1.43 WHIP while posting a below-average K rate.

Also Consider: David Dahl has too much potential to be priced at $4,200 on DK and could thrive with the platoon advantage in his favor against Nick Kingham.  

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After a postponement in St. Louis on Tuesday, we definitely need to monitor the weather today. Be sure to check in with the weatherman, Mark Paquette before submitting lineups.

Catcher 

Gary Sanchez, NYY at BAL 

DK ($5,500)   FD ($4,400) 

Stacking Yankees has become very popular recently and it’s hard to argue with people’s logic. Sanchez has been at the heart of those stacks and he’s simply the best hitting catcher in baseball. What’s truly amazing about Sanchez are his peripherals, with the slugging catcher posting a .450 xwOBA and .400 ISO so far this season. Those are both Top 5 in the league and it shows just how potent his bat is right now. A homer on Tuesday is a good omen too, as facing the Orioles is a treat for any hitter. The Orioles are throwing out Dan Straily for this game, who is sitting with a 8.51 ERA and 1.89 WHIP so far this season. 

Also Consider: Willians Astudillo faces gas can Matt Harvey, and that definitely puts him in play at just $3,600 on DK. 

First Base 

Kendrys Morales, NYY at BAL 

DK ($3,500)   FD ($2,600) 

While this recommendation didn’t work out on Monday, we’re going right back to the well. If it doesn’t work here, go ahead and forget about Morales for the rest of the year, because we just want to exploit the Baltimore matchups. Coming into Tuesday, Morales batted fifth in four of his first five games with the Yankees. That alone makes him a great option, with the Yankees projected for nearly six runs in this game. He’s also done some damage in those four games, providing two runs, one homer and four RBI in that span. We’re talking about a lefty bat with a career .190 ISO hitting in one of the best parks in baseball. All that would make one believe Morales is approaching $4,000 on both sites, as he remains quite the bargain in the $3,000-range against Straily. 

Also Consider: Paul Goldschmidt is too cheap on both sites and could have success against a struggling starter like Brad Keller.  

Second Base 

Jonathan Schoop, MIN at LAA 

DK ($4,100)   FD ($3,400) 

Stacking Yankees is probably going to be extremely popular, but stacking Twins should be right there with em’. The simple fact is, Matt Harvey should no longer be called the Dark Knight. I’d rather call him the Green Light because you want to start as many bats against him as possible. Dating back to 2016, Harvey has posted a 5.51 ERA and 1.45 WHIP. The peripherals have been just as bad, with Harvey posting a FIP above 5.00 over the last three years while posting a .373 xwOBA so far this season. That puts all of the Twins bats in play, as they’re currently the highest-scoring team in baseball. Schoop has been a huge part of that, collecting four doubles, four homers and 14 RBI over his last 17 games. 

Also Consider: Gleyber Torres is pricey but he’s absolutely obliterated this bad Orioles pitching staff all season long.  

Third Base 

Miguel Sano, MIN at LAA 

DK ($4,100)   FD ($3,500) 

This write-up will be abbreviated after that Schoop recommendation, as we obviously don’t need to discuss how badly we want to stack against Harvey. We’ll talk more about Sano, because he’s simply one of the best power bats in the game. In his first five games of the season, Sano has accumulated two doubles, two homers, five runs scored and five RBI. That shows the sort of potential he has, as his .235 career ISO is one of the best marks in the Majors too.

Also Consider: Alex Bregman is one of the highest-priced players on the board but he very well may be one of the best options out there against Ivan Nova.  

Shortstop 

Carlos Correa, HOU vs. CWS 

DK ($5,100)   FD ($4,100) 

I really want to get some Astros in this article, but Correa is seemingly the only stud who is healthy.  After a down 2018, Correa appears to be back to his 2017 form, in which he nearly snatched an AL MVP. In fact, Correa is posting a ,292 average and .925 OPS so far this season, while providing 11 homers, 12 doubles, 24 runs scored and 31 RBI. That simply makes him one of the best bats in baseball and it’s hard to fade him against a guy like Ivan Nova. The White Sox pitcher is sitting with a 7.42 ERA and 1.80 WHIP to match his .453 wOBA. 

Also Consider: If you’re looking for a cheaper option, Corey Seager, at just $3,600 is quite the bargain for someone in the heart of one of the best lineups in baseball.

Outfield 

Kris Bryant, CHC vs. PHI 

DK ($5,400)   FD ($4,300) 

I initially had Bryant as a consideration at third base, but the more I thought about it, I had to get this guy in my article. Bryant is actually my best bet to homer on the slate and it’s really hard to argue with his recent form. Since April 26, Bryant is one of the league leaders with 10 homers, 22 runs scored and 24 RBI. Those are absurd numbers in a 22-game span and he’s especially tough to fade against lefties. For his career, Bryant is touting an absurd .979 OPS against left-handed pitching and has an OPS approaching 1.100 over the last two years. 

Josh Reddick, HOU vs. CWS 

DK ($4,400)   FD ($3,200) 

In the last two games without George Springer, Reddick has been moved into the leadoff spot. That’s the main reason we like him here, as the Astros have one of the highest projected team totals on the slate against Nova. That means their leadoff hitter should be very pricey and we actually get quite the bargain in this price range. Reddick is in the midst of one of the best seasons of his career too, posting a .331 average and .850 OPS. 

Jorge Soler, KC at STL 

DK ($3,600)   FD ($3,000) 

It’s hard to understand why Soler’s price remains so low, as he should be closer to $4,000 on both sites. Over the last two years, Soler has provided 19 homers and 30 doubles in about 100 games played. That’s a fantastic rate and it’s really no surprise when you consider his .216 ISO and .340 wOBA in that span. Those numbers are too good from someone priced so cheaply and we’re definitely not concerned about facing Adam Wainwright. Since 2016, Wainwright is sitting with a 4.77 ERA and 1.43 WHIP while posting a below-average K rate.

Also Consider: David Dahl has too much potential to be priced at $4,200 on DK and could thrive with the platoon advantage in his favor against Nick Kingham.  

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With Opening Day about a week away, let’s take a look at some early values on DraftKings and FanDuel. While this does put us in a bit on an awkward spot in terms of guessing who’s starting, we have a good idea of what hitters we want to use. Our goal here is to spot value and exploit it. Releasing players’ salaries this early should allow us to take advantage of some sloppy pricing and create a dominant lineup.  Let’s start by eliminating some bats that we want to fade and the pitchers they’ll be facing. This list includes The Tampa Bay Rays (J. Verlander), Miami Marlins (Gray, Freeland or Marquez), New York Mets (Scherzer), Washington Nationals (deGrom), Minnesota Twins (Kluber) and Arizona Diamondbacks (Buehler or Hill). Not only do all of these offenses have some major weaknesses, but they’re also likely to struggle against these elite arms. What adds to the fade is the fact that all of these games are being played in pitcher-friendly parks. That knocks out about a quarter of the field, so let’s get started with some bats in Texas. Kris Bryant, CHC at TEX FanDuel ($3,800)   DraftKings ($5,400) This FanDuel price made my mouth water a little bit, as Bryant is in a perfect situation to succeed. The first big positive is this ballpark, as Globe Life Field ranked as the top-hitting park in the majors last season, Yes, there were more runs scored in Texas than in Coors Field. That makes this one of the most stackable games on the slate, with Bryant being the centerpiece to our stack. Facing Mike Minor is probably the biggest reason we want to use Bryant. While the slugging third basemen had a down season by his standards last year, he absolutely abused left-handed pitching. In fact, Bryant posted an absurd 1.138 OPS against southpaws last season. That’s all you can ask for in this ballpark, as we expect Bryant’s FanDuel price to get closer to his DraftKings price after a big opening weekend.  Elvis Andrus, TEX vs. CHC FanDuel ($2,800)   DraftKings ($3,300) My first inclination when looking at this slate was to target Jon Lester in Globe Life Park. That simply has disaster written all over it, as Lester is not the same pitcher he once was. The thing that threw me off was the fact that the Rangers lineup is full of lefties. While I expect some of the lefties to still get the job done, Andrus appears to be in the best spot to succeed. One major reason why is Lester’s inability to keep players off the base paths, as he allows the most stolen bases in the majors over the past decade. That’s especially beneficial for a player like Andrus, who averages about 27 steals per season hitting at the top of the Rangers batting order. Facing a lefty at home is a huge bonus too, as Andrus posted an .816 OPS at Globe Life and a .726 OPS against lefties last year. Those OPS numbers are well above his season average and he should have no problem getting on base against a pitcher who posted a 4.43 xFIP and 1.31 WHIP last season. All this is good news for Andrus but his price is simply too cheap. Players like Freddy Galvis and Nick Ahmed are in the same range as Andrus and it seems like a strong possibility that we’ll see his price rise over time.  Justin Smoak/Kendrys Morales, TOR vs. DET Smoak ($3,200)  Morales: ($2,800)    While there are no DraftKings prices released on these guys yet, they could make for a sneaky two-man stack. The main thing we want to do here is stack against Jordan Zimmerman. This is a guy who has posted a 5.24 ERA and 1.41 WHIP over the last three seasons. Those are nightmarish numbers from an Opening Day starter and he could struggle against the middle of this order in a tough ballpark. Rogers Centre actually surrendered the eighth-most home runs in the majors last season and that’s something Zimmerman has been struggling with mightily. In fact, Zimmerman posted an ugly 1.63 HR/9 rate two seasons ago and followed that up with a ghastly 1.92 HR/9 rate last year. That should benefit an undervalued bat like Smoak, who hit 20 home runs against righties last season while posting an .867 OPS. Morales was also much better against right-handers, as he hit 18 of his 21 homers against righties while establishing an .861 OPS. Many people may look at these guys and look right past them but you should never overlook any middle-of-the-order bats against a gas can like Zimmerman. It’s strange to see Smoak this cheap in such a great matchup, as he’s priced around guys like C.J. Cron, Brandon Belt and Ryan Zimmerman. Those players have to face Kluber, Scherzer and deGrom, so Smoak is obviously due for a price increase whenever he faces weak right-handers. Byron Buxton, MIN vs. CLE  FanDuel ($2,300)   DraftKings ($3,400) Ok, this is one guy that we’re not necessarily going to use for this series against the Indians but is way underpriced. Buxton is being priced like the guy who couldn’t crack a .200 average last season but he’s showing in spring training that he’s worked on some things. In fact, Buxton is 13-of-29 so far in spring training while collecting four home runs, three doubles, 13 RBI and three steals. That makes him arguably the best player at spring training, as he was once the top prospect in baseball. He’s shown glimpses in the majors too, as he accumulated 26 homers and 39 steals in 760 at-bats between 2016-17. If the Twins truly trust Buxton and put him at the top of their batting order like some expect, he could be the best value in DFS until his price gets closer to $4,000.  Using him against strikeout machines like Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer and Carols Carrasco is a tough sell but this is a guy who could become a huge value when he gets out of these nightmarish matchups.  

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