It’s good to be back writing about MLB DFS after the All-Star break. Tonight’s featured slate on DraftKings is supposed to be of the 11-game variety, but the ominous weather conditions will likely condense our available options. There is a good chance that we see a couple games get PPD today. This will probably be the case in both 7:05 starts tonight in Philadelphia and D.C., with an outside chance that the game in Cincy is also PPD, or at least delayed, just like last night.
If you’re playing cash games, I highly recommend staying away from any Padres, Phillies, Braves, Nationals, Pirates and Reds. In GPPs, you could take a chance on the ladder two teams as the Great American Smallpark almost always puts bats in play at that launching pad of a stadium. Steer clear of the pitching options in Cincinnati though. Either way, you may need to grab an umbrella because I’m about to make it rain value plays. I’ll focus on the games starting at 7:10 and later with an emphasis on budget bats, so get on your galoshes and let’s go!
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Pitcher
Mike Montgomery (CHC): $7,100 vs. STL
This may seem risky, but I’ve had my eye on Montgomery (-135) since the start of 2017. He’s been solid, both the bullpen and in the Cubs rotation. The Cubs and Cards are playing a scheduled double-header with the second tilt being set for 7:15 so that game is available on the slate. I not only expect a low-scoring game here, as does Vegas, but this will be the fourth game between these two teams since Thursday night so there could be some tired legs and bats out there. Given the Cards paltry 3.5 run implied total, and Montgomery only limited opponents to a 23% hard contact the last couple weeks, he’s in play for me today as he’s displayed good command and control throughout the season. If you’re looking for a better matchup, try Lance Lynn.
Other Notables
Lance Lynn (DET): $7,200 @ KC
Catcher
Yan Gomes (CLE): $3,600 @ TEX
The All-Star backstop has been crushing the ball throughout the last couple months and he’ll get the start today after an extra day of rest. The temperature in Texas is expected to be nearly 110 degrees at first pitch, making for ideal hitting conditions in Arlington. Gomes comes into the game with outstanding hard hit rates and exit velocities in the past month. He’s in play in all formats as he could run into a Bartolo Colon 88 mph special.
Other Notables
Chris Herrmann (SEA): $2,700 vs. CHW
First Base
Jose Abreu (CHW): $3,300 @ SEA
I wrote about Abreu last Saturday. He’s been slumping of late, hence the low salary, but still productive enough to be named an All-Star once again. He’s been very consistent throughout his career so I expect him to get right and progress to the mean very soon. What better time than against Felix Hernandez, now a shell of his former self, giving up a 48% hard contact rate across his last four starts. However, BvP truthers should look elsewhere.
Other Notables
Luis Valbuena (LAA): $2,600 vs. HOU (also 3B eligible)
Second Base
Jedd Gyorko (STL): $3,500 @ CHC (also 3B eligible)
I love playing Gyorko against a lefty. He’s been playing more against RHP of late, but so far he’s posted a .276 ISO, .423 wOBA and 169 wRC+ against southpaws in 2018. He’s going to be someone I always consider against LHP. Remember, these recommendations for value plays do not correlate. Therefore, if you roster Mike Montgomery, you’ll want to find another bat at the keystone. But don’t fret, there are many cheap, viable 2B options.
Other Notables
Dee Gordon (SEA): $3,900 vs. CHW (also OF eligible)
Willie Calhoun (TEX): $2,900 vs. CLE (also OF eligible)
Third Base
Adrian Beltre (TEX): $2,900 vs. CHW
I’ve written up Beltre so many times. If you’re looking for hard data, I’ve given enough over the course of the last year and a half to fill an entirely separate article. I usually play him when his price dips below $4,000. Tonight, he’s below $3,000! Beltre has been around long enough that you can trust the career .287 hitter who is hitting .287 on the season, weird how that works. I mentioned the extreme heat already in Texas, the balls could fly today, even against Carlos Carrasco, the price is too cheap to ignore. The salary alone makes him almost a lock button play in cash games for me.
Other Notables
Colin Moran (PIT): $3,700 @ CIN
Shortstop
Brandon Crawford (SFG): $3,500 @ OAK
Crawford got the nod as the starting SS for the NL All-Stars and he certainly deserved it. He’s flown under the radar for most of his career as a guy that has success against pitching from both sides of the rubber. Nothing exemplifies that more than his identical .291 AVG against both righties and lefties so far in 2018. He’s putting together a good season and he’s been consistent, he’s a solid cash game play tonight’s slate for a reasonable price.
Other Notables
Jorge Polanco (MIN): $3,800 @ KC
Outfield
Steven Duggar (SFG): $3,300 @ OAK
Since 2015, Trevor Cahill has been one the absolute worst pitchers in MLB when it comes to steals allowed. Duggar has the wheels to swipe a bag if he gets on base tonight and he should hit leadoff and get the most opportunities to do just that. I usually don’t recommend guys based on stolen base upside alone, but the price and the lineup spot are excellent against a battery of Cahill and Jonathon Lucroy that rarely throw out opposing runners.
Chad Pinder (OAK): $3,700 vs. SF (also 2B eligible)
The StatCast darling is still crushing lefties per his usual. So far this year he’s sporting a .209 ISO, .367 wOBA and 176 wRC+ versus southpaws. The matchup against Madison Bumgarner and the probable ninth lineup spot aren’t the best, but it only takes one pitch for him to pay off his salary. There are a couple lefties in the San Fran bullpen as well so he may get additional opportunities if the A’s can chase MadBum from the game.
Other Notables
Kole Calhoun (LAA): $2,900 vs. HOU
Jorge Bonifacio (KC): $3,700 vs. MIN
Adam Duvall (CIN): $3,700 vs. PIT
Matt Kemp (LAD): $3,900 @ MIL
Josh Dalley is a DFS correspondent at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, follow him on Twitter @JoshDalley72.
