There is baseball all day on Memorial Day. As a result, the main slate includes just six games, starting at 7:10 pm ET. The selections for today’s contests are whittled down to three pitchers, two stacks, the core studs, and the values and punts.
Monday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
The top pitcher is the best pick across game types. However, the other two options on the table are stellar SP2 picks at DraftKings.
There is baseball all day on Memorial Day. As a result, the main slate includes just six games, starting at 7:10 pm ET. The selections for today’s contests are whittled down to three pitchers, two stacks, the core studs, and the values and punts.
Monday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
The top pitcher is the best pick across game types. However, the other two options on the table are stellar SP2 picks at DraftKings.
Cash Game Recommendations:
Walker Buehler (LAD) vs. PIT
Buehler has left something to be desired in 2022 with only a 19.1 K%. But, otherwise, he's been superb. Further, according to FanGraphs, he's had an excellent 12.3 SwStr%. So, the strikeouts should begin to tick up.
This year, Buehler has been a model of consistency, pitching at least five innings in all nine of his turns, allowing three runs or fewer in eight games. Tonight, he has a soft matchup against the Pirates. Pittsburgh is 26th in wRC+ (85) against righties. Additionally, they've struck out in a whopping 25.2% of their plate appearances against righties.
Finally, the Dodgers are massive favorites. According to Betting Pros, the Dodgers are -315 favorites, the largest favorites on the main slate. Thus, Buehler is a safe pick with scoring upside as well.
David Peterson (NYM) vs. WAS
Peterson, like Buehler, is attached to a favorite in a good matchup. The Mets are -186, and the Nationals are tied for 23rd in wRC+ (85) against southpaws this season.
Peterson began the year in the bullpen, but he's been rock-solid in four starts. The southpaw has pitched at least five innings in his previous three starts, allowing no more than three runs in any of them, and struck out precisely six batters in his two most recent turns. Therefore, he's a stellar SP2 in cash games or a viable GPP pick at FanDuel.
GPP Recommendation:
Glenn Otto (TEX) vs. TB
One disastrous start tanks Otto's full-season totals. On May 14, the Red Sox hung eight runs on Otto in only four innings. However, Otto has held the opposition to two runs or fewer in his other five turns.
In his five good starts, he's had a 2.84 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and 20.4 K%. Still, his 10.7 BB% in his good starts presents the potential to blow up in his face. So, Otto is a risky but reasonable GPP dice roll.
Top Lineup Stacks
This year, the Red Sox have been an above-average offense against righties, sporting a 107 wRC+. Yet, it's their work of late that's most interesting. Over the last two weeks, they've had an MLB-high 160 wRC+ and outstanding .230 ISO. They should stay hot tonight at their hitter-friendly home digs.
- Home (Wrigley Field)
- Value: Medium
- Risk: Medium
- Game Type: Both
- Game Total/Moneyline: 7.5 Runs/CHC +140
This stack is less appealing if the wind is blowing in tonight at Wrigley Field. However, if it's blowing out or not blowing substantially, they're an enticing stack against Aaron Ashby. The lefty hurler has been extremely lucky in his four starts. Ashby's 3.26 ERA is grossly out of whack with his 4.93 xFIP and 5.26 SIERA. Further, his 18.2 BB% will eventually result in a horrendous start.
- Rafael Devers is feasting on righties this year, owning a .380 OBP, .302 ISO, and 190 wRC+.
- In 2022, J.D. Martinez is also hammering righties, recording a .415 OBP, .231 ISO, and 189 wRC+.
- Christopher Morel is playing well as a rookie, tallying a .396 OBP, 151 wRC+, two homers, and four stolen bases in 48 plate appearances.
- Franchy Cordero is excellent cheap exposure to the Red Sox tonight. This year, in 81 plate appearances, he's had a .346 OBP, 133 wRC+, and mashed two taters.
- Edwin Rios is an all-or-nothing slugger. This season, he's swatted six homers with a .250 ISO in 80 plate appearances.
Monday's Hitter Strategy
The Red Sox are the backbone of tonight's offense. The Cubs and Dodgers are also intriguing options. Finally, gamers will likely need to use a few punts to squeeze the highlighted pitchers and Red Sox stack under the salary cap.
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Whether you're new to fantasy baseball or a seasoned pro, our Fantasy Baseball 101: Strategy Tips & Advice page is for you. You can get started with our Sabermetrics Glossary or head to a more advanced strategy - like Maximizing Your Potential in Multi-Lineup Contests - to learn more.
Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
