Tonight’s MLB DFS main slate has nine games and starts at 7:05 pm ET on DraftKings and FanDuel. The picks in this piece are narrowed to three starting pitchers, two stacks, four studs and two values/punts.
Monday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
The first pitcher on the table has the highest ceiling. However, the second and third options are grossly underpriced, allowing gamers to spend substantial salaries on top-fight hitters. So, the top pitcher is best reserved for GPPs. And the second and third-ranked pitchers are the best choices in cash games and stellar picks in GPPs.
Cash Game Recommendations:
Alex Cobb (SF) vs. ARI
Cobb pitches like an ace at home. According to FanGraphs, in 137.0 innings at home since 2022, Cobb has had a 2.10 ERA, 2.91 xFIP, 1.14 WHIP, 6.5 BB%, 24.5 K% and 62.6 GB%.
Fortunately, Cobb can also benefit from catching the Diamondbacks at the ideal time. Arizona is in a funk. In the previous 30 days, they were 19th in wRC+ (94). As a result, Cobb is a good bet to carve them up.
Nick Pivetta (BOS) at SEA
Pivetta has been a revelation as a bulk reliever for the Red Sox after struggling as a starter earlier this season. He'll have a chance to prove his success in the bullpen can follow him to the rotation. In 21.0 innings in the previous 30 days, Pivetta had a 1.29 ERA, 2.16 xFIP, 1.97 SIERA, 0.71 WHIP, 7.8 BB%, 42.9 K%, 29.8 CSW%, 125 Stuff+, 108 Location+ and 116 Pitching+.
The Mariners have a decent offense. However, they're strikeout-prone. Seattle has a 26.0 K% versus righties this season and 26.8 K% in the previous 30 days. So, Pivetta should clear the low floor to be a value tonight at his bargain salary.
GPP Recommendation:
Corbin Burnes (MIL) at WSH
Burnes is carving up opponents lately. In his previous five starts spanning 33.0 innings, he's had a 1.64 ERA, 3.04 xFIP, 3.05 SIERA, 0.64 WHIP, 8.2 BB%, 34.4 K%, 32.2 CSW%, 135 Stuff+, 103 Location+ and 108 Pitching+.
Burnes should stay hot in a cupcake matchup tonight. The Nationals are tied for 23rd in wRC+ (88) against righties this year. And the betting info is excellent, too. According to Betting Pros, the Brewers are -198. Burnes has a high floor. Yet, Burnes's sky-high ceiling makes him a dreamy pick in GPPs.
Top Lineup Stacks
- Home (Truist Park)
- Value: Low
- Risk: Low
- Game Type: Both
- Game Total/Moneyline: 10.0 Runs/ATL -250
The Braves are an unstoppable force. They're tied for first in wRC+ (118) and first in ISO (.220) against righties this year. Atlanta is also second in wRC+ (126) and first in ISO (.252) in the previous 30 days. And the Braves are second in wRC+ (127) and first in ISO (.236) at home this year.
They're an exciting stack against any pitcher. However, they're downright alluring against homer-prone Griffin Canning (1.70 HR/9 this year) and the Angels' slightly below-average bullpen.
- Road (Rogers Centre)
- Value: Medium
- Risk: High
- Game Type: Both
- Game Total/Moneyline: 9.0 Runs/BAL +122
The Orioles aren't a flawless stacking option tonight. Still, using their left-handed hitters and switch-hitters is appealing against Chris Bassitt. The 34-year-old righty has coughed up a .359 OBP, .538 slugging and .380 wOBA to 259 left-handed batters this season. Thus, Baltimore's lefties and switch-hitters can tee off.
- Matt Olson has 28 homers, a .383 OBP, .342 ISO and 161 wRC+ in 350 plate appearances against right-handed pitchers this year.
- In 706 plate appearances against righties at home since 2021, Austin Riley has had 40 homers, a .356 OBP, .244 ISO and 138 wRC+.
- Gunnar Henderson has 15 homers, two stolen bases, a .324 OBP, .269 ISO and 128 wRC+ in 279 plate appearances against righties in 2023.
- In 322 plate appearances against righties this year, Anthony Santander has 14 homers, three stolen bases, a .314 OBP, .217 ISO and 114 wRC+.
- Adam Frazier isn't an exciting option. Still, he's an above-average hitter against righties this year (104 wRC+), in good form (119 wRC+ in the last 30 days) and can exploit Bassitt's substantial struggles with lefties.
- In 162 plate appearances against righties this season, Will Benson has seven homers, 10 stolen bases, a .401 OBP, .246 ISO and 149 wRC+.
Monday's Hitter Strategy
Gamers can invest heavily in hitting tonight since Cobb and Pivetta are steals. Even when using Burnes, gamers can use the featured studs by offsetting them with a few punts.
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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.
