The first slate of the new week features 11 games at DraftKings and FanDuel. The fun begins at 7:05 pm ET. Unfortunately, the pitching leaves something to be desired on Monday night. Nevertheless, there are a few intriguing options, and ample offensive fireworks should exist.
Monday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
There is only one high-end starter who gets the nod among tonight's top options. He's a slam-dunk pick in cash games and a fantastic selection in GPPs. The others are better fits in GPPs. Nonetheless, one of them is shouted out as the SP2 pick in cash contests on DK.
The first slate of the new week features 11 games at DraftKings and FanDuel. The fun begins at 7:05 pm ET. Unfortunately, the pitching leaves something to be desired on Monday night. Nevertheless, there are a few intriguing options, and ample offensive fireworks should exist.
Monday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
There is only one high-end starter who gets the nod among tonight's top options. He's a slam-dunk pick in cash games and a fantastic selection in GPPs. The others are better fits in GPPs. Nonetheless, one of them is shouted out as the SP2 pick in cash contests on DK.
Cash Game Recommendations:
Max Fried (ATL) at PHI
Fried is an ace. According to FanGraphs, in 19 starts spanning 119.1 innings, he's had a 2.64 ERA, 2.95 xERA, 4.6 BB%, 22.9 K% and 27.3 CSW%. Moreover, the southpaw has been remarkably consistent. Since coughing up a season-high five runs in his start, Fried has allowed no more than three runs in 16 of 18 turns, ceding precisely four in the two outlier starts.
Fried should thrive tonight in a plus matchup. The Phillies have been lousy on offense without Bryce Harper. Over the last 30 days, they're 20th in wRC+ (95). Thus, Fried should carve them up, making him the most desirable pitcher in all game types tonight.
JT Brubaker (PIT) at CHC
Brubaker has pitched well this season. In 18 starts totaling 94.0 innings, he's had a 4.02 ERA. However, the righty's 3.84 xERA has been better, and his 23.0 K% has been rock-solid.
The 28-year-old righty has excelled on the road this season, owning a 3.79 ERA, 3.52 xFIP and 26.4 K% in 57.0 innings. The Cubs are essentially an average matchup. Still, gamers should monitor the weather forecast for Wrigley Field. If the wind is gusting out of the stadium, Brubaker is much less appealing.
GPP Recommendations:
Corey Kluber (TB) at BAL
Sadly, Kluber hasn't been in good form. In his previous five starts, he's had a 4.44 ERA. Though, Kluber's 3.88 xFIP in those turns has been more encouraging. Additionally, the righty has been decent this year, rocking a 3.73 ERA, 3.86 xERA, 1.12 WHIP, 3.9 BB%, 21.3 K% and 29.2 CSW%.
Slightly better than average is the theme for Kluber tonight. The Orioles are a marginally better than average matchup, ranking 20th in wRC+ (95) against righties and 15th in wRC+ (103) over the last 30 days. The O's aren't a cupcake, and Kluber isn't elite. Still, there's just enough to like here to make Kluber a nifty pick in GPPs on a slate lacking surefire pitching picks.
Aaron Ashby (MIL) vs. COL
Ashby hasn't been perfect as a starter. However, the lefty's 5.13 ERA has overstated his struggle. Instead, gamers should be intrigued by his 3.75 xFIP. The young lefty has also had a fantasy-friendly 24.8 K% in a dozen starts.
Ashby has a matchup that sets him up for success tonight. The Rockies are dreadful on the road. Colorado has tied for 27th in wOBA (.280) in road games this season. Finally, according to Betting Pros, the Brewers are -195.
Top Lineup Stacks
The Dodgers face an overmatched righty tonight. Paolo Espino was transitioned from the bullpen to Washington's rotation, and he's had a dreadful 4.88 ERA and 4.50 xFIP. The right-handed pitcher has also had an issue with round-trippers, ceding 2.30 HR/9 in seven starts. The Dodgers should chew him up and spit him out before teeing off on Washington's bottom-five bullpen.
- Road (Oakland Coliseum)
- Value: Low
- Risk: Low
- Game Type: Both
- Game Total/Moneyline: 8.0 Runs/HOU -225
The Astros are also in an eruption spot against a pitcher who's spent time in the bullpen and rotation this year. Adam Oller has had an 8.56 ERA in 27.1 innings, and that mark explodes to a 10.89 ERA in his five starts. Yikes. He's ill-equipped to slow the Astros and their top-five offense against righties (116 wRC+).
- Home (Kauffman Stadium)
- Value: High
- Risk: High
- Game Type: GPP
- Game Total/Moneyline: 8.5 Runs/KC -110
Noah Syndergaard isn't a punching bag like Espino and Oller. However, Thor's 4.00 ERA, 4.29 xERA and 4.21 xFIP haven't been great. Meanwhile, the Royals have been locked in offensively, ranking tied for ninth in wRC+ (110) over the last 30 days. Finally, Syndergaard is inept in controlling the running game, allowing 23 stolen bases in 14 starts. Therefore, the Royals are a sneaky-good GPP stack.
- Yordan Alvarez is the top stud tonight if he returns from Sunday's absence with a sore hand. In 329 plate appearances, he's had a .407 OBP, .361 ISO, 199 wRC+ and 28 dongs in 2022.
- Kyle Tucker is also a great piece from the Astros. This season, he's had a .212 ISO, 129 wRC+, 18 homers and 16 stolen bases, doing his best work against righties.
- Trea Turner has been excellent this year, swatting 15 homers, stealing 17 bases, and sporting a .350 OBP and 137 wRC+ in 416 plate appearances.
- Vinnie Pasquantino hasn't taken MLB by storm. Still, his .282 xBA and .500 xSLG are positive indicators of better days on the horizon.
- Gavin Lux has been in a groove. Since June 1, in 148 plate appearances, he's had a .399 OBP, .192 ISO and 159 wRC+.
- Nicky Lopez is an adequate punt. He hasn't had power, but even a hollow .300-plus batting average since June 14 will play at his salary. Additionally, Lopez has the speed to take advantage of Syndergaard's propensity to allow stolen bases.
Monday's Hitter Strategy
The Dodgers and Astros are the primary offensive sources tonight. However, the Royals are a sweet GPP stack. Further, they have a few values who warrant usage in all game types to offset the salaries of the studs for the Dodgers and Astros.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
