The new week begins with a 10-game MLB DFS slate at DraftKings and FanDuel. The main slate begins at 7:05 pm ET at both DFS providers. Don’t fret. The top pitchers, stacks, studs and values/punts are highlighted below.
Monday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
Two aces are the top pitchers tonight, separating themselves from a stout collection of hurlers taking the bump. Additionally, a couple of more cap-friendly options are also stellar selections.
The new week begins with a 10-game MLB DFS slate at DraftKings and FanDuel. The main slate begins at 7:05 pm ET at both DFS providers. Don’t fret. The top pitchers, stacks, studs and values/punts are highlighted below.
Monday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
Two aces are the top pitchers tonight, separating themselves from a stout collection of hurlers taking the bump. Additionally, a couple of more cap-friendly options are also stellar selections.
Cash Game Recommendations:
Gerrit Cole (NYY) vs. TB
Cole has posted fantasy-friendly numbers this season, despite some bad luck. According to FanGraphs, in 23 starts totaling 138.1 innings, he's had a 3.38 ERA, 3.08 xERA, 2.67 xFIP, 1.02 WHIP, 6.0 BB%, 32.5 K% and 31.7 CSW%.
Cole has thoroughly dominated the Rays this season. He's faced them three times, throwing a quality start in each, striking out at least 10 two times, allowing two runs with 29 strikeouts in 19.1 innings. Additionally, the Rays have had an exploitable 24.5 K% against righties this season. So, Cole's high strikeout totals against the Rays this year aren't surprising. Therefore, he's an excellent bet for another elite start tonight.
Alex Cobb (SF) vs. ARI
Cobb was crushed by bad luck earlier this year. Fortunately, things have turned around for him. In his previous 10 starts spanning 55.2 innings, Cobb has had a 3.07 ERA, 3.14 xFIP, 1.15 WHIP, 6.9 BB%, 22.8 K% and 29.1 CSW%.
The veteran righty should keep rolling in a soft matchup tonight. The Diamondbacks are tied for 24th in wRC+ (92) against right-handed pitchers. So, at Cobb's salary, he's the no-doubt SP2 in cash games at DK and a stellar GPP pick at both DFS providers.
GPP Recommendations:
Luis Castillo (SEA) at LAA
Castillo is in a battle of aces tonight, squaring off with Shohei Ohtani. Thus, he's not a lock to earn a win. The Mariners are EVEN, but the game's total of 6.5 runs supports using Castillo.
The matchup is ideal, too. The Angels are tied for 20th in wRC+ (96) with the highest strikeout rate (26.7 K%) against righties this season.
But, of course, Castillo has been great this year and hot lately as well. In his last 11 starts totaling 73.0 innings, he's had a 2.47 ERA, 3.54 xFIP, 1.05 WHIP and 25.8 K%. Obviously, it would be favorable for Castillo's scoring if he wins. Still, he can pay off on DK even if he doesn't win. I'm less enamored with Castillo on FD, where he's the highest-salaried hurler.
Joe Ryan (MIN) vs. KC
Ryan is a tough matchup for hitters at his home digs. The 26-year-old righty has had a 2.92 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 24.1 K% in 49.1 innings pitched at Target Field this year.
In addition, the matchup is superb for Ryan. The Royals are tied for 24th in wRC+ (92) against righties in 2022. Finally, the betting info is good. According to Betting Pros, the Twins are -195.
Top Lineup Stacks
- Home (Yankee Stadium)
- Value: Low
- Risk: Low
- Game Type: Both
- Game Total/Moneyline: Unlisted
The Rays haven't announced a starter yet, but DK projects Ryan Yarbrough to toe the slab. Yarbrough has started and relieved this year, posting below-average numbers. In eight starts, he's had a 5.00 ERA and 5.03 xFIP. Thus, Yarbrough is unlikely to keep the Bronx Bombers, MLB's best offense against lefties (.220 ISO and 126 wRC+), in check tonight.
- Home (Target Field)
- Value: Medium
- Risk: Low
- Game Type: Both
- Game Total/Moneyline: 8.5 Runs/MIN -195
The Twins are an appealing stack with some value and a plus matchup. Kris Bubic has had a 5.02 ERA and 5.45 xERA in 19 appearances (18 starts) this season. Bubic will be succeeded by a bottom-five bullpen, too. As a result, the Twins should put their best foot forward tonight offensively.
- Aaron Judge has been an unstoppable force this year. In 492 plate appearances, he's swatted an MLB-high 46 homers with a .398 OBP, .377 ISO and 199 wRC+.
- Carlos Correa has been rock-solid in his first year with the Twins, sporting a .351 OBP and 126 wRC+.
- Gleyber Torres crushes lefties. In his career, he's had a .346 OBP, .249 ISO and 135 wRC+ against southpaws.
- Jose Miranda is a screaming value against a lefty tonight. The rookie has had a 121 wRC+ in his first 279 plate appearances in The Show.
- Vinnie Pasquantino hit his seventh dong of the year yesterday. In 170 plate appearances, the rookie has had a .341 OBP and 121 wRC+.
- Rafael Ortega is a matchup and lineup-spot-driven punt. The opposing starter, Josiah Gray, has ceded a .552 SLG and .388 wOBA to left-handed hitters in 2022, and Ortega has hit leadoff against righties.
Monday's Hitter Strategy
The Yankees and Twins have soft matchups that are encouraging for their offensive potential tonight, making them the two most attractive sources of offense. Finally, Pasquantino and Ortega are enticing one-off punts.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
