Monday’s main MLB DFS slate is small. It includes only seven games at DraftKings and FanDuel. The action begins at 7:05 pm ET. The majority of the games start in the late window, though. So, there are four games with a start time of 9:40 pm ET or later.
Monday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
The pitcher suggestions are paired down into a trio. The top pitcher has the best blend of floor and ceiling, making him an ideal selection in cash games and a stellar GPP selection. The second option has a high ceiling that's perfect for GPPs. Finally, the last option on the table is the top SP2 in all game types on DK and a GPP option on FD.
Monday’s main MLB DFS slate is small. It includes only seven games at DraftKings and FanDuel. The action begins at 7:05 pm ET. The majority of the games start in the late window, though. So, there are four games with a start time of 9:40 pm ET or later.
Monday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
The pitcher suggestions are paired down into a trio. The top pitcher has the best blend of floor and ceiling, making him an ideal selection in cash games and a stellar GPP selection. The second option has a high ceiling that's perfect for GPPs. Finally, the last option on the table is the top SP2 in all game types on DK and a GPP option on FD.
Cash Game Recommendations:
Chris Bassitt (NYM) vs. CIN
Bassitt has been awesome at home this season. According to FanGraphs, in 64.2 innings pitched at home this year, Bassitt has had a 3.06 ERA, 3.22 xFIP, 0.99 WHIP, 5.5 BB% and 26.6 K%. He's also spun a quality start in seven of 10 starts at Citi Field.
In addition, Bassitt's matchup is outstanding. The Reds are 27th in wRC+ (85) against righties. Thus, the Mets are -295, per Betting Pros.
Zac Gallen (ARI) vs. PIT
Gallen has also thrived at home. In 64.0 innings, he's had a 3.23 ERA, 3.58 xFIP, 0.92 WHIP, 5.5 BB% and 25.1 K%. Gallen has also been in good form. In his previous six starts spanning 35.1 innings, he's had a 3.31 ERA, 3.74 xFIP, 1.02 WHIP and 23.6 K%.
So, Gallen shouldn't have any trouble taming the Pirates tonight. Pittsburgh is tied for 25th in wRC+ (85) against righties. Moreover, their 25.0 K% is the third-highest against right-handed pitchers. Therefore, Gallen is a good bet for success tonight.
GPP Recommendations:
Blake Snell (SD) vs. SF
Snell can occasionally get into trouble with his below-average control. Fortunately, that risk is worth embracing for his ceiling in GPPs. Additionally, Snell has been at his best at home. In 39.0 innings at home, the lefty has had a 3.69 ERA, 3.12 xFIP, 1.15 WHIP, 7.4 BB% and 30.1 K%.
Sadly, the matchup isn't as easy at Bassitt's or Gallen's. Nevertheless, San Francisco's lineup is a bit less fearsome against lefties without Darin Ruf. Snell can dominate any lineup when he's sharp and make a mess of even the cushiest matchup. As a result, Snell is the archetype for GPP usage.
Top Lineup Stacks
Justin Dunn is making his season debut for the Reds tonight. He's not ready to handle a big-league lineup if his work in Triple-A is any indication. Dunn has a 6.92 ERA and 6.09 xFIP in seven starts totaling 26.0 innings. Additionally, Cincinnati's bullpen is terrible, ranking dead last in ERA (5.04). So, the Mets should light up the scoreboard tonight.
- Road (Oriole Park at Camden Yards)
- Value: Low
- Risk: Low
- Game Type: Both
- Game Total/Moneyline: 9.0 Runs/TOR -155
The Blue Jays have an excellent matchup against Jordan Lyles tonight. The veteran righty has had a 4.40 ERA and 5.00 xERA in 22 starts totaling 124.2 innings. Additionally, he's also mediocre against righties, ceding a .318 wOBA to them this year. As a result, Toronto's righty-laden lineup should handle their business tonight.
- Since 2021, Brandon Nimmo has had a .370 OBP and 131 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers.
- Manny Machado is a lefty-killer. Since 2019, he's had a .380 OBP, .269 ISO and 147 wRC+ against southpaws.
- Alejandro Kirk has raked in same-handed matchups. Since last year, he's had a .362 OBP and 125 wRC+ against righties.
- Daniel Vogelbach is underpriced for his excellence against righties. He's smashed them for a .381 OBP, .224 ISO and 139 wRC+ since last season.
- Lourdes Gurriel has been forced into leadoff duties with George Springer on the Injured List. He's not merely a lineup-spot-driven suggestion, though. Since 2021, he's had a .348 OBP and 120 wRC+ against righties.
- Luis Garcia has moved up to the second spot in Washington's lineup, and he's done well with the platoon advantage this year. The left-handed-hitting infielder has a 118 wRC+ against righties in 2022.
Monday's Hitter Strategy
The Mets and Blue Jays are the chief sources of offense on tonight's seven-game slate. However, Machado and Garcia are intriguing one-off options, too.
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio
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.
