It’s a small slate tonight. There are seven games on DraftKings, including the second game of the Rangers at Marlins’ doubleheader. FanDuel doesn’t include that contest, leaving a six-game slate. The action starts at 6:40 pm ET on both DFS platforms.
Monday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
A couple of aces are joined on the table by a veteran righty who pitches like an ace at home. The righty and lefty aces are the best choices for cash games, while the home-game superstar is a GPP choice.
It’s a small slate tonight. There are seven games on DraftKings, including the second game of the Rangers at Marlins’ doubleheader. FanDuel doesn’t include that contest, leaving a six-game slate. The action starts at 6:40 pm ET on both DFS platforms.
Monday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
A couple of aces are joined on the table by a veteran righty who pitches like an ace at home. The righty and lefty aces are the best choices for cash games, while the home-game superstar is a GPP choice.
Cash Game Recommendations:
Framber Valdez (HOU) at DET
According to ESPN, Valdez leads MLB with 24 quality starts in 2022, three clear of a tie for the second-most. In addition, he's been a road warrior. Per FanGraphs, in 100.2 innings on the road, Valdez has had a 2.24 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 20.1 K%.
He should continue his dominance tonight against a team stumbling to the finish line. Since the MLB trade deadline on August 2, the Tigers have had an 89 wRC+ and 25.6 K%. Finally, according to Betting Pros, the Astros are -205, and the game's total is a tiny 7.0 runs.
Spencer Strider (ATL) at SF
Strider has been a revelation for the Braves since they moved him to their rotation. Further, he's been on fire down the stretch. In his previous seven starts spanning 40.1 innings, he's had a 2.23 ERA, 1.80 xFIP, 0.87 WHIP, 6.4 BB%, 40.1 K% and 32.7 CSW%.
He has a great matchup tonight, too. The Giants are tied for 18th in wRC+ (96) against righties, sporting an exploitable 23.3 K%. Additionally, they've had a 95 wRC+ and 24.9 K% since the trade deadline. So, the sky's the limit for Strider. Finally, the Braves are -177, and the game's total is 7.0 runs. Valdez has better odds to win, but it's a genuine coin flip for the top honors for cash games when the salary difference favors Strider.
GPP Recommendations:
Alex Cobb (SF) vs. ATL
Obviously, it's not ideal opposing Strider. Moreover, the Braves are a challenging assignment. Still, Cobb is outstanding at home, and the Braves strike out often against righties.
In 70.0 innings at home, Cobb has had a 2.57 ERA, 2.76 xFIP, 1.11 WHIP, 7.7 BB% and 27.3 K%. And the Braves have struck out at the second-highest rate (25.4%) against righties, circling back to their propensity for striking out. As a result, Cobb has an appealing case for GPP usage. So, gamers should consider mixing him into their GPP portfolio tonight.
Top Lineup Stacks
The Reds aren't typically an offense to stack. Yet, their homer-friendly home digs and a good matchup are reasons for considering them, saying nothing of their cap-friendly salaries. Bryse Wilson has had a ghastly 6.88 ERA, 4.73 xFIP, 1.60 WHIP and 1.82 HR/9 in 69.1 innings as a starter in 2022. Further, the Pirates have a bottom-five bullpen. So, Pittsburgh's ineptitude pitching can make the Reds shine at the dish tonight.
- Road (Comerica Park)
- Value: Low(DK)/Medium(FD)
- Risk: Low
- Game Type: Both
- Game Total/Moneyline: 7.0 Runs/HOU -205
Eduardo Rodriguez's first year with the Tigers has been underwhelming and interrupted by personal issues. In a dozen starts, he's had a mediocre 4.13 ERA. It's also better than all of his ERA estimators, such as his 4.54 xERA, 4.65 xFIP and 4.69 SIERA. E-Rod's unlikely to turn his season around tonight in a brutal matchup. Houston is tied for seventh in wRC+ (116) against southpaws this year. As a result, they should rough up E-Rod tonight and light up the scoreboard.
- Jose Altuve has had an excellent campaign at the plate. In 528 plate appearances, he's hit 24 homers with 16 stolen bases, a .227 ISO, .377 OBP and 157 wRC+ this season.
- Max Muncy has found his stroke since August. In 134 plate appearances since August 1, he's had 10 homers with a .316 ISO, .358 OBP and 163 wRC+.
- Alex Bregman has terrorized opposing pitchers this year. In 569 plate appearances, he's had 21 homers, a .207 ISO, .376 OBP and 145 wRC+.
- Jake Fraley is the most appealing piece of the Reds. He's ripped 10 round-trippers with a .241 ISO, .343 OBP and 125 wRC+ in 181 plate appearances in 2022.
- Chas McCormick has tattooed lefties for a .250 ISO and 152 wRC+ since debuting last year.
- TJ Friedl is fine on FD. However, he's a steal on DK. Sure, Friedl's 106 wRC+ has been decent. However, Wilson's .415 wOBA allowed to lefties this season is alluring.
- Joey Gallo hasn't been a world-beater for the Dodgers. Still, he's had a .250 ISO and 110 wRC+. As a result, Gallo is a compelling selection for only $100 more than the minimum salary on FD.
Monday's Hitter Strategy
The Reds are a sweet source of salary relief tonight. Additionally, the Astros have a high-upside offense gamers should use tonight. Finally, the Dodgers aren't listed among the stacks above, but they're worth a look on FD, where it's easier to fit them under the salary cap.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
