It’s a tiny slate to start the new week. There are four games on tonight’s MLB DFS main slate. The action begins at 6:35 pm ET at DraftKings and FanDuel. The following suggestions are reduced to fit the size of tonight’s slate. Further, the pitching recommendations are for all game types.
Monday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
Two rookie right-handed pitchers are the top pitcher selections across game types at DK and FD tonight.
It’s a tiny slate to start the new week. There are four games on tonight’s MLB DFS main slate. The action begins at 6:35 pm ET at DraftKings and FanDuel. The following suggestions are reduced to fit the size of tonight’s slate. Further, the pitching recommendations are for all game types.
Monday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
Two rookie right-handed pitchers are the top pitcher selections across game types at DK and FD tonight.
Recommendations:
Bryce Elder (ATL) at WSH
Elder has overachieved a bit. According to FanGraphs, Elder's had a 3.38 ERA and a significantly higher 4.72 xERA. However, he's been in great form. In his last three starts spanning 18.2 innings, Elder has had a 0.96 ERA, 3.15 xFIP, 0.86 WHIP, 30.1 K% and 28.9 CSW%.
In addition, Elder held the Nationals to one run on four hits, two walks and six strikeouts in 5.2 innings in his last start. Finally, the matchup is good. The Nationals are tied for 20th in wRC+ (95) against righties this year.
Roansy Contreras (PIT) vs. CIN
Contreras has flashed his potential since the Pirates recalled him from the minors in the middle of August. He's allowed two runs or less in five of his last six starts. Unfortunately, the Yankees scored six runs against Contreras in 4.2 innings in his most recent start. Still, Contreras struck out 10 batters, somewhat salvaging the start.
Fortunately, Contreras has an outstanding matchup tonight. The Reds are 28th in wRC+ (82) against righties. Moreover, they've had the 10th-highest strikeout rate (23.6 K%) against them. Finally, according to Betting Pros, the Pirates are -140, and the game's total is 8.0 runs.
Top Lineup Stacks
Baltimore's offense will get a lift from the park factors at Fenway Park. It has the second-highest park factor for runs (1.174). The matchup is excellent, too. Connor Seabold has been destroyed for a 9.78 ERA, 5.51 xFIP and 2.33 HR/9 in five starts spanning just 19.1 innings in The Show. So, Baltimore's offense should shine tonight.
- Adley Rutschman has had a superb rookie campaign. In 432 plate appearances, he's swatted a dozen homers with a .361 OBP, .191 ISO, 132 wRC+ and four stolen bases.
- Cedric Mullins has had a rock-solid season at the dish, owning a 106 wRC+ and hitting 15 homers. Further, he's stolen 31 bases.
- Matt Olson has been a good power source this season, mashing 28 taters with a .217 ISO in 661 plate appearances.
- Gunnar Henderson has hit his way up to the majors from Double-A and hasn't slowed down. He's had a .330 OBP, .195 ISO, 124 wRC+, three homers and one stolen base in 94 plate appearances for the Orioles.
- Jack Suwinski is a power-chasing punt on DK. He's hit 18 homers with a .209 ISO in 338 plate appearances.
Monday's Hitter Strategy
The Orioles are the primary source of hitters on tonight's small four-game slate. Olson is also an excellent choice as a one-off or with some teammates.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.