MLB DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer: Monday (5/8)

An eight-game MLB DFS slate jumpstarts the new work week. The slate begins at 7:05 pm ET on DraftKings and FanDuel. The following suggested picks include three pitchers, two stacks, core studs and values/punts.

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Monday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
The top-ranked pitcher is comfortably ahead of the second and third pitchers on the table. The second and third-ranked pitchers are neck and neck. They're appealing SP2s at DK and viable tournament choices at FD.

Cash Game Recommendations:

Zac Gallen (ARI) vs. MIA
Sadly, Gallen's scoreless starts streak ended at four in his last turn. Nevertheless, he's in a groove. According to FanGraphs, Gallen has had a 0.84 ERA, 1.31 xFIP, 0.59 WHIP, 0.9 BB%, 41.6 K%, 50.0 GB% and 14.3 SwStr% in his last five starts, totaling 32.0 innings.

Gallen has a cushy matchup and good betting info as well. The Marlins are 24th in wRC+ (82) and have a 24.7 K% this year against righties. They've also ranked 24th in wRC+ (80) and had a 24.6 K% in the last 14 days. Finally, per Betting Pros, the Diamondbacks are -225, and the game's total is 8.0 runs. Thus, Gallen's a high-floor and high-ceiling pick in all game types.

Logan Gilbert (SEA) vs. TEX
All of Gilbert's ERA estimators say he's been unlucky this year. The young righty's 4.01 ERA exceeds his 2.86 xERA, 3.03 xFIP and 3.18 SIERA. Gilbert's also had a stellar 1.07 WHIP, 5.2 BB%, 29.6 K% and 28.0 CSW%.

Unfortunately, the matchup isn't easy for Gilbert. The Rangers are fifth in wRC+ (118) against righties this season. So, Gilbert isn't a risk-free pick. Yet, the game's betting info is ideal. The Mariners are -160, and the game's total is only 6.5 runs. Therefore, he's my preferred SP2 in cash games tonight.

GPP Recommendation:

Anthony DeSclafani (SF) vs. WSH
DeSclafani's 2.13 ERA overstates how well he's pitched this year. Still, the veteran righty has chewed up innings, spinning 38.0 in six starts. DeSclafani has also been rock-solid, owning a 3.92 xERA, 3.44 xFIP, 0.82 WHIP, 2.1 BB% and 20.8 K%.

He doesn't beat himself by issuing free passes. And his modest strikeout rate shouldn't be a problem against Washington's punchless offense. The Nationals are dead last in wRC+ (72) and ISO (0.097) against right-handed pitchers in 2023. They're also 23rd in wRC+ (81) over the previous 14 days. Finally, the Giants are -225.

Top Lineup Stacks

• Home (Oracle Park)
• Value: High
• Risk: Low
• Game Type: Both
• Game Total/Moneyline: 8.5 Runs/SF -225

The Giants are one of the best offenses against righties this year. This season, they're fourth in wRC+ (119) and third in ISO (.219) against right-handed pitchers. Additionally, they have a good matchup. Jake Irvin makes his second big-league start tonight. In 4.1 innings in his first start, he walked four batters, hit one and struck out just three. Irvin has pitched precisely 100.0 innings above High-A in his professional career, but 73.1 were in Double-A. He had a 4.79 ERA in Double-A last year and a 5.64 ERA in five starts in Triple-A this season. The Giants can punish a rookie who was unimpressive in the upper minors.

• Road (Kauffman Stadium)
• Value: High
• Risk: Medium
• Game Type: Both
• Game Total/Moneyline: 8.5 Runs/CWS -140

The White Sox haven't performed well against righties this year. Instead, they're tied for 26th in wRC+ (72) against them. They also have starters on the Injured List (IL). So, they can flub a good matchup. Zack Greinke qualifies as a good matchup, though. The 39-year-old starter turned the clock back in his last start, spinning 5.0 scoreless innings. Still, Greinke has a 5.25 ERA, 5.54 xERA, 4.59 SIERA and allowed 1.75 HR/9. Kansas City's bullpen is a joke, too. Royals' relievers have the fourth-highest ERA (5.30) this year. As a result, it's worth taking a stab at stacking the White Sox.

• Thairo Estrada is a dynamo. In 138 plate appearances this season, he's had six homers, nine stolen bases, a .399 OBP and 160 wRC+.
• The light has gone on for Jarred Kelenic this season. In 126 plate appearances, he's had seven homers, five stolen bases, a .357 OBP, .272 ISO and 158 wRC+.
• Rowdy Tellez feasts in Milwaukee against righties. In 323 plate appearances under those conditions since 2021, he's had a .310 ISO and 124 wRC+.

• J.D. Davis has seven homers, a .358 OBP, .237 ISO, 141 wRC+, .489 xSLG and .362 xwOBA this year. He's also produced a .371 OBP, .205 ISO and 142 wRC+ against righties since 2021.
• Joc Pederson has underperformed his batted-ball data. According to Baseball Savant, Pederson has a .376 xwOBA on 50 balls in play. Furthermore, Pederson's had a .353 OBP, .253 ISO and 144 wRC+ against righties since last season.
• Zach Neto stumbled out of the gate for the Angels. However, he's climbed to the leadoff spot and tallied a .385 OBP and 115 wRC+ in his last 65 plate appearances.

Monday's Hitter Strategy
The Giants are my favorite source for hitters tonight. However, the White Sox have an appealing stack. And there are a few intriguing one-offs on other clubs. Specifically, Kelenic, Tellez and Neto are desirable options.

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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.