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DraftKings’ late-afternoon MLB slate will begin at 4:05 and includes five games. Star pitchers are hard to come by but we’ve identified some of the best arms and batters to consider rostering in fantasy ahead of the action.
Top Pitchers
Luis Castillo, Reds vs. Padres ($9,800) — Castillo is off to a great start in July and should be one of the most productive plays on a slate that lacks true studs at pitcher. He’s eclipsed 23 DKFP twice in three starts this month. Few pitchers have comparable upside, but plenty of risk will come with rostering a player averaging 10.2 DKFP per game for nearly $10K.
Shane McClanahan, Rays vs. Mariners ($8,700) — McLanahan hasn’t been at his best in July but has an ideal matchup against one of the worst batting teams in MLB. Seattle has the second-worst batting average (.217) and the fourth-fewest hits in MLB. While McClanahan hasn't reached his 13 DKFP average in three starts, he has scored more than 16 DKFP three times in his last 10 games. The Mariners are on a roll at the plate, but McClanahan could be one of the best variance plays available if he stays on the. mound for at least five innings.
Top Hitters
Chris Taylor, Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks ($5,200) — Taylor is one of four Dodgers batters who tallied at least 15 DKFP against Arizona on Saturday and the Diamondbacks’ pitching rotation for Sunday is questionable. Alex Young and Corbin both have DKFP averages below 4 and Arizona has dropped 16 games in a row. Taylor is leading off in place of Mookie Betts so his floor should be raised. His .855 OPS should give him plenty of chances to be brought home with the skill
Shohei Ohtani, Angels vs. Tigers ($5,400) — Ohtani is turning it up. He’s registered six hits over his last five games and five of them have been home runs. He’s notched seven RBIs during that span and Detroit’s Casey Mize has given up 15 hits, four home runs, and nine runs in 19 2⁄3 innings in July.
Value Pitcher
Sammy Long, Giants vs. Phillies ($6,900) — Long is set to make his first-ever MLB start against the Phillies on Sunday and has shown promise in the limited action he’s gotten this season. He tallied 17.8 DKFP in his 2021 debut against the Rangers earlier this month and San Francisco boasts MLB’s fifth-best scoring defense. If the 25-year-old left can hold off the Phillies and earn a win he’ll be well worth his price.
Value Hitter
Gavin Lux, Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks ($3,800) — Lux has moved from batting second and will bat seventh to wrap up the weekend. He’s only failed to get on base in one of his last 10 games and scored at least seven DKFP in six of those outings. The Diamondbacks pitching staff entered Sunday with more earned runs surrendered than any other ball club, so getting value with the Dodgers could be big.