We’re already almost a month into the MLB season, and only two days remain in April. Monday night’s main DraftKings slate includes the nine games scheduled to start at 7:07 p.m. ET or later. The Twins-White Sox and Dodgers-Diamondbacks games are the only divisional matchups on the board. That NL West matchup at Chase Field also has the highest over/under of the night, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
As you build your lineups this Monday, check out these three bargain plays, who each have a good chance to return top value due to their affordable salaries.
Set your DraftKings fantasy baseball lineups here: MLB $222K Relay Throw [$50K to 1st]
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SP Bailey Falter, Pittsburgh Pirates at Oakland Athletics, $6,500
The Pirates can finish the first month of the season at over .500 depending on how their first two games against the A’s play out. On Monday, they’ll give the ball to Falter, who they snagged in a trade from the Phillies last season. The 27-year-old lefty has impressed so far this season with a 3.33 ERA and 4.53 FIP to go with a 2-1 record. Six of the 10 runs he has allowed came in his first start of the season, and since then, he has posted four straight starts with over 12 DKFP. He had his best start of the season in his most recent outing, hurling seven innings at home against the Brewers and allowing just one run on three hits while striking out eight and earning 30.8 DKFP. He has that kind of ceiling again on Monday since he’s in a great matchup against Oakland. The Athletics have the second-highest K% in the MLB and the lowest team batting average at just .200. They have scored just 2.75 runs per game on the year, so Falter should be well-positioned to continue his impressive form. At such an affordable salary, Falter has both a high ceiling and a high floor.
SS Willi Castro, Minnesota Twins at Chicago White Sox, $3,100
Castro started the season extremely slowly, batting just .111 (5-for-45) over his first 16 games, but the switch-hitter has turned things around over his last 11 games, hitting safely in 10 of those contests and going 17-for-43 (.395). He has five multi-hit games in that stretch including three straight games with multiple hits in the weekend series against the Angels. Castro has also shown extra-base power over that stretch with six doubles and a home run for a .444 wOBA, and he added his second stolen base of the season as well. Castro should continue to help fill in for the Twins’ multiple injuries in the infield and has been starting at SS for Carlos Correa (oblique). He will be in a good matchup if he continues to fill that role on Monday against lefty Garrett Crochet ($8,600). Castro has hit .429 with .513 wOBA and 243 wRC+ against lefties this season and has had strong splits vs. southpaws throughout his career.
OF Addison Barger, Toronto Blue Jays vs. Kansas City Royals, $2,000
Barger is still looking for his first MLB hit after three games in the majors, but the 24-year-old lefty is available at the minimum salary and brings good upside in his matchup with Royals righty Jonathan Bowlan ($6,000) who will be making his MLB debut in Toronto on Monday. Barger was tearing things up at Triple-A, batting .314 with three homers and a .449 wOBA before being called up. Barger was ranked as the No. 6 prospect in the Blue Jays system coming into the year and has risen quickly through the system over the last year. He got Sunday off, but he should be back in the mix and ready to contribute on Monday. He brings a high ceiling for a player at the minimum salary while freeing up plenty of salary to spend in other spots.
Set your DraftKings fantasy baseball lineups here: MLB $222K Relay Throw [$50K to 1st]
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is z.thompson) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
