The Monday, August 19 DraftKings fantasy baseball slate features nine games. Get a head start on the competition by checking out the best MLB DFS stud and value picks for each position.
Set your DraftKings fantasy baseball lineups here: MLB $225K Knuckleball [$50K to 1st]
For up-to-the-minute news, analysis and lineups, download the DK Network app. You also can follow DK Network on Twitter @dknetwork.
PITCHER
Stud
Kyle Harrison, San Francisco Giants vs. Chicago White Sox ($7,900) — August got off to a rough start. Harrison allowed four home runs in Cincinnati. He bounced back against the Nationals — two earned runs in 4.2 innings. That start was followed by three earned runs (two home runs) over five innings against the Braves. Home runs are a worry but not a significant one in San Francisco’s pitcher-friendly park against the weak White Sox. Harrison’s ERA is one run lower at home. The Giants’ No. 1 Prospect (MLB No. 24 Prospect) had a 2.92 ERA in June and 2.66 in July.
Val
Jonathan Cannon, Chicago White Sox at San Francisco Giants ($6,200) — Suggesting pitchers from the same game on a full slate is strange. Selecting both may not be successful. It might be based on their low salaries. Both are too cheap given their matchups and the park boost. The Giants have a 22% K-Rate, .147 wOBA, .299 ISO and 94 wRC+ against right-handed pitching. They’re ice-cold — 29% K-Rate, .118 ISO, .255 wOBA and 64 wRC+ over the last seven games. The 24-year-old isn’t a top prospect but he’s put together a solid rookie campaign (4.02 ERA). His last four starts have been interesting. His strikeouts are down and his walks are up (6.04 xFIP). Home runs are a problem, too (1.9 HR). That’s ugly but the numbers that count are fine. His ERA is 2.66 in his last four games.
INFIELD
Stud
Brandon Lowe, Tampa Bay Rays at Oakland Athletics ($4,700) — SP Joe Boyle ($8,300) is a glaring target on Monday’s slate (7.39 ERA in 31 IP). The Rays’ left-handed hitters are the way to go — .399 wOBA and 6.43 xFIP vs. LHB. Lowe has a .244 ISO and .345 wOBA vs. right-handed pitchers. Lowe has homered in back-to-back games.
Stud
Pete Alonso, New York Mets vs. Baltimore Orioles ($5,000) — SP Trevor Rogers ($5,500) is no longer a future star. He’s a decent lefty. Decent left-handed pitchers struggle with opposite bats — .342 wOBA, 4.78 xFIP and 35% Hard Contact Rate vs. RHB. Alonso tunes up southpaws (.301 ISO, .374 wOBA and 147 wRC+ vs. LHP).
Value
Jose Iglesias, New York Mets vs. Baltimore Orioles ($4,000) — The Mets are a nightmare for left-handed pitchers — .185 ISO, .334 wOBA and 119 wRC+. Iglesias is doing his part (.428 wOBA and 183 wRC+ vs. LHP). Iglesias has recorded a multi-hit game in three straight and is hitting .349 in 149 at-bats.
Value
Jonathan India, Cincinnati Reds at Toronto Blue Jays ($4,400) — The 2021 Rookie of the Year has hit safely in four straight. SP Kevin Gausman ($7,900) is allowing a .323 wOBA, 1.5 HR/9 and 39% Hard Contact Rate to right-handed hitters. India is making contact. It’s likely to be hard. India hit two home runs on Aug. 14.
OUTFIELD
Stud
Tyler O’Neill, Boston Red Sox at Houston Astros ($5,500) — It’s narrative time. O’Neill earned the Golden Sombrero on Sunday (four strikeouts in four at-bats). O’Neill should be motivated in a big game. SP Yusei Kikuchi ($7,500) is a top-tier pitcher (3.34 xFIP) but the lefty struggles with right-handed hitters — .324 wOBA, 1.4 HR/9 and 36% Hard Contact Rate. O’Neill has a .340 wOBA, .441 ISO and 185 wRC+ vs. LHP.
Stud
Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Seattle Mariners ($6,800) — There is sticker shock with the Ohtani pick. He’s more expensive than the value pitcher pick. The value-pitching pick makes Ohtani possible. The MVP candidate has homered in back-to-back games. SP Bryan Woo ($8,300) is a stud (2.06 ERA) but Ohtani is hot.
Value
Josh Lowe, Tampa Bay Rays at Oakland Athletics ($3,700) — DFS players are allowed to pick Brand Lowe and they can go with Lowe, also. The strategy is the same: Left-handed Rays vs. Joe Boyle. Josh Lowe has hit safely in six of the last seven games with five double-digit DKFP games.
Value
Amed Rosario, Cincinnati Reds at Toronto Blue Jays ($3,000) — The Dodgers traded for Rosario. They cut him due to roster limitations. The Reds picked up a .300 hitter for free. Rosario may not play. If he does, he provides infield and outfield flexibility. This leans heavily into the narrative department. Rosario wants to prove himself with his new club. Rosario is likely “big mad.” He’s hitting .305 and got cut by a World Series contender.
Set your DraftKings fantasy baseball lineups here: MLB $225K Knuckleball [$50K to 1st]
The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and customer (my username is greenflagradio2) 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 skills 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.
