Major League Baseball returned from the All-Star break with some fun series over the weekend, and we get a whole new set of matchups to break down with all 30 teams back in action on Monday to start another big work week. The main MLB DFS slate includes the 10 games that start after 7:07 p.m. ET, giving us 20 teams of options and plenty of high-profile, big-name stars to consider building around. To help balance your spending, check out these top three MLB DFS value picks, who bring a good upside as bargains, while also allowing you to save significant salary.
The weather in Atlanta should be good for hitting, while the wind blowing in at Wrigley should favor the pitchers. We could get some rain in Atlanta, Tampa or Colorado, but it doesn’t look likely that any games will require rescheduling. Be sure to double-check the weather before the first pitch and that all the players you pick are in the starting lineup and ready to produce, especially your MLB DFS value picks.
Check out the full range of MLB coverage from the team at DraftKings Network, since these bargains are just one piece of the MLB DFS picture to consider.
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SP Jacob Lopez, Athletics at Texas Rangers, $6,800
Lopez has been a solid part of the Athletics’ rotation over the last month, and he’s in a good spot against the Rangers. In his 14 appearances, Lopez has a 4.20 ERA and 4.28 FIP, but his xERA is only 3.54, indicating he gives up less good contact than his ERA indicates. Lopez did have a couple of down outings before the break but bounced back with a good performance against the Blue Jays. Lopez has posted 13+ fantasy points in seven of his last eight games and has 69 strikeouts in 55 2/3 innings this year.
On Sunday, the Rangers were shut down by Tarik Skubal, who struck out 11 in 6 2/3 innings and gave up one run on four hits. While Lopez is no Skubal, that outing continues a trend of the Rangers struggling against southpaws. On the season, they have the sixth-highest K% against lefties and have hit only .216 in the split, the second-worst batting average against lefties in the majors. This should be a good spot for Lopez to return value at this salary under $7,000.
2B/OF Davis Schneider, Toronto Blue Jays vs. New York Yankees, $3,100
Schneider has been very productive in a platoon role for the Blue Jays and will likely get the start on Monday night against lefty Carlos Rodon ($10,000). Schneider had a monster series with 54 fantasy points in four games earlier this month when the Blue Jays swept the Yankees in Toronto and took over the lead in the AL East. They have a three-game lead of the Yankees and a four-game lead over the Red Sox coming into this week.
On the season, Schneider is hitting only .218 but still has a .352 wOBA in his 35 major league games. He is hitting .250 with a .389 wOBA against lefties and .289 with a .413 wOBA at home. He has also been heating up recently, hitting .282 with a .435 wOBA over his last 16 contests.
With all those splits in his favor and plenty of momentum, he’s a great bargain play at just over $3,000 whether you need him in the infield at 2B or in the outfield this Monday.
2B/3B Shay Whitcomb, Houston Astros at Arizona Diamondbacks, $2,400
Whitcomb has bounced back and forth between the Astros and the Sugar Land Space Cowboys this season, but he’s in line for playing time with Isaac Paredes (hamstring) joining Jeremy Pena (ribs), Jake Meyers (calf), Yordan Alvarez (hand), and Zach Dezenzo (hand) on the injured list. Whitcomb is only 2-for-23 (.087) in the majors this year but did have seven fantasy points on Sunday, going 1-for-4 with a pair of runs scored.
At Triple-A, Whitcomb has shown a nice, balanced skill set, hitting .275 with 13 doubles, 19 homers, 43 RBI, and a .390 wOBA in 65 games. He has a solid 43.9% hard-hit rate in Triple-A, and he brings a high ceiling at this low salary while he takes on Zac Gallen ($7,500). Gallen has a 5.40 ERA and 4.80 FIP overall this season and a 5.66 ERA with a 4.83 FIP at home. Whitcomb has been waiting for his opportunity, and Paredes’ injury could be just the chance he needs to break through.
