Welcome to my weekly Sunday DraftKings MLB DFS plays. I’ll break down some of the top picks on the board, including studs and value plays, and explain why these players can lead your lineup to victory.
Set your DraftKings MLB DFS lineups here: MLB $150K Bat Flip [$50K to 1st].
Top MLB DFS Targets
Pitcher Studs
SP Carlos Rodon (NYY), $9,100: Finally, Rodon is back in the rotation for the Yankees, and it couldn’t come at a better time. They have crucial games to win against their division rival, the Blue Jays. He pitched just four innings in his first start back, but was effective and should have a longer leash this time around. Against a weak Toronto lineup, Rodon should give us 5-6 strong innings with solid strikeout upside, making him an easy SP1 play.
Pitcher Value Plays
SP Cal Quantrill (TEX), $7,100: Quantrill has quietly been excellent for the Rangers this year and comes into this matchup red hot. Over his last four starts, Quantrill has allowed three earned runs over 23.1 innings, striking out 22 batters against five walks. That includes his last turn, where he spun seven shutout innings against a great Nationals lineup. The Angels he will be facing on Sunday have the second-lowest wRC+ mark as a team during August, making this a great spot for Quantrill to put up another big-time start.
Infield Studs
2B Luis Arraez (PHI), $4,600: The Phillies are heating up, and Arraez has been a major catalyst. The NL batting average leader has three straight multi-hit games, scoring a run in all three contests. Now that Philly’s power bats are finding their swings, Arraez’s run-scoring appeal has increased in a big way, making him an excellent play at a shallow second base position.
3B Miguel Vargas (CWS), $5,400: One of the breakout stars of the year, Vargas continues to push the White Sox towards the playoffs. His floor is extremely high due to his walk-taking skills, but the upside is out of this world with his ability to bash home runs. Facing Nolan McLean dampens his price somewhat, but he retains his immense potential in this matchup.
Infield Value Plays
C Agustin Ramirez (MIA), $3,600: It’s difficult to find value at the catcher position, but Ramirez provides some potential here. He has put together a quality week, going 4-for-15 with two RBIs, four runs scored, three walks, two doubles, and a stolen base. Washington’s suspect arm barn is gearing up for a full bullpen game on Sunday, and if Ramirez is behind the plate, he’s got tons of upside for a middling price.
1B Vinnie Pasquantino (KC), $4,200: Is the Pasquatch back? In the midst of an injury-riddled season, he’s finally getting his groove again. In the week since returning from the IL, Pasquantino has two home runs, three doubles, four RBIs, and five runs scored. He provides a strong mix of floor and upside due to his on-base skills and immense power, and the early-season struggles have kept his price down to a reasonable level.
SS George Lombard Jr. (NYY), $3,400: Shortstop is one of the shallowest positions on the board, which is where Lombard Jr.’s value comes in. There is a lot of swing-and-miss to his game, but he’s making solid contact and getting on base at a decent clip. Now that the Yankees’ offense is figuring some things out, his run-scoring and RBI appeal has increased, making the rookie a promising play here.
Outfield Studs
OF Carson Benge (NYM), $4,000: It has been a season to forget for the New York Mets, but at least their rookie outfielder has his feet under him. Benge has shown he can hit for average and power, and though the walk-taking ability isn’t there yet, it gives him a lot of DFS appeal. Chicago starter Erick Fedde has struggled all year long and adds significant appeal to Benge’s value.
Outfield Value Plays
OF Heriberto Hernandez (MIA), $3,700: Our second Marlins batter on the board, Hernandez has been a big part of Miami’s surprisingly great season. He bashed his 19th home run of the season on Saturday, raising his OPS to .758. Facing left-hander Zak Kent on Sunday gives him a boost, as Hernandez’s OPS climbs over 170 points against left-handers. The floor may not always be there, but the upside is immense.
OF LaMonte Wade Jr. (HOU), $3,300: The Astros are on a desperate search for capable bats, and LaMonte Wade Jr. is their latest experiment. Though he doesn’t have a ton of power, he has one of the best batting eyes around and draws tons of walks against righties. Athletics starter Jack Perkins has issued 33 walks in 85.1 innings, which feeds into Wade Jr.’s floor — but his 6.96 ERA and proclivity for allowing the long ball give LaMonte a bit more upside than usual.
