A 15-game Major League Baseball slate is set for Friday. With all 30 teams in the player pool, the options for fantasy managers are endless. If you’re looking for a bargain play with upside at a reduced salary, check out these three MLB DFS value picks for tonight’s contests.
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Set your DraftKings fantasy baseball lineups here: MLB $200K Extra Inning [$50K to 1st]
RP J.T. Ginn, Athletics at BAL ($6,300)
Regardless of who’s on the mound, it’s difficult to trust any Athletics pitcher this season. The team plays their home games at Sacramento’s Sutter Health Park. Per Savant, the minor league stadium is baseball’s second-most hitter-friendly venue. Therefore, it’s no surprise that most A’s pitchers have inflated numbers. That includes J.T. Ginn; his ERA over eight outings at home is currently 5.54.
As bad as things are in California, most A’s hurlers have value when pitching on the road. That’s especially true in spacious Camden Yards, home of the Orioles. It was a busy trade deadline for Baltimore, who shipped off several of its best bats. Since August 1st, the team has scored the second-fewest runs in baseball (15).
Over his last five appearances, Ginn owns a stellar 3.50 ERA. During that time, he’s delivered terrific starts against opponents such as the Astros and Rangers. Facing a much worse Orioles lineup, the righty is someone managers should strongly consider.
OF Ivan Herrera, St. Louis Cardinals vs. CHC ($3,900)
In a sport filled with standout catchers, Ivan Herrera has flown under the radar. St. Louis’ part-time backstop, part-time outfielder missed several weeks dealing with a hamstring strain. Still, when healthy, he’s an impact player. Over 62 games played, the 25-year-old is slashing .305/.389/.480 with ten home runs and 41 RBIs. Herrera has been dangerous in August, recording two or more hits in three of his last five games.
On paper, this isn’t an ideal matchup for any Cardinals hitter. Cubs starter Matthew Boyd has been terrific all year, posting a 2.34 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 118 strikeouts. However, the lefty is at a disadvantage against Herrera. The right-handed hitter is batting an absurd .364 against southpaws in 2025. Averaging a stellar 8.3 fantasy points per game, Herrera could be a steal tonight at less than $4,000.
3B/SS Zach McKinstry, Detroit Tigers vs. LAA ($3,800)
It was a terrific first half for Zach McKinstry, who earned his first career All-Star Game selection. On the season, the 30-year-old is slashing a respectable .269/.348/.456 at the plate. However, the past few weeks have not been kind to the do-it-all infielder. Since July 1st, he’s recorded a .230 batting average with five homers and 13 RBIs. Those numbers appear more in line with McKinstry’s career .681 OPS.
Reading that last sentence, it looks like Detroit’s breakout star is coming back to Earth. With that being said, McKinstry has tallied at least one hit in five of his last six outings. During that time, he’s averaging 11.3 fantasy points per game. Angels starter Kyle Hendricks isn’t the most intimidating arm (4.59 ERA, 1.25 WHIP). In addition, he’s accounted for a subpar 8.9 hits per nine innings rate. Expect McKinstry to put together another solid performance on Friday night.
