We’ve got a 12-game slate for Friday’s MLB action.
Let’s find some studs and values for your MLB DFS lineups on DraftKings. This article was written before lineups were announced.
Make your DraftKings MLB DFS picks here: MLB $175K Bat Flip [$50K to 1st]
PITCHER
Stud
Nick Martinez, Tampa Bay Rays vs. Seattle Mariners ($7,200) — There are a couple Cy Young candidates pitching on Friday, but they’re priced far too high for my liking. Both Shohei Ohtani and Chris Sale are excellent choices, but they’ve had some flaws in recent games that make me shy away from the $10,000+ price tag. Meanwhile, Nick Martinez is still churning out great outings at a fraction of the price. He’s allowed only one earned run in each of his past two starts, both of which came off a solo home run. His 2.61 ERA is impressive and is likely to drop some more against the Mariners, who have the 27th best batting average and 24th most runs scored. While the value pick is typically saved for the next paragraph, Martinez provides stud play at value cost.
Value
Robbie Ray, San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies ($6,800) — One could argue that Robbie Ray is worthy of the stud play for Friday’s pitching slate. The veteran left-hander has been terrific lately. He pitched three straight scoreless outings, lasting 6.1, 8.0, and 8.0 innings to end June. That’s 22.1 innings of zero earned runs. His first start of July was on the road against Colorado, where he allowed three earned runs and five hits through six frames. It was definitely a downgrade, but I expect Ray to win this battle at home in the rematch with the Rockies.
INFIELD
Stud
Otto Lopez, Miami Marlins vs. Cleveland Guardians ($5,100) — At .345, Otto Lopez has the best batting average by nearly .020 points. He leads the majors in hits by double digits, and he’s a threat to steal any time he reaches safely. Home runs and walks aren’t hit speciality, but he provides such good hitting and base-running value that he’s become a must-start in DFS lineups. Lopez had double digit FPTS in five of his last six games. Parker Messick is a good pitcher, but Lopez is on a hot streak that cannot be ignored.
Value
Nicky Lopez, Texas Rangers vs. Houston Astros ($2,500) — The Rangers picked up a gem when they acquired Nicky Lopez from the Cubs. The 31-year-old is hitting .330 with 11 RBI in 35 games with Texas. He’s not an everyday player, but he’s hitting the ball extremely well. Lopez will face Hunter Brown, who allowed six earned runs and six hits across four frames against the Rays in his last start.
OUTFIELD
Stud
Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers ($6,200) — Because we opted for cheaper pitching options, there’s more flexibility to take the top hitters on Friday’s slate. Yordan Alvarez is almost always a must-click, especially with how he’s batting against right-handed pitchers. The lefty slugger is batting .324 with a .447 on-base percentage against righties. Luckily, Cal Quantrill is a righty, so it’s worth paying the high price to have Alvarez in your lineup.
Value
Chase DeLauter, Cleveland Guardians vs. Miami Marlins ($3,200) — Chase DeLauter cooled off following his electric start to the season, but he’s still a great value play. The rookie is batting .279 with nine home runs and 43 RBI this season and has put up double digit FPTS in four straight games. Sandy Alcantara has been inconsistent this year, allowing one-run in eight innings but then allowing five earned in 5.2 innings. DeLauter is much better against left-handed pitchers, so this is a bit risky, but I like how the rookie’s performed lately in addition to Alcantara’s struggles.
