Happy Independence Day, my star-spangled MLB DFS degenerates. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than screaming “‘Merica!” at the top of our lungs while following the successes of players in our lineups. Whether it’s a pitcher firing bottle rockets down the pipe for a strikeout or outfielders launching roman candles over the wall, toss another meat patty on the grill and PBR me ASAP so I look good in my cutoffs and sleeveless tee.
And really, what better way to wind down than to enjoy America’s pastime? We’ve got a healthy seven-game slate that kicks off at 6:40pm EDT, so make sure you set your lineups in time. Position the TV towards the water, grab you a pool noodle or unicorn floatie and let’s get down to the business of making fat stacks. As always, I’ll list the featured values first, and then give a pick at each remaining position afterwards. This party is about to blow up, and you’re on the guest list.
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***All prices listed are from DraftKings***
Value on the Hill
Julio Urias – vs Colorado ($8,300)
The Dodgers pitcher has won three straight decisions, bringing his record to 6-6 on the season. His last start was not the most impressive, as he allowed three runs over 5.1 innings against Colorado at Coors Field. He gets them again tonight in the confines of Chavez Ravine, where he should be able to keep the ball in the park against the Dodgers’ division foe. Urias has been remarkable consistent this year, allowing more than two runs in just four of his 15 starts on the season. At $8.3K, he’s a great value against a Rockies squad that is second-to-last in the majors scoring runs on the road. Urias comes in toting a nifty 2.64 ERA and an ultra-clean 1.03 WHIP with 76 punchouts in 81.2 innings.
Best Pairing: Alek Manoah – at Oakland ($9,300)
The Toronto righty has been one of the best pitchers in all of baseball in 2022, and will toe the slab against the Athletics, far and away the worst scoring team at home. Oakland has managed just 2.39 runs/game at RingCentral Coliseum. Manoah is worth the splurge in price and should coast through the A’s lineup like a hot knife through butter. He is 9-2 with a 2.09 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in 15 starts.
Value in the Field
José Abreu, 1B – vs Minnesota ($3,900)
Abreu is priced to sell again, and I’m buying. This is precisely the upside relative to cost we are looking for when assembling a lineup. While he’s missing some pop from his bat in 2022, he still comes in backpacking an .826 OPS. Abreu has hit safely in 11 of his last 12 games and is riding an eight-game hitting streak. For the season, the White Sox first baseman is slashing .387/.379/.448 with nine long balls, 44 runs scored, and 36 RBIs. He’ll step into the box against Dylan Bundy, who rolls in shouldering a 4.71 ERA in 13 starts.
Michael Harris II, OF – vs St. Louis ($3,200)
The last two times I’ve used Harris in lineups, he’s rewarded me by launching a long ball on each occasion. Today we see if he can continue that sort of production. The rookie has appeared in 34 games in the majors and is already fast becoming a huge value for his price point. Over the course of 124 at bats, Harris has five ding-dongs, seven doubles and two triples with four swipes for good measure. He’s crossed the plate 22 times while driving in 19. Talk about a hot start. Harris will take his .306 average and .855 OPS into the matchup with the Cardinals and Dakota Hudson (6-4, 3.83/1.35).
Mookie Betts, OF – vs Colorado ($4,300)
Betts returned to the Los Angeles lineup after missing two weeks of time (rib fracture) and promptly drew two bases on balls and socked a pair of doubles. The Dodgers might handle him with kid gloves as he plays through the pain of a cracked rib, but knowing Betts, he’ll insist on wanting to be out there daily. Regardless, be sure to check the LA lineup this evening before the first pitch in case the team is easing him back in. The righty has been as good as can always be expected in 2022, batting .278 with 17 homers, 55 runs, 40 runs batted in and six steals. The Dodgers will bring the lumber against southpaw Kyle Freeland (4-5, 4.31) in Los Angeles.
We have saved some serious cash, so fill out your lineups with hot hands to ride to victory. Below are my preferred picks to spread out the bankroll for tonight at the remaining positions.
Other favorite plays: Alejandro Kirk (C – TOR), Santiago Espinal (2B – TOR), José Ramírez (3B – CLE), Tim Anderson (SS – CWS), Nick Senzel (OF – CIN)
Best of luck in all of your contests today. Happy Fourth of July, let’s make it a profitable one.
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