We are back again for MLB DFS on a Saturday with the August 2 trade deadline steamrolling closer. While we wait to see if a Juan Soto blockbuster trade goes down, let’s earn some cash on our lineups. We will be looking at the main 7:05 p.m. EDT DraftKings slate which features 10 games. It is not a very pitching-heavy slate, so there will be plenty of hitting to target.
Arms
Top Target: Gerrit Cole ($10,400) vs. Baltimore Orioles
Yankees pitching has struggled of late, and the one consistent has been their ace in Cole. The right-hander has looked like a Cy Young contender and has recorded double-digit strikeouts in his last two starts. After Jameson Taillon failed to make it out of the third inning last night, the New York bullpen was taxed. In addition, Michael King had to leave the game with an elbow injury, which turned out to be a fracture and will be out for the season. With that in mind, Cole will have to step up and provide length and be the ace he has been. He has struggled against Baltimore, giving up five runs the last time against them, but he did strike out 11. Cole will come in on a mission and won’t disappoint. The Orioles are a bottom ten offense and Cole has tallied a 36 percent strikeout rate in his last seven starts.
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Value: Max Meyer ($6,100) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
The rookie right-hander was rudely welcomed to the big leagues in his first start against the Phillies, as he allowed five runs on seven hits, including two homers. He should have a better showing today, against an absolutely dismal offense in the Pirates. Pittsburgh ranks 28th in the majors with over nine strikeouts per game, so a high strikeout total could be possible with Meyer’s filthy slider. They also rank 28th with a .657 OPS and 29th with a -141 run differential (only Washington is worse).
First Base
Top Target: Jose Abreu ($4,800)
Abreu is on fire of late, with 12 multi-hit games over his last 21 while currently riding a nine-game hitting streak. He also has hits in 23 of his last 24 games. The first baseman faces a left-hander in Konnor Pilkington, and he has recorded a 181 wRC+, .990 OPS, and .423 wOBA against southpaws this season. Pilkington has surrendered over a 40 percent hard-hit rate and 11 percent barrel rate, along with having a 4.91 xFIP. Abreu’s last homer came on July 12 against the Guardians, so he’s due to go yard again. That last homer actually came off of Pilkington. So let’s go with him for the MLB DFS home run call today for his 12th of the year.
Value: Hunter Dozier ($3,200)
Four Hole
Top Target: Gleyber Torres ($5,000)
Torres sat against Baltimore last night after starting both games of the Yankees’ doubleheader against Houston on Thursday. He hit his 15th homer of the year in the second game and has recorded an .816 OPS over his last 10 games. The second baseman is also a noted Orioles killer in his career, as he has a 1.034 OPS, 28 homers, 47 RBI, and 44 runs scored in 65 career games against them. He hasn’t hit as well against them this season (.213/.260/.426) but has hit two homers with six RBI and seven runs. Look for Torres to continue his strong hitting season as he has somewhat returned to 2019 form.
Value: Rougned Odor ($2,800)
Hot Corner
Top Target: Austin Riley ($5,700)
The Braves’ third baseman has been an MVP candidate this season, slashing .287/.349/.577 with 27 homers, 61 RBI, 56 runs, and 9.4 MLB DFS fantasy points per game. Riley has hit 15 of his homers at home along with recording a .951 OPS at Truist Park. He is also in the midst of a 14-game hitting streak, with eight multi-hit games. The 25-year-old is on a tear and he has also torn up left-handers to the tune of a 1.117 OPS, 201 wRC+, and .393 ISO.
Value: Brian Anderson ($3,100)
Six Hole
Top Target: Bobby Witt Jr. ($4,900)
The rookie is rolling with a .357/.372/.476 triple slash over the last 10 games with a homer, two doubles, five RBI, and six runs scored. Witt has also stolen five bases over that to increase his season total to 18. He has played well at home, recording a .790 OPS, five homers, and 12 stolen bases at Kaufmann Stadium. While he will have a longer leash on Saturday, Rays’ starter Luis Patino was pulled early in his last start upon his return from the injured list. That could be favorable for Witt and the Royals’ lineup as they look to pounce early.
Value: Miguel Rojas ($2,900)
Outfielders
Top Target: Matt Carpenter ($5,500)
The legend of Matt Carpenter has continued for the Yankees, as he still has over a 1.000 OPS and has mashed five homers over his last 10 games. He has averaged over 10 FPPG on the season and has recorded over 10 fantasy points in six of his last 10 games. The left-handed hitter has smashed eight of his 13 homers against right-handed pitchers and he has a .443 ISO and 221 wRC+ against them.
Value: Austin Slater ($3,400)
Good luck with all of your MLB DFS lineups.
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