FREE 04/11 MLB Cheat Sheet: Top DFS Plays

Tonight’s 13-game MLB DFS slate offers a mix of intriguing pitching matchups and some potentially high-scoring environments. The Rangers-Mariners game in Seattle carries the lowest total on the slate at just 6.5 runs, with Jacob deGrom and Bryce Miller squaring off in what could be a pitching duel. On the other end of the spectrum, the Mets-Athletics matchup in Oakland boasts a hefty 10-run total, making it an appealing target for stacking bats. Keep an eye on the weather in Baltimore (TOR @ BAL) and New York (SF @ NYY), as both games are at risk of delays or postponements due to rain, which could significantly impact your lineups.

For weather-neutral games, look to domed stadiums like Miami (WSH @ MIA), Houston (LAA @ HOU), and Arizona (MIL @ ARI) for safe options free from environmental variables. San Diego (COL @ SD) also stands out with mild conditions and wind blowing out slightly, which could give hitters a small boost in Petco Park’s typically pitcher-friendly environment. With several games featuring totals around eight runs, finding value arms and strategic stacks will be key to navigating this slate efficiently.

Top Stacks

ATH 5-Man ($22,900)

Lawrence Butler, Brent Rooker, Tyler Soderstrom, Shea Langeliers, JJ Bleday

The ATH 5-man stack, featuring Lawrence Butler, Brent Rooker, Tyler Soderstrom, Shea Langeliers, and JJ Bleday, projects for 42.0 points at a total salary of $22,900, yielding a solid value of 1.83 pts/$1000. With all players projected to bat consecutively in the top five spots of the order (1-5), this stack offers strong lineup correlation, maximizing RBI and run-scoring opportunities. The lack of game total or weather data limits context regarding their offensive environment against the opposing pitcher or park factors; however, their low average ownership (5.0%) combined with a respectable optimal lineup rate (7.8%) makes this a viable leverage play in tournaments. This stack’s appeal lies in its potential to outperform expectations at low popularity while benefiting from concentrated production across key batting order positions.

NYM 5-Man ($25,200)

Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, Pete Alonso, Mark Vientos, Brandon Nimmo

The NYM 5-man stack, featuring Lindor, Soto, Alonso, Vientos, and Nimmo, projects for 46.7 points with a solid value of 1.85 pts/$1000 on a $25,200 total salary. The offensive environment is favorable with a high game total of 10.0 and optimal weather conditions (75°F, partly cloudy, no precipitation) minimizing external disruptions. The stack benefits from elite lineup correlation as all players occupy consecutive spots in the batting order (1-5), maximizing run-scoring and RBI potential. Ownership is moderate at 9.1%, providing some leverage in tournaments relative to its 7.4% optimal rate. This stack has strong upside given its top-of-the-order concentration and the advantageous hitting conditions but may be slightly overvalued based on its projected points relative to ownership and optimal rate metrics.

LAD 5-Man ($26,700)

Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Teoscar Hernandez, Will Smith

The LAD 5-man stack featuring Ohtani, Betts, Freeman, Hernandez, and Smith projects for 43.5 points with a solid value of 1.63 pts/$1000 at a total salary of $26,700. The stack benefits from elite lineup correlation, as all players are hitting consecutively in the top five spots of the batting order, maximizing RBI and run-scoring opportunities. Facing an opposing pitcher in a neutral game total (8.0) but with favorable hitting conditions (69°F and 8 MPH wind blowing out), this stack has upside potential in Los Angeles’ hitter-friendly environment. With an average ownership of just 4.2% but an optimal lineup rate of 7.1%, this low-owned stack offers strong leverage for tournaments. Combining high-end talent with favorable weather and lineup synergy makes this a viable GPP option despite its elevated cost.

SP Plays

Top Play: Nick Pivetta ($9,100)

Nick Pivetta ($9,100) draws a favorable matchup at home against the Rockies, a team that struggles mightily away from Coors Field. Colorado posted just a .290 wOBA and 24.3% strikeout rate on the road last season, making this an ideal spot for Pivetta to bounce back after his shaky outing in Chicago. While consistency has been an issue throughout his career, his seven-inning gem against Atlanta earlier this season shows he has the upside to dominate when things click. At $9,100, he’s projected for 21.5 DraftKings points with strong value (2.36x), and his 20.1% optimal lineup rate reflects the ceiling he offers in tournaments.

The one concern here is ownership, as Pivetta is expected to be rostered by 41.9% of the field—an unusually high number for a pitcher with his volatility. That said, this chalk seems justified given the matchup and his potential to rack up strikeouts against an undisciplined Rockies lineup. If you’re comfortable eating the ownership in cash games or single-entry contests, he’s a solid play with a high floor in this environment. For GPPs, consider pairing him with lower-owned options elsewhere to differentiate your lineup while still taking advantage of his upside.

Honorable Mentions

• Jacob deGrom ($9,500)
• Reese Olson ($7,100)
• Robbie Ray ($8,000)

C Plays

Top Play: Shea Langeliers ($4,200)

Shea Langeliers ($4,200) offers a strong tournament option at catcher tonight against the Mets. Slotted in the cleanup spot for the Athletics, Langeliers is positioned to maximize RBI opportunities in what could be a favorable matchup. While his recent stat lines have been inconsistent, his power upside remains evident, as showcased by his two home runs and .450 OBP over his last five starts. The Mets’ pitching staff has been vulnerable to right-handed power this season, and with Langeliers projecting for 8.2 DraftKings points and appearing in 11.5% of optimal lineups, he’s an intriguing mid-range option at a position often lacking depth.

At 7.9% projected ownership, Langeliers sits just above field average but still offers reasonable leverage in tournaments. His moderate popularity reflects both his potential ceiling and risk, making him more suited for GPPs than cash games. With a solid 1.96x value projection and batting fourth in the lineup, he’s worth considering if you’re seeking affordable exposure to the heart of Oakland’s lineup in a contrarian build.

Honorable Mentions

• Hunter Goodman ($3,400)
• William Contreras ($4,700)
• Alejandro Kirk ($2,900)

1B Plays

Top Play: Eric Wagaman ($2,300)

Eric Wagaman ($2,300) offers intriguing value in tonight’s DFS slate as he slots into the heart of Miami’s order, batting third against Washington. With a strong 3.2x value projection and appearing in 8.5% of optimal lineups, Wagaman is a cost-effective option for tournaments. His power potential is worth noting after recently hitting his first homer of the season, and while his overall production has been inconsistent, his lineup spot ensures ample opportunities to drive in runs. Facing a Washington pitching staff that struggles to suppress right-handed hitters, Wagaman’s modest price tag opens up salary flexibility for higher-priced stars.

At just 3.8% projected ownership, Wagaman provides slight leverage in GPPs without being a complete dart throw. He’s not without risk—his recent games have been hit-or-miss—but his ability to capitalize on an exploitable matchup makes him an appealing low-cost play. Keep in mind that Miami’s implied team total isn’t elite, so Wagaman is best utilized as part of a contrarian stack or as a standalone value piece to balance out your lineup construction.

Honorable Mentions

• Shohei Ohtani ($6,400)
• Jonah Bride ($2,500)
• Josh Bell ($3,000)

2B Plays

Top Play: Luisangel Acuna ($2,900)

Luisangel Acuna ($2,900) offers intriguing value in tonight’s slate, particularly for tournaments. Projected at 6.4 DraftKings points with a strong 2.21x value multiplier, he ranks first in Hero GPP models and appears in 13.4% of optimal lineups. His low ownership (2.1%) provides leverage in large-field contests, especially against an Athletics pitching staff that has struggled to contain baserunners and limit runs early this season. While hitting eighth in the order caps his plate appearances, Acuna’s speed (three steals in Grapefruit League play) and potential to contribute across multiple categories make him a viable punt option at middle infield.

The matchup against Oakland is favorable given their below-average pitching staff and hitter-friendly ballpark environment. At this salary, Acuna doesn’t need to do much to exceed expectations, and his ability to swipe a bag adds upside that few players at this price point can match. While his role remains somewhat limited as part of a platoon, his low ownership and strong value metrics make him an appealing GPP target for those looking to differentiate their lineups without sacrificing too much upside.

Honorable Mentions

• Brendan Rodgers ($2,700)
• Tim Tawa ($2,300)
• Colt Keith ($3,200)

3B Plays

Top Play: Justyn-Henry Malloy ($2,500)

Justyn-Henry Malloy offers intriguing value at just $2,500, especially as the Tigers’ leadoff hitter. With a .462 on-base percentage in 26 plate appearances since his call-up, he’s shown the ability to set the table effectively. Batting first maximizes his plate appearances, and while he doesn’t bring much power or speed upside, his patient approach and strong contact skills make him a solid floor play. Facing a Twins pitching staff that has been league average against right-handed hitters, Malloy’s ability to get on base should keep him in play as a low-cost option for cash games or tournaments.

At 6.8% projected ownership, Malloy is slightly above the field average but still reasonable given his value (2.74x) and 8.3% optimal lineup rate. His salary flexibility allows you to fit higher-priced bats or arms elsewhere without sacrificing production at third base. While he lacks explosive upside, his consistency and lineup spot in a full-time role make him an appealing option for those looking to save salary without punting the position entirely.

Honorable Mentions

• Rafael Devers ($4,900)
• Mark Vientos ($4,000)
• Isaac Paredes ($3,600)

SS Plays

Top Play: Francisco Lindor ($5,100)

Francisco Lindor ($5,100) offers a strong combination of consistency and upside in tonight’s matchup against the Athletics. Batting leadoff for the Mets, he’ll maximize his plate appearances in a favorable hitting environment against an Oakland pitching staff that has struggled to limit production from opposing lineups. Lindor is on a seven-game hitting streak, during which he’s gone 9-for-26 with two doubles, a home run, and four RBI. His ability to contribute across multiple categories makes him an appealing option at shortstop, particularly given his 12.2% optimal lineup rate and solid 2.1x value projection.

At 14.5% projected ownership, Lindor will likely be one of the more popular shortstop options on the slate, but the chalk appears warranted given his recent form and premium lineup spot. While his price tag doesn’t scream value, his well-rounded skill set—power, run-scoring potential, and consistent contact—makes him worth consideration even in tournaments where differentiation is key. If you’re willing to eat some ownership at a high-upside position, Lindor profiles as a reliable building block for both cash games and GPPs alike.

Honorable Mentions

• Trea Turner ($5,200)
• Paul DeJong ($2,600)
• Trevor Story ($4,100)

OF Plays

Top Play: Tyrone Taylor ($2,700)

Tyrone Taylor offers intriguing value at just $2,700 in a favorable matchup against the Athletics. While his 7th spot in the batting order isn’t ideal for maximizing plate appearances, his projected 2.67x value and 4.68% optimal lineup rate make him worth considering as a salary-saving option in tournaments. The Athletics’ pitching staff has struggled to contain opposing hitters, and Taylor’s right-handed bat could take advantage of a weak bullpen if he gets opportunities late in the game. Additionally, his recent 2-for-4 performance on April 7 shows he can contribute when given the chance.

At 8.5% projected ownership, Taylor is garnering significant attention relative to his low salary, which makes him more of a chalky value play than a contrarian option. While his ceiling is somewhat limited due to his lineup spot and lack of consistent power or speed upside, he still fits as a viable piece if you’re looking to pay up for higher-priced stars elsewhere in your lineup. Just be mindful of his higher-than-average ownership when building GPP lineups, as pivoting to lower-owned options with similar value could differentiate your build in large-field contests.

Honorable Mentions

• Brent Rooker ($5,500)
• Lawrence Butler ($4,900)
• Shohei Ohtani ($6,400)

Good luck! Make sure to check the Lineup Optimizer for latest updates before lock. Visit DFS Hero for our full suite of DFS tools including the Lineup Optimizer, Contest Simulator, Player Projections, and Ownership Projections. Use code HEROPLAY15 to get 15% off your first month!