FREE 04/04 MLB Cheat Sheet: Top DFS Plays

Tonight’s 7-game MLB DFS slate offers a balanced mix of pitching and hitting opportunities, but weather could play a significant role in shaping your lineups. The ARI-WSH game (8.5 total) carries some risk of delay or even a rainout with a 30% chance of precipitation in D.C., while the BAL-KC matchup (7.5 total) looks even more concerning with a 56% chance of rain and cool, windy conditions. Be sure to monitor updates for both games as lock approaches. On the flip side, games in domed stadiums—like TB-TEX and CIN-MIL—provide safe environments for hitters and pitchers alike.

For offense, the highest totals on the slate sit at 8.5 runs in ARI-WSH, TB-TEX, and CIN-MIL, with Milwaukee’s hitter-friendly park being particularly intriguing for stacks. On the mound, Max Meyer (MIA @ ATL, 7.5 total) and Gavin Williams (CLE @ LAA, 8 total) stand out as potential strikeout targets in matchups with manageable run environments. Keep an eye on ballpark factors and weather updates to fine-tune your approach—especially with uncertainty looming over key games in Washington and Kansas City.

Top Stacks

LAD ($25,200)

Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Tommy Edman, Teoscar Hernandez, Kike Hernandez

The LAD 5-man stack projects for 42.5 points at a solid value of 1.69 pts/$1000, making it a viable mid-range option in MLB DFS. With an average ownership of just 6.6% and an optimal lineup rate of 13.1%, this stack offers strong leverage potential in tournaments. The batting order alignment (spots 1-5) maximizes lineup correlation, ensuring high run-scoring upside if the offense clicks. While the game total of 8.0 suggests a middling offensive environment, the partly cloudy conditions in Philadelphia with mild temperatures (65°F) and minimal wind should not significantly hinder hitting. Though the ballpark is unspecified, this balanced stack benefits from elite individual hitters like Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts at the top, supported by mid-tier options like Tommy Edman and Teoscar Hernandez in key RBI spots. With low ownership and strong optimal metrics, this stack has considerable upside in GPP formats despite the neutral offensive setting.

CIN ($22,700)

TJ Friedl, Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Jeimer Candelario

The CIN 5-man stack, featuring TJ Friedl, Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Jeimer Candelario, projects for 39.8 points with a solid value of 1.75 pts/$1000 on a $22,700 salary. With all five players batting consecutively (1-5 in the order), this stack benefits from strong lineup correlation, maximizing RBI and run-scoring opportunities. The game total sits at 8.5 runs in a domed stadium, eliminating weather concerns but leaving the ballpark’s offensive impact unknown. The average ownership of 9.2% is reasonable for tournaments, while the optimal lineup rate of 11.2% suggests this stack has slight leverage potential in GPPs. Overall, CIN faces an average offensive environment but offers upside through elite lineup positioning and moderate ownership levels that align well with its ceiling potential.

ATL ($21,400)

Michael Harris II, Austin Riley, Matt Olson, Marcell Ozuna, Ozzie Albies

The Atlanta 5-man stack of Michael Harris II, Austin Riley, Matt Olson, Marcell Ozuna, and Ozzie Albies projects for 43.1 points at a solid value of 2.01 pts/$1000, making it a viable but not elite option for MLB DFS. With a total salary of $21,400 and batting order positions 1 through 5, this stack benefits from excellent lineup correlation and maximized plate appearances. The game environment in Atlanta features favorable hitting weather at 85°F with minimal wind impact (7 MPH right to left) and a modest game total of 7.5 runs, suggesting some offensive upside despite the unknown ballpark factors. Ownership is moderately high at 15.3%, while the optimal lineup rate of 10.2% indicates slightly inflated popularity relative to its ceiling potential. Overall, this stack offers strong offensive synergy but may face competition from lower-owned alternatives with higher leverage in tournaments.

SP Plays

Top Play: Brandon Pfaadt ($7,200)

Brandon Pfaadt ($7,200) presents an intriguing value option on tonight’s slate, especially in tournaments. His 2.1x value and 26.2% optimal lineup rate highlight his potential to outperform his salary in a favorable matchup against the Nationals. Washington’s offense is far from intimidating, ranking near the bottom of the league in power metrics and posting a modest strikeout rate that still offers room for upside. Pfaadt has demonstrated efficiency, as evidenced by his six innings on just 78 pitches in his last outing, which suggests he could work deep enough into the game to rack up fantasy points through volume alone. At this price point, he doesn’t need to dominate to deliver value.

The main concern with Pfaadt is his projected 25.1% ownership, which makes him one of the chalkier options on the slate. While this level of popularity is warranted given his strong value metrics and matchup, it does limit his appeal slightly in tournaments where differentiation is key. That said, if you’re looking for a cost-effective SP2 who can provide solid production without breaking your budget, Pfaadt fits the bill nicely. Just be mindful of how you construct your lineup around him to avoid duplicating high-owned builds.

Honorable Mentions

• Spencer Schwellenbach ($9,800)
• Yoshinobu Yamamoto ($9,000)
• Seth Lugo ($7,600)

C Plays

Top Play: Danny Jansen ($3,100)

Danny Jansen ($3,100) presents strong value as a mid-range catching option in tonight’s DFS slate. Slotted to bat sixth for Tampa Bay, Jansen faces a Texas pitching staff that has struggled to contain right-handed hitters this season. With a 2.18x value and appearing in 21.3% of optimal lineups, his profile suggests he’s an efficient play at his price point. While batting sixth isn’t ideal for maximizing plate appearances, it still positions him well to drive in runs in what should be a favorable hitting environment.

At 12.4% projected ownership, Jansen is moderately popular but not prohibitively chalky, making him a viable option in both cash games and tournaments. His power upside and affordable salary allow you to spend up at other positions while maintaining exposure to an offense with potential. If you’re looking for a cost-effective catcher who can provide decent production without breaking the bank, Jansen fits the bill nicely tonight.

Honorable Mentions

• William Contreras ($4,300)
• Logan O’Hoppe ($3,800)
• Adley Rutschman ($4,800)

1B Plays

Top Play: Christian Encarnacion-Strand ($2,700)

Christian Encarnacion-Strand ($2,700) offers strong value in tonight’s DFS slate as he slots into the cleanup spot for Cincinnati against the Brewers. At this price point, his 2.66x value projection and 9.6% optimal lineup appearance rate make him an appealing option for tournaments, especially considering his power upside. Facing a Milwaukee pitching staff that has been league average against right-handed hitters, Encarnacion-Strand is in a prime position to capitalize on run-producing opportunities hitting in the heart of the Reds’ order.

With moderate ownership at 9.6%, Encarnacion-Strand won’t be sneaky but also isn’t overwhelming chalk, making him a solid mid-tier play in tournaments. His salary creates flexibility to pay up elsewhere while still offering home run potential, which is critical at this price range. The Brewers’ ballpark doesn’t hurt his case either, as it’s slightly favorable for right-handed power hitters. If you’re looking for cost-effective exposure to a key lineup spot with tournament-winning upside, Encarnacion-Strand fits the bill nicely tonight.

Honorable Mentions

• Shohei Ohtani ($6,500)
• Yandy Diaz ($4,200)
• Pavin Smith ($3,500)

2B Plays

Top Play: Tommy Edman ($4,700)

Tommy Edman ($4,700) offers an intriguing blend of power and value in tonight’s matchup against the Phillies. Hitting third for the Dodgers, Edman is positioned in a premium RBI spot, and his early-season power surge (four home runs in eight games) suggests he’s carrying over improvements from last year’s strong finish. Facing a right-hander in a hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park enhances his appeal, as left-handed batters typically enjoy favorable conditions there. With a 1.8x value rating and appearing in 17.3% of optimal lineups, Edman stands out as a solid mid-range option for tournaments.

At just 6.4% projected ownership, Edman provides slight leverage without being overlooked entirely. While his projection of 8.3 DraftKings points isn’t eye-popping, his recent power output and lineup placement give him clear upside in this environment. If you’re looking for a way to differentiate your build while maintaining exposure to one of the slate’s better game environments, Edman is worth serious consideration at this price point.

Honorable Mentions

• Brandon Lowe ($4,400)
• Matt McLain ($5,300)
• Ketel Marte ($5,700)

3B Plays

Top Play: Austin Riley ($4,200)

Austin Riley ($4,200) is in a prime spot tonight against Miami, batting second in a potent Atlanta lineup. His combination of power and consistency makes him an appealing option, especially at this salary. Riley’s projection of 9.02 DK points ranks him first among third basemen for tournaments, and his strong value (2.15x) reflects the upside he brings to your DFS roster. The matchup is favorable as well, with Miami’s pitching staff struggling to contain right-handed bats this season. Hitting near the top of the order ensures plenty of opportunities in what should be a productive offensive environment.

At 21.4% projected ownership, Riley will be one of the more popular plays at third base, but the chalk appears justified given his tournament rank and optimal lineup percentage (19.8%). While you won’t gain much leverage by rostering him, fading him could leave you exposed if he delivers on his projections. With elite power potential and consistent opportunities in a strong lineup, Riley offers both safety and upside that make him worth including despite his popularity.

Honorable Mentions

• Eugenio Suarez ($4,300)
• Miguel Rojas ($2,200)
• Oliver Dunn ($2,200)

SS Plays

Top Play: Elly De La Cruz ($6,200)

Elly De La Cruz ($6,200) offers a compelling mix of power and speed in tonight’s matchup against Milwaukee. Batting third for the Reds, he’s in a prime lineup spot to maximize run-producing opportunities, and his combination of elite athleticism and recent form (.333 average through six games with two steals) gives him a high ceiling. Facing right-handed pitching, De La Cruz has shown the ability to impact the game in multiple ways, and his stolen base upside adds an extra layer of appeal. While Milwaukee’s ballpark doesn’t significantly boost hitters, it doesn’t suppress offense either, making this a neutral environment that won’t hinder his fantasy potential.

At 10.2% projected ownership, De La Cruz sits slightly above field average but isn’t overwhelmingly chalky, giving him strong GPP appeal. His 19.8% optimal lineup rate indicates he’s a valuable play even at his elevated price point, especially given his 1.5x value projection. With multi-category upside and moderate ownership, he profiles as a high-risk/high-reward option who can differentiate your lineup while still providing access to one of the slate’s top tournament plays at shortstop.

Honorable Mentions

• Corey Seager ($5,200)
• Mookie Betts ($6,000)
• Gunnar Henderson ($5,500)

OF Plays

Top Play: Michael Harris II ($3,500)

Michael Harris II is an intriguing option at $3,500 tonight, offering strong value with a 2.48x projection and a leadoff spot in Atlanta’s potent lineup. Facing the Marlins, Harris gets a favorable matchup against right-handed pitching, where his lefty bat has historically thrived. The Braves also have one of the highest implied team totals on the slate, creating plenty of opportunities for Harris to contribute in both scoring and driving in runs. His speed-power combo adds upside, particularly from the top of the order.

While his 19.5% ownership makes him one of the chalkier plays on this slate, it’s easy to see why he’s so popular given his price point and role in a premium hitting environment. He appears in 12.16% of optimal lineups, indicating that he’s a strong play even as part of a crowded field. If you’re playing cash games or smaller-field tournaments, Harris looks like a safe building block with solid floor and ceiling potential. For GPPs, consider mixing in lower-owned pivots to differentiate your lineup while still benefiting from Atlanta’s high-scoring potential.

Honorable Mentions

• Wyatt Langford ($4,100)
• Blake Dunn ($2,400)
• Corbin Carroll ($5,500)

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