FREE 8/22 MLB Cheat Sheet: Top DFS Plays

Content provided by DrRoto.com - Exclusive DFS Hero Partner

Today, we have a 5-game MLB slate on DraftKings, starting at 6:40 p.m. ET. Check out my favorite players at each position, value plays, and stacks! Our partners at DFSHero.com provide us with access to their lineup optimizer and AI simulator, which we use to provide you with the best DFS plays every day!

SP:

Paul Skenes, Pirates (DK: $9,900 | FD: $10,900)

Dylan Cease, Padres (DK: $9,000 | FD: $10,100)

Nick Lodolo, Reds (DK: $8,000 | FD: $8,800)

Notes: The DFS Hero Optimizer projects Cease to lead all pitchers in scoring even ahead of the popular Skenes. Lodolo hasn’t pitched well as of late but has a great matchup and double-digit strikeout potential.

Stacks:

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Los Angeles Angels

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cincinnati Reds

Cincinnati Reds vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

Notes: The Blue Jays have the highest projected run total and stack value, which is rare. The Pirates are projected to finish second in stack value, and it makes a ton of sense to stack them in lineups that do not involve Lodolo. As for the Reds, they will be the lowest owned stack and do have enough firepower to take down a tournament if they get to Skenes.

C:

Logan O’Hoppe, Angels (DK: $4,100 | FD: $2,800)

Alejandro Kirk, Blue Jays (DK: $3,400 | FD:$2,600)

Notes: The Optimizer projects O’Hoppe as the top-scoring catcher but has much more value than the heavily priced Adley Rutschman. Kirk is of value in a lineup that is expected to dominate.

1B:

Vladimir Guerrero, Blue Jays (DK: $5,500 | FD: $3,900)

Jake Cronenworth, Padres (DK: $4,500 | FD: $3,000)

Notes: Guerrero is projected as the top-scoring first baseman, and he has a great matchup. Cronenworth is projected to score just slightly below Vlad but will only have 5% ownership.

2B:

Jose Altuve, Astros (DK: $5,300 | FD: $3,500)

Whit Merrifield, Braves (DK: $3,400 | FD: $2,500)

Notes: Altuve is projected to score the most points, but Merrifield is close behind and projected to have the most value.

3B:

Manny Machado, Padres (DK: $5,000 | FD: $3,500)

Anthony Rendon, Angels (DK: $3,400 | FD: $2,500)

Notes: Machado is the projected top-scoring third baseman. Rendon offers solid value among the top projected-scoring third basemen.

SS:

Gunnar Henderson, Orioles (DK: $6,000 | FD: $4,200)

Zach Neto, Angels (DK: $4,300 | FD: $3,000)

Notes: Henderson is projected second in shortstop scoring but I can’t play De La Cruz unless I am fading Skenes. Neto has top 3 value at the position.

OF:

Marcell Ozuna, Braves (DK: $5,600 | FD: $3,800)

Jackson Merrill, Padres (DK: $4,600 | FD: $3,300)

George Springer, Blue Jays (DK: $4,500 | FD: $3,000)

Daulton Varsho, Blue Jays (DK: $4,000 | FD: $2,900)

Notes: Ozuna, Springer, and Varsho are all projected to be top 5 in outfielder scoring. Merrill is a personal favorite, as he has been swinging a hot bat.

Value Players:

1B Niko Kavadas, Angels (DK: $2,000 | FD: $2,100)

2B Will Wagner, Blue Jays (DK: $2,500 | FD: $2,600)

3B/SS Ernie Clement, Blue Jays (DK: $3,500 | FD: $2,400)

SP Cristopher Sanchez, Phillies (DK: $7,000 | FD: $8,100)

Notes: Sanchez has been up and down for most of the season. He does have gems, like his last outing when he scored over 31 fantasy points. At his price, he definitely can take down a slate. There are many bargain hitters on the slate, but these three here are at the top of the projected value.