Unlock the winning MLB DFS optimal lineup for the Friday, August 28, 2026, main slate (12-game slate locking at 7:10 PM ET) with premium matchup picks from the verified expert playbook. Tonight's slate features elite pitching anchors like Dylan Cease and Cam Schlittler, alongside massive hitting environments in Baltimore and Atlanta. Balancing these top-tier pitching options with salary-saving value bats is the definitive path to securing the MLB DFS best lineup today. Review our complete statistical breakdown below and run your builds through our MLB DFS optimizer before lock.

Go Deeper: For the complete breakdown of every starting pitcher, live weather updates, and ultimate salary-saving metrics, head over to Fantasy Alarm and check out the full MLB DFS Playbook for August 28th!

Top Projected MLB DFS Pitchers

Tonight's slate is headlined by high-ceiling strikeout options and several value arms flashing immense upside.

Andrew Painter (PHI) vs. LAA: Painter offers tremendous value after altering his pitch mix, pitching to a 3.62 ERA since the break while holding opponents to a .270 wOBA and striking out 23.4% of batters. The Angels' offense has completely fallen off, ranking 30th with a 78 wRC+ and striking out at a 26.6% clip against right-handers.
 

WEATHER ALERT: The Rockies vs. Braves matchup has a possible delay, but it is not overly concerning for a full postponement.

Unlock Premium Picks: Don't set your rosters with just the top tier! Visit Fantasy Alarm right now to read the full MLB DFS Playbook for August 28th and optimize your pitching staff.

Best MLB DFS Stacks Today

Targeting elite offenses against vulnerable pitching splits is essential for building a high-upside tournament roster.

Baltimore Orioles (vs. Jacob Lopez, ATH LHP)

The Orioles project for the highest game total on the 12-game slate and operate as the primary chalk stack. Build your core around premium power bats like Pete Alonso, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Coby Mayo.

Gain the Tournament Edge: Want the full stacking targets and advanced team metrics to win big tonight? Head over to Fantasy Alarm to view the complete MLB DFS Playbook for August 28th.

Best Value Plays For DraftKings and FanDuel

Uncovering highly efficient, discounted options directly from the playbook allows you to payload elite pitching anchors across your roster.

Tristan Peters (OF, CWS): Peters offers cheap outfield exposure and operates as a lower-owned tournament pivot to separate your builds from the chalk that has homered in five straight games.

Find Every Salary Saver: Make room for the slate's highest-priced studs by finding every budget-friendly gem. Go to Fantasy Alarm right now to unlock the values inside the MLB DFS Playbook for August 28th.
 

MLB DFS Optimal Lineup For Today

Fusing top-tier strikeout pitching ceiling selections with targeted high-power environments forms the ultimate tournament-winning combination. Below is the verified optimal core build for the main slate, drawn strictly from the core player pool of the Friday Playbook.
 

Lock in Your Lineups: For real-time updates up until game lock, confirmed batting orders, and live optimal lineup configurations, visit Fantasy Alarm and explore the extensive MLB DFS Playbook for August 28th!

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