Welcome to the MLB DFS Playbook for May 16! We’ve got a really interesting 12-game main slate tonight with a lot of strong pitching options. The problem, however, is that we have Coors Field in play for the Cincinnati Reds and Colorado Rockies which means we may not be able to afford all of the arms we desire. We can certainly try, though. So let’s get to it, and, as always, let me remind you, as you move through today’s DFS Playbook, be sure to check in with our MLB DFS Tools, take in the daily MLB projections, follow the MLB DFS Ownership projections and maybe even take our MLB DFS Lineup Generator for a spin. With so much knowledge at your fingertips, it’s going to be tough to not see green no matter if you’re playing cash games or GPP tournaments. 

MLB DFS Playbook: May 16

MLB Weather Updates

CIN/COL – low chance of showers, but nothing that should concern us. This game will play.

DFS Lineup Construction Thoughts

It all starts with Coors Field, doesn’t it? Last night the Red and Rockies combined for 17 runs and tonight we have a rookie call-up and an aging, mediocre veteran on the mound. We aren’t interested in either pitcher, but it looks like we’re going to invest in a few bats; possibly even a couple of mini-stacks. From there, we shouldn’t have too much trouble finding some quality starting pitching. The pricing seems a little high for some, so we’re likely paying up on FanDuel, but we probably have to only go with one high-end starter and pair him with a bargain hurler when you need two on DraftKings. However, you should be able to find enough value in your bats, so we could go with two strong arms on Draft Kings, if you feel more comfortable that way. 

 

 

Recommended DFS Starting Pitchers

Top Options for Strikeouts

Best Odds for a Win

Bullpens Most Likely to Blow Your Starters’ Win & Boost Your Stacks

Side Note: Most overused bullpens in the last week are the Reds (32.0 IP), Yankees (31.0), Rockies (27.2) and Royals (27.2)

Favorite Starters to Use for DFS Lineups

Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers

This is going to be a very emotional start for Kershaw whose mother passed away Saturday. It was his decision to stay with the team for now, so perhaps an outing to honor her and then a trip to bereavement list to be with his family is what we are feeling. The Twins bats have been strong as of late, but they have the second-lowest wOBA (.280) against southpaws this season and are striking out 27-percent of the time against them. 

Cristian Javier, Houston Astros

He’s coming off back-to-back quality starts and has four in his last five. The key for him has been the strikeouts with an average of eight per game over that span and now faces a Cubs team that has a 22.3-percent K-rate against righties on the season and an overall strikeout rate of 25.6-percent over the past week. The Cubs bats have been decent as of late, so don’t expect a shutout, but he should be able to keep their bats at bay for most of the game. The price on DK is absolutely fantastic, so if you can’t afford Kershaw, or even just nervous about his emotional state, Javier makes for a strong option.

Jordan Montgomery, St. Louis Cardinals

As we witnessed yesterday against the mighty Jack Flaherty, the Brewers are struggling to put up runs, posting just a .294 wOBA over the past week. But they are even worse against lefties which is why I’m betting on a rebound performance for Montgomery tonight. Milwaukee has the league’s lowest wOBA against southpaws this season (.275) and they are striking out a league-high 31-percent of the time against them. Love the price on both sites tonight which means I don't mind using him on FanDuel in a GPP tournament,

 

 

Recommended DFS Hitters

Highest Expected Run Totals 

Favorite Hitters to Use for DFS Lineups

Jonah Heim, C Texas Rangers

If you’re playing on DraftKings, then Heim, who is currently riding a 13-game hitting streak in which he is slashing .364/.375/.545 with two home runs and 11 RBI in that span, makes for a rock-solid play. He’s got a ridiculous .493 wOBA against lefties this season and rookie Jared Shuster hasn’t exactly impressed outside of spring training.

Matt Olson, 1B Atlanta Braves

I don’t usually find it necessary to write up a top player like Olson, but if you can afford to pay up, he should mash against righty Dane Dunning tonight. He had a quiet series in Toronto but immediately started back up yesterday with an RBI-double, a walk and two runs scored. The power will be there tonight.

Josh Jung, 3B Texas Rangers

Clearly, I am expecting some decent scoring in this Braves/Rangers match-up and Jung really stands out against Shuster. He’s got an impressive 1.041 OPS against lefties with a .437 wOBA and while he hasn’t gone yard since May 3, he does have seven hits over his last six games.

Matt McLain, SS Cincinnati Reds

How do you not love a min-priced shortstop batting near the top of the lineup in Coors Field? Yesterday on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio, I said to stack the Rockies 2-3-4 hitters and McLain did not disappoint with a double, a walk and two runs scored from the two-hole. I expect to see him there against Chase Anderson tonight and yes, I do plan on stacking the same hitters once again.

Lourdes Gurriel Jr., OF Arizona Diamondbacks

He’s a lock for all of my lineups tonight as Gurriel is looking to extend his nine-game hitting streak against Oakland punching bag, Kyle Muller. Not only is Gurriel batting .441 with five home runs, 10 RBI and 12 runs scored during this streak, but he’s also got a .378 wOBA against southpaws this season. At his price, you’d be silly not to use him tonight.

Kris Bryant, OF Colorado Rockies

Well, of course we’re going to get some Rockies into our lineups against Brandon Williamson and it starts with Bryant who has an .852 OPS and .360 wOBA against lefties. He’s got five multi-hit games over his last eight and should be locked in for a power uptick tonight.

 

 

 

Player Pool

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Stacks

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