This article is part of our DraftKings MLB series.
Monday's three-game slate includes an opener, which only works to further restrict the choices of DFS players, but we still have at least one low-cost option to complement our stack choices.
Pitching Overview
Walks and homers have taken there toll on Aaron Nola ($9,600) in 2019 but his 26 percent strikeout rate should play well against the Padres, who have notched the highest strikeout rate in the league against right-handed pitchers (27 percent). Curiously, Nola has fared quite a bit worse away from his hitter-friendly home park this season but he should be a popular option on the small slate, regardless.
Robbie Ray ($9,200) is one of the most prolific strikeout pitchers in the league but has kept a walk rate near 13 percent for the second consecutive season. The combination of walks and strikeouts generally leads to short outings for Ray, who has not pitched more than 5.2 innings in any of his last seven starts. To make matters worse, the Dodgers hold a top-10 wOBA against left-handed pitching while striking out just 12 percent of the time.
Walker Buehler ($8,900) hasn't had the success that he saw in his breakout rookie season but has used a decent 24 percent strikeout rate and pinpoint control to post a 2.90 ERA in 31 innings in May. The D-Backs have logged a bottom-half wOBA against right-handed pitching this year and Buehler is cheap enough to be worth a shot based on recent form.
Eric Lauer ($7,300) has been excellent at home this season, logging a 2.67 ERA in 33.2 innings at Petco Park. Lauer's skill set consists of getting groundballs and limiting walks but he will have his hands full against the Phillies, who come into the contest having notched a .323 wOBA against left-handed pitching.
Key Values
Monday's slate is such that even those taking a shot on Lauer should have a level of interest in Rhys Hoskins ($5,500), who has tallied a .294 ISO and .418 wOBA against left-handed pitching.
Ditto for Eduardo Escobar ($5,100) who has notched a .343 ISO and .414 wOBA at home in 102 at-bats this year.
Alex Bregman ($4,900) will face an opener before setting his sights on Wade LeBlanc, who has allowed a whopping .604 slugging percentage against righty hitters in 21.1 innings. Meanwhile, Bregman has notched a .241 ISO against lefty pitching in 154 at-bats.
Corbin Martin dominated in the minor leagues but has been given a rude welcome at the highest level, having allowed six homers and nine walks in just 16.1 frames. Tim Beckham ($4,000) has been much stronger against left-handers overall this season but has still logged a .246 ISO against same-handed pitchers in 130 at-bats.
Chris Taylor ($3,400) doesn't show up on many fantasy radars these days but could be a nice option for salary relief against Ray due to the .239 ISO he has logged against left-handed pitchers in 67 at-bats.
Stacks
Mariners against Corbin Martin (Astros)
Mitch Haniger (OF - $4,300) Tim Beckham (SS- $4,000) Omar Narvaez (C -$4,000)
Martin is a bit of a wild card based on his minor league success but it will be difficult to go past him as a stack option on a short slate. Haniger represents a reasonably priced powerhouse Monday, as he has logged a .250 ISO against right-handed hurlers in 2019.
Phillies against Eric Lauer (Padres)
Rhys Hoskins (1B - $5,500) Jean Segura (SS - $4,500) J.T. Realmuto (C - $4,400)
Lauer remains a decent low-cost option but those who wish to go in a different direction should take a long look at the Phillies, who feature more than a few hitters who excel against lefty pitching. Perhaps the most surprising candidate is Segura, who has notched a stunning .372 ISO against southpaws in 43 at-bats.
