This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Baseball series.
With all night games on the schedule Monday, we have 10 games to choose from on Yahoo. There are a couple of aces set to take the mound as well as some underwhelming starters who could give up plenty of runs. Let's break down the matchups and highlight some that stand out.
Pitching Overview
The most expensive pitcher on the slate also carries arguably the biggest question mark. That player is none other than Chris Sale ($53), who is actually $10 more than any other pitcher. He's been hammered in the early going, allowing 17 runs across 18 innings. Even more alarming is his lack of velocity has contributed to a measly 16.7 percent strikeout rate. He did show increased velocity in his last start against the Yankees, but he still allowed four runs over five innings. Monday brings a matchup against a Tigers team that has scored the second-fewest runs (61) in the league, so this might be just what he needs to get back on track. There is some rain in the forecast, so check back before first pitch before adding him to your entry.
After getting off to a hot start, Joe Musgrove ($41) could be a popular option for his start against the Diamondbacks. He's only allowed four runs (two earned) across his first 22.1 innings and he's also yet to allow a home run. However, it should be noted that three of his four starts have come against horrible lineups in the Reds and Tigers. The Diamondbacks are in the top-third of the league in runs scored, so this might not be the night to pay up to get Musgrove into your lineup.
There are a few teams that have been decimated by injuries this season, one of them being the Pirates. They didn't have a deep team, to begin with, so they are really suffering with Corey Dickerson (shoulder), Starling Marte (abdomen) and Gregory Polanco (shoulder) all on the IL. Adam Frazier has also been dealing with a back injury. Zack Godley ($34) will have the benefit of facing their depleted lineup Monday, making him someone to at least consider in tournament play.
Key Values/Chalk
After an impressive first start against the Blue Jays, it's been all downhill for David Hess. His last start against the Rays was a complete disaster with him allowing six runs and three home runs across two innings. The long ball has been a problem for him since he's allowed seven total home runs across 21 innings. The White Sox will have the opportunity to tee off on him Monday, so look for Tim Anderson ($22) and Yoan Moncada ($24) to be included in plenty of entries.
Another team that should find several of its' players among the ownership leaderboard is the Rockies for their matchup against Jeremy Hellickson. While his 2.63 ERA might look nice, he has a 5.92 xFIP to go along with a paltry 10.3 percent strikeout rate. He's certainly not an overpowering pitcher based on his career 17.4 percent strikeout rate, which could be a problem for him in this start at Coors Field. Nolan Arenado ($21), Trevor Story ($25) and Charlie Blackmon ($18) are all top options to consider.
Once a top prospect for the Yankees, Manny Banuelos has never been able to live up to lofty expectations. He's bounced between a few organizations in recent years and most recently recorded a 4.09 xFIP and a 1.39 WHIP for the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate in 2018. He's pitched out of the bullpen for the White Sox this season, but will be forced to start Monday due to injuries. That could lead to the Orioles being productive and Trey Mancini ($23) and Renato Nunez ($15) being in plenty of DFS lineups.
Stacks
For those stacking White Sox against Hess, Anderson and Moncada stand out as the top two options. However, they'll do a number on your budget. In order to make their prices a little easier to swallow, adding Yonder Alonso ($14) could be a wise choice. His .188 batting average is ugly, but his strikeout rate is way down while his walk rate has increased dramatically. His 21.1 percent line drive rate is almost on par with his career mark, but he's been extremely unlucky with a .185 BABIP.
Other than the trio of Rockies already discussed, David Dahl ($23) is another viable target. He's 6-for-16 with three doubles since being activated from the IL and he has a career .419 wOBA at Coors Field. Ryan McMahon ($15) is also someone to consider with his career .372 wOBA at home. If you decide to attack the Orioles matchup against Banuelos, it's hard not to include Mancini and Nunez in a stack. Jonathan Villar ($22) is also a good target with his combination of speed and power.
A stack that might fly under the radar is rolling with the Yankees against Matt Harvey. Even though the Yankees have been decimated by injuries, Harvey has allowed 21 runs (20 earned) across 18.2 innings this year. Gleyber Torres ($21) and Clint Frazier ($19) would be the top options for any Yankees stack, especially Frazier since he is 10-for-25 with three home runs and two doubles across his last six games. Luke Voit ($27) carries plenty of power upside, but he's awfully pricey. Other options to consider are Brett Gardner ($21) and Mike Tauchman ($12).
