This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Baseball series.
If you're looking for big name pitchers, you won't find many in Monday's nine-game slate. There are a few viable mid-tier options, though, and some lineups in great spots to be productive. Let's dig into the matchups and highlight the players worth considering for your Yahoo entry.
Pitching Overview
It doesn't get much better than a matchup against the Tigers' lackluster lineup, so Wade Miley ($44) should be one of the more popular pitchers. Although he allowed seven runs over 3.1 innings in his last start against the White Sox, only three of them were earned. That extended his streak of allowing three earned runs or fewer to nine straight games. While he still might not provide a ton of strikeouts, he has the potential for a very strong outing.
They haven't been as bad as the Tigers, but the White Sox have scored the third-fewest runs and struck out the sixth-most times in baseball. Kyle Gibson ($39) will take the mound against them in this matchup, leaving him as an excellent option to target. In two previous outings against them this season, he's allowed two runs and recorded 18 strikeouts across 13 innings. It doesn't get much more impressive than that.
Working our way down the price scale brings us to Brendan McKay ($35), who has an unappealing 5.08 ERA through his first seven starts. However, his FIP is much better at 3.96 and he has a 27.4 percent strikeout rate. That second stat could be key for when he faces the Mariners since they have struck out more times than any other team. They do have some power bats that could cause trouble, but McKay is still a viable target in tournament play.
Key Values/Chalk
Edwin Jackson has pitched well in two starts since joining the Tigers, allowing three runs over 11.1 innings. However, it's important to note that those outings came against bad lineups in the Royals and Mariners. He also gave up three home runs and has now allowed 3.4 HR/9 for the season, overall. He'll be faced with a much tougher task here trying to slow down the Astros, so expect them to be one of the chalk stacks of the night. With Jackson's propensity for giving up home runs, Alex Bregman ($27), George Springer ($24) and Yordan Alvarez ($27) all carry plenty of upside.
The Angels will have the benefit of playing at hitter-friendly Globe Life Park, which should also make them a popular team to target. Opposing them will be Kolby Allard, who has allowed five runs over 10 innings since joining the Rangers. Mike Trout ($27) is the obvious top option for an Angels stack while Justin Upton ($14) and David Fletcher ($12) are also appealing with the lefty on the mound. Fletcher is starting to heat up again, hitting 13-for-34 (.382) with four doubles over his last eight games.
It's difficult to get excited about the Orioles' lineup based on their lack of talent. They are really a team to avoid on the road with their 79 wRC+ there. However, they have a 94 wRC+ at home and could be in a spot to provide value versus Jorge Lopez and the Royals. Lopez checks into this matchup with a 5.44 FIP and a 1.55 WHIP. He's also given up 1.9 HR/9, which makes Trey Mancini ($25) very enticing.
Stacks
Nationals vs. Trevor Williams (Pirates)
Anthony Rendon (3B - $23), Juan Soto (OF - $22), Adam Eaton (OF - $20)
Williams has faltered down the stretch, recording a 7.28 ERA and a 1.68 WHIP over his last nine starts. He's been done in by the long ball this season, giving up 1.5 HR/9. That's in stark contrast to his career mark of 1.0 HR/9 allowed. Rendon and Soto are the obvious top choices on the Nationals while Eaton is another great target. He enters this contest 17-for-40 (.425) with three home runs and three doubles over his last 10 games.
Brewers vs. Dakota Hudson (Cardinals)
Christian Yelich (OF - $24), Mike Moustakas (3B - $11), Eric Thames (1B - $14)
It's tough to get excited about Hudson's 3.82 ERA when you consider that he has a 5.21 FIP and a 1.55 WHIP. He also doesn't miss many bats, leaving him with a 17 percent strikeout rate. Left-handed hitters have a .387 wOBA against him, leaving this trio with significant upside. While he might sometimes fly under the radar with how awesome Yelich has been, Moustakas is having an excellent season as well with a .265 ISO and a .355 wOBA.
Diamondbacks vs. Chi Chi Gonzalez (Rockies)
Eduardo Escobar (3B - $19), Christian Walker (1B - $16), Josh Rojas (2B - $7)
The Rockies don't have much of a choice but to continue starting Gonzalez despite his 6.91 FIP. Considering that he has a 5.51 FIP for his career, this is a matchup to exploit. Walker continues to provide a steady presence at first base, hitting 18-for-58 (.310) with three home runs over his last 17 games. Rojas showed an excellent combination of speed and power in the minors, making him someone to consider at a more cost-effective price.
