This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Baseball series.
Even though there are games spread throughout the afternoon and evening Monday, all 12 contests are included in the main slate on Yahoo. That leaves us with a lot of options to wade through, so let's get right to it and discuss some of the better players to target.
Pitching Overview
With the Dodgers cruising towards the playoffs, they have a favorable matchup at home versus a Rockies team that has an abysmal 72 wRC+ on the road. That sets up Walker Buehler ($55) with one of the highest upsides of any pitcher on this slate. He's had a spectacular first full season in the majors, recording a 3.03 ERA and an even better 2.83 FIP. His WHIP checks in at just 1.02 to go along with his stellar 29.8 percent strikeout rate.
Kyle Hendricks ($41) was roughed up for six runs over 4.2 innings in his last start against the Mets and also had an outing earlier in August in which he gave up seven runs over 2.2 innings versus the Reds. However, between those two performances, he allowed one run across 14 innings against the Pirates and Giants. Overall, he's pitched well with his 3.47 ERA and 3.95 FIP. Look for him to have a bounce back performance versus the Mariners, especially since he has a 3.08 FIP at Wrigley Field.
The Blue Jays were no-hit by Justin Verlander on Sunday, so their lineup isn't exactly firing on all cylinders right now. While he's not the type of dominant strikeout pitcher that Verlander is, the Blue Jays will face another tough hurler here in Mike Soroka ($39). He faced them in his last outing, allowing two runs over six innings. With his 3.21 FIP and 1.09 WHIP, Soroka is one of the top cost-effective options to consider.
Key Values/Chalk
More often than not, the Twins are going to be one of the chalk stacks of the night. They currently lead all of baseball in home runs, OPS and runs scored. They certainly have a matchup to exploit versus Jordan Zimmermann, who they roughed up for five runs across three innings earlier this season. Nelson Cruz ($27) is the obvious elite power play while Jorge Polanco ($20) should also be targeted with him hitting 25-for-67 (.373) with three home runs and three doubles over his last 16 games.
Another one of the top lineups in the league is the Dodgers, who sport plenty of power bats. That could be a recipe for disaster for Peter Lambert, who has allowed 1.9 HR/9 for the Rockies. Cody Bellinger ($20) and Will Smith ($19) have the highest ceilings on the Dodgers while Corey Seager ($15) and Justin Turner ($21) are both viable options, as well.
The Rays will continue their quest for a playoff spot against the lowly Orioles, who come in with arguably the worst pitching staff in baseball. Asher Wojciechowski has put forth a couple of strong starts during his stay in the majors, but he's largely struggled, leaving him with a 5.93 FIP. Austin Meadows ($18) and Tommy Pham ($19) are their big hitters to build around while Eric Sogard ($14) and Ji-Man Choi ($16) also carry some upside. Choi has shown signs of heating up by hitting 10-for-24 (.417) with two home runs and two doubles over his last seven games.
Stacks
Cubs vs. Justus Sheffield (Mariners)
Javier Baez (SS- $19), Nicholas Castellanos (OF - $27), Kris Bryant (3B - $17)
If Sheffield is going to live up to the lofty expectations that have followed him through the minor leagues, he is going to have to make some significant improvements with his control. He walks way too many batters, which is one of the main reasons that he had a 1.82 WHIP at Triple-A. Since being called up, he's allowed eight runs over 8.1 innings. The Cubs could be in for an offensive outburst, especially Castellanos considering his 188 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers.
Braves vs. Jacob Waguespack (Blue Jays)
Ronald Acuna Jr. (OF - $23), Freddie Freeman (1B - $24), Josh Donaldson (3B - $20)
The Blue Jays are basically just trying to cobble together a starting rotation over the final month of the season. Waguespack has been one of their better pitchers lately, although his 18 percent strikeout rate leaves him with little margin for error. He also faced the Braves in his last outing, allowing five runs (three earned) over three innings. This trio is expensive, but this matchup might make them worth paying up for.
Indians vs. Ross Detwiler (White Sox)
Carlos Santana (1B - $25), Francisco Lindor (SS - $23), Franmil Reyes (OF - $17)
Speaking of teams struggling to put forth a competitive starting staff, enter the White Sox. The fact that Detwiler continues to start despite his 6.45 ERA and 6.80 FIP says more about their lack of quality options than anything else. He's allowed a staggering 2.8 HR/9, which leaves this trio with tremendous upside. Reyes has proven to be a key addition for the Indians and has four home runs to go along with two doubles across his last nine games.
