This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Baseball series.
We are looking at a bit of a strange schedule Monday. There are 10 games on the docket, but with so many day games and doubleheaders, only three of them make up the main evening slate on Yahoo. That doesn't leave us with a lot of options, but here are some players who are still worth targeting.
Pitchers
Despite there being so few games, there are some great starting pitching options. One of them is Clayton Kershaw ($52), who will face the Padres. He's in the midst of another excellent season, recording a 1.98 ERA and a 0.78 WHIP. His FIP isn't quite as dominant at 3.31, but his 28.2 percent strikeout rate is on pace to be his highest mark since 2017. While a matchup with the Padres might not seem ideal, they do struggle more against left-handed pitchers (.777 OPS) than they do righties (.847 OPS).
There really aren't any pitchers with reduced salaries that stand out as appealing. Since you likely can't fit both Kershaw and Dinelson Lamet ($51) into your lineup without rolling with a lot of less-than-ideal hitters, you'll need to take a chance on someone. The best option to do that with might be Jose Berrios ($39), who is at least missing more bats this year with a 27.1 percent strikeout rate. He is facing a tough lineup in the White Sox, so you might need to temper your expectations.
Top Targets
Nelson Cruz ($22) is showing no signs of age. Even in this shortened season, he's already massed 16 home runs. In fact, he's on pace to set career highs in both wOBA (.448) and wRC+ (187). His power makes him a great option against Dylan Cease ($36), who has allowed 1.8 HR/9 for his career.
As good as Lamet has been for the Padres, this still might be a good night to add Mookie Betts ($22) to your lineup. Lamet's strength is striking hitters out, which is an area that Betts usually doesn't struggle in given his career 13 percent strikeout rate. Betts is also swinging a hot bat, hitting 15-for-45 (.333) with four home runs across his last 11 games.
Bargain Bats
If you decide to avoid Berrios, then rolling with Yoan Moncada ($11) could be a way to help your budget while also getting some significant upside. He's one of the most talented young hitters in baseball and he's showing signs of heating up, hitting 8-for-20 (.400) with three doubles across his last four games. He's also been better against right-handed pitchers during his career, posting a .351 wOBA against them compared to a .303 wOBA versus lefties.
As far as budget-friendly hitters go on the Twins if you want to exploit their matchup with Cease, Jorge Polanco ($11) should at least be on your radar. Although he's had a disappointing season with a .303 wOBA, he doesn't strikeout out much, posting just a 12.4 percent strikeout rate. He also has better career numbers against right-handed pitchers, posting a .342 wOBA against them compared to a .306 wOBA versus lefties.
Stacks to Consider
Braves vs. Jorge Lopez ($25), Orioles: Ronald Acuna Jr. ($28), Freddie Freeman ($26), Ozzie Albies ($18)
Expect to see the Braves' hitters included in a lot of entries based on this matchup. Lopez is in the midst of another underwhelming season with a 6.38 ERA and a 4.50 FIP. It should come as little surprise that he's struggled given his career 5.95 ERA and 5.03 FIP. Acuna looks to be fine moving forward after having a brief scare Friday when he fouled a ball off of his foot. Freeman is about as hot as it gets, hitting 19-for-47 (.404) with five home runs and five doubles over the last 12 games.
Orioles vs. Touki Toussaint ($25), Braves: Ryan Mountcastle ($20), DJ Stewart ($19), Rio Ruiz ($13)
It's been about three weeks since we last saw Toussaint take the mound for the Braves. They had sent him down to their alternate site after he recorded a 6.12 FIP and a 1.52 WHIP across his first six appearances, four of which were starts. However, with injuries continue to decimate their starting rotation, they have no choice but to recall him for this game. That could mean a big night is on the horizon for Mountcastle, who has made a great first impression with a 165 wRC+. Stewart has been just as impressive with his 189 wRC+ through 18 games.
