Full Slate Breakdown for MLB DFS 8/16:
Get your MLB DFS research started with DFS Army’s Full Count! Pitching advice, stack strategy, home run calls, and everything you need.
DFS Army VIPs are tearing up every sport imaginable!! 2021 saw no fewer than five new $100,000 winners. There has never been a better time to unlock every piece of content, every tool, and access to every coach from MLB to eSports and every sport in between. See our special offer (in green) right below our Dinger of the Day call. Maybe you are our next big winner?!! Be sure to follow Eric, @Razzle11Grinds on Twitter, as he’ll occasionally make updates to the advice in the article out on Twitter as well as inside our coaching forums.
My Take on a Consistent MLB DFS Process – Looking at Pitchers
I always start an MLB slate by looking at pitching, not only do you get a grasp on who the pitchers are that you want to target, but gives you a holistic look at the slate as well. Breaking down pitching also gives you an idea of what offenses are in good spots against bad/vulnerable pitchers. I start my research by going straight to the MLB Carnage Report this is where we can analyze all the pitchers on the slate in a compact, yet detailed manner. Below are the three pitchers that jumped out to me at first glance, good or bad.
- Kenta Maeda
- Kevin Gausman
- Clayton Kershaw
We have a BRAND NEW update to our MLB Domination Station lineup optimizer with advanced user-controlled scoring systems inside. You control how the lineups are built from three main uses of our projections: Points-based, DFSA Grades, or the unique blend of Hybrid Scoring! The Domination Station will help you create 150 of the highest projected lineups in a matter of minutes. With features that allow you to Like 
Love 
or Dislike 
a player, you can create a fully unique pool of players to generate your lineups from every day. Combine the power of the Domination Station with our VIP Only Articles and the MLB Research Station to really take your game to the next level.
Milwaukee Brewers @ Los Angeles Dodgers (-235)
Pitchers:
Brewers – Wade Miley
Dodgers – Clayton Kershaw
Rundown:
This game has opened with a total of 8.5. The Dodgers are just always on the list for stacks because of how dangerous they are. I rarely feel good about stacking MIL and tonight is another night where I just don’t like the idea of doing so. I am generally taking SPs against the Brewers at this point. No idea how that team is in first place (similar to the Twins). Kershaw returned from the IL and looked strong but may be limited to around 80 pitches tonight. Is that enough to get it done against this MIL squad? I do think it is.
MIL 5-star plays: NONE
4-star plays: Christian Yelich, Mark Canha
GPP Note: Team ISO of .152 against LHPs.
LAD 5-star plays: Freddie Freeman
4-star plays: Chris Taylor, Mookie Betts
GPP Note: Team ISO of .220 against LHPs.
Houston Astros (-115) @ Miami Marlins
Pitchers:
Astros – Justin Verlander
Marlins – Jesus Luzardo
Rundown:
This game has opened with a total of 7.5. Big difference from yesterday’s game in which we saw some runs and they were expected. We are supposed to see a pitchers duel here and while I think that’s likely, I also wouldn’t be shocked if we end up with 9 or 10 runs in this game. Luzardo is all over the place in his performances and the Astros actually hit LHPs better than RHPs this year (from a power standpoint).
HOU 5-star plays: Jose Altuve (DTD)
4-star plays: Alex Bregman, Chas McCormick
GPP Note: Team ISO of .184 against LHPs.
MIA 5-star plays: Josh Bell
4-star plays: Jake Burger
GPP Note: Team ISO of .139 against RHPs.
Cleveland Guardians @ Cincinnati Reds (-180)
Pitchers:
Guardians – Noah Syndergaard
Reds – Andrew Abbott
Rundown:
This game has opened with a total of 9.5. Elly hit his first MLB HR off of Syndergaard when he was with the Dodgers, could we see another massive HR from him today? If he doesn’t hit one, I would guess he steals a bag or two. Speaking of stealing a bag or two, I think the Reds could run wild against Syndergaard. Abbott is an interesting option as the Guardians are super weak against LHPs.
CLE 5-star plays: NONE
4-star plays: Andres Gimenez, Oscar Gonzalez
GPP Note: Team ISO of .127 against LHPs.
CIN 5-star plays: Elly De La Cruz
4-star plays: Matt McLain, Will Benson
GPP Note: Team ISO of .166 against RHPs.
Pittsburgh Pirates @ New York Mets (-125)
Pitchers:
Pirates – Johan Oviedo
Mets – Tylor Megill
Rundown:
This game has opened with a total 0f 8.5. You would think that the SPs would be ones that I want to pick on in this one but that’s not really the case. I don’t trust either offense to explode enough at this point. I do believe that both sides have strong mini-stack options but that’s about it for me. Nimmo seems like the smartest play in this game with how he has been swinging it. Hayes and Peguero are very interesting, especially if they hit back-to-back.
PIT 5-star plays: NONE
4-star plays: Liover Peguero, Ke’Bryan Hayes
GPP Note: Team ISO of .162 against RHPs.
NYM 5-star plays: Brandon Nimmo
4-star plays: Pete Alonso
GPP Note: Team ISO of .167 against RHPs.
Watching the weather is half the battle when it comes to MLB DFS. The DFS Army Weather Station has you covered, from games that have delay and postponement potential to games that could have significant winds that will play a role in selecting a team to stack or a pitcher to use.
Philadelphia Phillies @ Toronto Blue Jays (-155)
Pitchers:
Phillies – Aaron Nola
Blue Jays – Kevin Gausman
Rundown:
This game has opened with a total of 8. This match-up was underwhelming last night so tonight we probably see explosive offensive performances! I’m only half kidding as I do think both SPs, especially Gausman, are definitely in play. I’m not a huge Nola fan but the Blue Jays are certainly capable of striking out recently. There are a couple of guys on the Phillies who have solid BvP against Gausman.
PHI 5-star plays: NONE
4-star plays: Nick Castellanos, Bryce Harper
GPP Note: Team ISO of .155 against RHPs.
TOR 5-star plays: NONE
4-star plays: Brandon Belt, Cavan Biggio
GPP Note: Team ISO of .159 against RHPs.
Detroit Tigers @ Minnesota Twins (-190)
Pitchers:
Tigers – Reese Olson
Twins – Kenta Maeda
Rundown:
This game has opened with a total of 8.5. This is the best pitching match-up of the early slate, as far as DFS goes. The issue that I have noticed is that the wind is blowing out in Minnesota today. Olson has racked up K’s against the Twins this season while Maeda has dominated the Tigers. I think the DET offense comes in a little more predictable than the Twins. Minnesota dropped their lineup as I was typing this out and Correa is resting today.
DET 5-star plays: Spencer Torkelson
4-star plays: Riley Greene
GPP Note: Team ISO of .138 against RHPs.
MIN 5-star plays: NONE
4-star plays: Royce Lewis, Matt Wallner
GPP Note: Team ISO of .183 against RHPs.
Boston Red Sox (-155) @ Washington Nationals
Pitchers:
Red Sox – James Paxton
Nationals – Mackenzie Gore
Rundown:
This game opened with a total of 9. I am really surprised at the total in this one. I guess I respect Paxton and Gore more than Vegas does but it’s not the first time I’ve disagreed with them. Gore is so up and down that it’s really tough to trust him but his ups are very strong. Paxton has been really solid for BOS and while WAS doesn’t K a ton, Pivetta dominated them from a K standpoint last night. I like mini-stacks of each offense but that’s about it.
BOS 5-star plays: NONE
4-star plays: Trevor Story, Justin Turner
GPP Note: Team ISO of just .151 against LHPs.
WSH 5-star plays: NONE
4-star plays: Lane Thomas, Riley Adams
GPP Note: Team ISO of .156 against LHPs.
Seattle Mariners (-225) @ Kansas City Royals
Pitchers:
Mariners – Luis Castillo
Royals – Alec Marsh (long man)
Rundown:
This game has opened with a total of 9. We’ve seen some explosive offense in this series and while you’d think that Castillo keeps that from happening, I’m not sure. He hasn’t been as sharp on the road and this KC offense is rolling at the moment. I definitely prefer the SEA side for main stacks but the KC side has some sneaky stack combinations, especially if you are looking at mini-stacking them tonight.
SEA 5-star plays: Julio Rodriguez, Ty France
4-star plays: Eugenio Suarez, Teoscar Hernandez
GPP Note: Team ISO of .173 against RHPs.
KC 5-star plays: Bobby Witt
4-star plays: MJ Melendez, Michael Massey
GPP Note: Team ISO of .153 against RHPs.
The MLB DFS Research Station is my #1 source for research every single day and is one of the VIP Only tools our members have access to daily. The info in the MLB Research Station includes today’s 
DFS Army Projection, Adjusted BVP matchups, and much more. This tool will cut your daily research time in half. If you’re familiar with Ben you already know the time they’ve put into the “Sheets” and are extremely happy to provide them as a part of your DFS Army VIP Membership this year.
Oakland Athletics @ St Louis Cardinals (-190)
Pitchers:
A’s – Paul Blackburn
Cardinals – Matthew Liberatore
Rundown:
This game has opened with a total of 9.5. I really like the Cardinals in this match-up as the top of their lineup has been rolling and if Edman is hitting 9th against the RHP, I think it’s a great spot for a wrap stack in our GPPs. Liberatore has all sorts of talent and flashes upside so he’s definitely viable in this spot. I think the A’s have a higher team total than I would have imagined so I just don’t think I can go there.
OAK 5-star plays: NONE
4-star plays: Kevin Smith, Aledmys Diaz
GPP Note: Team ISO of .135 against LHPs.
STL 5-star plays: Nolan Arenado
4-star plays: Lars Nootbar, Tommy Edman
GPP Note: Team ISO of .180 against RHPs.
New York Yankees @ Atlanta Braves (-210)
Pitchers:
Yankees – Randy Vasquez
Braves – Charlie Morton
Rundown:
This game has opened with a total of 10. Vasquez has actually looked decent at the MLB level but we are talking about the Braves and the best offense in baseball, no thanks. Morton could be solid but does he have more upside than others tonight? I don’t think he does but the Yankees do look lost on the field right now. Just stack up the Braves and enjoy their 6+ runs on a nightly basis, especially at home.
NYY 5-star plays: NONE
4-star plays: Giancarlo Stanton, DJ LeMahieu
GPP Note: Team ISO of .164 against RHPs.
ATL 5-star plays: Matt Olson, Austin Riley
4-star plays: Ronald Acuna, Marcell Ozuna
GPP Note: Team ISO of .223 against RHPs.
Tampa Bay Rays @ San Francisco Giants (-120)
Pitchers:
Rays – Aaron Civale
Giants – Ross Stripling
Rundown:
This game has opened with a total of 8.5. This feels like a game that I want to get exposure to but when looking at the potential lineups, I don’t really love that many bats. Lowe has hit Stripling before but he’s also cold at the plate. The most likely route is a Yandy Diaz or Michael Conforto game in this one where the pitchers are part of the winning formula on the early slate. Day games in SF see the ball fly better than night games but it’s still a difficult park to hit in.
TB 5-star plays: Brandon Lowe
4-star plays: Yandy Diaz, Harold Ramirez
GPP Note: Team ISO of .190 against RHPs.
SF 5-star plays: NONE
4-star plays: Michael Conforto, Thairo Estrada
GPP Note: Team ISO of .160 against RHPs.
MLB season is upon us! DFSArmy VIP Members had a big season last year and are in for some big things again this season! We will have cheat sheets, breakdowns, and many other tools to help make you successful in one of the more volatile fantasy sports.
Arizona Diamondbacks (-135) @ Colorado Rockies
Pitchers:
D’Backs – Slade Cecconi
Rockies – Austin Gomber
Rundown:
This game has opened with a total of 12. It’s a Coors game with very warm temps but yet, I’m not overly excited about the game. Arizona has been struggling and we know that Colorado is a weak offense at this point. Will there be some HRs hit? Absolutely but I think we can get away with trying to HR hunt here. Marte has been cold but he has smacked Gomber in previous meetings while Walker just keeps hitting.
ARI 5-star plays: Christian Walker, Ketel Marte
4-star plays: Tommy Pham, Lourdes Gurriel
GPP Note: Team ISO of .147 against LHPs.
COL 5-star plays: Ezequiel Tovar
4-star plays: Nolan Jones
GPP Note: Team ISO of .152 against RHPs.
Chicago White Sox @ Chicago Cubs (-160)
Pitchers:
White Sox – Mike Clevinger
Cubs – Javier Assad
Rundown:
This game has opened with a total of 11. The wind is definitely blowing out at Wrigley with a total sitting that high. Assad has looked solid as a starter but his stuff backs up a bit and his Ks have come down. I wouldn’t be shocked to see LuBob take him deep. Clevinger is a shitty human being so I will gladly stack against him. The overall Cubs lineup has cooled off quite a bit but this feels like a resurgence spot.
CWS 5-star plays: Eloy Jimenez
4-star plays: Luis Robert, Yoan Moncada
GPP Note: Team ISO of .148 against RHPs.
CHC 5-star plays: Seiya Suzuki
4-star plays: Nico Hoerner, Cody Bellinger
GPP Note: Team ISO of .161 against RHPs.
Los Angeles Angels @ Texas Rangers (-170)
Pitchers:
Angels – Reid Detmers
Rangers – Jon Gray
Rundown:
This game has opened with a total of 9. The entire Angels lineup is going through some massive struggles right now so it’s tough to trust them, even if a few guys have hit Gray well in previous match-ups. The Rangers at home are just a dominant offense as they have a home ISO of .225 on the season. Seager can hit LHPs excellently and Garver has always crushed LHPs.
LAA 5-star plays: NONE
4-star plays: Shohei Ohtani, Hunter Renfroe
GPP Note: Team ISO of .190 against RHPs.
TEX 5-star plays: Marcus Semien
4-star plays: Corey Seager, Mitch Garver
GPP Note: Team ISO of .189 against LHPs.
Baltimore Orioles @ San Diego Padres (-190)
Pitchers:
Orioles – Dean Kremer
Padres – Blake Snell
Rundown:
This game has opened with a total of 8. I really want to see this game blow up with runs but I just don’t think it happens. The Orioles have cooled somewhat and now they face one of the top arms in the NL. Kremer can give up the longball but a lot of the SD lineup is struggling. Could this be a spot for Juan Soto to break out of a slump? I am kind of betting on yes at this point. Mountcastle vs an LHP is always on my list of plus spots.
BAL 5-star plays: Ryan Mountcastle
4-star plays: Anthony Santander
GPP Note: Team ISO of .170 against LHPs.
SD 5-star plays: Juan Soto
4-star plays: Xander Bogaerts, Ben Gamel
GPP Note: Team ISO of .166 against RHPs.
Stacks of the Day: Main Slate
- Atlanta Braves
- Texas Rangers
- Los Angeles Dodgers (wow this list is super chalky, let’s add a 4th)
- Seattle Mariners
MLB Dinger of the Day – Seiya Suzuki, Cubs
Aug 7, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman (34) throws a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
As always I appreciate everyone who gave the article a read! Feel free to mix it up with me in our coaching forums as news breaks and lock approaches.
The only thing you are missing at this point is the key to unlock the next level of your game. Come inside and check us out!! We have experts sharing their secrets and experience on a daily basis. Combining that with the actual ability to ask them questions and get quick answers in return gives you a recipe for success that puts our army hats on leaderboards all over the face of DFS.