The focus of this article is to sort through the myriad of options on larger slates and find not only some solid foundational plays but also some spots that could go overlooked. We focus on stacks that are solid for small-field and SE as well as overlooked spots for large-field GPPs, and we discuss players that have good past history vs. the pitchers they’re facing. Our Discord strategy rooms are incredibly active. Hop in and join the discussion!
FIVE DFS MLB Stacks
Houston Astros
We are going right back to the Astros tonight: they put up seven runs in their first game in Coors (and actually lost thanks to some late-game rallying by the Rockies), and the spot is still good. Game total is at 10.5 and Colorado is trotting out Kyle Freeland. Aside from Yordan Alvarez, Christian Walker, and Jose Altuve, I want to mix in some Cam Smith and Yainer Diaz.
Jun 9, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) hits a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
New York Yankees
The Yankees are the largest favorites on the slate tonight, and Aaron Civale being on the mound is a big reason why: New York as a team has a 1.095 OPS against him in 59 AB. Even though Aaron Judge is off to a slow start, I’m mixing him in with Giancarlo Stanton and adding in Ben Rice and Trent Grisham.
Washington Nationals
Washington’s offense has been one of the big surprises in the early going, scoring the fourth most runs in the league as a team (averaging 6.4 runs per game). The matchup here isn’t bad, either; Matthew Liberatore looked good in his first start, but he’s not overly intimidating, so in tournaments I don’t mind riding with the hot streak a bit.
August 1, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) runs after hitting a double against the Oakland Athletics during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Dodgers
If you want a high-upside tournament stack that won’t be terribly high-owned, the Dodgers could be it. Kevin Gausman has looked very good through his first two starts, but we all know what this offense is capable of, so even a sprinkle over the field could be enough to get you there if he has an off-night.
Colorado Rockies
Don’t go terribly heavy here, but you do want to sprinkle some Colorado action into your MME: we saw what they can do last night, and Mike Burrows has already given up a couple of long balls in just 10 innings this season, so there’s some room for a good performance out of some of these bats. Troy Johnson and TJ Rumfeld are where I’m starting my stacks.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
Jun 7, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) hits a single during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Max Muncy vs. Kevin Gausman: 7-23 with two 2B, four HR, and six BB
Marcell Ozuna vs. Nick Pivetta: 8-33 with six HR and 14 RBI
Jorge Soler vs. Reynaldo Lopez: 13-22 with three 2B, four HR, and nine RBI
Christian Walker vs. Kyle Freeland: 13-41 with three 2B, three HR, nine RBI, and five BB
THREE MLB Value Plays
Mauricio Dubon ($3100 DK): .856 OPS this season and hits LHP well
Matt Shaw ($2500 DK): HR in two straight games
Ramon Urias ($2500 DK): 5-16 with two HR and four RBI in his last seven games