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Welcome to the MLB DFS Stacks article - where we’ll be looking to highlight the best hitting stacks of the day. These recommendations are categorized as “Cash Game Stacks” and “Tournament Stacks” while outlining risk/reward situations. We will add additional context with other hitting/pitching options throughout the article.
Please note, these player picks were organized early in the day. For MLB contests, always check lineups and weather closer to game time. Rain, wind, or unexpected managerial decisions could open up additional sources of value. Be sure to keep an eye on the MLB Headlines and Injuries desk.
CASH GAME STACKS
Astros (vs Rangers – RHP Jordan Lyles)
Lyles is an ineffective right-hander without a strong identity, meaning he’s susceptible to all types of hitters. The Astros offense is primes to carry this slate, and they even have some decent values scattered around the lineup. Kyle Tucker rates as the best of these if he’s healthy. He missed yesterday with a minor malady. The top regular top six in the lineup can be used in any combination with or without Tucker (who usually bats seventh). Myles Straw and Martin Maldonado are usually left aside for DFS purposes.
Braves (vs Red Sox – RHP Garrett Richards)
Richards is a neutral matchup for most offenses. This is no exception. Although he’s nowhere close to the most-exploitable pitcher on the docket, he’s struggled to limit hard contact in recent years. Atlanta has a tight four-man stack of Ronald Acuna, Freddie Freeman, Ozzie Albies, and Austin Riley. Abraham Almonte is batting cleanup. After destroying Triple-A pitching, the 32-year-old is carrying a .265/.444/.471 triple-slash with more walks than strikeouts.
Top Plays: Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, Yordan Alvarez, Alex Bregman, Ronald Acuna, Freddie Freeman
Top Value: Kyle Tucker, Michael Brantley, Abraham Almonte
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TOURNAMENT STACKS
Yankees (at Blue Jays – RHP Ross Stripling)
Stripling has pitched reasonably well over his last four outings. Even so, he should be considered one of the weaker starters available tonight. He’s struggled to prevent home runs in recent seasons including 1.70 HR/9 this season. His batted ball profile skews slightly to fly ball contact – perfect for sluggers Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge. It’s also a boost to DJ LeMahieu, Miguel Andujar, and minimum-priced Chris Gittens. Gleyber Torres is a solid value in or out of the stack. Kyle Higashioka is one of the most interest bargain targets among the catchers.
Giants (vs DBacks – RHP Merrill Kelly)
Kelly is a lot like Lyles – a natural 5.00 ERA-caliber pitcher who is occasionally asked to take a loss on the chin. The Arizona bullpen is comically bad too. Buster Posey and a slew of left-handed bats like Mike Tauchman, Mike Yastrzemski, Brandon Crawford, Brandon Belt, and Steven Duggar form the core stacking choices. We won’t know the exact lineup until later in the afternoon.
Orioles (at Indians – RHP Aaron Civale)
This is your contrary play, the one that gets you Jacob deGrom, Gerrit Cole, and Ronald Acuna in the same lineup. Civale is a solid pitcher, but he relies on good results on balls in play. The weather is primed for a regression game. Progressive Field is especially friendly to left-handed power. Cedric Mullins, DJ Stewart, and Freddy Galvis are best-positioned to benefit. However, you’ll want to consider Trey Mancini and Ryan Mountcastle too.