On the diamond, tonight’s ten games matter a great deal to the contending teams, not quite as much for others. They’re all important at DraftKings, where tonight’s feature contest pays out a guaranteed $250,000 for a $3 entry fee, with $100K for top score.
There are six pitchers with 5-digit salaries. Sonny Gray $11900 missed a start with back spasms and might be on a short leash. Cole Hamels $10500 (groin) was also scratched but did not require a DL stint. Michael Wacha $10100 might be the safest choice. Oddly enough, he’s faced the Giants only once, in May 2014.
Danny Salazar $10800 is facing a Red Sox team that just scored a ridiculous 45 runs in a three-game series. Gerrit Cole $10600 has yet to last more than 6 IP in three August starts. Look for Scott Kazmir $10000 to work deeper into the game tonight.
Our sample lineup and Short List covers the entire Monday schedule, with the most lucrative DFS events (like the $500K Mega Perfect Game) closing at 7:05 Eastern. Turbo (8:05; 4 games) and Late (10:05; 2 games) contests are also offered.
Plays of the Day
New to DK? Your first deposit earns a FREE entry into the $250K Swing For The Fences — the winner gets $100,000 and 18,230 teams out of a maximum 95,825 earn cash. All prize money is guaranteed even if it doesn’t fill. It’s normally a $3 buy-in, and multiple teams are allowed. Enter by 7:05; you can make lineup changes until each player’s game begins.
Talented rookie lefties meet in Anaheim, as Andrew Heaney $9000 duels with Carlos Rodon $6700, who had been erratic until blanking the Angels with 11 K on Tuesday. Less-expensive SP with a chance to contribute include Matt Garza $6100 and Erasmo Ramirez $6000.
The only concern about Yan Gomes $3600 is a possible night off after a busy weekend. Another iron man C, Jonathan Lucroy $3300 is also due for a rest, but that’s an attractive price if he starts again.
Chris Davis $5000 has been scalding hot since the All-Star break. If Gray isn’t 100%, “Crush” can take advantage. Jose Abreu $4400 is flashing more power lately and has a decent matchup. My bargain pick is Pedro Alvarez $3600, who homered three times on a 6-game road trip.
Scheduled starter C.C. Sabathia will go on Tuesday, so the Twins face long reliever Bryan Mitchell $4900 instead. That makes Brian Dozier $4400 my #1 2B, with Rougned Odor $3400 among the more affordable options.
One of several strong 3B candidates, Miguel Sano $4400 might enjoy his first visit to Yankee Stadium. Aramis Ramirez $3100 went 4-for-5 with 3 RBI yesterday and homered on Saturday.
By default, Carlos Correa $5100 is the best SS every day. Francisco Lindor $4300 is easier on the budget and boasts an OPS of 1.120 for 10 games. If you spend big on pitching and need an ultra-cheap bat, 3B/SS Hernan Perez $2000 should start against an inconsistent lefty.
With 36 HR, Nelson Cruz $5500 deserves his lofty salary. Ryan Braun $4600 is the best OF I can afford with Adam Jones $4100 on a tear (five HR in six games) and Jacoby Ellsbury $4300 heating up. Jason Heyward $4100 belted two homers on Sunday, Gerardo Parra $3800 had a monster afternoon (36 PTS) and Shane Victorino $2600 usually leads off vs. southpaws.
| Pos | Premium | Bargain |
| SP1 | Michael Wacha $10100 | Carlos Rodon $6700 |
| SP2 | Scott Kazmir $10000 | Matt Garza $6100 |
| C | Yan Gomes $3600 | Jonathan Lucroy $3300 |
| 1B | Jose Abreu $4400 | Pedro Alvarez $3600 |
| 2B | Brian Dozier $4400 | Rougned Odor $3400 |
| 3B | Miguel Sano $4400 | Aramis Ramirez $3100 |
| SS | Carlos Correa $4600 | Jacoby Ellsbury $4300 |
| OF1 | Nelson Cruz $5100 | Jason Heyward $4100 |
| OF2 | Ryan Braun $4600 | Adam Jones $4200 |
| OF3 | Jacoby Ellsbury $4300 | Shane Victorino $2600 |
The Fantasy Spin features DFS advice every day of the NBA season. Until basketball returns, we’re offering baseball tips on weekdays. Follow Kent Williams @SheridanFantasy for updates.