Monday, May 3, provides a nice tournament mix; there are a couple of aces, a couple of gas cans and a Coors Field Extravaganza. Action spread across four slates. Today, stacks like the Mariners and Mets look like quality MLB DFS picks. Let’s break down the hitters to roster in our DraftKings, FanDuel and Yahoo lineups.
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MLB DFS Picks: Spotlight Hitters and Stacks, Monday, May 3rd
Yahoo Stack of the Day: New York Mets vs. RHP Adam Wainwright — 4.6 implied runs
Adam Wainwright is coming off a complete game against the Phillies in which he allowed just two runs on a pair of solo shots. That is pretty darn impressive for a hurler who will be turning 40 later this summer. While he never had much of a fastball, Wainwright does have an outstanding curveball and good command that limits walks. This year he has been hammering the strike zone, as evidenced by a 67.6% first-strike rate. This is going to catch up to him at some point, and when it does, the crooked numbers will follow.
The Yahoo salary algorithm is giving a lot of respect to Wainwright, and that includes amazing deals on Francisco Lindor ($9), Jeff McNeil ($9) and Dominic Smith ($10). This will allow gamers to average down the impact of Pete Alonso ($18) and Michael Conforto ($14) for an incredibly cheap full stack. As a bonus, it is going to be in the mid-70s during the first half of this game, and there is a 6 to 8 mph breeze blowing out to left field.
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Mid-Evening Slate
Cleveland Indians vs. LHP Daniel Lynch — 4.4 implied runs
All indications are that rookie southpaw Daniel Lynch will be making his MLB debut on Monday night against Cleveland. During spring training, he threw 11.2 innings and struck out 14. However, he was betrayed by three home runs and six walks, leading to a 7.71 ERA. At best, Lynch shows enough for a second turn in the rotation or a stint in the bullpen for a week or two before being sent back to the alternate training site for more seasoning. He is currently Kansas City’s second-best prospect and is in the top 25 of most prospect lists. On this short slate, most gamers will be flocking to Coors Field, so understand what the other options are.
Late Slate
Seattle Mariners vs. RHP Dean Kremer — 4.6 implied runs
This is a representative example of how low the Orioles pitching staff has fallen when the Mariners are not only a viable stack on the late slate, but they are also worthy of main slate consideration as well. It is going to be chilly, with game-time temperatures in the mid-50s and a 4 to 6 mph breeze coming in from center field.
Over his four starts this season, Dean Kremer has been a marginal performer. He is averaging 77 pitches per start, making it beyond the third inning just twice. In 155 career matchups against MLB hitters, Kremer has a woeful 11.2% walk rate and a 48.2% hard-contact rate. Lefty hitters have done the most damage given their .241 ISO, though righties are faring poorly with a .183 ISO in the same timeframe.
While Seattle does not have a particularly deep batting order, it definitely is improved with Kyle Lewis back from his injury. The DraftKings and FanDuel salary algorithms are not sure what to do with him, and Lewis comes at a significant discount for a cleanup hitter. Kyle Seager gets the platoon advantage, and he is by no means an easy out. Mitch Haniger is back after missing the better part of two seasons, and though he is an unconventional leadoff hitter, he will likely see at least five plate appearances. Jose Marmolejos is a fine addition for a full stack with his developing power stroke.
The Baltimore bullpen has the fifth-most innings of any in the league this season, and two of the teams ahead of them employ openers to run up their usage. By most metrics the Orioles relievers are in the bottom third of the league, which bodes well for the opposition when they are able to frequently chase starters to an early shower.
Final Thoughts for the Monday, May 3rd MLB DFS Slate
It is going to be chilly across the U.S. compared to Sunday. Watch the forecasts for Philadelphia and Chicago, as both games have some precipitation risk. Keep in mind that salaries and scoring formats differ across the various fantasy sites, and a home run play on Yahoo may be a below-average MLB DFS pick on DraftKings or FanDuel.
