Friday, Aug. 7 has a 13-game main slate beginning at 7:05 p.m. ET on DraftKings, FanDuel and Yahoo. SuperDraft is going with a special 7:10 p.m. start. Before you lock in your MLB DFS lineups and MLB DFS picks, make sure to check out check out Awesemo’s DFS baseball MLB rankings and projections.
NHL Promo Code
The NHL is back and you can get your first month of Awesemo+ NHL for 50% off when you use promo code NHLISBACK at checkout. That’s only $20 for 31 days of Awesemo’s leading NHL DFS projections, ownership projections, top stacks tool and more! You better hurry because this offer is only valid through Friday, Aug. 7!
For the MLB Strategy show click here
MLB DFS ACTION
Greetings, Gamers! We have a healthy 13-game main slate at 7:05 p.m. ET and then we have five minutes to scoot over to SuperDraft for their 11 game set locking at 7:10 p.m. ET.
Similar to last year I will be providing a review of one stack for each of the day’s slates. Some of these short-slate options will be good for the full-game set, others will be more contrarian and better suited for the mini-game sets.
Sign up for SuperDraft today using promo code “awesemo10” and it’s $10 FREE on your first deposit of $10 or more and $20 total FREE on your first deposit of $100 or more. Download in the App Store or play at superdraft.io.
Main-Slate MLB DFS Picks
Atlanta Braves at RHP Vince Velasquez – 5.2 implied runs
The long ball has become an issue for Velazquez who has allowed a 1.71 HR/9 rate against the last 230 lefties faced. It gets even worse against righties with the last 300 rolling him up with a 2.39 HR/9 rate. This seems to be the cost of doing business, as Velasquez continues to rely heavily on his fastball in an effort to get strikeouts. Most likely he will be in the game for 60-70 pitches or about three inning and change.
Leading the way for the Braves is, of course, stalwart Freddie Freeman. Now that Ozzie Albies is on the IL, Dansby Swanson has been moved to the top of the order and is getting a real opportunity to showcase the skills that made him a tantalizing prospect. It is make-or-break time.
Ronald Acuna Jr. and Marcell Ozuna are top-shelf options as well. It will be interesting to see if Nick Markakis, who recently joined the team, or Matt Adams will get the nod at the designated hitter spot. Either are fine options.
Evening-Slate MLB DFS Picks
Minnesota Twins at RHP Jakob Junis – 5.3 implied runs
In a mini-miracle, Junis survived his season debut against the White Sox, ceding no home runs. He lasted 64 pitches, going 4.1 innings with eight baserunners, two punchouts and two runs allowed. Over the last two seasons, Junis was someone to target against. During that span he allowed 63 home runs, which is the seventh-highest mark during that time frame. Of those, 37 have been to righties and 26 to opposite-handed hitters. The respective home run rates per nine innings are 1.88 and 1.33 in that time.
Josh Donaldson has now missed a full week with a calf strain. Luis Arraez was a late change on Thursday, but apparently that was just for rest after playing nine straight games.
The Twins are loaded with power from both sides of the plate. Miguel Sano (.257 ISO), Nelson Cruz (.259) and Byron Buxton (.200) are the boom sticks from the right side. Those with the platoon advantage are Max Kepler (.230), Eddie Rosario (.230) with Jorge Polanco (.181) and Alex Avila (.178) not far behind.
Minnesota is affordably priced, and with the weather in the mid-80s, they will be among the most popular stacks Friday.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. RHP Jeff Samardzija – 5.7 implied runs
Fortunately, there are a lot of teams on the docket tonight and many ways to differentiate ourselves with pitching or secondary stacks. The Dodgers are another team that is lining up to be quite popular on most MLB DFS sites. They have a matchup with old friend Jeff Samardzija, who has been a liability when he is away from Oracle Park.
In a pair of home starts to begin this season, Samardzija has already allowed three home runs while facing just 42 hitters. While he ceded just two walks, he only has two strikeouts in matchups against the Padres and Rangers.
It is likely that Mookie Betts will be out of action again on Friday with a finger injury. That just gives the other Dodger batters promotions in the lineup order. Joc Pederson should be leading off, and he is $4,100 on DraftKings, $3,100 on FanDuel and $14 on Yahoo. In his last 886 lefty-righty matchups, he has a .308 ISO. Next, our attention should go to fellow lefties Cody Bellinger, Max Muncy and Corey Seager. Over his last 500 lefties faced, Samardzija has allowed a .220 ISO and a 1.8 HR/9 rate.
Turning our attention to the righties, Will Smith, Justin Turner and A.J. Pollock all have above-average power in same-handed matchups. As our final bonus, the Giants are coming off a Coors Field series, and their bullpen is bottom 10 in most categories utilizing the last two seasons.
As always, you can reach out to me in Awesemo.com Premium Slack or on Twitter @EMacDFS if you have any questions.
