DraftKings MLB Picks: Top Bargain plays for August 15th
Finding value can be the ever so elusive, “Holy Grail.” Making cap room for pitchers and big bats can make all the difference in a lineup. With a little elbow grease in the research department, I’m hoping to provide a handful of players that could provide critical salary relief for tonight’s DraftKings MLB picks.
Tonight’s slate features nine games. The Washington Nationals are the biggest favorite at -185. The Nats also have the highest team total of 6 runs. The only other team close to this total, is the Rangers at 5.7 runs. The Mariners bats appear to be the most under priced on the slate, however there has already been some reverse line movement on the LA Angels. I think the line move is attributed to the Seattle pitching, so I’ll have exposure to some of the batters from Seattle. Here is my list of recommended cheap value players.
Next: Value Plays
Justin Smoak – TOR (1B) – $3700
Toronto has the third highest projected team total with 5 runs. Smoak is a switch hitter who fares much better against righties. He has a .349 wOBA and a .246 ISO split.
David Phelps – MIA (P) – $4000
Phelps will get a chance to prove himself vs. the lowly Reds. MIA is a favorite at -127 and I think Phelps has a great chance to exceed value. Phelps has tremendous strikeout upside with 11.677 K/9. As long he’s not on a pitch count, $4000 is just simply too cheap.
Tyler Collins – DET (OF) – $2500
Collins is a cheaper option in the outfield and will benefit from facing a righty tonight. Detroit has a projected team total of 4.9 runs and if he can draw a spot in the top six, he’ll be a great value.
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Shawn O’Malley/Guillermo Heredia/Nori Aoki
As mentioned, the Seattle bats are somewhat under priced. All three of these players have a chance to be the lead off batter and whichever one gets the start will be the recommended play. Each of these batters have favorable splits against righties. Aoki at $3600, is the best value.
Jose Reyes – NYM (3B) – $3500
Reyes has been a reliable play of late and tonight he’s facing, the lefty, Ray. Reyes has great splits against lefties with a .379 wOBA and an .225 ISO. Reyes also comes with stolen base upside. As long as he’s leading off he’s in consideration.
Seth Smith – SEA (OF) – $3500
Smith was scratched from the lineup on Sunday with a bruised foot. He’s listed as day-to-day, but hopefully he makes the lineup. Smith will benefit from being on the good side of a lefty vs. righty split. If he’s batting second again, he should bring value.
Robinson Chirinos – TEX (C) – $3600
Texas has the second highest total on the slate and Chirinos could be a great play at the catching position tonight. He’ll be facing Detwiler, a lefty tonight. Chirinos has a .417 wOBA and a .385 ISO split against lefties. You’ll see a lot of Chirinos is my lineups.
Note: Keep in mind that recommended plays are based off of early information and will be subject to change as lineups are released. Some cheaper players are more suspect to be scratched from the lineup or bumped down the lineup order. Follow me on Twitter @MattMcGarvey215, where I’ll try to update these plays the best I can!