DFS Picks:
Mike Bolsinger (SP-LAD) - Mike Bolsinger has been extremely reliable this season. His average fastball velocity might only be 86.6 MPH, but this hasn't stopped him from maintaining a 1.98 ERA. On Monday night, Bolsinger will have to contain a tough Diamondback offense to pick up his fourth win of the season. To maximize efficiency, Bolsinger will have to utilize his 2.33 GB/FB ratio. The Dbacks are a groundball team. They average 1.04 GB/FB, which ranks fourth in the MLB. If Bolsigner can keep the fly ball prone Paul Goldschmidt on the ground, then he'll avoid a lot of trouble. As baseball fans know, Goldschmidt is one of the best hitters in the game. His 0.63 GB/FB ratio makes him a tough double play candidate and a threat with runners on base. Keeping Goldschmidt out of the air will neutralize his 12.4 AB/HR ratio, which could make a huge difference in the game. Additionally, Bolsinger will pitch in the comfort of his home ballpark. In his three starts at Dodger Stadium, Bolsinger owns a 3-0 record, a 0.46 ERA, and a 0.66 WHIP. I don't think he'll shutout the Dbacks, but he should stand a chance to pull off a big win. FanDuel Value Pick $6,000
Freddie Freeman (1B-ATL) - Ian Kennedy is easy to pick on. Occasionally he will pitch a good game, but when he doesn't, the wheels fall off the wagon. On Monday night Freddie Freeman and the Braves will face Ian Kennedy and the Padres. In his career against Kennedy, Freeman is 6 for 10 with a home run, eight RBIs, four walks, and only one strikeout. Generally numbers like these are hard to maintain, but Freeman is scorching hot. Over his last seven games, Freeman is 10 for 21 with four home runs, eight runs scored, nine RBIs. To top it off, he has nine home runs and a .312 AVG against righties this season. Look for Freeman to come up big in DFS leagues on Monday night. He comes in at a fair price, so be prepared to leave a spot open for him on your roster. FanDuel Value Pick $3,900
Gregory Polanco (OF-PIT) - On Monday night Gregory Polanco and the Pirates will take on Jimmy Nelson and the Brewers. Over his last 10 games, Polanco is 15 for 40 with nine runs scored and four stolen bases. This season, Polanco has thrived on right-handed pitching. In 165 at bats against righties, he has three home runs, 14 RBIs, 32 runs scored, and 15 stolen bases. Based on how hot Polanco and the Pirates are Nelson should have a tough day on the mound. Away from Miller Park, Nelson has a 5.51 ERA and a 1.53 WHIP. Most of his struggles have been caused by lefties, who have hit .284 with six home runs against him. Aside from the splits, Nelson has already allowed seven stolen bases. If Polanco reaches base and doesn't try to steal, I would be shocked. All things considered, Polanco is a great DFS value pick for Monday night. He is inexpensive, and has the potential to put together a nice day at the plate. FanDuel Value Pick $3,300
Waiver Wire Adds:
Chad Bettis (SP-COL) - Chad Bettis is the only Rockies pitcher I think I'll ever recommend adding on fantasy (unless Jon Gray get promoted). Since his call up on May 14th, Bettis has been lights out. In his first two starts, Bettis allowed seven earned runs in 11 innings. Over his last three starts, Bettis has only surrendered three earned runs in 22.3 innings. The main reason Bettis has fantasy value isn't because of his 2.70 ERA and his 1.11 WHIP. It's because he can pitch in Colorado. At home, Bettis owns a 2.66 ERA and a .250 BAA in 20.3 innings. Away from Coors field, Bettis's ERA is a tad higher (2.77), but his BAA is .066 points lower. The icing on the cake is Bettis' 0 HR/9. Obviously, he's bound to serve up a homer sooner or later, but considering that the guy pitches at Coors Field, 0 home runs in 33.3 innings is impressive. Honestly, 0 home runs in 33.3 innings at any field is impressive. The fact that Bettis can keep the ball in the ballpark in Colorado is just an added bonus.
Maikel Franco (3B-PHI) - It's been quite sometime since I spoke positively about a player on the Phillies. With all due respect, they really haven't given fantasy owners much to cheer about. That being said, Maikel Franco needs to be added in all fantasy leagues. Franco continued his hot streak on Sunday with an eighth inning solo shot that propelled the Phillies past the Giants. Over his last six games, Franco has four home runs, five runs scored, and seven RBIs. His AVG is up to .253, and his OPS is .814. While it's rare for the Phillies to have high scoring games, Franco still deserves a spot on your fantasy roster. He is one of the hottest hitters in baseball right now, and his upside is present even when the Phillies aren't hitting.
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Time Frame: Season