X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

DraftKings Daily Fantasy Baseball Picks (8/23/21): MLB DFS Lineups

The top daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 8/23/21. Euan Leith's MLB DFS analysis and sleepers for building optimal DFS rosters.

Happy Monday, Rotoballers! Unlike most of the teams in MLB today, we don't take any days off in DFS land. We are looking at a paltry six-game slate to start the final week of August, but that's okay. I tend to do better on smaller slates compared to the big, 14-game Friday night bonanzas. You may be different and thrive when you have all the options at your fingertips. Every player is different, and I'm hoping to nudge you in the right direction to start this week in a winning fashion. 

The lack of pitching upside among today's arms is quite alarming. We've got three of the top inning-eating pitchers in the game, with Zack Greinke, Kyle Hendricks, and Marco Gonzales taking the hill. While their tendency to go deep into games is valuable, their minimal strikeout potential is not. Greinke is a perfect example of this as he is facing the Royals in a rematch of his last start where he pitched six innings of one-run baseball but didn't strike out a single opponent and left us with a measly 8.5 fantasy points. Therefore, we may have to get uncomfortable and take some risks if we want an arm with a 30-point ceiling in our lineup.

This article will provide you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 8/23/2021. The lineup will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays. You can also check out today's FanDuel MLB DFS lineup picks and read more DFS advice and lineup picks for other sports too. It’s also important to monitor injury news and today's MLB starting lineups. If you have any questions or comments, find me on Twitter and ask away.

Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 50% off using code SUMMER! Win more with expert advice from proven winners and exclusive DFS tools. Get instant access to RotoBaller's Lineup Optimizers, Research Stations, daily picks and VIP chat rooms across 10 sports! Go Premium, Win More!

 

DraftKings DFS Starting Pitchers

Alek Manoah - P, TOR vs. CWS ($8,500)

I mentioned in the intro the need to be uncomfortable if we want a 30-point ceiling from our pitchers. Well, it may not get more uncomfortable than Alek Manoah against a powerful White Sox lineup. The rookie is having a tremendous first season in baseball, and it looks like he's been a bit unlucky since the All-Star break. The right-handed hurler's ERA (4.15) is almost half a run higher than his FIP (3.68), and a 64.7 percent strand rate suggests some bad defense may be costing him at times. Meanwhile, in Manoah's last six starts, he's struck out at least nine batters three times and less than four batters three times. It's been quite a rollercoaster since the second half started, but he will be in a good spot against a White Sox lineup, striking out 24.2 percent of the time against righties over the last three weeks.

Kyle Hendricks - P, CHC vs. COL ($8,100)

I tagged Hendricks as a pitcher lacking the strikeout upside we seek in DFS. While I stand by that point, a date versus the Colorado Rockies at home is too tempting to pass up. This is a team with a 14-45 record outside Coors Field averaging 3.03 runs per game, a home run every 43 at-bats, and a .210/.284/.324 slash line. There are a lot of pitchers I would throw out against the Rockies, and Hendricks is undoubtedly one of them. He's scored at least 17.5 fantasy points in three of his last four outings, and a prime matchup with Colorado should lock him in to reach the benchmark for the fourth time in five games.

Other options: Jordan Montgomery at ATL ($10,000), Zack Greinke vs. KC ($8,900), Marco Gonzales at OAK ($8,100)

 

Want more MLB DFS tools and content? Our MLB Premium package includes our daily DFS Cheat Sheets, Research Station, Optimizer, and access to our Premium Slack Chatrooms where members can chat with our MLB analysts. Check out this recent big win from RotoBaller's RealTalkRaph on DraftKings - join in on the winning!

 

DraftKings DFS Infielders

Yan Gomes - C, SEA vs. Marco Gonzales ($3,300)

With a southpaw on the mound, Yan Gomes will likely grab the starting nod behind the home plate over Sean Murphy for Oakland. Gomes came over to the A's at the trade deadline, and while the results are mixed, there are reasons for optimism heading into the season's final month. Gomes has two home runs in 10 starts and had success against a lefty in his last game. On Friday against Alex Wood, the former Nationals catcher went 2-for-4 with a fourth-inning double and a run. It's not the most exciting selection to make at catcher, but on a six-game slate, I believe Gomes will return palpable returns at $3,300.

Frank Schwindel - 1B, CHC vs Antonio Senzatela ($2,700)

The Cubs declared their roster rebuild at the trade deadline like Michael Scott declared bankruptcy in 'The Office' several years ago. While this may have angered several Chicago fans, it's given way to a new wave of DFS value plays. Frank Schwindel is Exhibit A in this example. In August, the 29-year old's .455 weight On-Base Average is second among qualified first basemen, and he's added four home runs and 15 RBI in 18 games. Plus, he's collected six multi-hit efforts in his last 10 games, and he will be a big part of any damage the Cubs put up on Antonio Senzatela.

Jose Altuve - 2B, HOU vs. Daniel Lynch ($5,500)

Jose Altuve slumped through the first two weeks of August (.468 OPS), but he turned it around last week and seemed to be back to his season-long ways. Over the previous seven games, the 2017 MVP is 14-for-33 with five runs, four doubles, a triple, and an RBI. While DFS managers would love to see the RBI total a bit higher, it's hard to argue with 9.8 fantasy points per game. The Astros averaged 10 runs per game in their weekend series with the Mariners, and I think they'll be looking to grab some revenge versus a Royals outfit that took three of four from them just last week in Kansas City.

Aledmys Diaz - 3B, HOU vs. Daniel Lynch ($3,600)

Alex Bregman popped up at Minute Maid Park over the weekend to run through some individual drills, and it served as a reminder Aledmys Diaz's days as an everyday contributor may be numbered. That's one of the reasons I came around to recommending him against Daniel Lynch on Monday. You can also factor in the five multi-hit games he's produced in the previous 10 contests, and he's even better weekend series. In his last three games, Diaz is 6-for-15 with a run, two doubles, and an RBI. He's slotted right behind the big bats of Yuli Gurriel and Yordan Alvarez. If those two aren't smacking it out of the diamond, they will get on base enough to provide Diaz with plenty of fantasy-point producing opportunities.

Nicky Lopez - SS, KC at Zack Greinke ($2,700)

There is a severe lack of depth at the shortstop position for Monday's six-game slate. However, a significant discount option comes in the shape of Nicky Lopez. The Royal's infielder slashes .361/.425/.472 over his last 10 outings, and he's added seven runs, a double, a home run, four RBI, and eight stolen bases in the same stretch. The number of ways he can contribute to a DFS lineup makes him a valuable asset and explains the 16.2 FPPG he's been averaging in the last five games.

 

DraftKings DFS Outfielders

Ketel Marte - OF, ARI at Wil Crowe ($4,600)

Ketel Marte is having a somewhat lost 2021 campaign. He's been hampered by a couple of lengthy Injury List stays, but he's healthy now, and the results are coming to the forefront. In the last 10 games, the All-Star owns a 1.063 OPS and a whopping eight extra-base hits. In addition, five doubles, a triple, and a home run will get you on anyone's watchlist in DFS. Marte will see Wil Crowe on the hill tonight, and the young Pirates pitcher shouldn't pose a problem for the veteran bat. However, his 5.49 FIP since the All-Star breaks shows he's been a bit lucky on the mound, and the Diamondbacks should look to end that streak with some hard hits in Pittsburgh.

Jorge Soler - 3B, ATL vs. Jordan Montgomery ($4,300)

There's a little bit of FOMO in my Jorge Soler pick tonight. The Braves slugger has two round-trippers in his last three games, and I don't want to miss the train leaving the station if he continues his power surge against Jordan Montgomery. The former-Royals bat also has four runs and three RBI in his last. Despite Jordan Montgomery being the most expensive pitcher, I can see the Braves putting up some crooked numbers on the scoreboard tonight. Soler's bat is worth the $4,300 investment because he can do a massive amount of damage with a single swing of the bat.

Ian Happ - OF, CHC vs. Antonio Senzatela ($4,100)

One of the only members to survive the trade deadline purge was Ian Happ. It could've been because there wasn't a ton of interest, but the outfielder is turning it around in recent weeks. Over his last 10 games, Happ is slashing.303/.378/.636 with five runs, two doubles, three home runs, and seven RBI. We shouldn't expect this Cubs lineup to offer Happ (or the earlier mentioned Schwindel) a ton of counting stat chances, but his recent display of power is enough to take a flyer on him in DFS. He has four extra-base hits in his last six games, and he should see a few good pitches from Antonio Senzatela with a chance to add another double or home run this evening.

 

DraftKings DFS Stacks

  • Houston Astros vs. Kansas City Royals (Daniel Lynch, LHP)
  • Chicago Cubs vs. Colorado Rockies (Antonio Senzatela, RHP)
  • Game stack: Seattle Mariners (Marco Gonzales, LHP) at Oakland Athletics (Paul Blackburn, RHP)

 



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!




MLB DFS News and Injury Alerts


More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Will Campbell

Ends Minicamp as Top Left Tackle
Sam Cosmi

Making Good Progress From Torn ACL
Kamaru Usman

Gets Back In The Win Column
Adonai Mitchell

Impresses at Minicamp
Joaquin Buckley

Winning Streak Comes To An End
Miranda Maverick

Drops Decision At UFC Atlanta
Bradley Chubb

Fully Healed, Looking Disruptive
Jonnu Smith

Contract Talks "Still Fluid"
Rose Namajunas

Wins Decision At UFC Atlanta
Andre Petroski

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Edmen Shahbazyan

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Raoni Barcelos

Wins Third Fight In A Row
Chase Elliott

Ends Mexico City with A Great Finish of Third
Christopher Bell

has A Strong Runner-Up Performance At Mexico City
Chase Briscoe

Wild Day Ends with A Top-10 Finish
Michael McDowell

Leaves Mexico City with A Top-Five Finish
Cody Garbrandt

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Cody Brundage

Defeated After Accidental Clash Of Heads
Cody Brundage

Mansur Abdul-Malik Defeats Cody Brundage By Technical Decision
Oumar Sy

Suffers His First Loss
Alonzo Menifield

Scores Upset Win
Alex Bowman

Delivers Bravura Performance After Michigan Injury
Tyler Reddick

Inexplicably Mediocre on his Once-Best Track Type
John Hunter Nemechek

Canny Strategy Gives John Hunter Nemechek Best Career Road-Course Finish
Cole Custer

Earns Best Finish Since Cup-Series Comeback at Mexico City
Grant Holmes

Punches Out 15 in Loss
Elly De La Cruz

Goes Yard in Fourth Straight Game
Will Vest

Dealing With Finger Injury
Jackson Merrill

Placed on Seven-Day Concussion Injured List
J.J. McCarthy

Looking "a Lot Stronger"
Shohei Ohtani

Will Be Dodgers' Starting Pitcher Monday
Roki Sasaki

Shut Down From Throwing
Garrett Wilson

Receives New Contract Offer
Jordan Hicks

Headed to Boston
Kyle Harrison

Traded to Red Sox
Travis Kelce

Slims Down During the Offseason
Trey Hendrickson

Bengals Restart Contract Discussions
Brady House

Nationals Promoting Brady House to Major Leagues
Rafael Devers

Traded to San Francisco
Logan Gilbert

to Start on Monday
Jayden Higgins

Impresses During Minicamp
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

on the Move to Memphis
Cole Anthony

Dealt to the Grizzlies
Seattle Seahawks

DeMarcus Lawrence Making an Impression With his New Team
Isaiah Simmons

Being Used Exclusively as a Linebacker
Tyler Mahle

Placed on 15-Day Injured List
Travis Etienne Jr.

the Jaguars Lead Back?
Luis Robert Jr.

Scratched with Thumb Soreness
Desmond Bane

Traded to Orlando
Byron Buxton

Scratched from Sunday's Lineup
Daniel Jones

the Favorite in Colts QB Competition?
Brendan Donovan

Returns to the Lineup
Steven Adams

Rockets Agree to Three-Year Contract Extension
Royce Lewis

Hits 10-Day Injured List
Ty Dillon

Is a Respectable Cap Flexiblity-Focused DFS Option For Mexico City
Corey Perry

Produces 10th Postseason Goal
Connor McDavid

Scores First Finals Goal
John Hunter Nemechek

Is John Hunter Nemechek Worth Rostering In Mexico City DFS Lineups?
Shohei Ohtani

Blasts Two Homers in Win
Sam Bennett

Nets Another Road Goal in Game 5 Win
Eetu Luostarinen

Earns Two Points Saturday
Michael King

Not Making Progress
Brad Marchand

Pots Two Goals in Game 5 Victory
Jackson Merrill

Removed Early on Saturday
Sergei Bobrovsky

Ties NHL Record with 10th Road Win
Ross Chastain

Trackhouse Racing's Mexico Focus Makes Ross Chastain a Leading Contender for the Win
Kyle Busch

One of Two Past Mexico City Winners in the Field
Ryan Preece

Earns Surprising Front-Row Start
Austin Cindric

Not as Strong of a Road Racer as People Think
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Stronger on Infield Road Courses Than Purpose-Built Ones
Joey Logano

Seemingly Alternating Between Good and Mediocre Races
Brad Keselowski

One of the Few Drivers with Mexico City Experience
Denny Hamlin

Ryan Truex Makes First Cup Series Start Since 2014
Erik Jones

Mexico City Will Likely be a Struggle for Erik Jones
Noah Gragson

Front Row Motorsports' Speed May Make Noah Gragson a Decent DFS Option
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Road Courses Are Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s Worst Track Type
Giancarlo Stanton

Likely Returning Early Next Week
Spencer Strider

Registers 13 Strikeouts
Emeka Egbuka

"the Talk" of Bucs Minicamp
Evander Kane

Drops to Fourth Line Saturday
Kasperi Kapanen

Won't Play on Saturday
Calvin Pickard

Starts Game 5 for Oilers
Jaxson Dart

Working as No. 2 QB During Offseason Workouts
Xavier Gipson

Roster Spot Could be in Jeopardy
Josh Reynolds

the Front-Runner for WR2 Duties
Garrett Wilson

Stock Up This Offseason
Breece Hall

Motivated Going into 2025 Season
Brandon Aiyuk

Making Good Progress From Knee Injury
Tyrese Haliburton

Struggles in Friday's Loss to OKC
Chet Holmgren

Dominates the Glass in Game 4
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Leads the Way in Game 4
Jalen Williams

Has a Quality Showing on Friday Night
Russell Westbrook

to Decline Player Option
Kevin Durant

Trade Could Happen in the "Next Few Days"
Joaquin Buckley

Set For Main Event
Kamaru Usman

An Underdog At UFC Atlanta
Miranda Maverick

Set For Co-Main Event
Rose Namajunas

Looks To Bounce Back
Andre Petroski

Looks To Extend His Win Streak To Four
Edmen Shahbazyan

A Favorite At UFC Atlanta
Raoni Barcelos

Set To Take On Former Champion
Cody Garbrandt

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Mansur Abdul-Malik

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Connor Hellebuyck

Wins Vezina And Hart Trophies
Aleksander Barkov

Records Two Power-Play Assists Thursday
Sam Reinhart

Collects Three Points in Thursday's Loss
Matthew Tkachuk

Notches Three Points in Losing Effort
Calvin Pickard

Joins Exclusive List with Thursday's Win
Mattias Ekholm

Logs Two Assists in Comeback Victory
Leon Draisaitl

Delivers Victory in Overtime Thursday
Myles Turner

Playing Through Illness
Reed Sheppard

Will Play in the NBA Summer League
Kevin Durant

Deal Could Come Sooner Rather Than Later
Dorian Finney-Smith

Undergoes Ankle Surgery
Anze Kopitar

Wins Third Lady Byng Trophy
Sergei Bobrovsky

Heading Out for Win No. 15
John Klingberg

Won't Play in Game 4 Against Panthers
Viktor Arvidsson

Sits Out Game 4 Against Panthers
Stuart Skinner

Remains in Oilers Crease Thursday
Jalen Williams

Leads Thunder in Scoring Wednesday
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Settles for 24 Points in Game 3 Loss
Pascal Siakam

Does Everything for Pacers Wednesday Night
Tyrese Haliburton

Gets Close to Triple-Double in Game 3 Win
Bennedict Mathurin

Leads All Scorers with 27 Points Wednesday
Brandin Podziemski

Has Second Offseason Surgery
Jaylen Brown

Undergoes Successful Knee Procedure
Matt McCarty

Comes Off Season-Best Showing at RBC Canadian Open
Justin Thomas

Desperate to Continue Good 2025 Season
Jon Rahm

Seeks Revenge at U.S. Open
Tom Kim

Aiming for Improvement in U.S. Open
PGA

Sungjae Im Expects Solid Performance at Oakmont
Brian Harman

Aims to Rebound From the Memorial
Tony Finau

has Been Up and Down at U.S. Open
Patrick Cantlay

Hoping This is the Year at Oakmont
Akshay Bhatia

Improving in Time for U.S. Open
Xander Schauffele

Primed for Another Major Championship Run
Cameron Young

May Struggle at U.S. Open
Collin Morikawa

Eyeing Third Major Championship Title
Matt Fitzpatrick

Seeks to Avenge Oakmont Collapse
Jordan Spieth

Can Contend at Oakmont
Shane Lowry

a Strong Value Play at U.S. Open
Brooks Koepka

Seeks Another Major Win at Oakmont
Viktor Hovland

Still Can Improve at U.S. Open
Michael Kim

a Boom-or-Bust Value Play at U.S. Open
Russell Henley

Looking to Play the Weekend at Oakmont
Tyrrell Hatton

a Safe Option at U.S. Open
Bryson DeChambeau

Eyeing Third U.S. Open Title
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF