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, FanDuel Daily Fantasy Baseball Picks (8/21/23): Today's Top MLB DFS Lineups

Julio Rodriguez fantasy baseball rankings prospects rookies draft sleepers MLB injury news

The top daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for FanDuel and DraftKings on August 21, 2023. Casey Wilson's MLB DFS analysis and sleepers for building optimal DFS rosters.

We're back at it on a Monday after another great game at Bowman Field and the Little League World Series. That is one of my favorite events of the year. Combined with the LLWS, it’s an incredible time of the year. Tonight I’m calling our slate, the one with a ton of lefties, as we have eight left-handed pitchers toeing the rubbers for their teams tonight. We have underwhelming options on the mound tonight, so it’s essential to find the matchups we like and take some shots on names we usually wouldn’t.

I will cover the eight-game slate starting at 7:05 pm in this article. I love tonight's slate from a game theory perspective. We have no shortage of offense on tonight's slate, and pitching is once again hard to come by. I like taking some shots on some big-time offenses in good spots and punting pitching. There are a few offenses who are cheap-facing hittable arms, but at the end of the day, give me the big bats that I can trust, and I will take some shots on pitchers in good spots at an excellent price.

This article will provide my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 8/21/2023 and the slate locking at 7:05 pm ET. The lineup picks will range from some elite players to mid-priced options and value plays. You can also read more DFS advice and lineup picks for other sports here. Monitoring injury news and today's MLB starting lineups is also essential. Now that we got all that out of the way, it's onto the picks! Follow me on Twitter @CaseyW22 for more free betting and DFS advice.

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, FanDuel Pitchers - MLB DFS Lineup Picks

I have decided to post my charts throughout the article that I have been using for DFS. I want to quickly explain the color coding and bolding so you can understand better. That is an elite play if you see bold capital letters and green. Bold letters with green are a great play. Bold letters with yellow is a good play. Bold letters with white are to be used to round out lineups. Letters that are not bold are to be used in MME only for player pools or to round out stacks in a single entry.

Luis Castillo, SEA at. CWS ($10,300 DK, $10,700 FD)

This was tough for me to write up Luis Castillo or Lucas Giolito here. Still, ultimately because Gilito is struggling a bit with form, I have decided to go with Castillo. I will say that the Reds have struck out at a 30.3% clip over their last 30 days against right-hand pitching. If Giolito can figure out how to get more outs, strikeouts undoubtedly have some upside, and there are plenty in this Reds lineup. Castillo has been so good since being traded to the Mariners last season. He has a 27.3% K%, 6.1% BB%, 3.23 ERA, and a 1.05 WHIP on the season.

Castillo will get a matchup tonight against the Chicago White Sox, who have been a disappointment this season. The White Sox owns an 84 wRC+, .293 wOBA, .384 SLG, and a 23.4% K% against right-hand pitching. They made many moves at the deadline shipping off their best bat in Jake Burger. In August, the White Sox owned a 88 wRC+, .299 wOBA, .396 SLG, and 23.9% K%. Castillo is our safe SP1 on the board tonight, but I like Giolito just as much for the upside. I would make sure to get exposure to both tonight if possible.

Drew Rom, STL at. PIT ($4,000 DK, $5,500 FD)

As you all know, price is everything when it comes to DFS. When we get a pitcher making a big league debut at $4,000, it’s hard to look the other way, especially when there is strikeout upside. This is a DraftKings-only play for me at SP2 and someone I likely won’t have in my pool on FanDuel. Rom was one of three prospects acquired by the Cardinals from Baltimore in early August for Jack Flaherty. After two starts in Memphis for the Cardinals Triple-A affiliate, Rom will get the call-up for his major league debut.

In the last two seasons in Triple-A for the Orioles, Rom has floated around 26.0% K %, 1.60 WHIP, 10.0% BB%, 4.00 ERA, and 47.0% GB%. None of these numbers stand out, but his last two starts have dominated. In his two starts for Memphis since the trade Rom has gone five innings and struck out ten and six innings and struck out eight. He has allowed one earned run total in those starts.

He faces a Pirates team that, since the break, has a 59 wRC+, 24.0% K %, .198 AVG, .260 wOBA, and a .288 SLG against left-hand pitching. We don’t need much from Rom at a price, and with the matchup with a struggling Pirates team against left-hand pitching, I love this spot for value.

Also consider: Lucas Giolito, Allan Winans, Paul Blackburn

 

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 Discord Chatrooms, where members can chat with our MLB analysts. Check out this recent big win from RotoBaller's Jon Anderson on DraftKings - join in on the winning!

 

DraftKings, FanDuel Infielders - MLB DFS Lineup Picks

Sean Murphy - C, ATL vs. David Peterson ($5,400 DK, $3,900 FD)

Murphy and the Braves are in an excellent spot tonight against left-handed hurler David Peterson. On the Season, Peterson has allowed a .372 wOBA, .166 ISO, and a 46.7% Hard hit rate to right-handed batters. Over the last 30 days, the numbers have jumped to a .409 wOBA, .200 ISO, and a 46.7% hard-hit rate. He does have a 57.9% GB% to right-handed bats this season, but this Braves team hits the ball in the air a ton. Murphy has a 45.1% FB% on the season with a 188 wRC+, .455 wOBA, and a .625 SLG since the break.

Orlando Arcia - SS, ATL vs. David Peterson ($4,100 DK, $2,700 FD)

Let's stick in the same game here with Orlando Arcia, who has been arguably the best Braves bat against left-hand pitching all season. In 2023 Arcia owns a 196 wRC+, .466 wOBA, and a .677 SLG. He has six of his 14 home runs this season against lefties in a much smaller amount of at-bats.

I love this Braves team tonight, and if you play Rom, you have plenty of salaries to squeeze in the big bats in this lineup, especially with Arcia's value. Add in Murphy, and you solidify a catcher position. Peterson has a 16.9% BB% over his last 30 days, and putting people on base against this Braves lineup is a bad recipe for success.

Ha-Seong Kim - 2B/3B/SS, SD vs. Ryan Weathers ($4,700 DK, $3,100 FD)

Kim has had one of the most underrated seasons in big league history. He gets a matchup with his former teammate Ryan Weathers tonight. Since the break, Kim has a 246 wRC+, .533 wOBA, and a .735 SLG against left-hand pitching. Weathers on the season has a .398 wOBA, .221 ISO, and a 37.4% hard-hit rate against right-hand hitters. This Padres stack will go under the radar tonight, but when facing a lefty that walks many people, they make for one the best stacks on the board.

 

DraftKings, FanDuel Outfielders - MLB DFS Lineup Picks

Julio Rodriguez - OF, SEA vs. Touki Toussaint ($5,900 DK, $4,500 FD)

Julio Rodriguez is the hottest hitter on the planet. Over his last five games, he is 18-27 with two home runs, three doubles, and eight runs batted in. Since August 6, he has a 217 wRC+, .477 wOBA, and a .692 SLG against right-hand pitching. Add in the fact that Touki Toussaint has a .414 wOBA, .263 ISO, and a 66.7% hard-hit rate against right-handed hitters over his last 30 days, and Julio Rodriguez is my top play on the board tonight.

Tyler O’Neill - OF, STL vs. Bailey Falter ($3,700 DK, $2,700 FD)

Since re-joining the Cardinals, Tyler O’Neill has recently found his grove against left-hand pitching. Since July 1, he has a 243 wRC+, .528 wOBA, and a .792 SLG. Bailey Falter has a .337 wOBA, .161 ISO, and a 43.8% hard-hit rate against right-hand hitters this season. O'Neill has five extra-base hits, including three home runs since the all-star break against the split. The price has not caught up to the production, making him an excellent value on tonight's slate.

Chas McCormick - OF, HOU vs. James Paxton ($4,500 DK, $3,600 FD)

McCormick gets a favorable matchup tonight against a left-hand pitcher in which this season he has crushed. McCormick has a 195 wRC+, .451 wOBA, and a .640 SLG against lefties this season. He has been even better in the second half. Since the break, he has a 270 wRC+, .582 wOBA, and a .811 SLG. Paxton has struggled against right-hand hitters over the last 30 days. He has a .389 wOBA, .279 ISO, and a 53.0% hard hit in that period. I look for McCormick and the Astros to have a field day with Paxton tonight at home.

 

DraftKings, FanDuel MLB DFS Stacks

1. Atlanta Braves vs. David Peterson

Favorite Plays: Sean Murphy, Orlando Arcia, Matt Olson, Marcell Ozuna

2. San Diego Padres vs. Ryan Weathers 

Favorite Plays: Ha-Seong Kim, Manny Machado, Gary Sanchez, Juan Soto

3. Boston Red Sox vs. Cristian Javier

Favorite Plays: Rafael Devers, Triston Casas, Pablo Reyes, Justin Turner, Alex Verdugo

4. Seattle Mariners vs. Touki Toussaint

Favorite Plays: Julio Rodriguez, Teoscar Hernandez, Dylan Moore, Ty France, Eugenio Suarez

5. Houston Astros vs. James Paxton

Favorite Plays: Chas McCormick, Jose Altuve, Martin Maldonado, Jeremy Pena

 



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!






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

Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Josh Naylor

Returning to Diamondbacks Lineup
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Oronde Gadsden

an Active Pass-Catcher This Offseason
Brashard Smith

Speed Could be Put to Use
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Pat Bryant

Off to a Good Start
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs With Islanders for Two Years
Cody Barton

Quickly Becoming a Leader With his New Team
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal With Mammoth
Montaric Brown

has Worked With Starters
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Ryan McLeod

Inks Four-Year Extension with Sabres
NAS

Predators Bring in Nick Perbix on Two-Year Deal
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
LA

Cody Ceci Moves to Los Angeles
DET

James van Riemsdyk Joins Red Wings on One-Year Contract
Viktor Arvidsson

Traded to Boston
Charlotte Hornets

Spencer Dinwiddie Lands With Charlotte
Josh Jung

Sent to Triple-A
Jurickson Profar

Officially Reinstated and Hitting in Five-Hole on Wednesday
Spencer Schwellenbach

Going on Injured List With Fractured Elbow
Maxwell Hairston

Facing Sexual-Assault Lawsuit
Tai Felton

Rookie Season Likely to be Spent on Special Teams
LeQuint Allen Jr.

to Have Receiving Role for Jaguars?
Justin Walley

Turning Heads Going into Rookie Season
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
Jamari Thrash

Establishing Himself as Reliable Option
Grayson Murphy

Could Provide Rotational Pass-Rush Depth
Joe Andreessen

in a Good Position to Compete for Backup Job
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Bhayshul Tuten

Needs to Improve Pass Protection
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Brandon Woodruff

Likely to Pitch on Sunday in Miami
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
PHI

Dan Vladar Links Up With Flyers on Two-Year Deal
EDM

Andrew Mangiapane Signs Two-Year Pact With Oilers
SEA

Ryan Lindgren Joins Kraken on Four-Year Contract
PHI

Christian Dvorak Heads to Philadelphia
Logan Stankoven

Signs Long-Term Extension with Hurricanes
NYI

Jonathan Drouin Joins Islanders on Two-Year Contract
NJ

Devils Hand Connor Brown a Four-Year Contract
SJ

John Klingberg Lands in San Jose
William Eklund

Signs Three-Year Extension with Sharks
Will Cuylle

Agrees to Two-Year Contract with Rangers
Zac Gallen

Fans 10 in Tuesday's Win
Hunter Goodman

Hits Two More Homers Tuesday
Josh Hader

Stays Perfect In Save Conversion On Tuesday
Milwaukee Bucks

Taurean Prince Staying in Milwaukee
Shane Baz

Fans 11 Against Athletics
Grant Holmes

Strikes Out 10 in Scoreless Outing
Jeff Green

Signs One-Year Deal to Remain in Houston
T.J. Watt

Trying to Become Highest-Paid Non-QB?
Willson Contreras

Doubtful for Wednesday
George Springer

Clubs Two Homers in Seven-RBI Day
Joshua Palmer

Could be a Sleeper
Los Angeles Lakers

Jake LaRavia Lands with Lakers
Laviska Shenault Jr.

on the Bubble
Orlando Magic

Tyus Jones Signs One-Year Deal With Magic
Raheem Blackshear

to Work Mostly As Special-Teamer
Golden State Warriors

Kevon Looney Heads to New Orleans
Rico Dowdle

Trevor Etienne to Split Carries?
Chuba Hubbard

Should See Majority of Touches in 2025
Milwaukee Bucks

Jericho Sims Staying in Milwaukee
Denver Nuggets

Tim Hardaway Jr. Joins Nuggets
Willson Contreras

Avoids Structural Damage on Hand After HBP
Detroit Pistons

Duncan Robinson Lands With Detroit
Charlotte Hornets

Tre Mann Remaining in Charlotte
Josh Naylor

Scratched From Tuesday's Lineup Against Giants
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
San Francisco Giants

Giants Exercise Bob Melvin's 2026 Option
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Josh Naylor

Back in Action on Tuesday
Yordan Alvarez

Suffers Setback
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Nolan Arenado

Dealing with Finger Sprain
Jacob Wilson

Scratched With Hamstring Soreness
Brandon Woodruff

Ready for Season Debut
Garrett Mitchell

Out for the Rest of the Season
Milwaukee Bucks

Gary Harris Inks Deal With Bucks
Charlotte Hornets

Mason Plumlee Heading Back to Charlotte
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Jakob Poeltl

Agrees to a Contract Extension With Raptors
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Vasilije Micić

Vasilije Micic Dealt to Bucks on Tuesday
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Pat Connaughton

Traded to Hornets
Atlanta Hawks

Luke Kennard Lands in Atlanta
Breece Hall

Aiming to Prove He is "Still One of the Best in the League"
T.J. Watt

Steelers Not Planning to Trade T.J. Watt
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF