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 (6/21/21): MLB DFS Lineups

The top daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 6/21/21. Euan Leith's MLB DFS analysis and sleepers for building optimal DFS rosters.

Happy Monday, RotoBallers! MLB provides six games to comb through as we officially kick off the summer. The Braves and Mets have a double-header, so we lose a Jacob deGrom start, but there are still several enticing arms to roster in our lineups. The first pitch on Monday will be thrown in Baltimore at 7:05 pm ET when the Astros and Orioles begin their series. Then, the West Coast nightcap is some must-watch baseball between the Dodgers and the Padres at 10:10 pm ET. As for the weather, there's no rain in the forecast, but the wind is expected to be blowing out in Camden Yards and blowing in at Wrigley Field.

I want to play Yu Darvish tonight, but I can't ignore how lethal the Dodgers can be against right-handed pitching. Since May 1, they only strike out 20.54 percent of the time and crush righties with a .339 weighted On Base Average and 119 weighted Runs Created Plus. I'll likely have some exposure to Darvish on Monday, but not as much as I usually would like. Outside of Darvish, there is Tyler Mahle, Frankie Montas, Julio Urias above $9,000, and I have this strange gut feeling about Merrill Kelly doing some good things against Milwaukee in Arizona.

This article will provide you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 6/21/2021. 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.

 

DraftKings DFS Starting Pitchers

Tyler Mahle - P, CIN at MIN ($9,800)

The last time Mahle was on the mound, he produced the best DraftKings start of his career. The righty threw six innings of one-run ball in Milwaukee, allowing three hits and two walks with 12 strikeouts. His performance produced a massive 35.3 fantasy points and surely won a lot of contests for DFS players. It was the second time in his career with 12 strikeouts (the last time was 2018), and it was the third time in his previous four starts where he's scored at least 28 DraftKings points. In addition, Mahle is playing some of the best baseball of his career in June. The 26-year old is sporting a 2.63 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, and an elite 36.6 percent strikeout rate in his last four starts. While the Twins aren't an offense to target, their 23 percent K rate and 102 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers shouldn't scare anyone away from using Mahle in any contest.

Frankie Montas - P, OAK at TEX ($9,400)

You could go with some riskier arms with your SP2, but I want to make sure I get my pitchers right on a six-game slate. Montas is in a great spot to continue his dominant run of form against a weak-hitting Texas outfit. While his season-long line isn't the most glamorous (4.21 ERA, 1.31 WHIP), recently, he's been racking up the strikeouts. In Montas' last five starts, the right-handed hurler has 36 strikeouts in 30 innings to go along with a 3.30 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. The strikeouts are crucial because the 3.30 ERA means he's allowing runs, but in DK, we get a lot of value from the Ks. He's got at least seven in four of his last five starts, and his 21.06 FPPG average in his last five games puts him firmly in the mix as a low SP1 or expensive and reliable SP2.

Other options: Yu Darvish vs. LAD ($10,200), Julio Urias at SD ($9,100), Merrill Kelly vs. MIL ($7,400), Brett Anderson at ARI ($6,500),

 

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

Tyler Stephenson - C, CIN at J.A. Happ ($3,700)

Good things happen when Tyler Stephenson faces left-handed pitching. While he and the Reds won't be in their home run-friendly ballpark, a matchup with J.A. Happ should soothe any concerns for DFS players. In 2021, Stephenson is slashing .295/.354/.614 when facing southpaws while tagging them for eight extra-base hits (three home runs) and nine RBI in just 44 at-bats. The Reds haven't seen a lefty on the mound since June 15, but Stephenson was right there on the lineup card as the cleanup hitter behind the likes of Jonathan India and Nick Castellanos.

Ryan Mountcastle - 1B/OF, BAL vs. Jake Odorizzi ($4,100)

The Orioles gave Mountcastle a day off on June 15th, and he's been electric since the mental rest day. In the five games since his return, the outfielder is slashing .524/.524/.1.095 with five runs, four home runs, and eight RBI. These results are a far cry from his season-long .764 OPS. Mountcastle will see Odorizzi on the mound tonight, and he should be a part of a contrarian stack versus a top-rated Houston lineup.

Jose Altuve - 2B, HOU at Keegan Akin ($5,500)

Altuve has handled the transition back to the leadoff spot in Houston superbly this season. In 60 games, the 2017 MVP owns a .883 OPS with 53 runs, 16 home runs, and 39 RBI. His RBI total is relatively impressive for a leadoff man, thanks to how dangerous Houston is up and down their lineup. The Astros shouldn't have any problems putting up a few crooked numbers on Keegan Akin tonight. Since May 1, the Astros have put together a .356 wOBA and a 132 wRC+ against southpaws. While expensive, Altuve is going to get plenty of chances to score and drive in runs. Plus, he may even blast a ball out of the park, which he's done six times in his last 10 games.

Abraham Toro - 3B, HOU at Keegan Akin ($2,100)

It's not very often a player goes 7-for-11 in a weekend series, and then DraftKings lowers his salary cap hit. However, that's where we find ourselves with Abraham Toro after he took on the everyday role to replace the injured Alex Bregman (quad). In his three games against the White Sox, Toro earned a 1.576 OPS with three runs, a home run, five RBI, and a stolen base. Unfortunately, he hit in the bottom third of the lineup each day, but, as previously mentioned, this Astros lineup is so explosive that even the seventh hitter in their lineup can put up a ton of fantasy points.

Jorge Polanco - 2B/SS, MIN vs. Tyler Mahle ($4,600)

After a sluggish start to the 2021 season, Polanco is turning things around despite the Twins' struggle in the standings. Since Memorial Day (May 31), the infielder slashes .297/.338/.568 with a .382 wOBA and 144 wRC+ to back up the surface stats. His last 10 games have been particularly spectacular, with a .973 OPS to go along with 11 runs, three doubles, three home runs, six RBI, and two stolen bases. While Tyler Mahle shouldn't have a problem against most of this Twins lineup, Polanco is one player I can see succeeding on Monday night.

 

DraftKings DFS Outfielders

Tommy Pham - OF, SD vs. Julio Urias ($4,600)

The adage "Patience is a virtue" comes to mind when looking at Tommy Pham's 2021 game log. Before a May 15th game versus the Cardinals, Pham slashed .186/.314/.196 and looked powerless at the plate. Thankfully, he's put all that behind him and has been crushing the baseball for the last five weeks. In the 34 games since his season-low slash line, the 33-year old is sporting a 1.001 OPS with 26 runs, seven doubles, two triples, six homers, 16 RBI, and eight stolen bases. He's averaging 10.2 fantasy points per game in this stretch and is flourishing atop the Padres lineup.

Michael Brantley - OF, HOU at Keegan Akin ($3,900)

Brantley is one of the oldest players in the Houston lineup, but he's a steadying presence for a lineup filled with power. When you need a single, he slaps a base hit. When you need a double, he hammers a two-bagger. His hitting ability is so good; you're legitimately surprised when he makes an out. Over his last 10 games, the four-time All-Star is hitting .500/.556/.750 and is entering Camden Yards in peak form. Despite seeing a lefty on the mound, Brantley can still contribute to your DFS lineup. At $3,900, he should be relatively easy to fit into a Houston stack and provide a less popular avenue to grab a piece of the Astros.

Aristides Aquino - OF, CIN at J.A. Happ ($3,500)

My home-run hunting pick for Monday is Aquino. He's made three appearances since returning from the IL, but two were in Milwaukee, and one of those two same him smash the ball out of the park. With Minnesota sending J.A. Happ to the mound, the Reds should switch out Tyler Naquin for Aquino, but Scott Heineman could steal a spot start. So make sure to check Cincinnati's lineup as soon as possible to either add or remove Aquino from your lineup. The slugger doesn't make a ton of contact (career .236 batting average), but when he does, it goes a long way (.298 ISO).

 

DraftKings DFS Stacks

  • Houston Astros at Baltimore Orioles (Keegan Akin, LHP)
  • Oakland Athletics at Texas Rangers (Kyle Gibson, RHP)
  • Sneaky stack: Los Angeles Dodgers at San Diego Padres (Yu Darvish, 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


Seahawks Select Quarterback Jalen Milroe With The 92nd Pick Overall

Browns Select Dillon Gabriel 94th Overall

Packers Pick Savion Williams At No. 87 overall

Steelers Snag Kaleb Johnson In Round 3

Broncos Select Wide Receiver Pat Bryant With The 74th Overall Pick

Texans Select Jaylin Noel With 79th Pick

Lions Select Wide Receiver Isaac TeSlaa With The 70th Overall Pick
Jack Leiter

To Start On Sunday

Patriots Add Wide Receiver Kyle Williams In Round 3

Browns Draft Harold Fannin Jr. With 67th Pick
Garrett Mitchell

Makes Early Exit
Luke Keaschall

Removed Early On Friday
Blake Snell

Likely Avoids Major Injury
Cole Ragans

Dealing With Mild Groin Strain

Broncos Add RJ Harvey To Backfield With 60th Pick

Raiders Select Jack Bech With 58th Pick

Chargers Add Wide Receiver Tre Harris In Round 2
Detroit Lions

Lions Acquire 57th Pick From Broncos

Seahawks Draft Elijah Arroyo 50th Overall
Carolina Panthers

Panthers Acquire 51st Pick From Broncos
Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals Snag Will Johnson At No. 47

Jets Add A Pass-Catcher With Mason Taylor At No. 42

Rams Select Terrance Ferguson With 46th Pick
Houston Texans

Texans Acquire 48th Pick From Raiders, Draft Aireontae Ersery

Saints Snag Tyler Shough At No. 40
Brenton Doyle

Out For Personal Reasons On Friday

Bears Draft Luther Burden In Round 2
Brandin Podziemski

Not On Injury Report For Game 3
Jimmy Butler III

Warriors Optimistic About Jimmy Butler III Playing Saturday
Jae'Sean Tate

To Remain Out Saturday
Jock Landale

Unavailable For Game 3
Terry Rozier

Out On Saturday
Jrue Holiday

Ruled Out For Friday Night's Game 3 Against Orlando
Kevin Love

To Miss Saturday's Game
Jaylen Brown

Available For Friday Night's Game 3 Against Magic
Gary Payton II

Iffy For Saturday's Action
Jayson Tatum

Officially Available On Friday For Game 3 Against Magic
Will Smith

Back From Injury On Friday
Luke Kennard

Questionable For Game 4 On Saturday
Darius Garland

Listed As Questionable For Game 3
Ja Morant

To Miss Game 4 On Saturday
Rui Hachimura

Available For Game 3 In Minnesota
Aaron Ekblad

Available To Return Saturday
Erik Swanson

Ryan Burr Progressing
Daulton Varsho

To Return On Tuesday At The Latest
Max Scherzer

Takes Positive Step On Friday
Aleksander Barkov

Questionable For Saturday
Gabriel Landeskog

Set For Larger Role In Game 4
Calvin Pickard

To Start Game 3 For Oilers
Randy Arozarena

Resting For First Time This Year
Jonas Siegenthaler

To Play Limited Minutes In Game 3
MLB

Red Sox-Guardians Game Postponed On Friday
Luke Hughes

Remains Out On Friday
MLB

Tigers-Orioles Postponed On Friday
Patrik Laine

A Game-Time Decision Friday
Yainer Diaz

Out On Friday Against Royals
Iván Herrera

Ivan Herrera Hopes To Start Rehab Assignment Next Week
Salvador Perez

Sitting Out For First Time This Season
Jaylen Brown

Questionable For Game 3 On Friday
Brendan Donovan

Back In Action On Friday
Jimmy Butler III

Could Miss Game 3 On Saturday
Coby Mayo

Getting On A Roll At Triple-A
Moises Ballesteros

Riding An 11-Game Hit Streak
Victor Mesa Jr.

Starting Rehab Assignment On Saturday
Ryan Weathers

To Begin Rehab Assignment On Sunday
Carlos Prates

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Ian Machado Garry

Set For UFC Kansas City Main Event
Cade Cunningham

Collects Double-Double In Loss
Jalen Brunson

Drops 30 Points In Game 3
Karl-Anthony Towns

Leads All Scorers In Game 3 Victory
Zhang Mingyang

Scheduled For Co-Main Event
Anthony Smith

Set For His Final UFC Bout
David Onama

Set For Featherweight Bout
Giga Chikadze

Looks To Bounce Back
Abus Magomedov

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Michel Pereira

Returns To Action At UFC Kansas City
Nicolas Dalby

An Underdog At UFC Kansas City
Randy Brown

A Favorite At UFC Kansas City
Andre Muniz

Set To Open Up UFC Kansas City Main Card
Ikram Aliskerov

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Sergei Bobrovsky

Shuts Out Lightning In Game 2
Cam Fowler

Finishes Thursday's Win With Five Points
Robert Thomas

Posts Four Assists In Game 3 Win
Pavel Buchnevich

Celebrates Hat Trick During Four-Point Performance
Dylan DeMelo

Battling An Illness
Marcus Johansson

Exits Early Thursday
Aleksander Barkov

Hurt In Game 2
Jrue Holiday

Tagged As Questionable For Friday
Jayson Tatum

Likely Out Again On Friday
Anthony Cirelli

Good To Go Thursday
Andrei Vasilevskiy

Looks To Bounce Back In Game 2
Rasmus Ristolainen

To Miss Training Camp
Jonas Siegenthaler

Returns To Practice
Aliaksei Protas

Traveling With Capitals
Gabriel Vilardi

Still Out On Thursday
Max Pacioretty

Set To Join Maple Leafs Lineup For Game 3
Cam Davis

Looking For Better Fortunes At TPC Louisiana
Adam Svensson

Making Third Apperence At Zurich Classic
Max Greyserman

Aiming For Similar Success At TPC Louisiana
Lee Hodges

A High-Upside Player In New Orleans
PGA

Nico Echavarria Looks To Ride Off Of Elite Putting In New Orleans
Gary Woodland

A Player Worth Watching In New Orleans
Max McGreevy

Returns To The Zurich Classic Of New Orleans
Rasmus Hojgaard

In Search Of Consistency Ahead Of Zurich Classic
Sam Stevens

A Boom-Or-Bust Candidate In New Orleans
Nicolai Hojgaard

Looking To Turn Season Around At Zurich Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Looks To Sway A Hot Putter In Teams Favor At Zurich Classic
Akshay Bhatia

Looking To Bounce Back At TPC Louisiana
Carson Young

Looks To Turn Things Around At TPC Louisiana
Erik Van Rooyen

Looking For Momentum In Louisiana
Andrew Novak

Making Start At TPC Louisiana After Near Miss At Harbour Town
Ben Griffin

Making Third Career Start At Zurich Classic
Taylor Moore

Competing With A New Teammate In New Orleans
Wyndham Clark

Making Return To New Orleans
Kurt Kitayama

Teeing It Up Again In New Orleans
Collin Morikawa

Back At Zurich Classic For Fifth Time
Thomas Detry

Making Third Appearance At New Orleans Team Event
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF