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

Main Slate - DraftKings, FanDuel Daily Fantasy Baseball Picks (8/16/23): Today's Top MLB DFS Lineups

Luis Castillo - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Draft Sleepers, MLB Injury News

The top main-slate daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for FanDuel and DraftKings on August 16, 2023. Kevin Hickey's MLB DFS analysis and sleepers for building optimal DFS rosters.

Happy Wednesday, RotoBallers! I'm excited to be covering another fun DFS slate. The MLB season has been good to me in the early going, so I'm looking forward to sifting through another crop of games. Let's break down my favorite plays from today's main slate!

With several games scattered throughout the day, we're left with an eight-game evening main slate. Today's matchups feature no shortage of pitching options, opening up plenty of opportunities to get creative with your lineup builds. I'll point out the standout plays.

This article will provide my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks on 8/16/2023 and the main 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. It's also essential to monitor injury news and today's MLB starting lineups. Now that we got all that out of the way, it's onto the picks!

Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 30% off using code NEW! 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

Luis Castillo, SEA vs. KC ($9,600 DK, $10,500 FD)

All things considered, Luis Castillo is my favorite pitcher on this slate. Through 24 outings, he sports a 3.70 xERA and 3.62 xFIP. That includes a .299 xwOBA alongside similarly impressive numbers, like a .224 xBA, 6.2% walk rate, 32.1% whiff rate, and 28.2% strikeout rate. Castillo has developed a stable floor thanks to his strikeout production, punching out at least six in five consecutive starts, accruing at least 24 DK points in four of those appearances.

The Royals are among the most advantageous matchups Castillo could draw. They score just 3.9 runs per game on the season. Kansas City carries an awful 85 wRC+ against right-handed pitching, including a .691 OPS, .300 wOBA, and 23.5% strikeout rate. Castillo struggles with surrendering power to lefties, but the Royals lack significant left-handed power. All the optics are good here.

Kevin Gausman, TOR vs. PHI ($10,500 DK, $11,100 FD)

In terms of ceiling, nobody on this slate rivals Gausman. He carries a 3.73 xERA and a phenomenal 2.91 xFIP through 23 starts this season. That consists of a .300 xwOBA, .236 xBA, and a 6% walk rate. There's a bit more volatility in his underlying metrics compared to Castillo, but Gausman's outstanding 32.5% strikeout rate illustrates his upside. He's managed at least six strikeouts in eight consecutive outings entering today and has accrued double-digit punchouts seven different times this season.

The Phillies are a much more imposing opponent than the Royals, but it's still a good spot for Gausman. Philadelphia sports a subpar 98 wRC+ against right-handed pitching, alongside a .736 OPS, .319 wOBA, and a 23.3% strikeout rate. In total, they score a middling 4.6 runs per game on the season. There's always a chance guys like Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Nick Castellanos cause problems for Gausman, but a double-digit strikeout performance is well within the range of outcomes.

Also consider: Blake Snell, James Paxton, MacKenzie Gore

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

Mookie Betts – 2B/OF, LAD vs. Wade Miley ($6,200 DK, $4,400 FD)

Betts is never a bad bet (pun, but true). It may not feel like it, but he's having one of the best offensive seasons of his career. Betts is slashing .289/.389/.579 with 31 home runs. That includes a .565 xSLG, .405 xwOBA, 13.4% barrel rate, 49% hard-hit rate, and 92.5 MPH average exit velocity.

On the surface, Miley is having a great season. His ERA sits at 2.90 through 15 starts, but the underlying numbers are much uglier. Miley sports a 4.68 xERA and 4.79 xFIP. That includes a .442 xSLG, .263 xBA, and .333 xwOBA. He's been lucky this season and the Dodgers are the right opponent to expose that.

Jeimer Candelario – 1B/3B, CHC vs. Mike Clevinger ($4,700 DK, $3,300 FD)

Candelario has been an underrated bat all season. He's slashing .274/.355/.493 with 17 home runs. The switch-hitter has been particularly effective against right-handed pitching, slugging .535 against righties. Candelario's multi-positional flexibility makes him easy to slot into lineups.

Mike Clevinger is another arm whose surface stats defy the advanced metrics. Despite a 3.55 ERA, he carries a 4.59 xERA with a .418 xSLG, .251 xBA, and .330 xwOBA. Left-handed hitters are slugging .439 against Clevinger with a .326 wOBA.

Eugenio Suarez – 3B, SEA vs. Alec Marsh ($4,100 DK, $2,700 FD)

Much like the rest of the Mariners' offense, it's been an up-and-down season for Suarez. Still, his upside is tangible, and the advanced metrics are encouraging. Suarez boasts an impressive 12.8% barrel rate, along with a .438 xSLG, 44.5% hard-hit rate, 90.7 MPH average exit velocity, and .336 xwOBA. 15 of his 16 home runs this season have come against right-handed pitchers.

Alec Marsh's early MLB results have not been pretty. Through 33 innings pitched, he owns a 6.05 xERA and 5.37 xFIP. That includes a horrible .488 xSLG, 10.5% barrel rate, .255 xBA, and .372 xwOBA.

 

DraftKings, FanDuel Outfielders - MLB DFS Lineup Picks

Juan Soto – OF, SD vs. Dean Kremer ($5,700 DK, $3,700 FD)

Overshadowed by the underperformance of the Padres, Soto is having another great season. He boasts an outstanding 153 OPS+ and 24 home runs. That includes a .507 xSLG, 57.8% hard-hit rate, 93.2 MPH average exit velocity, .395 xwOBA, and 12.7% barrel rate. Against right-handed pitchers, Soto is slugging .549 with a 163 wRC+.

Dean Kremer has been hit a lot harder than his 4.50 ERA tells us. He sports an atrocious 4.90 xSLG, .277 xBA, 10.2% barrel rate, 43.9% hard-hit rate, and 90.5 MPH average exit velocity. Left-handed hitters are slugging .515 against Kremer this season, part of a .454 career mark.

Michael Harris II – OF, ATL vs. Randy Vasquez ($4,400 DK, $2,900 FD)

With Ozzie Albies on the injured list, Michael Harris II has been promoted to the second spot in the batting order. It may not seem like a huge difference, but considering he was hitting in the nine-hole before, that equates to an extra at-bat in most scenarios. Harris sports an outstanding .288 xBA this season, including a .458 xSLG, 46.1% hard-hit rate, .347 xwOBA, and 90.6 MPH average exit velocity.

Randy Vasquez carries an impressive 1.89 ERA through his first 19 career MLB innings, but nothing suggests the good times will last. He sports an uglier 4.91 xERA and 5.98 xFIP. Further, Vasquez posted an underwhelming 4.76 ERA and 4.61 xFIP across 16 starts in Triple-A this season. He's ill-equipped to handle this potent Atlanta Braves lineup.

MJ Melendez – OF, KC vs. Luis Castillo ($2,700 DK, $2,800 FD)

If you're not rostering Luis Castillo, then Melendez is a worthwhile one-off. His .222/.298/.379 slash line isn't terribly impressive, but he does own an exciting 51.2% hard-hit rate, 93.6 MPH average exit velocity, and 12.5% barrel rate. Melendez's upside exceeds his affordable price, and he's been hitting well lately.

For as good as Luis Castillo is, left-handed hitters are a problem. Lefties are slugging .441 against him this season, part of a .412 career mark. They've also posted 16 home runs versus Castillo in 2023. I wouldn't recommend stacking against him, but Melendez is cheap and the closest thing the Royals have to a left-handed impact bat.

 

DraftKings, FanDuel MLB DFS Stacks

Atlanta Braves vs. Randy Vasquez

Favorite Plays: Matt Olson, Ronald Acuna Jr., Michael Harris II, Austin Riley, Marcell Ozuna

Chicago Cubs vs. Mike Clevinger

Favorite Plays: Cody Bellinger, Dansby Swanson, Jeimer Candelario, Nico Hoerner, Ian Happ

Also Consider: Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres



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

Griffin Conine

To Have Shoulder Surgery On Tuesday
Luke Keaschall

Twins Prospect Luke Keaschall Suffers Broken Forearm
Logan Gilbert

Leaves Friday's Start With Forearm Tightness

Vikings Select Tai Felton To Finish Day 2

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
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
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