Top Tier
Jacob deGrom, New York Mets ($11.5K on DK, $11.8K on FD)
Noting there's a price to pay for quality, deGrom once again sets the standard on any DFS slate. He's not allowed more than three earned runs in any of his last 30 starts dating back to September 19, 2019 going 14-4 in them with a 1.39 ERA over 181 innings with 205 strikeouts against 31 walks. This season, he's 7-2 with a minuscule 0.95 ERA with 136 strikeouts through 85 innings. He's already tied Randy Johnson (1993 and 1999) with the most starts accruing 14 or more strikeouts (four) in the first half of a season. If deGrom racks up 14 tonight, he takes over the top spot in the record books.
Mid Tier
Carlos Rodón, Chicago White Sox ($10.3K on DK, $10.6K on FD)
His current ranks in the American League in some key indicators: Second in opponents batting average (.177) third in ERA (2.06) and fourth in strikeouts (122). He's recorded at least eight or more strikeouts in each of his last eight starts, one short of tying a team record held by Chris Sale. Over his last five starts he's only 1-1 but with a 3.10 ERA, a 42:13 K:BB over 29 innings and a 1.17 WHIP in them. Focus on his 28.7 strikeout rate against the Twins roster over his career and knowing Nelson Cruz may sit out due to a sore neck.
Aaron Nola, Philadelphia ($10K on both DK and FD)
If searching for a tournament play with strikeout upside, Nola's your guy. His last five starts yielded 40 strikeouts against seven walks over 25 innings fueling a 30 strikeout minus walk percentage. Of course, he's also 1-1 in this stretch with a 6.12 ERA shrouding a 2.69 SIERA. With some positive migration to the mean and the knowledge the Cubs own a 29.2 strikeout percentage the last 30 days with a team 76 weighted runs created plus, Nola may compile double digit strikeouts with a shot at a road win at low ownership on this slate.
Merrill Kelly, Arizona ($9.2K on DK, $8.9K on FD)
For the more risk averse, Kelly at home versus the Rockies may be more enticing, especially in cash contests. He's won three of his last four decisions with a 27:6 K:BB, 3.54 ERA, 3.72 SIERA and 1.11 WHIP since the start of June. At home, his ERA sits at 3.62 this year with 45 strikeouts in 49.2 innings plus a 1.73 ground ball to fly ball rate. Those searching for the quality start bonus with a chance at a home win can look Kelly's way this evening.
Nathan Eovaldi, Boston ($8.9K on DK, $10.3K on FD)
Heed the price disparity between the two sites if looking for a second pitcher with upside on DraftKings. Eovaldi leads all Red Sox starters with nine wins, a 3.41 ERA, 97.1 innings and a 1.20 WHIP. He's recorded seven innings in each of his last two starts and fired seven shutout innings at Kansas City (7 IP, 5 hits, 6 strikeouts) his last time out. Over his last eight starts he's 5-2 with a 2.27 ERA and 43 strikeouts against eight walks over 47.2 innings. He's recorded at least five innings in 15 of his 17 starts while logging six-plus innings in eight this season.
Bargain Arms
Luis Castillo, Cincinnati ($8.5K on both DK and FD)
Damn the torpedoes if riding with Castillo tonight. He's in the midst of 33 straight innings without giving up a home run dating back to June fourth. Since the onset of June, he's 2-2 with a 2.13 ERA and 1.03 WHIP while racking up 38 strikeouts versus 15 walks. Limiting hitters to a .180 batting average over his last 38 innings and sporting the fifth best ERA in the National League in June (1.71), it may be time to ride or die in DFS with him tonight.
Ian Anderson, Atlanta ($8.6K on DK, $8.4K on FD)
If past results repeat themselves, Anderson fired six shutout innings against these same Pirates (sans Ben Gamel) on May 21st striking out six and giving up only six hits for the win. He's 1-1 his last five starts with a 2.76 ERA in 29.1 innings with a 25:6 K:BB and 0.95 WHIP. In an almost must win game for Atlanta, Anderson makes sense for cash games or as a second starter on DraftKings if he can replicate his success versus the Pirates this evening.