MLB DFS Value Vault August 25: Jameson Taillon Takes the Bump
Tonight’s slate is consistent across the board as DraftKings, Yahoo, and FanDuel will all use a six game slate that starts at 7:05 pm ET. Jacob deGrom is on the slate, which means finding value plays is pivotal (although deGrom is underpriced on DraftKings). My top value plays on offense include a pair of Blue Jays in Bo Bichette and Jackie Bradley Jr. We don’t appear to have any MLB weather concerns on this slate, which is nice, but still make sure to check the MLB Weather Center leading up to first pitch. Lastly, don’t forget to check out MLB implied runs totals using our Vegas Odds link and to use our MLB DFS LIneup Generator. Let’s dive into our MLB DFS picks today!
MLB DFS Value Pitchers
Jameson Taillon, Yankees (DraftKings - $7500 / Yahoo - $38)
Taillon has been a little up and down this season, but he has flashed some upside with games in the high 20’s and low 30’s (DraftKings scoring). He has at least four strikeouts in five straight outings and has at least six strikeouts in three of those. The A’s are a prime matchup as they are 29th in runs per game this season and have the 11th-highest strikeout rate in the league.
Jordan Lyles, Orioles (DraftKings - $6700 / Yahoo - $31)
Lyles has been a completely different pitcher at home this season with a 3.13 ERA and DraftKings PPG average of 13.6, compared to a 6.27 ERA on the road with a DraftKings PPG of 11.2. The main difference is that he doesn’t suffer to the long ball at home with just three dingers against in 63.1 innings, compared to 16 home runs given up on the road across 70.1 innings. The White Sox offense has been a major letdown this season and currently rank 20th in runs per game.
MLB DFS Value Hitters
Brett Baty, Mets (DraftKings - $2500 / Yahoo - $7)
Baty has been pretty bad since homering on his first pitch in the big leagues as he has gone just 3-for-26 with zero extra base hits since. He is cheap for good reason, but he is better than this and there is juice in his bat. Today, he gets to face a bad pitcher in Ryan Feltner, who has a 5.88 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, and .270 BAA this season. Feltner has, surprisingly, been worse on the road with a 6.26 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, and .304 BAA away from Coors Field.
Jackie Bradley Jr., Blue Jays (DraftKings - $2000 / FanDuel - $2100 / Yahoo - $9)
JBJ has been a bit more productive of late, going 3-for-13 (.231) with two doubles, four runs, and four RBI over his last four games. He has done nearly all of his damage against righties as he is slashing .231/.271/.346 against them, compared to .125/.210/.214 against lefties. Today, he faces Kutter Crawford, who is a bad pitcher with a 5.14 ERA and he has been shelled by lefties as they are slashing .279/.362/.595 against him, compared to the .238/.284/.331 line righties have produced.
Bo Bichette, Blue Jays (FanDuel - $2900)
I just spoke about how lefties are the ones doing the damage against Crawford this year, so why Bichette? He is simply too cheap on FanDuel for the upside he possesses. He has 17 home runs, seven steals, and 129 total R+RBI across 120 games of action. On top of that, he is a massive reverse splits guy this season, slashing .268/.302/.435 against righties with 15 of those 17 dingers and all seven of his steals, compared to a weak .211/.274/.342 slash line against lefties.
Other Potential Value Plays
- Jeff McNeil, Mets (FanDuel - $2700)
- Shea Langeliers, A’s (DraftKings - $2800)
- Max Kepler, Twins (Yahoo - $7)
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Player News
Shota Imanaga left Tuesday’s start against the Pirates with a trainer.
Imanaga appeared to be in some obvious discomfort after giving up a leadoff double to Andrew McCutchen in the sixth inning and departed with a trainer following a visit from Cubs manager Craig Counsell. The -year-old lefty struck out three over five shutout innings to open the contest. It would be a significant loss for fantasy managers if he were to require an extended absence. There should be an update on his status shortly.
Diamondbacks SS prospect Jordan Lawlar went 2-for-3 with a solo homer and two RBI on Tuesday for Triple-A Reno.
Lawlar continues adding extra defensive versatility to his profile, spending time at both second and third base in recent weeks, and appears to be on the precipice of making it back to the big leagues. The 22-year-old projects as a potential five-category impact fantasy contributor thanks to his power/speed combination. He’s hitting .364 (39-for-107) with 20 extra-base hits — six home runs — and 12 stolen bases through 27 games this season for Triple-A Reno. It’s time.
Twins OF prospect Walker Jenkins (ankle) received a cortisone injection and isn’t expected to return to minor league game action until June.
Jenkins has dealt with an array of physical issues since being selected fifth overall in the 2023 MLB Draft. The immense talent and upside is undeniable, but he’s struggled to stay on the field at times. The 20-year-old top prospect isn’t expected to return to game action at Double-A Wichita until early June after receiving an injection to address lingering ankle soreness. He’s a top-10 prospect for dynasty purposes, but the lost development time is starting to become a minor concern.
Josh Lowe (oblique) took batting practice on Tuesday.
Lowe took on-field batting practice off a pitching machine for the first time since suffering a Grade 2 right oblique strain back on Opening Day. He’s expected to progress to facing live pitching on Friday and could potentially kick of a minor league rehab assignment this weekend in the Rookie-level Florida Complex League. The 27-year-old fantasy standout is likely to require a couple weeks of game action to get back up to speed, but it sounds like he could potentially return by mid-May, barring any setbacks.
Giants signed OF Cal Mitchell to a minor league contract.
It didn’t take Mitchell long to find a new home. The 26-year-old outfielder latches on with the Giants just a couple days after being cut loose by the White Sox. He was hitting .111 (3-for-27) in 10 games at the Triple-A level this season.
Mariners signed RHP Bryan Shaw to a minor league contract.
Shaw fortifies Seattle’s relief depth at Triple-A Tacoma after failing to make the Reds’ season-opening roster in spring training. The 37-year-old journeyman righty has made a whopping 796 appearances in the big leagues dating back to 2011.