The day has finally arrived. The trade deadline is here, but that doesn’t mean the action stops. There’s still money to be made and DFS to be played. The slate is a big one, with 14 games on the menu. Make sure to double and triple check those lineups, as there are still pieces that could be moved and last minute scratches that could impact these lineups and pitching probables. There is potential value all over the place with the roster changes happening today. In this slate, there is a game at Coors, the Dodgers are taking on the A’s, and the Rangers are facing what’s left of the Chicago White Sox. Those should be the main targets for DFS players.

This is for the 8/1 4:05 PM PST classic slate on Draftkings.

Writer’s Record

40-22-1

Baltimore Orioles ML (-108) @ Toronto Blue Jays

It’s good to see Hyun Jin Ryu back after a very long absence. He’ll be taking on the Baltimore Orioles, who sit 6.5 games ahead of Toronto and atop the AL East. Ryu hasn’t made a start since June 2022 and the Orioles are starting Kyle Bradish, who has been excellent. His last start in July, he allowed five runs, but had only allowed a combined three runs in his four other July starts before that.

DFS Pillar Plays

Lance Lynn

Position: P

Salary: $7,900

Talk about a homecoming matchup for newest Dodger, Lance Lynn. Lynn has the worst ERA among qualified pitchers, higher than Jordan Lyles even, at 6.47. With that said, he still ranks 12th in strikeouts on the year and gets to face an Oakland team that is completely rudderless. The A’s have scored the fewest amount of runs this season and rank fourth in total strikeouts. At Lynn’s pricepoint, plus the matchup, it is worth the risk to have him in your lineup. 

Bobby Witt Jr.

Position: SS

Salary: $5,300 

Bobby Witt Jr. has had a ridiculous homestand so far with nine hits, nine RBIs and four extra base hits in just three games. The Royals welcome the floundering Mets, who just traded away their two prized free agent signings and are left with 34-year-old Jose Quintana on the mound. Bobby Witt Jr. is putting together a very impressive season, with 18 home runs and 60 RBIs so far this year. He is also one stolen base away from matching his total of 30 swipes from last season. He is only 23 and is giving Royals fans something to look forward to in the future.   

Adolis Garcia

Position: OF

Salary: $5,500

The Rangers have made their intentions clear with the signing of Max Scherzer. The White Sox, on the other hand, are going in the opposite direction and doing so with no regard for their fans. They will probably look to move Dylan Cease and have already moved Lance Lynn, which is why they have to go with an opener in the first game of this series. Adolis Garcia ranks second among all hitters with 84 RBIs this year and is on a five game hitting streak. Garcia has been a little bit better at Globe Life, hitting 16 of his 25 home runs there this season. He also has a .287 batting average at home vs. a .231 batting average on the road.

DFS Value Plays (<$3500 Salary)

Chris Taylor

Position: 3B/OF

Salary: $3,000

The utility man gives you roster flexibility when building your lineup. He is confirmed to be hitting in the six spot for the home team Dodgers in tonight’s matchup. Ken Waldichuk gets the start, but might not last very long. He has a 7.69 road ERA in 45.2 innings pitched and hasn’t made it past the fifth inning all month. He is used as a reliever at points, but gets the start tonight in what could be a long evening for the A’s, but a short one for Waldichuk. 

Brendan Rodgers

Position: 2B

Salary: $2,600

This is an interesting pitching matchup tonight, as both teams are going with young relievers who haven’t pitched very much this year. Pedro Avila gets the start for the Padres in only his third appearance of the season, which should mean an early trip to the bullpen for San Diego. Most hitters in this game are priced according to the matchup and the venue, but you can find some value in Brendan Rodgers, who made his season debut on Monday. He went 1-for-4 in that one, but the good news is that he returned to the lineup and is good value for a Colorado bat in what should be a high-scoring affair. 

Mike Moustakas

Position: 1B/3B

Salary: $3,200

The Angels have actually been a very formidable road team this season. They trail only the Dodgers in runs scored on the road. Mike Moustakas has had a positive impact on this Angels squad since his arrival. He has five homers, 13 RBIs and 44 total bases in 26 games for the Angels. Spencer Strider has not been unhittable this year and has given up five home runs in just his last three starts. Moustakas is quietly on a 10-game hitting streak.