We have a full Sunday slate, with some very intriguing afternoon matchups. The Dodgers and Cardinals do battle once again in a series that has felt like an October preview. The Astros and Rangers are returning to full strength, at least in the outfield. Shohei Ohtani takes the mound, which is always appointment viewing. The night game pits two former Cy Young winners against each other and even though they might not be at the peak of their powers, the Mets always provide an entertaining contest. 

This is for the 5/21 1:05 PM PST slate. As always, make sure to check lineups before first pitch. 

Writer’s record

14-14-1

Cleveland Guardians @ New York Mets over 7.5 Runs

This number is too low, given how underwhelming both Shane Bieber and Justin Verlander have been this year. Both starters gave up six runs in their last respective outings. 

Pablo Lopez over 6.5 Strikeouts

Lopez is ranked eighth among starters for strikeouts on the year. In nine starts this year, he’s gotten over 6.5 Ks seven times. In the last three months, the Angels are second-worst in strikeout percentage.

DFS Pillar Plays

Jesus Luzardo

Position: P

Salary: $9,100

Luzardo has gone into the sixth inning in each of his last four starts. He ranks 25th in K/9 (9.6) in all of MLB. The Giants have struck out 103 times in the past two weeks. That’s over 13 games, which gives them eight Ks per game on average.

Juan Soto

Position: OF

Salary: $5,700

The results haven’t been going Juan Soto’s way, but the process should yield more favorable outcomes soon. Unsurprisingly, he’s first in walks and ninth in OBP. Somewhat surprisingly, he’s fifth in Hard Hit % and top-20 in average exit velocity. He hit a HR last night and has a chance to get something going vs. Corey Kluber.  

DFS Value Plays (<$3000 Salary)

Mickey Moniak

Position: OF

Salary: $2,500

The rookie almost hit for the cycle the other day, and in his debut a week ago, on his birthday, went 3-for-4 with a home run. He’s 9-for-20 in seven games since his call up. The young left-handed outfielder is cheap and has a great combination of power and speed. 

Reese McGuire

Position: C

Salary: $2,100

The catching options are very limited on this slate. McGuire will be starting against San Diego in place of Connor Wong and ahead of former Padre, Jorge Alfaro. McGuire is guaranteed to get some at-bats and there’s no reason to spend your bankroll on the other higher priced catchers.

Jared Walsh

Position: 1B

Salary: $2,100

We’re getting in on the ground floor for Jared Walsh here. Yesterday was his first game back from injury and he went 0-for-4, but made contact which yielded an RBI for him and a run for the Angels. He was one of the more productive hitters for the Angels last year and is a very reasonably priced shot in the dark so you can afford Shohei at the pitching spot.