MLB DFS Picks: DraftKings Plays and Strategy for Monday, May 20

Fontaine's 5 Monday MLB Slate Breakdown

Most Mondays tend to be light on games, but not today! We've got 11 games on the docket, with nine taking place in the evening. We'll focus on these evening matchups as we break down the best pitchers and hitters for your DFS lineups. Let's dive in!

Pitching Picks

Framber Valdez, HOU vs. LAA ($8,800)

Valdez has been one of the most consistent pitchers since 2022, boasting a 3.12 ERA and 1.15 WHIP. Despite a couple of rough outings this season, he maintains a solid 2.95 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. He's scored at least 19 DraftKings points in every other start, including a 1.35 ERA and 0.86 WHIP in those games. Facing an Angels lineup missing key players like Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, and Anthony Rendon, Valdez is a -200 favorite and a prime pick for your lineup.

Reese Olson, DET at KC ($6,900)

Don't be fooled by Olson's 0-4 record. His 2.09 ERA and 0.99 WHIP speak volumes about his performance. Olson has allowed one run or fewer in six of his eight starts, scoring at least 15 DraftKings points in those games. Kansas City's recent decline, ranking 24th in OBP over the last 30 days, makes Olson a sneaky value pick.

Top Targets

Shohei Ohtani, LAD (vs. Slade Cecconi) $6,500

Ohtani is a DFS must-have right now. He's been on fire with 13 homers, 11 steals, 36 runs, and 32 RBI, coupled with a .418 OBP. Over his last 38 games, he's posted a .444 OBP and 1.178 OPS. Facing a pitcher with a 5.27 ERA, Ohtani is set to shine. Consider stacking him with Mookie Betts ($6,000) and Freddie Freeman ($5,500) for maximum impact.

Jazz Chisholm, MIA (vs. Joe Ross) $5,100

Chisholm has turned his season around with a .396 OBP and .968 OPS over his last 12 games, including two homers and three steals. He excels against right-handers, with a .867 OPS since 2022. Joe Ross's 4.76 ERA and 1.40 WHIP make this a favorable matchup for Chisholm.

Bargain Bats

Alex Bregman, HOU (vs. Reid Detmers) $4,200

Bregman is finding his form with a .333 AVG and 1.008 OPS over his last 10 games. Historically strong against lefties, Bregman has a .374 OBP and .869 OPS against them. Facing a struggling Detmers, he's a great value play.

Nolan Gorman, STL (vs. Dean Kremer) $3,200

Gorman is heating up with three homers in his last seven games, posting a .464 OBP and 1.247 OPS. He excels against righties with a .227 ISO and .765 OPS. Kremer's 4.75 career xFIP against lefties makes Gorman a solid bargain bat.

Stacks to Consider

Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Angels (Reid Detmers)

• Kyle Tucker ($6,100)

• Jose Altuve ($5,500)

• Alex Bregman ($4,200)

Detmers has struggled mightily, with an 8.46 ERA and 1.66 WHIP over his last five starts. The Astros' lineup, particularly Tucker, Altuve, and Bregman, should capitalize on Detmers' woes.

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Miami Marlins (Ryan Weathers)

• William Contreras ($5,800)

• Willy Adames ($5,000)

• Joey Ortiz ($3,500)

Weathers has a career 5.38 ERA and 1.44 WHIP, and the Brewers' potent lineup will look to exploit that. Contreras, with a .426 OBP and .980 OPS this season, is particularly strong against lefties. Adames and Ortiz provide additional firepower to this stack.

Get ready for an exciting Monday slate, and make sure to lock in your best picks and stacks for a winning DFS lineup!