Dan Johnson gives his top studs and value plays for today’s fantasy baseball slate on DraftKings, which starts at 7:05 p.m. ET.

It’s Yamamoto night for the Dodgers, which means it’s Yamamoto night across all the DraftKings DFS contests. It’s sort of become a marquee event among MLB DFS enthusiasts every turn in Los Angeles’s dangerous rotation, and tonight’s matchup—and slate more broadly—are no exception. Plenty more top targets for baseball’s fantastic full-slate tonight, including plenty of midrange-salary players due to outpace their investment. Let’s get into my favorites below.

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Pitchers

Stud

Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers ($9,900): Yoshinobu Yamamoto enters Monday as a top-tier pitching option with a relatively discounted salary at $9,900. That’s $1,600 less than the slate’s priciest arm, making him a high-upside value for your SP1 slot. The matchup is ideal: he’s facing the Angels, who lead MLB in strikeout rate against right-handed pitching. Los Angeles may only muster two left-handed bats in their lineup, which means Yamamoto can attack a predominantly right-handed order without platoon disadvantages.

Yamamoto’s own metrics underscore his elite form. He carries a 29.2% called-strike-plus-whiff rate (CSW) this season, reflecting dominant swing-and-miss ability on par with the slate’s top arms. In fact, his CSW slightly edges fellow ace Garrett Crochet (29.1% CSW), highlighting just how electric Yamamoto’s stuff has been. In his last outing, Yamamoto induced a career-high 21 swinging strikes en route to nine strikeouts over seven dominant innings, a whiff-fest fueled by his unhittable splitter (.137 average against). He also pounded the zone, opening 17 of 27 batters with strike one, which helped him log seven frames. In fact, 2025 already features five starts where Yamamoto worked 7+ innings, showcasing an efficiency that boosts both his floor and ceiling. With the Angels’ free-swinging tendencies and a power-packed but strikeout-prone lineup, the Japanese right-hander is primed for a big fantasy day. Given his discounted price and ideal circumstances, Yamamoto stands out as a true ace value to build around on this slate. All told, Yamamoto is arguably the top arm on the board once you factor in matchup and salary efficiency. A must-have core play for 8/11/25.

Value

Will Warren, New York Yankees, ($7,500): Will Warren has been consistently underpriced in DFS, and at just $7,500 on DraftKings he’s a prime SP2 candidate again tonight. The rookie right-hander has filled in admirably at the back of the Yankees’ rotation, posting a solid 3.61 FIP with a 26.2% strikeout rate across his starts. In fact, Warren is coming off five shutout innings against the high-powered Rangers, allowing only three hits while fanning five batters – a performance that highlights his upside even versus tough opponents.

Warren’s matchup against the Twins is favorable for his skillset. Minnesota’s lineup is in flux after significant roster turnover, but oddsmakers peg their implied run total around just 3.7 runs despite hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium. That low mark suggests confidence in Warren to keep them in check. The Twins may stack up to five or six left-handed hitters, but few of them pose serious power threats. Kody Clemens is arguably the only lefty with notable pop. Warren’s ability to neutralize a mostly lefty lineup in a park that boosts lefty homers will be key. So far, he’s shown poise beyond his years and the stuff to put hitters away. DFS sites have yet to fully adjust his price upward, so savvy players can continue capitalizing on Warren’s value every time he takes the hill. With the Yankees likely favored at home, he also carries a good chance at securing a win to bolster his DraftKings point total. All things considered, Warren’s delivering performance well above his price tag, making him one of the best pitching values on the slate.

Infield

Stud

Nick Kurtz, Athletics ($6,200): Nick Kurtz may carry a lofty $6,200 DraftKings salary, but he profiles as a slate-breaking bat worth paying up for. The Oakland rookie has an ideal setup at home in Sutter Health Park. It’s a Triple-A bandbox that has been giving pitchers nightmares. With temperatures high and an implied team total near five runs for the A’s, Kurtz’s run-producing opportunities should be plentiful. He’ll have the platoon advantage against Rays right-hander Ryan Pepiot, who oddly has reverse splits (struggles more vs RHB), but Kurtz is essentially matchup-proof in his current form.

Kurtz has been annihilating right-handed pitching to the tune of a .486 wOBA, .376 ISO and 48.5% hard-hit rate, leading to a 1.015 OPS in his debut season. These elite metrics underscore why he’s cruising toward AL Rookie of the Year honors. In fact, Kurtz made MLB history last month by crushing four homers in a single game . The first rookie ever to accomplish that feat. That kind of upside shows why he’s worth every penny of his premium price. Even against Pepiot’s atypical splits, Kurtz’s left-handed bat should thrive. He’s simply seeing the ball exceptionally well and punishing every mistake. Expect him to anchor Oakland’s offense tonight; he’s a prime option for both cash lineups (high floor from that robust OPS) and GPPs (multi-homer upside). Another big game is well within reach, making Kurtz a cornerstone spend-up at first base on this slate.

Stud

Junior Caminero, Tampa Bay Rays ($5,500): Junior Caminero and the Rays also get to benefit from Sacramento’s hitter-friendly environment tonight. While veteran Yandy Díaz might be the more obvious lefty masher on Tampa Bay, we’re highlighting Caminero for his elite power and slightly lower salary. The 21-year-old former top prospect is having a sensational season. He’s already launched 32 homers with 80 RBIs and an .817 OPS. And he’s been on a tear lately, with seven hits and four homers in his last four games.

This matchup sets up well for Caminero to keep raking. He’ll dig in against left-hander Jeffrey Springs, who owns a low 32.1% ground-ball rate and a 12% HR/FB rate, meaning he allows plenty of loft and the long ball. In a park that amplifies power, that is a recipe for damage. Caminero has a .242 ISO against southpaws, so he’s proven he can take lefties deep. Look for him to attack Springs early and often. At $5,500, Caminero offers elite upside at a relative discount from the top tier of bats. With his multi-homer potential and recent locked-in form, he’s an excellent option to anchor your DFS lineups at third base, especially in tournaments where his ceiling can shine. Given his matchup and momentum, Caminero could easily be one of the slate’s highest scorers. He’s a priority in any Rays stack and just as viable as a one-off core play at third base. As one of baseball’s brightest young stars, he’s validating his top-prospect hype and proving he can carry Tampa Bay’s offense.

Value

Nick Gonzales, Pittsburgh Pirates ($3,400): Nick Gonzales is a cheap, under-the-radar target who could deliver big value for his $3,400 salary. Pittsburgh’s offense isn’t on many DFS radars (unless they’re at Coors Field), so Gonzales should carry minimal roster%. But the Pirates get a nice park boost heading into Milwaukee, and Gonzales is slated for a premium lineup spot (likely cleanup) to maximize his opportunities. He profiles as an ideal salary-saver with upside given this matchup against a vulnerable lefty.

The 24-year-old second baseman quietly mashes southpaws: he’s posted a .361 wOBA and 131 wRC+ versus left-handed pitching this year, well above league average. He’ll be opposed by Brewers lefty Jose Quintana, who owns an unimpressive 4.72 FIP and just a 16.6% strikeout rate. Quintana’s low K-rate means Gonzales should make plenty of contact. While Gonzales isn’t a major home run threat, his ability to put the ball in play could translate into a couple of hits, RBIs or extra-base knocks in this hitter-friendly venue. He is not a multi-homer threat for GPPs, but fits the mold of a high-floor cash play – unlikely to post a zero, and any runs or RBIs he drives in will easily exceed value. Even if Milwaukee’s solid bullpen enters to dampen late-inning scoring, Gonzales’s bargain price mitigates the risk. Keep in mind Gonzales fits the mold of cash value perfectly. Penciling him in at 2B frees up salary while still providing a solid expectation of points.

OUTFIELD

Stud

Brent Rooker, Athletics ($5,700): Brent Rooker draws a dream setup on Monday, making him one of the top high-upside outfield plays. He’s playing in Sacramento’s hitter-friendly park. In fact, it’s the second-best run-scoring park in 2025 and seventh-easiest for homers – and he’ll face righty Ryan Pepiot, who has been serving up long balls at an alarming rate. Pepiot has allowed 24 homers already (tied for the fourth-most in MLB) and a .343 wOBA to right-handed hitters, equating to 1.86 HR/9 in same-handed matchups. That’s a green light for Rooker, a same-handed slugger who actually excels against right-handed pitching with a .371 wOBA and .242 ISO.

Rooker’s power bona fides are elite. Since the start of 2023, he’s crushed 93 home runs. That’s the fourth-most among all right-handed batters in that span (trailing only Aaron Judge, Marcell Ozuna and Pete Alonso). His Statcast expected slugging sits at a hefty .523 (90th percentile), so when he connects, he does damage. Lately, he’s been locked in at the plate with four multi-hit performances in his last six games. All signs point to Rooker being worth his $5,700 price tag. He’s “worth paying up for in cash” lineups thanks to his reliability, and he’s an absolute must-have in any Athletics GPP stack alongside Nick Kurtz. With his ability to produce a towering homer (or two) on any given night, Rooker stands out as a prime building block in the outfield. He offers a rare blend of a solid floor (given his recent consistency) and a massive ceiling (thanks to his prodigious power), making him one of the slate’s most appealing pay-up options in the outfield.

Value

Jarren Duran, Boston Red Sox, $4,800: Jarren Duran brings a tantalizing power-speed combo at a mid-range price, and his matchup sets up perfectly. The lefty-swinging Duran will face Astros right-hander Christian Javier, who is making his 2025 debut and is notorious for stark platoon splits – he dominates righties but struggles against left-handed hitters. There’s likely to be some rust and a pitch count for Javier in this first start back, further tilting the advantage to Duran. Boston should slot Duran in the cleanup spot, giving him prime RBI opportunities immediately behind the heart of the order. Crucially, Duran’s DFS salary hasn’t fully caught up to his resurgence; he’s still underpriced relative to his current form.

Duran has punished right-handed pitching this season to the tune of a .384 wOBA and .246 ISO, signaling both high on-base ability and legit pop. Add in his elite speed— he’s swiped 82 bases since the start of 2023—and you have a player who can rack up fantasy points in a variety of ways. A gapper or walk can quickly turn into a double or a stolen base, boosting his upside. With Javier likely not going deep, Duran may also get cracks at the middle of Houston’s bullpen. At $4,800 on DK, he offers an excellent blend of floor and ceiling. He’s an ideal one-off or stack candidate from the Red Sox, capable of contributing across every category (extra-base hits, runs, RBIs, steals) and vastly outpacing his mid-tier price. For a player with his stat profile, Duran’s price point is a steal. He’s one of the best value outfielders on the slate, with the potential to fill up the stat sheet in Houston.

Value

Trent Grisham, New York Yankees ($4,200): Trent Grisham has quietly become an excellent value play atop the Yankees lineup. The left-handed outfielder is enjoying a resurgent season. His .220 ISO is a career high, and he’s significantly improved his plate discipline (walk rate up, strikeout rate down 7% from 2024). Entrenched as New York’s leadoff hitter, Grisham is taking full advantage of the extra at-bats and run-scoring chances that come with batting first. At just $4,200 on DK, he offers a rare blend of power and on-base ability for a leadoff man, all at a bargain price.

Monday sets up perfectly for Grisham to deliver value. The Yankees face rookie right-hander Zebby Matthews, who, despite a big strikeout arm, has been torched by left-handed hitters early in his career. Matthews has allowed a gaudy .374 wOBA and 2.23 HR/9 to lefty bats so far. Those are numbers that spell trouble at Yankee Stadium, where the short right-field porch turns many lefty fly balls into home runs. Grisham himself sports a .351 wOBA and .238 ISO against righties, so he’s well-equipped to take advantage of this matchup. Even if Matthews racks up some strikeouts, Grisham could easily capitalize on any mistakes with an extra-base hit or a homer. Plus, the Twins’ bullpen is now thinner after trading away key arms, which boosts the outlook for late-inning production. Overall, Grisham’s combination of lineup spot, improved skills, and a favorable matchup make him one of the best mid-range outfield targets on the slate. For a player with his stat line versus righties and a premier lineup spot, Grisham is simply underpriced. He should be a core consideration in both cash games and tournaments.