MLB DFS: Not a Bad Idea to Load Up on O’s

Even against a good Rays pitcher, Baltimore hitters offer good value Monday night.

Sometimes if you want to win a DFS prize pool, you have to be a little contrarian.

That’s why I am going to suggest using some Orioles tonight vs. the Rays.

And yes, I know Shane McClanahan is pitching, and he is the highest-priced pitcher on the slate.

I told you, it’s contrarian!

Hang with me here…

The Orioles are proving to be a much better team than people expected. Not only are they second in AL East behind the Rays with 22 wins, they also have the second-best run differential (+29).

The two teams have almost identical bullpen ERAs, both among the best in the league.

Orioles centerfielder Cedric Mullins :: Tommy Gilligan/USA Today Sports

McClanahan is the far superior starter in this matchup against Kyle Gibson for the O’s, but with the run total set at 8.5, I don’t think this game is one-sided. Yes, the Rays will score runs (their run differential is an incredible +129, by the way), but the Orioles will, too, if history is any guide.

Check out these numbers for Orioles hitters vs. McClanahan:

• In 17 career at-bats, Cedric Mullins has two home runs and an OPS of 1.095.
• In 17 career at-bats, Anthony Santander is hitting .294.
• In 13 career at-bats, Ramon Urias is hitting .308 with three extra-base hits.
• In 10 career at-bats, Jorge Mateo is hitting .400 with an OPS of .863.

So use Rays tonight, but don’t forget those pesky Orioles. They just might surprise you.