MLB DFS Top Stacks & Top Pitchers: July 2, 2026

Eric MacPherson is back with his daily card, breaking down the hitting stacks and starting pitchers he's targeting on this slate. Take his picks into the Stokastic MLB Sims and build by win probability across thousands of simulated contests.

EARLY Top Stacks 7/2 ⚾️🎇

The Coors Field Extravaganza is the priority, with the CIN at MIL pitcher's duel best left for one-offs. That leaves the Battle for Pennsylvania as the most reasonable source of stacks.

PIT at RHP Alan Rangel 5.3 runs: Despite his worst outing of the season (4 ER, 4 IP, 4 Ks), it appears Rangel will get his first career start, though the Phillies could always revert to having an opener for him. The soon-to-be 29-year-old began his baseball journey back in 2015 with ATL spending 5 years at the Single-A level, before landing in Double-A after the pandemic cancellation of the 2020 MiLB season. He is going to have his hands full with LHBs Brandon Lowe and Ryan O'Hearn, along with switch-hitters Bryan Reynolds and Endy Rodriguez. Keep in mind that Oneil Cruz and Spencer Horwitz are out with injuries, otherwise this would be an even tougher matchup.

PHI vs RHP Jared Jones 5.5 runs: After missing 2024 (ucl), Jones has been brought along slowly, with his 81 throws on Saturday a season high. It would ve a shock to see him with more than 85 pitches and he has closed out the 5th in just one of six appearances. Most of his troubles have come after 50 pitches and during the second-time through the order, though he is averaging a tick under a strikeout per frame. LHBs are his kryptonite, so look to the usual suspects in the top-six this afternoon.

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EARLY Pitchers 7/2 ⚾️ 🏖️

Jacob Misiorowski vs CIN 3.1 runs: There are two aces and then a passel of questions for the 3-game early slate. Misiorowski continues collecting various MLB records with his unparalleled fastball. He also leads the league in strikeouts, Ks/9, Hs/9, BBs/9, WHIP, FIP, ERA, ERA+ and batters left shaking their head in amazement.

Four of the top five in the Cincy projected lineup can be considered high strikeout candidates (HKCs), while the bottom third of the order has almost no power. The Reds last faced Misiorowski in late September, with the current roster having a grand total of 11 ABs against the splendiferous strike thrower.

Chase Burns at MIL 4.0 runs: Today will be the first start for Burns against the Brewers, having faced them for 1.2 innings as part of a bullpen game on the final day of the 2025 regular season. While he has been overshadowed by Misiorowski, like pretty much every pitcher in the league, the 23-year-old has been impressive in his own right, collecting 11 K/9, with a 2.36 ERA being supported by a 2.95 xERA and 3.21 xFIP. The Brew Crew has again put together an offense that is outperforming the individual components, with few weaknesses now that everyone is healthy.

The hope for the rest of the pitchers is to avoid a mound meltdown, which is going to be a tall order for the duo at Coors Field. RHPs Alan Rangel and Jared Jones are likely to each log around 75 pitches, which makes it tougher for either to qualify for the win bonus.

Top Stacks 7/2 ⚾️🎇

TBR at RHP Stephen Kolek 5.6 runs: The Rays have rattled off seven straight, behind the power of Junior Caminero who has homered in six-consecutive games, with nine in his most recent eight appearances. Once again it will be hot and humid in Kauffman Stadium, with a breeze to left. Over the last season-plus, Kolek has an anemic 16.4 K%, with betters from both sides of the plate finding success via extra-base hits this year. Yandy Diaz, Jonathan Aranda and a discounted Victor Mesa round out the core four.

LAD vs RHP Randy Vasquez 5.1 runs: The early season success with a pitching mix change is all but a distant memory for Vasquez. He has suffered 7 runs in each of the last two games and while four were unearned, he still has a 13.5 ERA and just two strikeouts in these 6.2 frames. LA got to him on Saturday and it would not be a surprise to see yet another mound meltdown, courtesy of the usual suspects tonight.

ATL vs RHP Dustin May 4.7 runs: After giving up 13 ERs in his first two starts, Gingergaard settled in for the next dozen games, posting a 2.54 ERA, 3.04 xERA and 3.57 xFIP, accompanied by 8.2 Ks/9. KC got to him for 6 ERs in 2 IP on June 21st, with May missing his next start due to back spasms. The weather is favorable for hitters tonight and the ATL lineup is lengthy, even with Ronald Acuna Jr. on the shelf. The Braves provide a variety of options at various positions and salary levels, creating a viable source of secondary stacks.

CHW at RHP Slade Cecconi 4.5 runs: The ChiSox bring the lumber and Cecconi is susceptible to power. Look to the top-six Pale Hose for tournaments tonight.

Pitchers 7/2 ⚾️ 🚀

Bryce Miller vs LAA 3.3runs: The pitching yesterday was brutal for the "better" options, though today is a new day. It should be no surprise that a Seattle pitcher is being recommended against the Halos, with T-Mobile Park tough on offenses and the Angels offering strikeout upside. Miller has been terrific after missing the early portion of the season with a strained oblique and he should be good for around 90 pitches tonight.

Framber Valdez at TEX 3.9 runs: For the season, Valdez has the worst rates of his career for strikeouts, home runs and ground balls. On a positive note, he was much better in five June appearances, limiting power with a 63.5 GB%, though his 7.4 K/9 rate is merely mediocre. The Rangers can't stay healthy with Corey Seager and Wyatt Langford both back on the IL and Brandon Nimmo is dinged up. This has pushed the middling bats into key roles, while pressing the understudies into regular duty.

Nathan Eovaldi vs DET 3.8 runs: There are four hitters in the projected Detroit line that have a 28+ K% against right-handed hurlers this season. Gleyber Torres, Javier Baez and Wencell Perez being injured have cut into the depth of the Motor City Kitties, positioning Eovaldi for a solid DFS score, though the venerable veteran is still going to have to make it happen.

Roki Sasaki and Davis Martin can be feathered in as SP2s for DK tournaments.

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