MLB DFS Top Stacks & Top Pitchers: July 21, 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.

Top Stacks 7/21 ⚾️🎇

The Coors Field Extravaganza is pushing through a 13.5 game total with a pair of dreadful pitchers being asked to go into battle, accompanied by 80+ degree temperatures with a 5-10mph breeze to left. Enjoy!

ARZ vs RHP Jack Perkins 5.3 runs: In his last seven outings, Perkins does have 39 Ks in 29.2 IP, though 16 BBs and 9 HRs have led to a whopping 27 ERs in this stretch. The top-six D'backs are in play, particularly those swinging the stick from the left-side of the plate, along with Tim Tawa, regardless of where he is in the order.

SFG at RHP Luinder Avila 4.9 runs: It will be hot and humid at Kauffman Stadium, which should somewhat mitigate the 8-12mph breeze in from left. Since his 8 ER mound meltdown against HOU, while getting only a pair of outs, Avila has survived with 8.0 K/9, though the 4.4 BB/9 show the potential pain that is lurking under the surface as does his 4.73 xERA vs a 3.65 ERA in this period. We should see him for the next half decade, but overall he still lacks high-level innings and has just begun his MLB adventures. The top-seven G-men are all viable clicks.

KCR vs RHP Tyler Mahle 4.9 runs: Bobby Witt Jr. (back) left early yesterday after sitting on Sunday, if he is out there will be less tournament representation for the Royals, with other players getting a lineup slot upgrade. There is merit for anyone taking the field this evening and it should be noted that when healthy over the last handful of seasons, Mahle has struggled with RHBs, but do not ignore the KC LHBs.

Pitchers 7/21 ⚾️💪

Chase Burns at SEA 3.9 runs: The M's are much better against RHPs, though the projected lineup does have a trio of hitters with a 30%+ K-rate against righties this season. Burns has been excellent from a strikeout perspective and there is a chance that J.P. Crawford (wrist) and Julio Rodríguez (various) sit this one out. Even if they are in (which they are for these projections) Burns still gets to ply his trade in the extreme pitcher's park.

Kevin Gausman vs TBR 3.7 runs: Last night the Rays ended up winning 7-1, though all three HRs were solo shots, along with two unearned runs against RHP Dylan Cease. Gausman has the same task of mitigating the top-heavy lineup led by All-Stars Junior Caminero and Yandy Diaz, along with bopper Jonathan Aranda. Tampa does a good job of limiting strikeouts, but the bottom of the order is ripe for being attacked.

Luis Castillo vs CIN 3.8 runs: There is a good chance that the BAL@BOS game is rained out, which will remove Kyle Bradish and Ranger Suarez, which begrudgingly puts Castillo in play. The salary, matchup and venue help cover for the lack of K-upside as a DK SP2, but with the venerable veteran closing out the 6th-inning in just 4 of 15 starts, he is a dicey gambit on FanDuel.

Reynaldo Lopez vs SDP 4.3 runs: The Padres have been a bottom-five offense for most of the season, regardless of the data cut. For the last month, the team has been working out of the doldrums, but the default is still to pick on them. Lopez has his own deficiencies, including a lack of strikeouts, leaving him best utilized as a DK SP2 for just $7.1k..

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