MLB DFS Top Stacks & Top Pitchers: July 29, 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 Pitchers 7/29 ⚾️ 🏖️

Quick hits for the ridiculously early MLB action on DK/FD.

Tarik Skubal vs BAL 3.4 runs: The Motor City Kitties elected not to extend Skubal's contract and now he is the subject of major trade rumors. The Tigers are 3.5 games out of the final Wild Card slot, but there are five teams ahead of them. The reigning two-time Cy Young Award winner is matchup proof and while Detroit may not push him beyond six innings as they figure things out, he is still a strong play.

Jesus Luzardo at MIA 3.7 runs: The 72 strikeouts in the last 49.1 innings are amazing and Luzardo's former team has four high-strikeout candidates (HKCs) in the projected lineup, with very limited pop from the bottom-third of the card.

Jared Jones vs ARZ 4.1 runs: The Pirates have been easing Jones back from his Tommy John surgery, with a semi-soft cap of 75-80 pitches. He has been efficient in closing out the sixth inning in two of the last three games, collecting 22 Ks in 17 innings with just two "Ernies" and a pair of free passes.

Trevor Rogers at DET 4.4 runs: Shout out to Rogers who has held the opposition to three or fewer earned runs in his last nine appearances. There are four HKCs in the lineup, giving Rogers some DFS appeal.

EARLY Top Stacks 7/29 ⚾️🎇

TOR at RHP Zack Littell 5.0 runs: We may see an opener for Littell, as that has been the strategy in 3 of the last 4 games, but do not let that dissuade you from rolling with the Blue Jays. Toronto has scored the fewest runs in the league, though this is a get right spot. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. left yesterday's game with a balky hamstring, so it is unlikely that he plays today. That will elevate various hitters into more prominent positions and the Jays are a priority this afternoon.

PHI at RHP Ryan Gusto 4.5 runs: This is a cherry matchup for the Phillies as Gusto as been very susceptible to LHBs over the last season0plus, ceding a .231 ISO to his last 332 opposite-handed batters faced.

WAS vs RHP Trey Yesavage 4.6 runs: The budding frontline starter will get his strikeouts this afternoon, though he is going against the most prolific offense in the league. Look to the usual suspects, even the budget busters as there will be enough discount dandies sprinkled in the player pool with most teams having played last night and likely traveling to their next stop after this game. That makes it likely that backup catchers, fourth outfielders and utility infielders will be popping up as discount dandies.

Pitchers 7/29 ⚾️ 🚀

Joe Ryan vs KCR 3.9 runs: This is a straightforward recommendation with Ryan posting strong results across the board and the Royals missing Bobby Witt Jr., Maikel Garcia and Kyle Isbel, with Vinnie Pasquantino leaving yesterday's contest with right hand soreness.

Cam Schlittler at CHW 3.5 runs: Tonight will be the 37th start of Schlittler's career and he has been consistent over the last season-plus with 10.7 Ks per nine innings, while cutting his walk rate in half (1.7 / 9 IP) from last year, along with an uptick in ground balls. The matchup against the ChiSox is no longer a walk in the park with the emergence of their youngsters and international acquisition Munetaka Murakami, but it is far from a stay away.

Dustin May vs CHC 4.3 runs: Gingergaard no longer has his flowing locks, but he is striking out nearly a batter per inning, which is excellent for him and he has been a little unlucky with his 4.59 ERA, compared to a 3.96 xERA and 3.85 xFIP. There is plenty of pop in the top half of the Cubbies order, though there are also four hitters with a 26+ K% against RHPs and the bottom of the lineup card lacks power, aside from Dansby Swanson. May is best used as an SP2 on DK for salary relief, though he does have FD tournament appeal for distinct differentiation.

Top Stacks 7/29 ⚾️🎇

BOS at LHP Jacob Lopez 6.0 runs: The BoSox plated just three runners against LHP Brandon Jump last night, though Lopez is several notches below his fellow southpaw. Fire up the RHBs, though keep in mind Jahmai Jones is cheap and at the top of the order, since he will likely be pulled when a righty reliever enters the mix. Wilyer Abreu is a solid click as he can hold his own against fellow lefties.

ATH vs LHP Patrick Sandoval 5.0 runs: After missing 2025 with ucl surgery, Sandoval has been steady in his three outings for Boston. He is a mound meltdown waiting to happen and even the injury riddled A's have a good chance of making him pay the piper. The BoSox do have a relatively fresh bullpen, with only LHP Jovani Moran having worked each of the last two days, so it is unlikely that Sandoval will be left out for too long if things go south.

HOU at RHP Grayson Rodriguez 5.4 runs: It has been a tough row to hoe for Rodriguez after missing all of last year. He has allowed 11 runs in his last two starts and 27 in his last 24.2 IP, with 11 BBs and only 16 Ks. The top-6 'Stros are all in play tonight.

MIN vs RHP Randy Dobnak 5.1 runs: The Twinkies have won 5 of the last 6 games, including two with double digit runs scored. Dobnak is getting by on smoke and mirrors with his 1.42 ERA in 19 IP with just 10 Ks, but 9 BBs. The top-5 Twinkies look good with Ryan Kreidler an honorable mention.

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