MLB DFS Top Stacks & Top Pitchers: August 18, 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.

Pitchers 8/18 ⚾️💪

Kyle Harrison vs SEA 3.7 runs: In the AL, Seattle is one of seven teams within two games of the final Wild Card berth, though the M's are the furthest back and hold only a 3% chance of reaching the postseason. The team is last for runs scored and does not set up well against southpaws. Harrison has been a revelation this season and while there are only three high-strikeout candidates (HKCs) in the projected lineup, he has the ability to make his own magic at the plate with a 29.7 K% as a Brewer.

Kevin Gausman vs CHW 4.2 runs: In his last 10 starts, Gausman has failed to top 22 DFKP, clearing 20 only twice along with a pair of negative fantasy point efforts. His 18.6 K% over the last month is well below his 23.4% on the season and 24.2% last year. Still he is looking like one of the better median fantasy point options and there will be at least 4 HKCs in the ChiSox lineup. This is DEFINITELY a "bothsideser" and savvy gamers will take advantage of the direct leverage in the hopes of a "Gas can" mound meltdown. Ain't baseball grand?!

Tyler Mahle at MIN 4.3 runs: In his first two starts for ATL, Mahle took care of business against both New York teams. Tonight he has a "Remember Me?!" spot against the Twins, who have watched their slim postseason hopes plummet with a 5-10 stretch. There are only 3 HKCs in the projected lineup, which could make it tricky for Mahle to erase many mistakes.

Cal Quantrill vs WAS 3.9 runs: Tonight is a spray and pray for pitchers and this is not a joke recommendation. Quantrill will need to deal with three tough LHBs at the top of the order, but he is in better current form than Bryce Miller, Ranger Suarez and Robbie Ray.

Top Stacks 8/18 ⚾️🎇

LAD at Ryan Feltner 7.1 runs: In his last half dozen outings, Feltner has 26 ERs, 9 HRs, 16 BB and only 17 Ks in 28 IP. Expect the Dodgers to continue to get back on track after their summer swoon.

COL vs LHP Eric Lauer 5.1 runs: The righties profile well against Lauer, along with leadoff lefty Jake McCarthy. Keep in mind the LA bullpen is rested, with only Alex Vesis having worked more than once over the last three games.

KCR vs Jack Perkins 5.2 runs: The Royals did not disappoint last night, getting a boost with the return of both Maikel Garcia and Vinnie Pasquantino. Perkins is not afraid to chase strikeouts, but he gives up power hitters swinging the stick from either side of the plate, giving up multiple home runs in three of his last seven appearances.

CHW at RHP Kevin Gausman 4.2 runs: The top-7 ChiSox are all in play as a direct leverage stack against the scuffling veteran who is projecting as the most rostered pitcher on the slate.

CHC vs RHP Erick Fedde 5.1 runs: We may see an opener, but that is not going to save Fedde from danger. There is a chance it is RHP Jose Urquidy, though the projections remain the same. Focus on the top-5 Cubbies.

MIL vs RHP Bryce Miller 4.3 runs: Brice Turan, Jackson Chourio and Jake Bauers profile well against Miller, who has single-digit DKFPs in four of his last six starts.

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