MLB DFS Lineup Advice: May 8th Sleeper Picks & One To Avoid

Pedro Alvarez

4 min read

Post on May 16, 2025

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Top Sleeper Picks for MLB DFS on May 8th

Identifying sleeper picks—players with high upside and low projected ownership—is crucial for differentiating your lineup and achieving a significant edge in MLB DFS contests. Here are some top sleeper picks for May 8th:

Pitcher Sleeper: Tyler Anderson (Los Angeles Angels)

• Favorable Matchup: Anderson faces a weak-hitting team like the Oakland Athletics, known for their struggles against left-handed pitching. Their batting average against lefties this season is significantly below the league average.
• Recent Performance: Anderson has shown improved control and strikeout ability in his last few starts, suggesting a positive trend.
• Strikeout Potential: His K/9 (strikeouts per nine innings) is consistently above league average against teams similar to Oakland.
• Lower Salary: Anderson's projected salary on most DFS platforms is relatively low compared to other pitchers with similar potential. This provides excellent value for your lineup. (Note: Always check your specific DFS platform for up-to-date salary information).

Batter Sleeper 1 (Outfielder): Michael Harris II (Atlanta Braves)

• Recent Hot Streak: Harris II has been on a tear recently, showcasing increased power and batting average.
• Matchup Advantage: The opposing pitcher has historically struggled against left-handed hitters like Harris II.
• Park Factor: Playing at home in a hitter-friendly stadium like Truist Park provides a significant advantage.
• Salary Value: Despite his recent performance, his salary remains relatively affordable.

Batter Sleeper 2 (Infield): Brendan Rodgers (Colorado Rockies)

• Favorable Matchup: Rodgers benefits from a favorable matchup against a pitching staff known for giving up a high number of runs.
• Potential for RBIs: Rodgers' batting position in the lineup provides significant opportunities for RBIs.
• Recent Hitting Streak: He's currently on a mini-hitting streak, exhibiting a strong ability to make consistent contact.
• Low Projected Ownership: Despite his potential, his projected ownership is expected to remain low, offering a contrarian play opportunity.

One Player to Avoid in Your MLB DFS Lineup on May 8th

While identifying sleepers is key, knowing which players to avoid is equally important. For May 8th, consider avoiding Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Angels).

• High Ownership: Ohtani is a highly popular DFS pick, resulting in high ownership percentage. This means that even with a good performance, your potential points per dollar spent will be diminished if many others also chose him.
• Unfavorable Matchup: Although a very talented player, his matchup against a strong pitching team could negatively impact his overall performance.
• Recent Performance: Ohtani’s recent performance hasn't been as strong as his earlier performances in the season.

Optimizing Your MLB DFS Lineup for May 8th

Building a winning MLB DFS lineup involves more than just picking the right players; it’s about strategic lineup construction.

Considering Stacking: Consider stacking teammates, particularly from high-powered offenses playing in favorable conditions. This strategy maximizes your points if the entire team performs well.

Utilizing Salary Management: Allocate your salary effectively across all positions, balancing high-priced stars with value plays. Avoid overspending in one area at the expense of others.

Checking Weather Conditions: Before finalizing your lineup, check the weather forecast. Rain delays or extreme conditions can significantly impact game outcomes.

Leveraging Ownership Projections: Use ownership projections to your advantage. Identify players with high upside but low projected ownership (like our sleeper picks!) for a significant points differential over the field.

Conclusion

By incorporating these MLB DFS lineup advice strategies, particularly by utilizing the May 8th sleeper picks and avoiding the suggested player, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Remember, successful MLB DFS hinges on careful consideration of player matchups, recent performance, salary value, and strategic lineup construction. Build your winning MLB DFS lineup today using these May 8th sleeper picks and avoid costly mistakes!