DraftKings has broken this slate down into a small early slate and a large late slate. This article will focus around the larger, later slate, as that one is much more appealing than the early slate.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 4/19/17. The DFS lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays on DraftKings.
You can read our FanDuel and Yahoo DFS lineup picks as well. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out to me on Twitter @BalesSJustin.
DFS Lineup Stacks to Target on DraftKings
New York Mets vs Vince Velasquez
The Mets are an interesting stacking option tonight. Velasquez has flashed dominant stuff in his time in the Majors, but he enters this game with a 9.00 ERA and the worst HR/9 on the slate. He has struggled with control, which has led to the Mets opening as a -128 favorite in a game set at 7.5 runs. New York has plenty of power throughout their lineup, and they're an elite tournament stacking option tonight.
Boston Red Sox vs Francisco Liriano
As always, Liriano is the tale of two pitchers. He couldn't even make it through one inning in his first start before dominating a difficult Orioles lineup in his second start. The Red Sox are -109 favorites in a game set at 8.5 runs tonight, though, and they have one of the most consistent offenses in the MLB.
DFS Starting Pitchers to Consider on DraftKings
Clayton Kershaw vs Colorado Rockies
Kershaw isn't going to come cheap, but he's the best pitching option on the slate. He has looked great this season, outside of one start at Coors Field. He brings a ridiculous 0.753 WHIP and 10.624 K/9 to the table, and he's also a huge -265 favorite in a game set at only 6.5 runs. He's an elite option tonight.
Madison Bumgarner vs Kansas City Royals
Bumgarner has struggled a bit this season, but he has still found plenty of success in terms of fantasy. He gets an elite matchup against the Royals, who are hitting only .214 on the season. Bumgarner has a great 10.009 K/9, and he is a player that pitches deep into game. He's also a -133 favorite in a game set at 8 runs, and he can be used in all leagues.
DFS Infielders to Consider on DraftKings
Catcher (C)
Jason Castro - vs CLE, $2,800
Castro has been playing well to start the season, although he has been struggling a bit recently. He has a great OBP, though, and he comes into this game with 0.083 wOBA and 0.117 ISO differential against right-handed pitching. He also gets a good matchup against Bauer, and Castro makes a great salary relief option.
First Base (1B)
Hanley Ramirez - at TOR, $4,100
All of the Red Sox are in play tonight, specifically the right-handed bats, though. Ramirez gets a great matchup against Liriano, and he has an elite 0.127 wOBA and 0.158 ISO differential against left-handed pitching. He's a must start in a BoSox lineup tonight.
Second Base (2B)
Jose Ramirez - at MIN, $4,100
Ramirez has been one of the hottest hitters in the MLB recently, as he's hitting for a .447 average with six extra-base hits and 11 RBIs over his last 10 games. He gets an elite matchup against Mejia tonight, and there's no reason to avoid him on this slate.
Shortstop (SS)
Eduardo Escobar - vs CLE, $2,700
Escobar has looked good so far this season, as he has been fairly consistent, but he has yet to show off his speed. He's hitting over .350 in four home games, and he gets a good matchup against Bauer tonight. Escobar is the type of player that can be used in all leagues because of his price tag.
Third Base (3B)
Lonnie Chisenhall - at MIN, 3,300
Chisenhall has gotten off to a hot start this season, as he's hitting .350 with three extra-base hits and eight RBIs in his first six games. He gets a great matchup against Mejia tonight, and Chisenhall is another player that is a bit too cheap.
DFS Outfielders to Consider on DraftKings
Rickie Weeks - vs DET, $2,600
Weeks is another value option on this slate tonight. He has struggled to make contact with the ball this season, but 75% of his hits have gone for extra-bases. He gets a good matchup against Zimmermann, who has been struggling, as well. Weeks isn't the safest option, but he'll allow you to get players like Kershaw and Bumgarner.
Michael Conforto - vs PHI, $3,300
Conforto is hitting nearly .300 this season with good power. He's expected to lead off again for the Mets tonight, as they face a right-handed pitcher. Conforto has an elite 0.23 wOBA and 0.212 ISO differential against righties. He's still entirely too cheap, and he can be used in all leagues.
DFS Hitters to Avoid on DraftKings
Jose Reyes - vs PHI, $3,800
Reyes is hitting for a .100 average this season with very little power or speed on display. He has been moved down in the Mets lineup, which also hurts his value. He gets a matchup against a hard throwing pitcher, which will likely keep him from attempting any steals tonight. He also enters the game with a terrible 19% hard-hit rate, and he can be avoided in all leagues.
MLB News & Injury Alerts
Full Season MLB & DFS Premium Pass
Get a Premium Pass for the entire MLB season - including the playoffs - for only $49.99.
That's over 200 days of Premium DFS, delivered every single day:
- DFS lineup picks and cheat sheets for FanDuel, DraftKings and Yahoo - seven days a week
- Six expert lineups: FanDuel, DraftKings, Yahoo and Stacks of the Day - seven days a week
- Top DFS value plays, avoids and injury updates - seven days a week
- Lineup tools: daily premium hitter and pitcher matchup ratings