Saturdays always bring a full slate of games around Major League Baseball, and today is no different. Of course, as has been the trend this season, rain could factor into a few games, so be sure to check the forecasts before submitting your lineup.
Several of the usual plays will be on the card today, with Baltimore, Chicago, and Seattle all facing favorable matchups. There are plenty of big bats to choose from today, but if you won't be able to afford them all, especially if you're looking to employ an ace on the mound.
Clayton Kershaw tops the list of pitchers today in terms of both salary and fantasy points per game. Aces Chris Sale and Stephen Strasburg will also be in action. There's plenty of big arms to go around today, but again, you'll likely want to mix in some value.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball MLB lineup picks for DraftKings on 6/4/16. The DFS lineup picks will range from high-priced to low-priced options and identify options who will out-perform their expectations, including sleepers and value plays on DraftKings.
DFS Lineup Stacks to Target on DraftKings
Chicago Cubs vs. Edwin Escobar (LHP)
Escobar has made just one start this season, and it's safe to say that things didn't go well. He lasted just 3.1 innings and gave up seven earned runs. Today's matchup seems like a dream matchup for the Cubs hitters, especially the righties. Kris Bryant, Dexter Fowler, and Jorge Soler should all make for great plays as part of a lineup stack.
Baltimore Orioles vs. Ivan Nova (RHP)
The Orioles have been a popular pick for a lineup stack over the last few weeks, especially when playing at home. Baltimore has shown a very aggressive approach to offense, and it has paid off tremendously. Today the Orioles get Ivan Nova, someone they've hit very well against in the past. Lefties Chris Davis and Ryan Flaherty have both had success against the righthander in their careers. Mark Trumbo has a career .563 and two home runs against Nova. Manny Machado and Jonathan Schoop also make for strong stack plays.
DFS Starting Pitchers to Consider on DraftKings
Jason Hammel, CHC vs ARI - $8,700
Despite leaving his start on May 30 with leg cramps, Hammel is on track to start today against the Diamondbacks. He's been spectacular this season, posting a record of 6-1 with an ERA of just 2.09. Also working in Hammel's favor is the fact that the Cubs offer him some of the best run support in the league. Current Arizona hitters have a combined lifetime average of just .224 against him, making Hammel a solid starting pitcher option Saturday. Just be sure to check his injury status prior to the start.
Clayton Kershaw, LAD vs ATL - $14,100
This one is an absolute no-brainer as far as stats go, but you'll have to be smart about finding value hitters in order to afford Kershaw. He's 7-1 on the season with an ERA of just 1.56 and will go up against the struggling Braves today. Kershaw is 5-1 at home this season and current Atlanta hitters have a lifetime average of just .240 against him. With double-digit strikeouts in seven of his last eight starts, Kershaw has to be considered the top pitching option for Saturday's contests.
DFS Infielders to Consider on DraftKings
Catcher (C)
Stephen Vogt, OAK at HOU - $3,200
Vogt is a sneaky play for daily lineups, especially for those in tournaments. He is averaging nearly six fantasy points a game with both a low salary and usually a low ownership number. He recently had a 19-point fantasy performance and has scored at least five fantasy points in each of the last four games, including putting up double digits in back-to-back games. He's 0-for-7 in his lifetime against Collin McHugh, but that should only help to keep his ownership down.
First Base (1B)
Mike Napoli, CLE vs. KC - $3,800
Napoli makes for a good value pick today against the Royals. He's hit well at home and has shown good power, despite hitting for a poor average. He's been a good source of RBI this year and performed particularly well against Kansas City. Friday night he racked up 11 fantasy points, marking his third straight game with double-digit points. Throw in the fact that his contact rate has continued to rise over the last week, and Napoli is an excellent option.
Second Base (2B)
Joe Panik, SF at STL - $4,000
Panik continues to be a solid source of points for daily fantasy baseball, and yet, he still rarely carries a huge ownership number in tournament plays. His season average scares a lot of people away, but he hits in a prime spot (No. 2) in a very potent San Francisco lineup. He gets plenty of opportunities to score runs and has also shown the ability to go deep.
Shortstop (SS)
Trea Turner, WAS vs CIN - $3,200
Well, after all the speculation, Turner finally got the call to the show. Of course, the Nationals claim that the move is only temporary, but we'll see. At any rate, he has quickly become a must-start in daily formats as long as his salary stays low. He had a solid debut Friday night (three hits and a walk) and will look to keep it going today. Enjoy the value price, but be aware that you won't be the only one selecting him.
Third Base (3B)
Kris Bryant, CHC vs. ARI - $5,200
As mentioned above, Bryant and his Chicago teammates have an excellent matchup today. The young third basemen has been pounding the ball all year and already has over 40 RBI. He's been hot as of late (two home runs in his last three games) and once again makes for a solid play in all daily fantasy formats.
DFS Outfielders to Consider on DraftKings
Nelson Cruz, SEA at TEX - $5,400
The Mariners have been hot lately, and Nelson Cruz is no exception. He's only faced today's starter, Martin Perez, five times in his career, but has a home run and a double against him. Cruz is more than familiar with the friendly confines of Arlington Stadium and should be able to take advantage today.
Adam Duvall, CIN vs. WAS - $3,500
With a matchup against a good Washington team, though against a mediocre Gio Gonzalez, most tournament players will likely shy away from Duvall. However, he's been hot as of late, hitting near .300 with five home runs over the past week. He gets the luxury of playing in a good hitter's park, making for a good outfield target in today's contests.
Rajai Davis , CLE vs. KC - $3,300
Again, if you're going with the stud pitchers, than you're going to have to find a few under-the-radar guys. Davis fits that mold today. He's hitting just .250 for the season, but his ability to run when he does get on base has helped make him a solid fantasy producer. With an average of 7.7 fantasy points a game, he's picked up a total of 18 points in his last two games. He's got three hits in seven at-bats against Ian Kennedy. Also playing in his favor is the fact that he is hitting .280 this year at home.
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