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As always, we've got an action packed Saturday on DraftKings, with all 30 teams in play. We've got a monster all day slate starting at 1pm eastern with all 15 games included, as well as the featured slate starting at 7pm with with 11 games.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 5/19/18. The lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays.
You can also read more DFS advice and lineup picks for sites like FanDuel, and other sports too. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to hit me up on Twitter @TroyKlauder.
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DraftKings Starting Pitchers
Andrew Heaney, LAA (vs. TB) - $9,100
Heaney is coming off of a monster start against one of the best lineups in baseball, the Astros, where he threw eight innings of one run ball with 10 strikeouts. He's got an outstanding 27.9% K-rate with just a 6.4% walk-rate this season, good for a 2.88 FIP. For the way he's pitched this season, Heaney is priced way too low, and he's got a decent matchup at home against the Rays. This will probably be the cheapest Heaney will come all year, so buy in while you can.
Rick Porcello, BOS (vs. BAL) - $9,700
Porcello has gotten rocked in his last two starts, but they came against two very good lineups in the Yankees and the Athletics. He still has great overall numbers on the season, with a 3.03 Deserved Run Average and a minuscule 3.5% walk-rate. I normally don't recommend starters who have to pitch in Fenway Park, but the Orioles lineup is so bad that it actually makes sense today. The Orioles have just a .297 wOBA versus right-handed pitching this season, ranking them 25th in the majors.
DraftKings Infielders
C - Yasmani Grandal, LAD (@ WAS) - $3,600
Grandal is miles ahead of most other catchers against right-handed pitching with his 164 wRC+ this year. He's also one of the only catchers you can find batting cleanup, a spot where he can rake in lots of RBIs. His opponent, Tanner Roark, is a regression candidate to target, as he's got a 4.27 FIP.
1B - Joey Gallo, TEX (@ CWS) - $4,200
Gallo is the ideal type of hitter to target in GPP contests for his boom-or-bust profile. He can have a huge night against Lucas Giolito, who has more walks (16.5%) than strikeouts (12.4%) this year. Gallo's already got 13 bombs this season and can easily add to that total on Saturday.
2B - Cesar Hernandez, PHI (@ STL) - $4,000
Hernandez is quietly putting together an awesome season, putting up six steals and eight homers to go with a .364 wOBA. He will get lots of plate appearances as the Phillies leadoff man, which will also give him the opportunity to score a bunch of runs.
3B - Anthony Rendon, WAS (vs. LAD) - $4,100
Rendon hasn't played a ton this season, but he absolutely destroyed left-handed pitching last season, posting a .337/.448/.683 line against southpaws. Dodgers starter Rich Hill has struggled quite a bit this season, putting Rendon in a good matchup as the Nationals three hitter.
SS - Marcus Semien, OAK (@ TOR) - $4,000
Semien has lots of value as the leadoff man in an extreme hitter's park in Toronto. He'll get to face off against Sam Gaviglio, who had a 5.81 FIP in 16 games last season. The Athletics are actually the third-best lineup in the league against righties, with their .332 wOBA, making him one of the most valuable leadoff men you can select.
DraftKings Outfielders
Ronald Acuna, Jr., ATL (vs. MIA) - $4,300
Acuna already has four homers and two steals in the majors with a 121 wRC+, living up to some of the expectations placed on him entering the season. Marlins starter Jose Urena has a 4.38 ERA and will have to face Acuna in one of the best hitting environments in baseball.
Nelson Cruz, SEA (vs. DET) - $4,400
Even at 37, Cruz continues to give you lots of power output as the Mariners cleanup hitter. He's got seven homers on the season and has a great matchup in Mike Fiers, who has just a 16.3% K-rate and a 5.05 FIP.
Franchy Cordero, SD (@ PIT) - $3,600
Cordero strikes out quite a bit, but his power/speed combo at a low price makes him worth playing on Saturday. He's got six homers and five steals, so he can give you points in a variety of ways. Cordero is also away from his home ballpark, so it will be much easier for him to put up offensive numbers.
