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Friday's games look to feature only a few big-ticket priced pitchers. The matchups for those several arms aren't quite as weak you would like, however. This slate should lead many to pay down on pitching to allow a way to lineups stacked with big bats.
The lineup's today should look like a fantasy owner's dream, with many potential MVP bats squaring off against extremely favorable opposing pitchers. It just has the feel of a very high-scoring slate, and you're going to need something from all of your hitters and some decent outings from pitchers to have a shot at cashing.
In this article, I'll be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for FanDuel on 8/7/2020. Be sure to also check out all the MLB player news including late scratches, and the projected and confirmed daily MLB lineups for each DFS slate. You can also read more DFS advice and lineup picks for sites like DraftKings, and other sports too.
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FanDuel DFS Pitchers
Yusei Kikuchi- P, COL @ SEA ($7,200)
In his last start, Yusei Kikuchi came out of the gates firing and dominated Oakland through six innings pitched. The Athletics looked baffled as they only managed three hits while striking out nine times. The emergence of a new cutter and added velocity on his pitches is the reason for the newfound success by Kikuchi. He faces off against Colorado that is a pitching nightmare at home; however, this is a road game. Colorada has an 82 wRC+ along with the fourth-worst ISO in the MLB. There is a good chance Kikuchi puts up tremendous value and allows for lineups to focus on hitting construction.
Matt Boyd- P, DET @ PIT ($7,900)
Boyd faired poorly in his first two starts of the season, making people jump off his hype train. His struggles haven't been command issues as much as just being hit all around the yard. Boyd's allowed 15 hits over ten innings pitched and given up eight earned runs. He will look to right the ship after a few extra days off and draws a favorable matchup against the Pittsburg. The Pirates have been struggling immensely at the plate in 2020. The currently have the MLB's lowest wRC+(62), and a wretched team OPS (.567).
His pitching repertoire is on par with last year's breakout in terms of velocity. Boyd lacks in the whiff department compared to the usual numbers he puts up. The four-seam fastball has always been a problem allowing too much hard contact. This would be a good time for him to deploy the slider and curveball, which has found an additional three inches of vertical movement early on. Boyd is another price tag friendly arm that allows for a bigger bat lineup.
FanDuel DFS Infielders
Freddie Freeman - 1B, ATL v. Vince Velasquez ($3,800)
Looking at Freeman's overall stats for 2020 makes him less desirable of a play but jump over to his Statcast data, and it tells a much different story. He currently sits in the 86th percentile in xwOBA, 79th percentile in Barrel%, 70th percentile in Hard Hit%, and 78th in xSLG. At the same time, those don't necessarily translate to home runs, runs, and RBI. They do paint the picture that Freeman is swinging a live bat and is poised to put up his typical numbers. Let's not forget he sits in the heart of a lineup that demolishes right-hand pitching. The 129 wRC+ is only second to the Yankees, and Atlanta leads the MLB in total runs vs. RHP. Don't get cute, plugin big bats for loads of fantasy points today.
Jon Berti - 2B, MIA @ Michael Wacha ($2,200)
Berti is getting everyday at-bats now with the many IL stints in Miami. He gets a solid matchup against Wacha, who is struggling immensely to start 2020. The Marlins lineup is powerful against RHP and Berti bats in the two-hole. There should be a high chance of Berti putting up a safe point total as the Marlins run away with this game. The price is a sneaky value at a scarce position.
Manny Machado- 3B, SDP v. Luke Weaver ($3,200)
First off, the $3,200 price feels like robbery for the quality of the player you're getting at third base. He has been productive in many categories to start the season with two home runs, seven RBI, and nine runs, with a couple of stolen bases through 13 games. He bats in the middle of the hot Padres offense that matches up with Luke Weaver. Weaver is struggling to start the season and holds a 0-2 record with a 14.73 ERA and 2.71 WHIP. Take advantage of Machado's undervalued price.
Corey Seager - SS, LAD @ Jeff Samardzija ($3,700)
Seager is a one-person pitching wrecking crew to start 2020. He leads the league by a wide margin in the total number of hits over 100-mph and currently slashing .264/.500/.697, wow! He is sitting on an eight-game hitting streak and putting up healthy point totals on a nightly basis. Seager is almost a must-start, regardless of matchup, and he draws Jeff Samardzija today. Samardzija is struggling out of the gate with a 9.31 ERA and 1.44 WHIP. Until Seager shows signs of slowing down, he is a must-play.
FanDuel DFS Outfielders
Nelson Cruz- OF, MIL @ Jakob Junis ($4,100)
Another one of the Statcast darlings is Nelson Cruz. His expected stats are what you want to see for a DFS outfielder. His xBA, xSLG, Barrel%, Hard Hit%, and xwOBA are all in the top 84th percentile. Cruz is the catalyst of the Twins very potent offense that is fourth in total runs scored(68). His opposition today is Jakob Junis, who is a two-pitch pitcher with a 4.15 ERA and doesn't strike many batters outs. There is an excellent chance Cruz puts up double-digit points and will continue to be worth the high salary.
Nick Castellanos - OF, CIN @ Eric Lauer ($3,900)
There is no wrong place to start with Castellanos's analysis. He is riding an eleven game hitting streak with six home runs in seven games. The man is locked in at the plate right now. In only 45 plate appearances, Castellanos boasts 13 RBI and 10 Runs. Again, if you're into Statcast data like myself, Castellanos screams must start. 91st percentile or better in every significant category. Castellanos is the player you need in your lineup after saving in the pitching department.
Joey Gallo - OF, TEX v. Griffin Canning ($3,900)
Joey Gallo is an extremely prolific power bat that can make or break a lineup. His .298 ISO against right-hand pitchers. Another Statcast darling here with a Hard Hit%, xwOBA, and Barrel% above the 88th percentile. It remains to be seen if Globe Life Field is the pitcher park, as Gallo claimed in the offseason. There is always a chance for Gallo to go deep, so pay up and play him!
