RADIO
My goal with these DFS picks, as always, is to try and identify MLB players who will outperform their expectations today, based on their matchups and DraftKings prices.
These players can be high-cost players, or they can be value pick sleepers, but we are always looking for players that have a chance to return the greatest value for your DFS lineups. Let’s get to it.
Editor’s Note: RotoBaller’s Premium DFS Lineup Picks & Tools help you get an edge for your DraftKings lineups with exclusive access to DFS tools and expert lineup picks. Also our DFS batters vs. pitchers tool helps you analyze today’s matchups and make optimal lineup decisions.
Offenses to Target for DraftKings Stacking
Washington Nationals LHB vs Odrisamer Despaigne
The Nationals lineup should have an easy matchup on Friday, going against struggling right hander Odrisamer Despaigne. The lefties in the national lineup have the best offense in baseball against righties, posting an astounding wRC+ of 157. Despaigne has also been struggling of late, flip flopping between the starting rotation and the bullpen. Despaigne has given up 12 earned runs in his last 6.2 innings pitched. Denard Span and Bryce Harper deserve plenty of attention in tomorrow’s slate of games.
Dodgers’ Lineup vs Eddie Butler
The Dodgers have by far, the best overall offense against righties, posting a wRC+ of 135. This will be their second time facing Eddie Butler in a week. The last matchup resulted in 5 hits and 4 walks in only 5.1 innings for Butler. Look for manager Don Mattingly to alter his lineup accordingly. You should look to take advantage of bargain players on the Dodgers team. Joc Pederson looks like an excellent pick at outfield but Andre Ethier would be an excellent sleeper pick.
DFS Starting Pitchers to Consider for DraftKings
Jake Odorizzi – SP – Rays ($7900)
Jake Odorizzi has really started to put everything together this season. Odorizzi has thrown quality starts in six of his seven games this season, and should continue his dominance against the Minnesota Twins. The Twins have a bottom ten offense against righties and are also in the top ten in total strikeouts. Look for Odorizzi to perform well as your primary pitcher on Friday.
Carlos Rodon – SP – Sox ($5600)
Carlos Rodon looks to be a great pick for your second pitcher on DraftKings for Friday’s slate of games. Rodon is making his second major league start against the Oakland Athletics. The A’s may have a high scoring offense but actually struggle mightily against left handed pitching. They have the second worst offense in the league against left handed pitching, and the unfamiliarity against the rookie should brew the perfect storm for Rodon.
DFS Infielders to Consider for DraftKings
Steven Vogt – C – Athletics ($4400)
As much as Rodon looks like an excellent pitcher to go against the Athletics lineup, Vogt’s excellent performance throughout the season is difficult to ignore. Vogt is still ranked underneath the other top tier catchers on DraftKings, but has easily outperformed them on the season and as of recent. Vogt has 2 home runs in his last 3 starts and holds a .337 average with 9 home runs and 30 RBI on the season.
Jason Castro – C – Astros ($3400)
Jason Castro is an excellent cheap option at the catcher position for Friday. Castro has been heating up as of late, hitting home runs in consecutive games heading into Thursday. Castro also has an excellent matchup against opposing pitcher R. A. Dickey. Castro is a career 6 for 16 against Dickey.
Logan Morrison – 1B – Mariners ($3900)
Logan Morrison is an absolute play on Friday. He is the second hottest first baseman in baseball, and provides plenty of value for his low investment price. Morrison has also dominated his matchup against Clay Buchholz. Against Buchholz, Morrison is 5 for 9 with 2 doubles and 2 home runs. As hot as Morrison has been, Buchholz has struggled and holds a 5.73 ERA with a 1.59 WHIP on the year.
Ian Kinsler – 2B – Tigers ($4200)
Ian Kinsler is surprisingly undervalued on DraftKings and provides an excellent bargain option at second base despite being one of best second baseman in baseball. Kinsler’s power has yet to show, but after a slow start has pulled his averaged to .304 with 16 RBI and 3 stolen bases. The Detroit offense is really starting to click and Kinsler should be expected to score more runs as the season carries on.
Manny Machado – 3B – Orioles ($4000)
Machado is another pick who has been extremely hot as of late but is still currently being undervalued by DraftKings. Machado had a slow start but has really put everything together. He has a six game hit streak and is holding a .284 average with 6 home runs and 16 RBI on the year. Machado is also at an excellent position to score runs and steal bases as the Oriole’s leadoff batter.
Erick Aybar – SS – Angels ($3800)
Aybar rounds out an extremely cheap infield lineup and provides your salary with plenty of flexibility to pick some star power throughout the rest of your roster. Aybar has a great matchup against opposing pitcher Wei-Yin Chen. Chen throws left-handed and Aybar is hitting .321 on the season against left handed pitching as a switch hitter. Aybar has also been heating up as of late, with three consecutive multi-hit games that has provided a boost to his fantasy value.
DFS Outfielders to Consider for DraftKings
Bryce Harper – OF – Nationals ($5200)
Harper got thrown out of the game on Wednesday for arguing strikes, but don’t let this small bump in the road leave a sour taste in your mouth. Harper must still absolutely be used on DraftKings due to his excellent matchup against Despaigne as mentioned earlier. Heading into Thursday, Harper has a .308 average, 12 home runs, and 31 RBI on the season.
J.D. Martinez – OF – Tigers ($3900)
JD Martinez’s investment price has fallen due to the cold spell he faced earlier on in May. However, Martinez has once again begun to heat up, going 7 for 16 with a home run in his last five games. JD Martinez also has a nice matchup against opposing pitcher Carlos Martinez, who has given up 7 earned runs in each of his past two starts and 6 home runs on the year.
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