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Here are my MLB DFS lineup picks for May 17th 2015. Always remember to check lineups before finalizing your lineup. 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
Kansas City Royals lineup vs Chris Capuano
Chris Capuano is just coming off the disabled list, and will be making his first start of the year against the tough Royals lineup. In the last five games, the Royals have averaged 7.6 runs a game. The Royals are also the second best team in the league hitting against left handed pitching, posting a wRC+ of 130. Capuano is not a great strikeout pitcher, only striking out three in his last appearance at Triple A. Expect the Royal bats to come alive and put Capuano to the test.
Los Angeles Dodgers LHB vs Kyle Kendrick
Kyle Kendrick is a struggling right handed pitcher who has to go up against one of the most potent offenses in the Dodgers. Dodger lefties post the second best offensive numbers in the league against right-handed pitching with a wRC+ of 150. Look at Adrian Gonzalez and Joc Pederson as prime options for your DraftKings lineup, as Kendrick had given up at least two home runs in four out of his seven starts.
DFS Starting Pitchers to Consider for DraftKings
Chris Archer – SP – Rays ($8000)
Chris Archer looks to emerge as Tampa Bay’s new ace. He has been great this year with an ERA of 2.59 and a 1.03 WHIP. Look for him to continue his great play against the Minnesota Twins on Sunday. The Twins have a bottom ten offense against right handed pitching and are also in the top ten in strikeouts. Look for Archer to dominate their lineup and provide plenty of value despite his high investment price.
Noah Syndergaard – SP – Mets ($6900)
Noah Syndergaard’s numbers might look inflated on paper after his first start, but have no doubt that he is still a terrific pitcher as he showed plenty of good pitches on Tuesday. His mistakes only came towards the end of his outing, and he could easily put up a great performance for those who are willing to take a gamble on him as the secondary starting pitcher. Syndergaard will be facing the Brewers, who post a bottom ten offense against right handed pitching and also rank third most in strikeouts.
DFS Infielders to Consider for DraftKings
Buster Posey – C – Giants ($4300)
It’s usually a good idea to look for bargains at the catcher position on DraftKings, but Posey has been putting up amazing numbers as of late, and should have a great game on Sunday against a very hittable pitcher in Anthony Descalafani. Posey started off the year slow but has now hit 2 home runs in his last four games, going 7 for 18 during that stretch. This brings his totals to a .286 average with 6 home runs and 17 RBI on the year. Descalafani has also given up 7 hits in both of his last two starts.
Prince Fielder – 1B – Rangers ($4400)
Prince Fielder somehow continues to be overlooked as one of the best first base options in fantasy. Fielder has been playing incredibly well, hitting 3 home runs in his last six games, and now holds a .345 average with 5 home runs and 22 RBI on the year. Fielder has hit well vs. opposing pitcher Carlos Carrasco in one starat, going 3 for 5 against him with a home run, while Carrasco struggled in his last time out.
Delino DeShields – 2B – Rangers ($3700)
Delino DeShields has emerged as a surprisingly valuable option at second base. DeShields is really only serving as Leonys Martin’s replacement during his injury, but should be used in your lineup for as long as he is getting playing time on the Texas Rangers. DeShields has a .311 average with 9 stolen bases on the year, and provides a lot of upside for an extremely low investment price.
Ryan Zimmerman – 3B – Nationals ($4100)
Ryan Zimmerman started off the year slowly but has picked it up as of late. Heading into the weekend, Zimmerman has a 9 game hitting streak which has brought his average up to .248 with 4 home runs and 27 RBI. Zimmerman is a cheap but productive option at third base.
Ian Desmond – SS – Nationals ($3500)
Ian Desmond’s price tag is extremely low at this point in the year due to his early struggles. However, he has hit well in the past three games and could be a great sleeper pick at the shortstop position. Desmond has hit Ian Kennedy well during his career, going 6 for 16 with only 1 strikeout.
DFS Outfielders to Consider for DraftKings
Giancarlo Stanton – OF – Marlins ($5100)
Giancarlo Stanton is a must start on Sunday due to both his recent hot hittting and his total dominance of opposing pitcher Shelby Miller. In his career, Stanton is 3 for 9 with 2 home runs against Miller. Stanton has also hit five home runs in his last five games, bringing his totals on year to 11 home runs with 36 RBI while holding a respectable .258 average.
Denard Span – OF – Nationals ($4200)
Denard Span has become a consistent and valuable pick in the outfield position, as he provided multi-hit efforts in five straight games heading into the weekend. Span flew under the radar last year as a great fantasy pick, and his low investment price shows that this is happening all over again. Span should have another good game against struggling right hander Ian Kennedy, who holds a 5.92 ERA with a 1.48 WHIP on the year.
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