X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

DraftKings Daily Fantasy Baseball Lineup Picks (8/4/16): MLB DFS Advice

Congratulations, New Yorkers! Daily Fantasy Sports are officially back in the Big Apple. Sites like FanDuel and DraftKings will take some time to start back up, but the time is near. Most definitely by the NFL season at the latest. In the mean time, we have 12 games to focus on for Thursday. Five of those games will be part of an "early" slate, and seven games will make up the "late" or "main" slate. Pitching is not at a premium on either slate, but there should be plenty of runs to go around.

In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball MLB lineup picks for DraftKings on 8/4/16. 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. I'll try to give advice for both slates at each position. Let's get to it.

Editor's Note: RotoBaller has the best Premium MLB Subscription for only $1.99 per week. We have all the tools to help win your seasonal and daily leagues: Hitter & Pitcher Streamers, Matchup Ratings for every player, Sleeper Surgers for AVG, HR, Ks, PLUS Daily DFS Cheat Sheets, Lineup Picks, Expert Lineups, Stacks and Avoids. 

 

DFS Lineup Stacks to Target on DraftKings

Minnesota Twins vs. Mike Clevinger (Early)

Injuries have forced the Indians to turn to Clevinger once again, and his 7.71 ERA in 2016 might not get any better on Thursday. The Twins are hitting the stuffing out of the ball of late, and the team is led by rookie Max Kepler, who is in another great spot. Joe Mauer and Kennys Vargas hit on either side of the young lefty, and they provide plenty of upside for a stack as well. Miguel Sano might be a sneakier play, as he's struggled against RHP of late, and I always love plugging in Kurt Suzuki, as he's a high floor/high ceiling catcher. Have some fun in the early slate.

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Tyler Chatwood (Late)

As good as Chatwood has been in Coors Field at times, I can't avoid this one. Besides, he's become below average in the hitter's haven recently. L.A. has a boat load of RHP mashers, and the addition of Josh Reddick only extends that list. Corey Seager, Justin Turner (reverse splits), Adrian Gonzalez, and Yasmani Grandal are all great options against conventional righties like Chatwood, and I don't see a scenario in which the Dodgers score less than five runs on Thursday.

Also Consider: Boston Red Sox vs. Ariel Miranda, Toronto Blue Jays vs. Mike Fiers, Texas Rangers vs. Wade Miley

 

DFS Starting Pitchers to Consider on DraftKings

Ian Kennedy, KC at TB - $8,900

There isn't much in terms of safe pitching on the early slate, so I'll simply give you a foundation. I like Kennedy's spot against a Rays team that has over performed on offense the past couple of nights. Kennedy may not give you a scoreless outing, but he's been able to rack up strikeouts consistently of late. Six innings of two-run, eight-strikeout ball should be enough to boost your team into cash game safety and GPP striking distance.

Drew Pomeranz, BOS at SEA - $9,400

Pomeranz is the chalk play at pitcher for the late slate. He finally gets to travel to a hitter's park while wearing a Red Sox uniform, and the Mariners have their struggles against southpaws. Like most lefties who face Seattle, if Pomeranz can avoid damage from Nelson Cruz and Franklin Gutierrez he should be in for a great night with plenty of strikeouts.

Jesse Hahn, OAK at LAA - $4,400

This one scares me, but I can see it working out. The Angels have been hitting the ball better of late, so they're no longer a team to pick on. However, Hahn showed us some filthy stuff last time out, and his upside is high enough to consider at this price. If Mike Trout and Albert Pujols quiet down for a game, Hahn can have a very solid outing at a price that allows you to play virtually anyone you want on the late slate.

 

DFS Infielders to Consider on DraftKings

Catcher (C)

Yadier Molina, STL at CIN - $3,600

Molina has been an OBP monster this year, and even more so of late. He's also showed impressive gap power that could turn into home run power in this ballpark. I love this play.

Yasmani Grandal, LAD at COL - $4,900

Another chalk play, Grandal will be the guy I make sure I fit in along with Hahn. He's shown impressive power since the All Star Break, and Tyler Chatwood is just the type of pitcher to target at Coors.

First Base (1B)

Kendrys Morales, KC at TB - $3,500

Morales hits LHP fairly well, and Smyly has been known to let up some hard contact here and there. I like Morales to hit a couple doubles in this one for a low price.

Mark Teixeira, NYY vs. NYM - $3,000

Salary relief at first base works in the late slate too. Tex is starting to come around, and this spot is ideal. Bartolo Colon is not a pitcher to avoid by any means, and the short porch in right is calling Teixeira's name.

Second Base (2B)

Ian Kinsler, DET at CWS - $3,800

This is oddly cheap for a consistently good hitter who gets a plus in the L/R splits column. Sure, Quintana is a good pitcher. Still, the Tigers should get to him in this one, and I expect Kinsler to be part of the damage.

Neil Walker, NYM at NYY - $3,700

Walker is raking right now, and he's as streaky as they come at second base. Colon and the short porch in right provide an avenue for Walker to keep it up, and his price isn't ridiculous yet.

Shortstop (SS)

Carlos Correa, HOU vs. TOR - $3,500

Nothing caught my eye on the early slate, but Correa's price on the late slate is bonkers. I understand Happ is pitching well this year, but the young shortstop is on a roll and is right in the middle of an explosive lineup. I like him in Cash and GPP contests.

Third Base (3B)

Jorge Polanco, MIN at CLE - $3,800

I'm done ignoring Polanco's production in what has turned into a very hot offense. This price is fine for the type of work he's putting in, and I expect the Twins to eat Clevinger alive.

Adrian Beltre, TEX at BAL - $4,300

Savvy, veteran, right-handed hitter gets Wade Miley in a hitter's park? And he has fire power all around him? Sign me up in Cash or GPP.

 

DFS Outfielders to Consider on DraftKings

Max Kepler, MIN at CLE - $5,300

Is there a price I wouldn't pay for Mad Max right now?

Lorenzo Cain, KC at TB - $4,000

Trying to perfectly time the Cain breakout will probably come back to bite me, but I'm going to go for it anyway. He's still a lefty-masher and he's showing positive signs.

Brett Gardner, NYY vs. NYM - $4,500

Contact hitter with occasional power and stolen base potential. Yankee Stadium? Bartolo Colon pitching? Sign me up.

Nick Markakis, ATL vs. PIT - $4,400

Don't look now, but Markakis is becoming relevant again. The revived Braves lineup is actually scoring runs, and Markakis is in the middle of the production. Ryan Vogelsong will be rusty, so the outfielder should be able to take advantage and keep this hot hitting alive.

 

Full Season MLB & DFS Premium Pass

Get a Premium Pass for the entire MLB season - including the playoffs - for only $29.99. That's Premium access to over 10 tools, and over 20 valuable resources, for one incredible price. Here's a taste of what you get:

  • DFS lineup picks and cheat sheets for FanDuel and DraftKings - seven days a week
  • Three expert lineups: FanDuel, DraftKings, and Stack of the Day - seven days a week
  • Top DFS value plays, avoids and injury updates - seven days a week
  • Lineup tools: daily premium hitter and pitcher matchup ratings

All of this for just $29.99... it's simply the best deal around. No other site offers this type of deal. What are you waiting for?

 

Live Expert Q&A Chats - Every Weekday @ 1 PM and 6 PM EST (DFS)

Fantasy Baseball Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-55" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]

POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Logan Gilbert

Fans 10 In Return Start Monday
Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers, DeShon Elliott Agree to Two-Year Extension
Ryan Pepiot

Strikes Out 11 in Win
Hunter Goodman

Homers Twice, Drives in Three
Stephen Curry

"Not Even Close" to Retirement
Jonathan Kuminga

Linked to Bulls, Heat
Kevin Durant

Has "No Desire" to be Traded to Minnesota
Isaac Paredes

Returns as DH on Monday
New York Giants

Mike Kafka Expected to Reclaim Play-Calling Duties
Jon Runyan

Limited During Minicamp
Saquon Barkley

Feels Great Physically
Justin Simmons

Panthers Have Talked With Justin Simmons
Jordan Addison

Trial Date Set for July 15
New York Jets

Jets Sign Kingsley Jonathan, Marquis Hayes
Jarace Walker

Remains Sidelined for Game 5
Justin Verlander

Returning to the Rotation on Wednesday
Tony Finau

Finishes Tied For 38th at U.S. Open
Bud Cauley

Misses The Cut at U.S. Open
Cameron Young

Finishes Tied For Fourth at U.S. Open
J.J. Spaun

Wins U.S. Open
Xander Schauffele

Finishes Tied For 12th at U.S. Open
Robert MacIntyre

Finishes Second at U.S. Open
Si Woo Kim

Finishes Tied For 42nd at U.S. Open
Vershon Lee

Vikings Ink Undrafted Offensive Lineman Vershon Lee
Luke Clanton

Misses The Cut at RBC Canadian Open
San Francisco 49ers

C.J. West Signs Rookie Deal with San Fran
Jaylen Warren

Training to Handle Larger Workload
Giancarlo Stanton

to Make Season Debut on Monday
Will Campbell

Ends Minicamp as Top Left Tackle
Sam Cosmi

Making Good Progress From Torn ACL
Kamaru Usman

Gets Back In The Win Column
Adonai Mitchell

Impresses at Minicamp
Joaquin Buckley

Winning Streak Comes To An End
Miranda Maverick

Drops Decision At UFC Atlanta
Bradley Chubb

Fully Healed, Looking Disruptive
Jonnu Smith

Contract Talks "Still Fluid"
Rose Namajunas

Wins Decision At UFC Atlanta
Andre Petroski

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Edmen Shahbazyan

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Raoni Barcelos

Wins Third Fight In A Row
Chase Elliott

Ends Mexico City with A Great Finish of Third
Christopher Bell

has A Strong Runner-Up Performance At Mexico City
Chase Briscoe

Wild Day Ends with A Top-10 Finish
Michael McDowell

Leaves Mexico City with A Top-Five Finish
Cody Garbrandt

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Cody Brundage

Defeated After Accidental Clash Of Heads
Cody Brundage

Mansur Abdul-Malik Defeats Cody Brundage By Technical Decision
Oumar Sy

Suffers His First Loss
Alonzo Menifield

Scores Upset Win
Alex Bowman

Delivers Bravura Performance After Michigan Injury
Tyler Reddick

Inexplicably Mediocre on his Once-Best Track Type
John Hunter Nemechek

Canny Strategy Gives John Hunter Nemechek Best Career Road-Course Finish
Cole Custer

Earns Best Finish Since Cup-Series Comeback at Mexico City
Grant Holmes

Punches Out 15 in Loss
Elly De La Cruz

Goes Yard in Fourth Straight Game
Will Vest

Dealing With Finger Injury
Jackson Merrill

Placed on Seven-Day Concussion Injured List
J.J. McCarthy

Looking "a Lot Stronger"
Shohei Ohtani

Will Be Dodgers' Starting Pitcher Monday
Roki Sasaki

Shut Down From Throwing
Garrett Wilson

Receives New Contract Offer
Jordan Hicks

Headed to Boston
Kyle Harrison

Traded to Red Sox
Travis Kelce

Slims Down During the Offseason
Trey Hendrickson

Bengals Restart Contract Discussions
Brady House

Nationals Promoting Brady House to Major Leagues
Rafael Devers

Traded to San Francisco
Logan Gilbert

to Start on Monday
Jayden Higgins

Impresses During Minicamp
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

on the Move to Memphis
Cole Anthony

Dealt to the Grizzlies
Seattle Seahawks

DeMarcus Lawrence Making an Impression With his New Team
Tyler Mahle

Placed on 15-Day Injured List
Luis Robert Jr.

Scratched with Thumb Soreness
Desmond Bane

Traded to Orlando
Byron Buxton

Scratched from Sunday's Lineup
Brendan Donovan

Returns to the Lineup
Steven Adams

Rockets Agree to Three-Year Contract Extension
Ty Dillon

Is a Respectable Cap Flexiblity-Focused DFS Option For Mexico City
Corey Perry

Produces 10th Postseason Goal
Connor McDavid

Scores First Finals Goal
John Hunter Nemechek

Is John Hunter Nemechek Worth Rostering In Mexico City DFS Lineups?
Sam Bennett

Nets Another Road Goal in Game 5 Win
Eetu Luostarinen

Earns Two Points Saturday
Brad Marchand

Pots Two Goals in Game 5 Victory
Sergei Bobrovsky

Ties NHL Record with 10th Road Win
Ross Chastain

Trackhouse Racing's Mexico Focus Makes Ross Chastain a Leading Contender for the Win
Kyle Busch

One of Two Past Mexico City Winners in the Field
Ryan Preece

Earns Surprising Front-Row Start
Austin Cindric

Not as Strong of a Road Racer as People Think
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Stronger on Infield Road Courses Than Purpose-Built Ones
Joey Logano

Seemingly Alternating Between Good and Mediocre Races
Brad Keselowski

One of the Few Drivers with Mexico City Experience
Denny Hamlin

Ryan Truex Makes First Cup Series Start Since 2014
Erik Jones

Mexico City Will Likely be a Struggle for Erik Jones
Noah Gragson

Front Row Motorsports' Speed May Make Noah Gragson a Decent DFS Option
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Road Courses Are Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s Worst Track Type
Evander Kane

Drops to Fourth Line Saturday
Kasperi Kapanen

Won't Play on Saturday
Calvin Pickard

Starts Game 5 for Oilers
Tyrese Haliburton

Struggles in Friday's Loss to OKC
Chet Holmgren

Dominates the Glass in Game 4
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Leads the Way in Game 4
Jalen Williams

Has a Quality Showing on Friday Night
Russell Westbrook

to Decline Player Option
Kevin Durant

Trade Could Happen in the "Next Few Days"
Joaquin Buckley

Set For Main Event
Kamaru Usman

An Underdog At UFC Atlanta
Miranda Maverick

Set For Co-Main Event
Rose Namajunas

Looks To Bounce Back
Andre Petroski

Looks To Extend His Win Streak To Four
Edmen Shahbazyan

A Favorite At UFC Atlanta
Raoni Barcelos

Set To Take On Former Champion
Cody Garbrandt

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Mansur Abdul-Malik

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Connor Hellebuyck

Wins Vezina And Hart Trophies
Aleksander Barkov

Records Two Power-Play Assists Thursday
Sam Reinhart

Collects Three Points in Thursday's Loss
Matthew Tkachuk

Notches Three Points in Losing Effort
Calvin Pickard

Joins Exclusive List with Thursday's Win
Mattias Ekholm

Logs Two Assists in Comeback Victory
Leon Draisaitl

Delivers Victory in Overtime Thursday
Myles Turner

Playing Through Illness
Reed Sheppard

Will Play in the NBA Summer League
Kevin Durant

Deal Could Come Sooner Rather Than Later
Dorian Finney-Smith

Undergoes Ankle Surgery
Anze Kopitar

Wins Third Lady Byng Trophy
Sergei Bobrovsky

Heading Out for Win No. 15
John Klingberg

Won't Play in Game 4 Against Panthers
Viktor Arvidsson

Sits Out Game 4 Against Panthers
Stuart Skinner

Remains in Oilers Crease Thursday
Jalen Williams

Leads Thunder in Scoring Wednesday
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Settles for 24 Points in Game 3 Loss
Pascal Siakam

Does Everything for Pacers Wednesday Night
Matt McCarty

Comes Off Season-Best Showing at RBC Canadian Open
Justin Thomas

Desperate to Continue Good 2025 Season
Jon Rahm

Seeks Revenge at U.S. Open
Tom Kim

Aiming for Improvement in U.S. Open
PGA

Sungjae Im Expects Solid Performance at Oakmont
Brian Harman

Aims to Rebound From the Memorial
Tony Finau

has Been Up and Down at U.S. Open
Patrick Cantlay

Hoping This is the Year at Oakmont
Akshay Bhatia

Improving in Time for U.S. Open
Xander Schauffele

Primed for Another Major Championship Run
Cameron Young

May Struggle at U.S. Open
Collin Morikawa

Eyeing Third Major Championship Title
Matt Fitzpatrick

Seeks to Avenge Oakmont Collapse
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF