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DraftKings Lineup Picks & Sleepers (4/15/17): MLB DFS Advice

JB's DraftKings analysis and advice. The top MLB DFS lineup picks on for 4/15/17, as well as a couple of sleepers for daily fantasy baseball rosters.

Who's ready to get rowdy? Welcome to Saturday DFS, RotoBallers. Today we have a full plate of baseball, split between a 10-game Early Slate and a five-game Main Slate. Mother Nature looks to be fairly cooperative, with only the CWS-MIN game in Minneapolis looking like a serious storm risk for the second consecutive day. There is also a few strong forecasted winds that could give our hitters a huge boost in reaching the stands such as the games in Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Cincinnati. So keep that in mind when paying up for your pitchers!

In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 4/15/17. I am not one to waste time nor insult someone's intelligence. I won't tell you that Mike Trout and Chris Sale are good plays today, because they are good plays everyday. Instead I will focus on where you can scrape up value in order to afford rostering Mike Trout and Chris Sale- whom you know are good plays today because you are an adult and have watched baseball at least once in your life. Enjoy the read and good luck out there today!

You can read our FanDuel and Yahoo DFS lineup picks as well. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out to me on Twitter @RowdyRotoJB

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DFS Lineup Stacks to Target on DraftKings

Cincinnati Reds versus Zach Davies

The suprising Reds currently sit at fourth in the entire league in runs scored and team OPS. They were somewhat quieted last night by Tommy Milone so I expect a big bounceback performance tonight against Zach Davies who owns a mind boggling 10.61 ERA and 2.36 WHIP after his first two starts of 2017. Joey Votto and Adam Duvall are must-haves if you can afford the costs, but Eugenio Suarez, Zack Cozart, Scooter Gennett, and Billy Hamilton are more than affordable.

Also Consider: Chicago Cubs versus Tyler Glasnow; Seattle Mariners versus Andrew Cashner

 

DFS Starting Pitchers to Consider on DraftKings

Justin Verlander, DET at CLE ($8,500)

Nothing about the matchup will make you warm inside considering Verlander owned a 4.88 ERA against the Indians last year and Corey Kluber is on the mound. But the Tribe are currently in a bit of a funk and sit at 22nd in the league in OPS versus RHP. It's not often you get to roster Verlander at this price, and he has the strikeout potential to provide plenty of value, even if one of the Cleveland lefties takes advantage of the forecasted 17 mph wind blowing out to rightfield. He has already accrued 14 whiffs in his first two starts of 2017. I mean he costs less than Matt Shoemaker for goodness sake. I don't feel safe enough to have him as my anchor cash pitcher today, but feel good about the ceiling for GPP contests.

 

Tanner Roark, WSH vs PHI- ($8,100)

The stars have aligned for a gem from Roark against the Phillies. In 2016 he owned a 2.72 ERA at home, a 0.79 ERA against Philly, and a 1.61 ERA for day games. It's the perfect storm. That's not even including the fact these two teams went into extra innings on Friday, meaning potential fatigue could play a role on the hitters. Roark should be rostered in all cash lineups today, and hopefully will have a low enough ownership percentage due to the top-heavy slate to warrant a SP1 spot in GPP lines as well.

Also Consider: Ervin Santana, MIN vs CWS ($7,500) *GPP-only due to weather concerns

 

DFS Infielders to Consider on DraftKings

Catcher (C)

Welington Castillo, BAL at TOR ($3,200)

BvP lovers brace yourselves. In 26 career AB against Marco Estrada, Castillo has hit four HR and a double. That equates to a .808 SLG. He got a day off on Friday, so he should be plenty rested for this matchup. The RHB has yet to break the HR seal this year, but has hit the ball much better away from Camden Yards early on. Opposing pitcher Estrada had an ugly start last time on the mound, and has already given up three bombs and seven ER in just 11 IP in 2017.

Also Consider: Christian Vazquez, BOS vs TBR ($2,700)

 

First Base (1B)

Mitch Moreland, BOS vs TBR ($3,300)

Moreland has been a pleasant surprise offensively for the Red Sox thus far in 2017. He leads the league with eight doubles, and is slashing .324/.410/.559. Despite the good numbers, he has yet to hit a HR and only has one RBI. But a matchup with Jake Odorizzi could be the cure as the Boston studs are finally recovered from their battle with the flu. Odorizzi owned a 5.40 ERA against the Sox in 2016, and has given up three long balls in just 12 IP this year. I like Morelands chances for wrapping a line drive around Pesky Pole today, along with plenty of RBI opportunities at a low cost.

Also Consider: Jesus Aguilar, MIL at CIN ($3,400)

 

Second Base (2B)

DJ LeMahieu, COL at SFG ($3,500)

Matt Moore posted a 6.10 ERA against the Rockies in 2016, while LeMahieu hit .331/.415/.517 against LHP. We've all heard the saying "Keep It Simple Stupid." LeMahieu's ceiling away from Coors and amidst an early season slump is low enough to keep him out of GPP consideration, but the floor and price fit nicely with cash games.

Also Consider: Scooter Gennett, CIN vs MIL ($3,700)

 

Shortstop (SS)

Zack Cozart, CIN vs MIL ($3,500)

As we have seen plenty of times in the past, Cozart can go on some freakish hot streaks, and he is currently in one to begin the 2017 season. After hitting his first HR Friday, his BA now sits at an absurd .467. Despite the uno jack, he has added two doubles and two triples along with a SB. There's no reason to keep him out of your lineups until this streak has for sure died off. He is at the heart of the previously mentioned Reds stack due to the lack of value at the shortstop position today. Also Zach Davies has been terrible, absolutely terrible.

Also Consider: Trevor Story, COL at SFG ($4,000)

 

Third Base (3B)

Mike Moustakas, KC vs LAA ($3,400)

I couldn't keep Moose out of my lineups Friday due to his cheap price tag, and he repaid me with a HR. Today his price still remains too low, and he draws a matchup with Matt Shoemaker. Shoemaker struggled in away games last season, and was flat out awful against the Royals. Add in the fact that he has a 7.71 ERA and allowed three long balls through two starts in 2017 and you got yourself a great play for both GPP and cash games.

Also Consider: Eugenio Suarez, CIN vs MIL ($3,600)

 

DFS Outfielders to Consider on DraftKings

Willson Contreras, CHC vs PIT ($3,600)

It won't be often that I choose to use Contreras in the outfield this year, but with the matchup and 20 mph forecasted winds blowing to dead center, I'll certainly take a piece of that pie for this price. In his first start of 2017, Tyler Glasnow gave up five ER and walked four in just 1 2/3 IP. Yikes. His pitching coach stated that for Saturday's game he will be using a new pitch delivery, so I assume another rough outing as he searches for a new look. Contreras took the day off Friday so he should return to his usual spot in the Cubs dangerous lineup Saturday refreshed.

 

Andrew Benintendi, BOS vs TBR ($3,900)

Even though the fantasy stat line doesn't look overly sexy, Benintendo 64 has been as advertised in 2017. He has 10 hits in 38 AB, and has only struck out four times. He is certainly going to become an OBP monster, and when he faces the right pitchers, he's going to put some balls out past Pesky Pole. Jake Odorizzi is certainly the right pitcher to target. The ceiling isn't overly high here, but the floor is certainly high enough to warrant a spot in your cash lines.

 

Billy Hamilton, CIN vs MIL ($4,100)

When you find a pitcher that Billy Hamilton has strong BvP numbers against, you use him. It is rare in nature, but can lead to crazy SB output. Zach Davies will be used for this theory, as Hamilton is 4-8 against the RHP for his career and already has swiped five bases in 2017. Maybe he can double that total today. In case you have forgotten since the other times I mentioned it, Zach Davies has been very bad this season.

Also Consider: Chris Young, BOS vs TBR ($3,100); Manuel Margot, SDP at ATL ($3,500)

 

MLB News & Injury Alerts

 

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POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Yordan Alvarez

Likely to Return on Tuesday
Jacob deGrom

to Start on Monday
Kyle Tucker

Homers Twice in Win
Chris Sale

Likely to Return Next Weekend
Brian Robinson Jr.

to be RB2
Najee Harris

to be Ready Week 1?
De'Von Achane

Making Good Progress
Jaylen Wright

Considered "Week-to-Week"
Marcus Semien

Placed on Injured List
Jackson Merrill

Heads to 10-Day Injured List
Jordan Love

Says He'll Play in Week 1
Brice Turang

Absent on Saturday, "Touch-and-Go" With Wrist Injury
Chase Elliott

Despite Being Winless at Daytona, Chase Elliott is Probably the Best DFS Option
Ryan Blaney

Will Likely Lead a Lot at Daytona
Kyle Larson

a Poor DFS Option at Daytona
Christopher Bell

Consistent Enough to Consider for DFS
Chris Buescher

Now Must Win His Way Into Playoffs
Ryan Preece

Being One of the Slowest-Starting Fords Makes Ryan Preece a Strong DFS Option
Ross Chastain

Leads a Lot on Drafting Tracks
Daniel Suarez

Now in Desperation Mode With his Career on the Line
Chase Briscoe

Tendency to Finish Better Than He Runs May Reap Dividends at Daytona
Lamar Jackson

Should Practice on Monday
Carson Hocevar

Hard to Forecast Since He's Rarely Given 100 Percent at Daytona
Michael McDowell

has a Solid Drafting Record
AJ Allmendinger

A.J. Allmendinger Arguably Starting Too Well for Place-Differential Points
Austin Dillon

Will Likely Be Too Conservative for DFS Consideration
Noah Gragson

Has Place-Differential Potential as One of the Lowest-Starting Fords
Todd Gilliland

Poor Starting Position and Ford's Drafting Speed Make Todd Gilliland a Viable Option
Zane Smith

Probably Starting Too Well for DFS Play
Justin Haley

has Strong Pass-Differential Potential
Cole Custer

Daytona 500 Speed Makes Him a Solid Play
Austin Hill

Qualifies Poorly Enough for DFS Consideration
Matt Chapman

Activated and Starting on Saturday
Moses Moody

Warriors Not Interested in Trading Moses Moody
Kevin Durant

Rockets Expected to Agree on New Contract
Trey Murphy III

Warriors, Spurs Interested in Trey Murphy III
Zack Wheeler

to Undergo Season-Ending Surgery
Kyle Busch

Facing a Must-Win Situation at Daytona
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

. Could Be a Risky Pick at Daytona
Yoán Moncada

Yoan Moncada Hits a Pair of Home Runs on Friday
Willy Adames

Belts Two Solo Home Runs on Friday
CAR

Luke Kunin Joins Panthers on One-Year Deal
Auston Matthews

Says His Health is "Good" Before Start of Season
Roope Hintz

"Feeling Good" Ahead of New Season
Matthew Tkachuk

Recovering From Surgery
Marco Rossi

Wild Re-Sign Marco Rossi to Three-Year Deal
Bubba Chandler

Records Four-Inning Save in Debut
Walker Buehler

Officially Moving to Bullpen
Adolis García

Adolis Garcia to be Activated on Saturday
Tanner Scott

Activated on Friday
NBA

Malik Beasley Now Drawing Interest from Teams
Jacob Wilson

Reintated and Starting on Friday
Marcus Semien

Could be Out All Weekend, IL Stint Possible
Evan Carter

Could Miss Rest of Season With Fractured Wrist
Brian Robinson Jr.

Traded to 49ers
Samuel Basallo

Inks an Eight-Year Extension With the Orioles
Zhang Mingyang

Set For UFC Shanghai Main Event
Johnny Walker

In Dire Need Of Victory
Brian Ortega

An Underdog At UFC Shanghai
Aljamain Sterling

Set For UFC Shanghai Co-Main Event
Waldo Cortes-Acosta

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Sergei Pavlovich

A Favorite At UFC Shanghai
Kevin Borjas

Set for UFC Shanghai Main-Card Bout
Sumudaerji

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Kiefer Crosbie

Set To Open Up UFC Shanghai Main Card
Taiyilake Nueraji

Set For His UFC Debut
Jesús Sánchez

Jesus Sanchez Tallies Five Hits
Yandy Díaz

Yandy Diaz Dealing With Low-Grade Hamstring Strain
Connor Ingram

Clears Player Assistance Program
Frank Nazar

Inks Seven-Year Extension With Blackhawks
COL

Victor Olofsson Signs One-Year Deal With Avalanche
Tee Higgins

has Injury Scare on Thursday
Dallas Cowboys

Micah Parsons Expected to Play in Week 1
Chris Godwin

Expected to be Activated from the PUP List
Dru Smith

Aims to Be Healthy for Training Camp
Jayson Tatum

Provides Injury Update
RJ Barrett

Considered a Trade Candidate
Golden State Warriors

Warriors "Remain Very Confident" About Signing Al Horford
Jahmir Young

Agrees to Deal With Heat
Devaughn Vele

Traded to Saints
Demarcus Robinson

Issued Three-Game Suspension
Lamar Jackson

Dealing With Minor Foot Injury
Lamar Jackson

Suffers Apparent Hand Injury
Hideki Matsuyama

Looks to Bounce Back at Tour Championship
Corey Conners

Looking to Reverse Struggles at East Lake
Joe Mixon

Could Begin Season on PUP List
Cameron Young

Stays Hot Ahead of Tour Championship
Harris English

Aims for Complete Game at East Lake
Sepp Straka

Back in Action at East Lake
Ben Griffin

a Strong Value Play at East Lake
Rory McIlroy

Chasing Another Win at East Lake
Patrick Cantlay

Finishes Tied for 30th at BMW Championship
Ludvig Aberg

Finishes Tied For Seventh at BMW Championship
Collin Morikawa

Finishes Tied for 33rd at BMW Championship
Keegan Bradley

Finishes Tied for 17th at BMW Championship
Robert MacIntyre

Finishes Second at BMW Championship
J.J. Spaun

Finishes Tied for 23rd at BMW Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Wins BMW Championship
Brian Robinson Jr.

Not Expected to Play for Commanders This Year
Rashee Rice

Could be Facing 4-6 Game Suspension?
Harry Hall

Hot at the Right Time for Tour Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Wants to Rebound at Tour Championship
Jacob Bridgeman

has One Weakness Heading to Atlanta
Nikola Vučević

Nikola Vucevic Not Expecting to Be Moved Before the Season
Nick Taylor

a Long Shot to Win Tour Championship
Josh Giddey

Bulls Not Interested in Sign-and-Trade Deal Involving Josh Giddey
Brian Harman

Trying to Crack Top 20 at Tour Championship
Andrew Novak

Attempts to Bounce Back in Atlanta
Oscar Tshiebwe

Signs New Two-Way Deal With Jazz
Justin Rose

Seeks Even More Success at Tour Championship
Washington Wizards

Alondes Williams Joins Wizards for Training Camp
Washington Wizards

Wizards Add Skal Labissiere for Training Camp
A.J. Brown

on Track to Play in Week 1
CBJ

Brendan Smith Joins Blue Jackets on Tryout Deal
STL

Milan Lucic Joins Blues for Tryout
DET

Red Wings Pick Up Travis Hamonic
Jalen McMillan

Could be Out Through Week 9 Bye
Indiana Pacers

Pacers Coach Rick Carlisle Agrees to a Multiyear Contract Extension on Tuesday
Washington Wizards

John Wall Retires After 11 NBA Seasons
Daniel Jones

Named as Colts Starting Quarterback
Jalen McMillan

Will Not Be Ready for Season Opener
Collin Sexton

Hornets Have High Hopes for Collin Sexton
Rui Hachimura

Likely to Start Season Without Contract Extension
Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Hopes to Bounce Back in 2025-26
Stephen Curry

Ready to Go for New Season
Orlando Magic

Lester Quinones Agrees to Deal With Magic

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP