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 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

Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 30% off using code NEW! Win more with expert advice from proven winners and exclusive DFS tools. Get instant access to RotoBaller's Lineup Optimizers, Research Stations, daily picks and VIP chat rooms across 10 sports! Go Premium, Win More!

 

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

 

Full Season MLB & DFS Premium Pass

Get a Premium Pass for the entire MLB season - including the playoffs - for only $49.99.

That's over 200 days of Premium DFS, delivered every single day:

  • DFS lineup picks and cheat sheets for FanDuel, DraftKings and Yahoo - seven days a week
  • Six expert lineups: FanDuel, DraftKings, Yahoo and Stacks 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

Sign Up Now!

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

Nathan MacKinnon

Has Two Points In Losing Effort
Martin Necas

Records Two Assists In Game 5 Loss
Mikko Rantanen

Tallies Three Points In Monday's Win
Wyatt Johnston

Leads Stars To Game 5 Victory
Sergei Bobrovsky

Returns To Winning Ways
Anton Lundell

Earns Two Points Monday
Ryan Gerard

Going For A Texas Trifecta Of Sorts
Brandon Hagel

Departs Loss Early
Joe Highsmith

Hoping To Make More Putts In Texas
Eric Cole

Expecting Big Things In Texas
Brian Campbell

May Go Under The Radar At CJ Cup
Riley Greene

Homers Twice On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

Exits Monday's Win Early
Los Angeles Chargers

Tre Harris Expected To Fill X Role For Chargers
Los Angeles Chargers

Quentin Johnston Needs To Earn His Spot In Training Camp
Los Angeles Chargers

Hassan Haskins The Leader For No. 3 RB Job
Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers Plan For 1-2 Punch At RB With Omarion Hampton, Najee Harris
New England Patriots

Patriots View TreVeyon Henderson As A Three-Down Back
Cleveland Browns

Browns View Quinshon Judkins As A Potential Bell-Cow Back
Seattle Seahawks

Seahawks Plan To Develop Jalen Milroe As A QB
Tennessee Titans

Titans Unlikely To Pick Up Treylon Burks' Fifth-Year Option
Cleveland Browns

Browns Apply Unrestricted Free-Agent Tender To Elijah Moore
Cleveland Browns

Browns Agree To One-Year Deal With Diontae Johnson
Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys Could Reunite With Amari Cooper
Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers Sign Robert Woods To One-Year Deal
Jimmy Butler III

Officially Active For Game 4
Isaiah Stewart

Uncertain For Game 5
Michael Porter Jr.

Expected To Play In Game 5
Brandon Nimmo

Has Career Game
Russell Westbrook

Questionable For Tuesday Night
Tyler Glasnow

Going On The Injured List
Jaylen Brown

Back On The Injury Report
Jrue Holiday

Out Again On Tuesday Night
Bennedict Mathurin

Questionable For Game 5
Damian Lillard

May Not Play Next Season
Luis Arraez

Expected To Return On Tuesday
Johnathan Kovacevic

To Remain Out Tuesday
Brenden Dillon

Unavailable Tuesday
Luke Hughes

Not Ready To Return For Game 5
Darius Garland

Remains Out On Monday
Ross Colton

Remains Out On Monday
Oskar Bäck

Oskar Back Returns To Stars Lineup Monday
Miro Heiskanen

To Miss Game 5
Jordan Westburg

Placed On Injured List
Anthony Cirelli

Good To Go For Game 4
Cleveland Browns

Browns Decline Kenny Pickett's Fifth-Year Option
New York Giants

Giants Won't Pick Up Evan Neal's Fifth-Year Option
Carolina Panthers

Panthers Pick Up Fifth-Year Option On Ikem Ekwonu
Philadelphia Eagles

Dallas Goedert Could Remain An Eagle
Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Could Still Add Wide Receiver Help Prior To 2025 Season
Cleveland Browns

Shedeur Sanders Struggled During Pre-Draft Process
Buffalo Bills

Elijah Moore Visiting With Bills
Jacksonville Jaguars

Emmanuel Ogbah Signs With Jaguars
New Orleans Saints

Derek Carr Undergoes MRI Exam
William Byron

Ends With A Strong Top-Five Finish At Talladega
Ryan Blaney

Bad Luck Continues With Talladega Crash
Kyle Larson

Has A Career-Best Performance At Talladega
Ian Machado Garry

Gets Back On Track With UFC Kansas City Win
Brad Keselowski

Talladega Run Ends Early After Crashing
Carlos Prates

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Zhang Mingyang

Still Undefeated In The UFC
Anthony Smith

Retires After UFC Kansas City Loss
Giga Chikadze

Takes Unanimous Decision Loss
Giga Chikadze

Takes Unanimous-Decision Loss
David Onama

Extends Win Streak At UFC Kansas City
Michel Pereira

Drops Decision At UFC Kansas City
Abus Magomedov

Extends His Win Streak
Nicolas Dalby

Gets Finished For The First Time
Randy Brown

Gets Back In The Win Column
Ikram Aliskerov

Gets First-Round TKO Finish At UFC Kansas City
Andre Muniz

Gets TKO'd At UFC Kansas City
Ivan Demidov

Has Historic Outing In Game 4
Timo Meier

Records Two Points Sunday
Andrei Svechnikov

Nets Hat Trick In Game 4 Win
Leon Draisaitl

Caps Off Four-Point Effort With First Postseason Overtime Goal
Connor Hellebuyck

Gets Pulled Again
Alexandre Carrier

Fails To Finish Game 4
Tyler Tucker

Makes Early Exit Sunday
Chase Elliott

Recovers from Speeding Penalty to Finish Fifth
Joey Logano

Finishes Last at Talladega After Disqualification for Missing Spoiler Brace
Ryan Preece

Loses Talladega Race First in Photo Finish Then in Post-Race Inspection
NASCAR

Poor Toyota Strategy Arguably Cost Bubba Wallace Winning Chances at Talladega
Christopher Bell

Unhurt After Hard Contact with Inside Retaining Wall
Joe Ryan

Posts Stellar Outing
Jaylen Brown

Available For Game 4
Nick Lodolo

Throws Seven Scoreless Innings
Tyler Glasnow

Removed Early On Sunday
Darius Garland

Questionable For Game 4
Jaden Ivey

Making Progress
Tarik Skubal

Racks Up 11 Strikeouts
Luke Weaver

In Line To Get The Bulk Of Save Opportunities Moving Forward
Devin Williams

Removed From Closer Role
Chase Elliott

Is One OF The Top Overall DFS Picks Of The Week
Joey Logano

Could Joey Logano Finish A Race With A Top Finish At Talladega?
NASCAR

DFS Players Should Like Bubba Wallace For Talladega This Week
Christopher Bell

Should DFS Players Roster Christopher Bell At Talladega?
Austin Cindric

Is Austin Cindric Worth Rostering For Talladega DFS Lineups?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Is A Solid, Safe, DFS Choice For Talladega Lineups
Austin Dillon

Is Austin Dillon A Viable DFS Play At Talladega This Week?
Josh Berry

Qualifies Too High At Talladega To Be Worth Rostering In DFS
Michael McDowell

Should DFS Players Take A Shot On Michael McDowell At Talladega?
Noah Gragson

Could Be A Sneaky DFS Play For Talladega
Denny Hamlin

Probably Qualified Too Well for DFS Consideration
Kyle Larson

Increasingly Undervalued Due to His Crashing, but Still a Great DFS Option
Austin Hays

Smacks Two Homers On Saturday
Jorge Polanco

Goes Deep Twice On Saturday
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Hits Four Homers On Saturday
Framber Valdez

Tosses Complete Game In A Loss To The Royals
Jackson Chourio

Nearly Hits For The Cycle
Jimmy Butler III

Ruled Out On Saturday
Isaiah Stewart

Questionable For Sunday's Game
Jaylen Brown

Questionable For Game 4
Logan Evans

To Make MLB Debut On Sunday
Jrue Holiday

Won't Play On Sunday
Logan Gilbert

Heading To 15-Day Injured List
Mitchell Robinson

Questionable For Game 4 Versus Detroit
Michael Porter Jr.

Available On Saturday Night
Russell Westbrook

Won't Suit Up For Game 4
Ryan Mountcastle

Adley Rutschman, Ryan Mountcastle Not In Game 1 Lineup
Darius Garland

Won't Suit Up For Game 3
Darius Garland

Unavailable For Pregame Warmup
MLB

Yankees and Blue Jays Postponed On Saturday
Carlos Prates

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Ian Machado Garry

Set For UFC Kansas City Main Event
Zhang Mingyang

Scheduled For Co-Main Event
Anthony Smith

Set For His Final UFC Bout
David Onama

Set For Featherweight Bout
Giga Chikadze

Looks To Bounce Back
Abus Magomedov

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Michel Pereira

Returns To Action At UFC Kansas City
Cam Davis

Looking For Better Fortunes At TPC Louisiana
Adam Svensson

Making Third Apperence At Zurich Classic
Max Greyserman

Aiming For Similar Success At TPC Louisiana
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF