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 (4/17/17): MLB DFS Advice

Even with a shorter slate this Monday, there are plenty of intriguing games to watch, including an 11:05 AM eastern time start in Boston. With several different contests being offered on DraftKings, you'll have lots of different lineup options. For our purposes, the following picks have been made for contests running all day. 

In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 4/17/17. The DFS lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays on DraftKings.

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 @TroyKlauder.

Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 30% off using code WIN! 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

Cleveland Indians vs. Kyle Gibson (RHP)

The Indians are a great stack on Monday as they face one of the worst regular starting pitchers in all of baseball, Kyle Gibson. Gibson had a ridiculously bad 5.07 ERA in 25 starts last year and has picked up right where he left off this year, putting up an 8.00 ERA through his first two starts. Francisco Lindor and Edwin Encarnacion are top tier picks who look to tee off on Gibson. Yandy Diaz and Abraham Almonte are additional picks coming for cheap, as anybody in the Indians lineup on Monday will enjoy their day at the plate.

Seattle Mariners vs. Tom Koehler (RHP)

After putting up eight runs on the Rangers on Sunday, the Mariners lineup has another great opportunity on Monday against mediocre righty Tom Koehler. Koehler hasn't posted an ERA below 4.00 since 2014 and is never a threat to put up big strikeout numbers, so lots of balls are put in play against him. The scorching hot Mitch Haniger is a great play batting second, while Jarrod Dyson should lead off -- both will be in a prime position to get on base and score some runs. If you're looking for an elite hitter, anybody in the heart of the Mariners lineup is a strong play: Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz, or Kyle Seager.

 

DFS Starting Pitchers to Consider on DraftKings

Jaime Garcia, ATL vs. SD - $7,200

Without a true ace on the mound for any team on Monday, it could be a good idea to grab cheaper options and load up on bats. If that's your strategy, Jaime Garcia should be one of your starters, as he gets to face Padres incredibly easy lineup, who have put just up a .294 wOBA this season. Garcia comes at a great price thanks two his poor first two starts, but those were against legitimate lineups. Against San Diego, Garcia should have no troubles, although you shouldn't expect big strikeout numbers.

John Lackey, CHC vs. MIL - $10,200

John Lackey is Monday's upside play for starters, as he faces Milwaukee at home. The Brewers have the second highest K% in all of baseball with 27.7%. Lackey has struck out 17 batters in his 12 innings this year, so he could put up another huge strikeout total in this one. The Brewers are no easy matchup though, so you run the risk of Lackey getting hit around if you use him. He's a boom or bust play on Monday.

 

DFS Infielders to Consider on DraftKings

Catcher (C)

Willson Contreras, CHC vs. MIL - $3,600

On a day where there aren't many acceptable catching options available, it's a good idea to take a guy like Contreras. He's the third most expensive play at catcher, but won't hurt your budget too much overall with the $3,600 price tag. Contreras gets a fantastic matchup in Chase Anderson, who had a 4.39 ERA last season with a 5.09 FIP. The Cubs are going to tee off on Anderson, and Contreras will be right in the middle of the action, racking up runs and RBI.

First Base (1B)

Chris Carter, NYY vs. CHW - $4,300

After hitting a  National League leading 41 homers last year, Chris Carter has found his home at Yankee Stadium. 12 of those homers in 2016 came off lefties, who Carter has mashed throughout his career with a 117 wRC+, and Carter gets a matchup he can drool over in Derek Holland. Holland's homer problems are well documented, as he had a 1.26 HR/9 in 2016 after putting up a 1.69 HR/9 in 2015. A hitter with loads of home run power against a pitcher who struggles with the longball is a recipe for lots of fantasy points at Yankee Stadium, so get Carter into your lineups.

Second Base (2B)

Brandon Phillips, ATL vs. SD - $3,600

Veteran second baseman Brandon Phillips comes into Monday's game red-hot, batting .389 in the last week with a homer and three steals. He should continue this hot streak facing Jered Weaver, who is somehow still pitching after latching on with the Padres this offseason. Weaver has just a 5.73 K/9 through two starts this year while putting up a 5.21 K/9 last season. This type of matchup is great for Phillips, who swings at everything and hardly ever walks or strikes out (3.11 BB%, 11.6 K% in 2016). Batting fifth in the Atlanta lineup, Phillips will have lots of RBI chances and looks to have a stellar day at the plate on Monday.

Shortstop (SS)

Francisco Lindor, CLE at MIN- $4,200

As mentioned earlier, the Indians have a fantastic matchup against Kyle Gibson, and Francisco Lindor comes in as a surprisingly cheap play for such an elite talent. Lindor has been spectacular so far this year, hitting .362 with four homers and a boatload of counting stats from batting second. Using him as part of a Cleveland stack or even as a standalone play has the potential to reward fantasy players greatly.

Third Base (3B)

Evan Longoria, TB at BOS - $4,800

Evan Longoria hasn't gotten off to a good start in 2017, but he is set to feast on Steven Wright at Boston on Monday. Fenway Park is an outstanding hitters' park, and Wright is coming off an outing where he gave up eight earned runs in 1 1/3 innings pitched. There's not much convincing needed on this one - Longo is a premiere option at the hot corner with a dreamy matchup. Don't get scared off by two weeks of games where he hasn't performed, or you'll get left in the dust when Longoria takes off on Monday.

 

DFS Outfielders to Consider on DraftKings

Giancarlo Stanton, MIA at SEA - $4,400

Giancarlo Stanton comes in at an incredibly low price for his skill level. This could mean that he's a popular play Monday, but he's still worth running with for his insane upside. Stanton puts up insane numbers against lefties, so the middling Ariel Miranda is going to get steamrolled by Stanton. Miranda lacks the strikeout potential that makes fantasy players weary of Stanton, so he will get the chance to display his absurd power in Seattle.

Jarrod Dyson SEA vs MIA - $3,200

Jarrod Dyson was mentioned as part of the Mariners blurb at the beginning of the article, and for good reason. Dyson will be leading off for the Mariners, so he has four high-powered hitters behind him when he gets on base. Dyson will bathe in runs on Monday provided that he gets on against the weak Tom Koehler, and there's always potential for stolen bases from the speedster.

Khris Davis, OAK vs TEX - $4,100

Khris Davis is raking this April, batting .340 with six bombs already. He gets a chance for more on Monday against the Rangers' A.J. Griffin, who enters his start with a 6.45 ERA. Davis has already homered off Griffin earlier in the year, hitting a solo shot on April 7th. The A's slugger comes in at a fair price with an easy opponent.

 

DFS Hitters to Avoid on DraftKings

Eric Thames, MIL at CHC - $3,800

Eric Thames has gotten off to a gaudy start and has a ridiculous five homers in his last four games. Since he's at such a cheap price, Thames is going to have insanely high ownership on Monday. Thames is a player you're going to want to fade, as his value is diluted by being such a popular pick. His matchup isn't an easy one against John Lackey -- his last four games have been aided by a garbage Cincinnati pitching staff. Don't get suckered in to the hype.

Avisail Garcia, MIL at CHC - $3,600

Avisail Garcia has been tearing the cover off the ball, hitting .465 to start the year, and comes in at a thrifty $3,600 on Monday. Still, he should be avoided by fantasy players, as masses of players will see the hot start and cheap price and slot him in their lineups. Garcia has been an incredibly poor hitter for the last two seasons, so there's no reason to believe he's magically the best hitter in baseball after two weeks. Garcia is sporting a .536 BABIP, which is certain to come down, and he's still striking out at a 21.4% rate, so it's not like he's making much more contact. Jordan Montgomery had an impressive debut against Tampa, so it's a smart move to fade Garcia.

 

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

Kyle Larson

Enters Playoffs As Co-Points Leader
Alex Bowman

Advances to Playoffs Despite Crashing at Daytona
Cole Custer

Finally Shows Signs of Life at Daytona
Daniel Suarez

Lame Duck Daniel Suarez Delivers Clutch Second-Place Finish
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
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
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