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DraftKings Lineup Picks & Sleepers (4/18/17): MLB DFS Advice

We have a huge 15 game slate tonight. DraftKings also has the massive $444 Home Run, which features $700,000 in prizes, including $100,000 to first. It's one of the biggest tournaments of the year, and it's always a fun sweat if you're in it. 

In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 4/18/17. 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 @BalesSJustin.

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DFS Lineup Stacks to Target on DraftKings

Cleveland Indians vs Phil Hughes

The Indians offense has looked outstanding early this season, and they get another elite matchup tonight. Hughes enters the game with a terrible 1.57 WHIP, 1.746 HR/9, and 4.921 K/9, which means the ball will be in play tonight, and there will almost certainly be home runs in this game. The Indians are -114 favorites in a game set at 9 runs, and they are the best stacking option on the slate.

Baltimore Orioles vs Bronson Arroyo

This is a matchup made in Heaven for the Orioles. Baltimore has the fourth highest slugging percentage in the Majors this season, and Arroyo has given up four home runs in only 10 innings this season. They will also be playing at one of the most hitter friendly stadiums in the MLB. The Orioles are -152 favorites in a game set at 9 runs, and Baltimore can be stacked in all leagues tonight.

 

DFS Starting Pitchers to Consider on DraftKings

Yu Darvish vs Oakland A's

Darvish struggled in his first two starts this season, but he looked elite in his last start. He enters this game with an elite 1.153 WHIP and an even better 11.605 K/9. He gets a great matchup against the A's in a pitcher friendly stadium, and Darvish is a -120 favorite in a game set at only 7 runs. He's the best pitching option on this slate.

Andrew Triggs vs Texas Rangers

Generally I won't use pitchers in the same game, but tonight is the exception. Triggs has yet to give up a run in his first two starts, and while he hasn't displayed great strikeout potential, he has the ability for five or more strikeouts in six innings. He comes with an extremely low price tag, but he's a only a small underdog in a game set at 7 runs. He isn't the safest option on this slate, but he can be used in tournaments.

 

DFS Infielders to Consider on DraftKings

Catcher (C)

Austin Barnes - vs COL, 3,000

Barnes is an interesting option for the Dodgers. He's expected to draw the start, and he has a rare blend of speed and power for a catcher. He has a home run, triple, and stolen base in limited playing time this season, and he enters the game with a 0.107 ISO differential against left-handed pitching. Barnes can be used in all leagues once he's announced as the starter.

First Base (1B)

Chris Davis - at CIN, $4,700

Davis is hitting for a .317 average on the season, and he also has three home runs. Surprisingly, he only has four RBIs, though. He gets a great matchup against Arroyo, who has struggled to keep the ball in the park this season, and Davis has more than enough power to put on a show tonight. He's an elite option tonight.

Second Base (2B)

Jedd Gyorko - vs PIT, $3,500

Gyorko hasn't been the most consistent player this season, but he has flashed good upside for his price. He enters the game with a 0.034 wOBA and a 0.122 ISO differential against right-handed pitching. Gyorko still comes with a fairly low price tag, and he's a solid tournament option.

Shortstop (SS)

Francisco Lindor - at MIN, $4,700

Lindor has been playing at an unbelievable level this season, as he's hitting over .350 with an elite combination of speed and power. He can string hits together, which adds to his upside. He gets a great matchup against Hughes tonight, and Lindor is an elite option in all leagues.

Third Base (3B)

Nick Castellanos - at TB, $3,500

Castellanos has struggled to hit for a high average this season, but he has displayed great power. 63.6% of his hits have gone for extra-bases this season, including four doubles, one triple, and two home runs. He has been consistent in terms of fantasy to start the season, and he can be used in all leagues.

 

DFS Outfielders to Consider on DraftKings

Seth Smith - at CIN, $3,700

Smith leads off for the Orioles against right-handed pitching, and he enters this game with a .280 batting average and five extra-base hits. He also has an elite 0.112 wOBA and 0.12 ISO differential against righties, and Smith is too cheap for his upside on this slate.

Michael Brantley - at MIN, $4,500

Brantley is a must start in an Indians stack. He comes with a good combination of speed and power, and he gets an elite matchup against Hughes, who has struggled quite a bit this season. Brantley is also hitting in the heart of one of the best lineups in the MLB, and he will see plenty of opportunities to hit value.

 

DFS Hitters to Avoid on DraftKings

Joc Pederson - vs COL, $3,700

Pederson has been an all or nothing hitter for the majority of his career, and he's hitting only .231 with one extra-base hit over the last 10 days. He also enters this game with a -0.148 wOBA and -0.189 ISO against left-handed pitching. He gets a terrible matchup against Freeland tonight, and Pederson should be avoided in all leagues.

 

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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Mike Conley

Unavailable Friday
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Downgraded to Out Thursday
Anthony Edwards

Iffy to Face Warriors
Davante Adams

Remains Absent From Practice Thursday
Kris Murray

Makes Third Start of the Campaign Thursday
Gary Trent Jr.

Replaces Jericho Sims in Starting Unit Thursday
Jarrett Allen

to Remain Sidelined Friday
AJ Green

Misses Second Consecutive Game
Kyle Pitts Sr.

Officially Active on Thursday Night
Jordan Poole

Cleared for Action Thursday
Ja Morant

Listed as Questionable for Friday's Tilt
Mike Evans

Officially Active on Thursday Night
Miles McBride

to be Re-Evaluated in One Week
Robert Williams III

Yang Hansen Out Thursday
Lauri Markkanen

Available Friday Night
LaMelo Ball

Sidelined for Friday
Tyrese Maxey

Dealing With Illness But Expected to Play Friday
Nique Clifford

to Start Thursday
Kristaps Porzingis

Out of Action Versus Pistons Friday
Joel Embiid

Probable Ahead of Friday's Matchup With Pacers
Ryan Leonard

to Miss 3-4 Weeks
Mats Zuccarello

Lands on Injured Reserve
Timo Meier

Takes Leave of Absence
Draymond Green

Ruled Out for Friday Versus Timberwolves
Thatcher Demko

Back in Canucks Crease Thursday
Josh Norris

Out on Thursday
Boone Jenner

Rejoins Blue Jackets Lineup Thursday
Stephen Curry

Off Injury Report for Friday's Matchup With Minnesota
Victor Hedman

Placed on Injured Reserve
Charlie McAvoy

Set to Return Thursday
Philip Rivers

Colts Prepping Philip Rivers to Start in Week 15?
John Konchar

Will Undergo Thumb Surgery
Zach Edey

Out at Least Four Weeks
CFB

Bryce Underwood Could Leave Michigan Without Buyout
Mike Evans

Expected to Play Thursday, But Only on Key Downs?
Fernando Tatis Jr.

Padres Not Considering Trading Fernando Tatis Jr.
Tarik Skubal

Tigers Engaged in "Serious Talks" Around Trading Tarik Skubal at the Winter Meetings
Josh Jacobs

Calling Himself Day-to-Day
CFB

Chris Brazzell II Declaring for NFL Draft
CeeDee Lamb

on Track to Play on Sunday Night
CFB

Fernando Mendoza Named AP College Football Player of the Year
Raisel Iglesias

to Remain the Braves Closer
Robert Suarez

Agrees on Three-Year Deal With Braves
T.J. Watt

Could Miss Monday's Game With a Lung Issue
Trey Hendrickson

Moved to Injured Reserve
Josh Jacobs

Likely to Miss a Second Straight Practice
De'Von Achane

to Start the Week as Limited in Practice
CFB

Sherrone Moore Remains in Police Custody
CFB

Joe Klanderman Joining Baylor Coaching Staff
Alex DeBrincat

Extends Scoring Streak With Three-Point Effort
Dylan Guenther

Lights the Lamp Twice Wednesday
CFB

Kentucky Hiring Jay Bateman as Next Defensive Coordinator
Sam Bennett

Tallies Three Points Against Mammoth
Vince Dunn

Caps Off Three-Point Performance With Overtime Winner
Spencer Knight

Stops Rangers From Scoring Wednesday
Simon Edvinsson

Makes Early Exit Wednesday
Jared McCann

Injured in Wednesday's Win
Si Woo Kim

Closes 2025 With Strong Finish Among Putting Woes
Akshay Bhatia

Looks to Rebound in 2026 After Down Year Off the Tee
Brian Harman

2025 Season a Step Back Despite Spring Win
Sam Burns

' Elite Putting Headlines a Solid 2025 Season
Sepp Straka

Ends Stellar 2025 Campaign on a High Note
Robert MacIntyre

Closes Out a Steady 2025 Campaign
CFB

Chip Kelly Interviews for Georgia Tech Offensive Coordinator Job
CFB

Louisville Receiver Chris Bell has a Torn ACL
Davante Adams

in Good Spot for Week 15 Despite Hamstring Soreness
Dakota Mermis

to Miss a Month
Jake Evans

to Miss Thursday's Matchup
Elias Pettersson

Unlikely to Play Thursday
Min Woo Lee

Breaks Through to Win in Texas This Year
Nick Bjugstad

to Miss at Least Three Games
PGA

Alex Noren Wins Twice on European Tour This Year
Connor Hellebuyck

Returns to Practice
John Carlson

Could Return Thursday
Wyndham Clark

has Up-and-Down 2025 Golf Season
CFB

Michigan Fires Head Coach Sherrone Moore
Corey Conners

Comes Close to Winning Again in Very Good 2025
Justin Rose

Turns Back the Clock in 2025
Mike Evans

Officially Questionable for Thursday Night Game
Geno Smith

Unlikely to Play in Week 15
CFB

Jim Knowles Expected to be Hired as Tennessee's Defensive Coordinator
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

"Good to Go" for Week 15
Harris English

Enjoys Solid Finish at Hero World Challenge
CeeDee Lamb

has "One or Two" Things Left to the Clear Concussion Protocol
Jayden Daniels

Commanders Not Shutting Down Jayden Daniels for the Year
CFB

Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles Not Being Retained at Penn State
CFB

Indiana's Stephen Daley Done for Season After Post-Game Injury
Kyle Pitts Sr.

Carries Momentum and a Questionable Tag into TNF
Drake London

Won't Play on Thursday Night
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Practicing Coming Out of the Bye Week
Garrett Wilson

Practice Window Still Hasn't Opened
Pete Alonso

Orioles Finalizing Five-Year Deal
Kyle Finnegan

Tigers, Kyle Finnegan Agree on Two-Year Deal
Bo Bichette

Red Sox Out on Bo Bichette For Now
Philadelphia Phillies

Phillies Extend Manager Rob Thomson Through 2027 Season
Michael King

the Mets' Top Rotation Target?
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Could Move Back to Leadoff Spot
CFB

Florida, Wisconsin Among Suitors for QB Transfer Kenny Minchey
CFB

Bryan Harsin, Justin Wilcox Candidates for Washington State Head Coach Job?
Edwin Díaz

Edwin Diaz Agrees to Deal With the Dodgers
Kyle Schwarber

Returning to Phillies on Five-Year Deal
CFB

Ole Miss Hiring John David Baker as Offensive Coordinator
CFB

Ty Howle the Top Target for Virginia Tech Offensive Coordinator Job
Shohei Ohtani

to be Used More as Traditional Starting Pitcher Next Year
Yordan Alvarez

to Become Full-Time DH in 2026?
Mason Miller

Padres Plan to Keep Mason Miller in the Bullpen
Ranger Suárez

Orioles Interested in Signing Ranger Suarez
Anthony Volpe

Yankees Don't Expect Anthony Volpe to be Ready in April
Gerrit Cole

Targeting a Return in May/June
CFB

Heisman Trophy Finalists Announced on Monday
CFB

Anthony Hill Jr. Declaring for 2026 NFL Draft
CFB

Ryan Walters a Candidate for Tennessee Defensive Coordinator Job?
Rory McIlroy

Ends 2025 as the Year's Most Unburdened Player
Aaron Rai

Needs to Figure Out Putting Woes This Offseason
Jordan Spieth

Plays Better on Paper in 2025 Than Results Show
PGA

Chris Gotterup Needs to Find Better Touch and Consistency This Offseason
Hideki Matsuyama

Ends 2025 Season With a Bookend Victory
CFB

Tennessee Fires Defensive Coordinator Tim Banks
Scottie Scheffler

Comes Up Just Shy of Hero World Challenge Victory
Merab Dvalishvili

Drops A Decision At UFC 323
Petr Yan

Reclaims Bantamweight Title
Alexandre Pantoja

Era Ends With Gruesome Injury
Joshua Van

Becomes Second-Youngest UFC Champion
Brandon Moreno

Suffers His First TKO Loss
Brandon Moreno

Tatsuro Taira Becomes First Fighter To Finish Brandon Moreno
Henry Cejudo

Payton Talbott Retires Henry Cejudo
Henry Cejudo

Retires After UFC 323 Loss
Jan Blachowicz

Bogdan Guskov Vs. Jan Blachowicz Ends In A Majority Draw
Jan Blachowicz

And Bogdan Guskov Fight To Majority Draw
CFB

Texas RB CJ Baxter Entering Transfer Portal
San Francisco Giants

Jeff Kent Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame
Ketel Marte

Red Sox Interested in Trading for Ketel Marte
Kyle Schwarber

Pirates Make Four-Year Offer to Kyle Schwarber

RANKINGS

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