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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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POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

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24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Tua Tagovailoa

Added to Injury Report, Will Play Sunday
Chris Buescher

Is Chris Buescher A Playable DFS option for Martinsville?
Ryan Preece

is an Intriguing DFS Option For Martinsville
J.J. McCarthy

Expected to Return in Week 9
Daniel Suarez

May be Worth Rostering in DFS for Martinsville
Drake London

Falcons to Determine Availability of Drake London in the Morning
Austin Dillon

Is Austin Dillon Worth Rostering in DFS for Martinsville This week?
Robert Thomas

Sustains Upper-Body Injury
Rickard Rakell

Hurt Versus Blue Jackets
Roope Hintz

Injured on Saturday
Mikael Granlund

Exits Early Saturday
Dylan Strome

Sustains Lower-Body Injury Saturday
William Nylander

Maple Leafs Hope to Have William Nylander Back on Tuesday
Christopher Bell

Kyle Larson Should Advance to Championship 4
Joey Logano

Don't Expect Joey Logano to Significantly Contend for Championship 4
William Byron

A DFS Must-Start Due to Lap-Leader Points
Ross Chastain

Hail Melon Nostalgia Masks Ross Chastain's Martinsville Mediocrity
Josh Berry

a Top Contender for DFS Place-Differential Points
Brad Keselowski

an Intriguing Martinsville Option
Shane Van Gisbergen

Now Competent on Ovals, but Don't Start Him Here
Kyle Busch

Qualifies Well but Probably Won't Have Staying Power
Carson Hocevar

Lack of Finesse Makes Him a Risky Martinsville Pick
Michael McDowell

Missing Martinsville Mastery
Breece Hall

Expected to Play Against Cincinnati
D'Andre Swift

Likely to Suit Up in Week 8
A.J. Brown

"Expected to Have a Realistic Chance to Return" in Week 10
Kirk Cousins

"Officially" Starting in Week 8
Michael Penix Jr.

"Has a Real Chance" to Return in Week 9
Lamar Jackson

NFL to Review Practice "Situation" Surrounding Lamar Jackson
Bryce Young

Hopeful to Play in Week 9
Patrik Laine

Ruled Out for 3-4 Months
Brandon Montour

Ready to Face Oilers
Pierre-Luc Dubois

Available Saturday
Roman Josi

Out Week-to-Week With Upper-Body Injury
Anze Kopitar

Set to Rejoin Kings Lineup Saturday
William Nylander

Good to Go Saturday
Morgan Rielly

Returns to Action Saturday
Drake London

Downgraded to Questionable with Hip Injury
Christian Watson

Activated from Injured Reserve, Set for Season Debut
Zaccharie Risacher

Out Again on Saturday
Mark Williams

Sidelined Versus Denver
Jalen Johnson

Uncertain to Suit Up Versus OKC
Andrew Nembhard

Ruled Out Against Memphis
Kristaps Porzingis

Questionable on Saturday Night
Jalen Suggs

Ruled Out on Saturday
Chet Holmgren

Available to Face the Hawks
Tyrod Taylor

Ruled Out for Week 8 Due to Knee Injury
Terry McLaurin

Will Return in Week 8 After Four-Game Absence
Deebo Samuel Sr.

"Good to Go," Will Play in Week 8
Lamar Jackson

Will Not Play in Week 8, Expected to Return in Week 9
Lamar Jackson

May Be "a Week Away" From Returning
Chris Olave

Saints Unlikely to Trade Chris Olave
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jaguars Listening To Calls For Brian Thomas Jr.
Dillon Gabriel

Browns Want to See More from Dillon Gabriel
Kirk Cousins

Highly Likely to Start in Week 8
Jonathan Lekkerimaki

to Miss 2-3 Weeks
Matt Duchene

Expected to Remain Out Saturday
Alexander Kerfoot

Undergoes Surgery
Tyson Kozak

to Miss Rematch With Maple Leafs
William Nylander

Injured on Friday
Joseph Woll

Rejoins Maple Leafs
Bryce Harper

Phillies Aren't Planning to Trade Bryce Harper
Josh Hart

Available Versus the Celtics
Karl-Anthony Towns

Cleared to Face the Celtics
De'Andre Hunter

Sidelined on Friday Night
Kristaps Porzingis

Won't Play on Friday
Nick Leddy

to Sit Out at Least Two Games
Cody Glass

Set to Miss Time
Vince Williams Jr.

Grizzlies Injury Woes Continue, Without Vince Williams Jr. Friday
Bo Bichette

Starting at Second, Batting Cleanup in Game 1 of World Series
Jae'Sean Tate

Questionable to Return Friday
Danny Wolf

Will Miss Friday's Matchup with Ankle Injury
Drake Powell

Rookie Drake Powell Ruled Out for Matchup with Cavs
Bo Bichette

Makes World Series Roster
Ciryl Gane

Scheduled For A Title Fight
Tom Aspinall

Set for First Official Title Defense
Mackenzie Dern

Can Become The New Strawweight Champion
Virna Jandiroba

Set For UFC 321 Co-Main Event
Mario Bautista

Aims To Extend His Win Streak
MMA

Umar Numagomedov A Favorite At UFC 321
Jailton Almeida

Hopes To Get A Title Shot With A Win
Caris LeVert

Probable for Friday's Game
Alexander Volkov

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Luka Garza

Unavailable Friday
Moritz Wagner

Remains Out Friday
Azamat Murzakanov

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Ja'Kobe Walter

Iffy for Friday Night
Aleksandar Rakic

In Dire Need Of Victory
Daniel Gafford

Listed as Questionable for Friday
Jeremy Sochan

Sits Out Friday's Game
CFB

Texas Tech QB Will Hammond Will Start vs. Oklahoma State Saturday
CFB

Kansas State RB Dylan Edwards Out For Sunflower Showdown
CFB

Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson Will Not Play In Week 9
Zack Wheeler

Could be Ready for Opening Day in 2026
William Contreras

Could Need Finger Surgery
CFB

Utah QB Devon Dampier Listed as Questionable on Big 12 Injury Report
San Francisco Giants

Tony Vitello Named New Manager of the Giants
Francisco Lindor

has Elbow Surgery, Expected to be Ready for Spring Training
PGA

Alex Noren is a Smash Play at Bank of Utah Championship
Maverick McNealy

Look Out For Maverick McNealy This Week in Utah
Justin Lower

Unlikely to Flip The Script at Bank of Utah Championship
Stephan Jaeger

Looking for Repeat Performance in Utah
CFB

Behren Morton Will be Listed as Questionable on Wednesday
Max McGreevy

a Longer Shot to Contend in Utah
Jackson Suber

on the Bubble for the PGA in 2026
Greyson Sigg

Improving at the Right Time This Fall
Seamus Power

Hopes to Make More Birdies This Week
Patton Kizzire

May Struggle Once Again in Utah
Beau Hossler

Up and Down Heading to Bank of Utah Championship
Adam Hadwin

Looking to Find the Weekend in Utah
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Enjoying the Fall Golf Season
Tom Hoge

Sputtering into Bank of Utah Championship
Sahith Theegala

On the Upswing Heading into Utah
Andrew Putnam

Looks to Find Form in Utah
Matt McCarty

Looks to Defend Title in Utah
Ben Kohles

a Strong Value Play at Bank of Utah Championship
Max Homa

Trending Up Entering the Bank of Utah Championship
Nick Dunlap

Searching for Spark at Bank of Utah Championship
Quade Cummins

Struggling to Find Form Ahead of Bank of Utah Championship
Jason Day

Making a Spot Start at Bank of Utah Championship
Los Angeles Angels

Kurt Suzuki to be the Angels' Next Manager
Bo Bichette

Plans to be Ready for World Series
Brandon Woodruff

Expects to Be Ready for Opening Day

RANKINGS

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