RADIO
It feels like baseball never left us. Arguably the best pitcher in the world is ready to take the mound, while an old rivalry, consisting of some of the game's newest talent, kicks off this week as well.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for Yahoo on 4/25/17. The DFS lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays on Yahoo.
You can read our FanDuel and DraftKings DFS lineup picks as well. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out to me on Twitter @DemetriRafto.
DFS Lineup Stacks to Consider on Yahoo
The Texas Rangers host the Minnesota Twins and Ervin Santana, who is off to a hot start in the early going of the 2017 season. Santana has allowed only two earned runs over 28 innings pitched, but don't let that stop you from stacking against him. The current Rangers lineup has had much success against Santana in the past. Globe Life Park, although not quite the hitters park it used to be, is still a location to target for daily fantasy owners. There isn't a ton of foul territory while the climate and temperatures are always cranked up, typically higher than any other host stadium.
Also consider: Washington Nationals versus German Marquez
DFS Starting Pitchers to Consider on Yahoo
Clayton Kershaw at SF ($64)
This one is a no-brainer. Unlike the aforementioned Globe Life Park, the location of this contest favors the pitcher. Not that Clayton Kershaw needs any help dominating on the mound, but AT&T Park reduces home runs and is a nightmare location for lefties to hit at. AT&T Park ranks sixth in terms of lefty extra base hits and has some of the deepest dimensions than any other MLB stadium. Kershaw has also held lefties to a .181 opponent batting average combined over the last three seasons. There is a reason why the former Cy Young winner is the highest priced player on Tuesday night's card.
Vince Velasquez vs MIA ($39)
In order to afford someone like Kershaw, you need to complement the Dodgers ace with someone like Vince Velasquez. It's been a very underwhelming start to the season for Velasquez, yet he has had plenty of success against the Miami Marlins in his career. Over three starts and 18.0 innings pitched, Velasquez has surrendered only five runs, while posting 20 total strikeouts; the most against any team in his career. Velasquez has also faired much better pitching at home in his career, where his ERA is more than a point lower than during road starts.
DFS Infielders to Consider on Yahoo
Catcher (C) - Jonathan Lucroy vs MIN ($7)
It's hard to pass up on a catcher that's just itching to break out, priced at only seven dollars. While much of the attention behind the plate has gone to Robinson Chirinos of late, it is Lucroy's experience and past success that should get him the consistent nod over his backup. Lucroy has been hitting lefties better this season, but in three prior seasons, the veteran catcher has batted .295 versus righties. He also has four hits in seven at bats against Ervin Santana in his career.
First Base (1B) - Mike Napoli vs MIN ($9)
Mike Napoli has collected 10 hits in 25 career at bats versus Ervin Santana in his career, including three home runs, 10 ribbies, and four two baggers. Napoli has hit lefties better, and is off to a slow start average-wise, but the matchup and history, mixed with his low price, are too sweet to pass up on.
Second Base (2B) - Daniel Murphy at COL ($21)
The Washington Nationals are playing in the friendliest hitter's park this week, and head into a matchup against a pitcher Tuesday night with only three starts under his belt. Murphy has made a living off righties this season as all three of his home runs and all 14 of his RBI have come against them. Over the past three campaigns, Murphy has put together a .311 average against righties, and is worth paying up for.
Third Base (3B) - Joey Gallo vs MIN ($13)
Joey Gallo's price is also way too hard to pass up on for what he's capable of. Despite the tendency to strike out often, Gallo's upside is high as a consistent, multiple home run threat. His swing is perfect for Globe Life Park and simply has a name that sounds like it should belong to a home run hitter. His average has suffered a bit against righties this season, but his power has benefitted.
Shortstop (SS) - Ronald Torreyes at BOS ($9)
Ronald Torreyes continues to make the most of his increased opportunity at shortstop with Didi Gregorius stuck on the disabled list. Torreyes has not tasted too much of New York's historic rivalry with Boston, only 12 at bats in his career, but has been a key to the Yankees offense in the early going this season. He's coming off a four hit performance over the weekend while his upside makes him worth the risk.
DFS Outfielders to Consider on Yahoo
Bryce Harper @ COL ($28)
Coors Field has the largest amount of fair territory than any stadium in the Majors. This is excellent news for someone who is on an absolute tear. Harper has posted 14 hits over his last 26 at bats, including five home runs and 12 ribbies over that span. Harper is also batting .361 in 61 at bats against Colorado over the last three seasons. He's another player that is always worth spending up for.
Carlos Gomez vs MIN ($16)
Gomez has seven hits in 21 at bats versus Erving Santana in his career, including a homer, two RBI, and two doubles. His average leaves plenty to be desired, but his power is indeed still there, beneficial for someone who will be swinging a bat in Texas for 81 games.
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