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Daily Fantasy Baseball Lineup Picks (8/20/17): MLB DFS Advice for FanDuel and DraftKings

Welcome back to another edition of Sunday morning DFS picks and advice. I am your host, JB, and today we have a weather concern-free Sunday main slate that consists of 10 games on FanDuel and 12 games on DraftKings. DK knows we all prefer bigger slates, while FanDuel just doesn't seem to care what anyone thinks. In case you are curious, the extra two games are CWS-TEX and MIL-COL.

In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 8/20/17. The lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to hit me up on Twitter @RowdyRotoJB

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DFS Starting Pitchers to Consider

Jacob deGrom, NYM vs MIA (DK - $12,700, FD - $10,400)

deGrom is the top dog on today's main slate, and rightfully so. At home this season, he owns a 2.49 ERA with a 10.9 K/9. The last time he faced this offense, he struck out 13 batters in seven innings. The other thing he has going for him today is his performance in day games in 2017. Through five day starts, deGrom owns a 2.67 ERA and has only allowed two HR (33.2 IP).

 

Brad Peacock, HOU vs OAK (DK - $9,200, FD - $8,400)

deGrom may be the safest pitcher available on the main slate today, but you gotta love the ceiling for Peacock against the team with the second most strikeouts against RHP this season. Oakland has scored all of one run through the first two games of this series, and are hitting a combined .167/.271/.333 against Peacock. He has fallen off a bit since the All-Star break, but is still 10-1 with a 11.8 K/9. He has only pitched seven innings in one start this season, but reached the QS minimum in two of his last three. He is far from a safe option, but the K upside should provide enough points to be worthy of consideration in both cash and GPP contests, while freeing up 3.5K of salary on DK (2K on FD) to get those Astros and Dbacks into your lineup.

 

Luis Castillo, CIN at ATL (DK - $8,400, FD - $7,300)

If you are looking to save even more dough on pitching, or need a SP2 on DraftKings, Castillo is next man up on my list. The strikeouts have dropped significantly in the second half, 7.5 K/9 compared to 11.7 before the break, but the tradeoff here is keeping the ball in the park. He had surrendered five dongs in his first 23.0 IP, whereas he has now only given up four in his last 43.1. This will be key today pitching in SunTrust Park with that mysterious wind funnel. Despite the sub-optimal location today, Castillo has been terrific on the road this season, boasting a 2.48 ERA and 1.13 WHIP through six starts.

*Be on the lookout for who is starting at catcher for the Reds today. Castillo has been fantastic with Tucker Barnhart behind the dish, with a 2.66 ERA and .195 BAA.

 

DFS Infielders to Consider

Juan Centeno- C, vs OAK (DK - $2,500, FD - $2,200)

If you can get any human being facing Jharel Cotton for cheap, you don't ask questions. Over his last four starts, he owns an 8.27 ERA, 1.84 WHIP, and has allowed six bombs. Don't let his road splits fool you, he gave up six runs on 10 hits in just 4.1 innings in his only start at Minute Maid Park this season.

 

Paul Goldschmidt - 1B, at MIN (DK - $5,300, FD - $4,400)

Yes, the future 2017 NL MVP is amazing, and should probably always be in consideration for your lineups. Over the last month, he's rockin' a 1.202 OPS with 16 XBH. Through his 36 day games this year (ET), he is hitting .336/.414/.692 with 13 bombs. Today he faces the ageless wonder Bartolo Colon, who served up three long balls in his last outing. Today is a day that you need to pay up for Goldy.

 

Brad Miller - 2B, vs SEA (DK - $2,900, FD - $2,600)

Besides the major salary relief, there isn't much that would lure me into rostering Brad Miller. But Yovanni Gallardo is like a giant welcome sign. He has been just awful his last two outings, giving up 11 ER and four long balls over just 8.1 IP. This should certainly put some life into those cold Tampa bats, and if Miller is sitting atop of the order yet again today, well you aren't going to find a better value. For his career, Miller is 5-15 with two doubles and a triple against Gallardo.

 

Kris Bryant - 3B, vs TOR (DK - $5,000, FD - $4,200)

The other infielder that deserves every cent of his high salary today is Kris Bryant. Marco Estrada fooled me into thinking he had figured things out prior to getting shelled by Tampa Bay at home in his last outing. He is allowing a .287/.366/.503 line to RHB, and is 2-5 with a 5.33 ERA on the road. If any Cubs hitter is going to take advantage of the match-up today, its going to be KB. Over the last two weeks he is hitting .415 with a 1.257 OPS and has hit 15 of his 23 HR at Wrigley Field this season.

 

Marwin Gonzalez - SS, vs OAK (DK - $4,400, FD - $3,000)

Marwin is a much better value on FD today, as $3,000 is still just way too low for a match-up with Jharel Cotton. Against RHP at home this year, Marwin owns a 159 wRC+, .406 wOBA, and .302 ISO. Elite numbers, for a very moderate price.

Also Consider: Amed Rosario - SS, vs MIA (DK - $3,100, FD - $2,400) *DK Salary Relief

 

DFS Outfielders to Consider

Steven Souza - OF, vs SEA (DK - $4,200, FD - $3,300)

Souza sneakily owns the 10th highest ISO against RHP (.294) in the league, one point higher than Goldy himself. Gallardo, as discussed previously, is struggling mightily and allowing a .511 SLG to RHB. Souza will feast today.

 

J.D. Martinez - OF, at MIN (DK - $4,800, FD - $3,900)

JD is my favorite hitter for today's main slate. Not only because the man is rocking a .615 SLG this season, or even because Bartolo Colon will be throwing him BP. It is both those factors, plus the fact that he owns a career .312/.375/.495 slash with four HR and eight doubles at Target Field. He's heading back to the familiar foes of the AL Central, and once Colon gets bounced from the game, will enjoy the bullpen that's allowed the third most HR in the league also.

 

Lorenzo Cain - OF, vs CLE (DK - $3,500, FD - $4,000) 

Phillip Ervin - OF, at ATL (DK - $3,600, FD - $2,100)

I have paired these two together due to their ridiculous prices on each respective site. On DraftKings, Lorenzo Cain is criminally cheap. In 30 career PA against Salazar he is hitting .357, is hitting .426/.466/.556 over the last two weeks, and is hitting .307 against RHP this season. Over on FanDuel, Phillip Ervin sneaks by their pricing model despite going 4-6 with a double and two bombs in their series at Wrigley and facing a LHP in the friendly confines of SunTrust Park.

Also Consider: Josh Reddick - OF, vs OAK (DK - $4,400, FD - $3,400) *Jharel Cotton effect + Marwin-esque numbers at home vs RHP: 155 wRC+, .401 wOBA, .230 ISO. 

 

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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Michael Penix Jr.

Not Cleared for 11-on-11 Work
Jacoby Brissett

Still Absent From OTAs This Week
George Kittle

Still Hoping to be Ready for Week 1
Micah Parsons

Expected to Open Training Camp on the PUP List
Tucker Kraft

Packers Hopeful Tucker Kraft Will Participate in Training Camp
Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Held Out of OTAs on Wednesday
Jayden Daniels

Participating in Commanders OTAs
Chris Bell

No Timetable for Chris Bell's Return from Knee Surgery
De'Von Achane

Limited in OTAs Due to Recovery From Shoulder Injury
MarShawn Lloyd

Participating in Packers OTAs
Josh Jacobs

No Criminal Charges Filed Against Josh Jacobs
Eury Pérez

Eury Perez Pulled Early on Wednesday With Hamstring Issue
Daniel Jones

Present at OTA Practice on Wednesday
CFB

Drew Mestemaker a Top Big 12 Quarterback Right Away?
T.J. Hockenson

Dynasty Stock Continues to Trend Down
Jordan Addison

Is Jordan Addison a Clear Buy-Low Candidate Ahead of 2026?
Cade Otton

Continues to Offer Depth in Dynasty Leagues
PGA

Sungjae Im Remains Boom-or-Bust at Colonial
Jared Goff

Continues to Have Dynasty Appeal at 31 Years Old
Tez Johnson

No Clear Path to Fantasy Relevance for Tez Johnson in Tampa Bay?
PGA

Michael Thorbjornsen Trending in Wrong Direction Entering Colonial
Zach Ertz

Could Still Contribute in Dynasty Leagues
De'Aaron Fox

Limited to Nine Points in Game 5 Loss
Russell Henley

a Top Option at Colonial
Dyami Brown

Holds Little Dynasty Value in His Return to Washington
Harry Hall

Hoping Putter Carries Him at Colonial
Julian Champagnie

Notches 22 Points With Four Triples Tuesday
Trevor Etienne

Could Still Find Dynasty Relevance After Quiet Rookie Season
Stephon Castle

Leads Spurs in Scoring Tuesday Night
Rickie Fowler

Looks to Regain Momentum at Colonial
Victor Wembanyama

Struggles in Game 5 Loss to Thunder
Bam Knight

Dynasty Value Has Run Dry in Crowded Running Back Room
Alex Caruso

a Difference-Maker Again in Game 5
Pierceson Coody

Looking to Stay Hot at Colonial
Jared McCain

Produces 20 Points in First Playoff Start
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Scores Game-High 32 Points in Game 5 Win
Martin Necas

Collects an Assist in Game 4 Loss to Golden Knights
Gabriel Landeskog

Scores Only Avalanche Goal in Season-Ending Loss
Carter Hart

Finishes Series-Clincher With 20 Saves
Dylan Coghlan

Continues Unlikely Success Story
Cole Smith

Scores Series-Clincher Tuesday Night
Mark Stone

Nets Another Goal as Golden Knights Finish Off Avalanche
Ludvig Aberg

Looking to Exchange Momentum for a Victory in Fort Worth
Stephan Jaeger

Trending Upward as PGA Heads to Fort Worth
Max Homa

Comes Off Awful Putting Performance at PGA Championship
Tony Finau

Faces Different Test at the Colonial
Robert MacIntyre

Seeks Better Beginning in Fort Worth
Tom Hoge

Ups and Downs Could Continue at Colonial
Brian Harman

Not Having the Best Golf Season in 2026
Austin Eckroat

Struggling Too Often Heading to Charles Schwab Challenge
Zach Bauchou

Tries to Keep Momentum Rolling at Colonial
Keegan Bradley

Looking to Rebound at Colonial
Jared McCain

Moves into Starting Five
Boston Celtics

Joe Mazzulla Wins Coach of the Year
Jalen Williams

is Ruled Out for Game 5 on Tuesday
Zion Williamson

to See More Versatile Role
Cleveland Cavaliers

Kenny Atkinson to Remain Cavaliers Head Coach Next Season
Claude Giroux

Planning to Return for 20th NHL Campaign
Carter Hart

Aiming for Sixth Consecutive Win Tuesday
Evgeni Malkin

Inks New One-Year Deal With Penguins
Mackenzie Blackwood

in Net for Game 4 Against Golden Knights
Valeri Nichushkin

a Game-Time Call Tuesday
Nathan MacKinnon

Will Suit Up Tuesday
Ben Griffin

Looking to Repeat This Week at Colonial
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Player to Avoid at Charles Schwab Challenge
Hideki Matsuyama

Needs Solid Driving Week at Charles Schwab Challenge
Justin Thomas

Trending Well Ahead of Charles Schwab Challenge
Akshay Bhatia

Lacking Driving Prowess Needed at Colonial Country Club
CFB

DJ Lagway Looking to Rebound at Baylor
CFB

Josh Hoover Tasked With Leading Indiana Back to the Playoffs
CFB

Braylon Staley the Next 1,000-Yard Tennessee Receiver?
CFB

Ahmad Hardy's Return Timeline Remains Unclear
Evan Mobley

Finishes Season-Ending Loss With 15 Points
James Harden

Wants to Stay in Cleveland
Donovan Mitchell

Remains Committed to Cavaliers
Mikal Bridges

Cools Off in Game 4 Against Cavaliers
OG Anunoby

Active on Both Ends in Blowout Win
Karl-Anthony Towns

Leads Knicks in Scoring During Series-Clincher
Jalen Brunson

Named Eastern Conference Finals MVP
Ivan Demidov

Contributes an Assist in Losing Effort
Lane Hutson

Records Power-Play Goal in Game 3 Loss
Frederik Andersen

Enjoys Another Easy Night at the Office in Game 3
Shayne Gostisbehere

Scores First Postseason Goal
Taylor Hall

Ends Four-Game Goal Drought
Andrei Svechnikov

Scores Game 3 Winner in Overtime
Gage Jump

Athletics to Promote Top Pitching Prospect Gage Jump to Major Leagues
Tatsuya Imai

Two Relievers Combine to No-Hit the Rangers on Monday
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder is Ruled Out for Game 4 on Monday
Michael Porter Jr.

Nets Could Trade Michael Porter Jr.
Valeri Nichushkin

Nathan MacKinnon, Valeri Nichushkin Uncertain for Game 4
Oliver Kapanen

Sitting as Healthy Scratch Monday
Max Domi

Out Indefinitely Due to Offseason Surgery Complications
Dylan Cease

Heading to Injured List With Hamstring Injury
Daniel Suarez

Wins at Charlotte in Rain-Shortened Coca-Cola 600
Christopher Bell

Finishes as the Runner-Up in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte
Denny Hamlin

Falls Short of Winning and Places Third at Charlotte
Tyler Reddick

Places Fourth After Leading Laps at Charlotte
Kyle Larson

Strong and Consistent Day Ends in Fifth at Charlotte
Dylan Cease

Removed From Sunday's Start With Hamstring Discomfort
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Exits Sunday's Game Early with Elbow Contusion
MLB

Reds-Cardinals Game Postponed on Sunday
Edward Cabrera

Cubs Place Edward Cabrera on the 15-Day Injured List
Denny Hamlin

the Favorite to Win at Charlotte
Tyler Reddick

on Pole for Coca-Cola 600
Christopher Bell

Could Break Out of Slump
Kyle Larson

May have A Solid Day at Charlotte
Ryan Blaney

Is A DFS Risk for Charlotte Lineups
William Byron

Could have A Great DFS Performance at Charlotte
Chase Briscoe

Is A Solid Tournament Option for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Ty Gibbs

May not be Worth his Salary for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Chris Buescher

May be a Sneaky Tournament Option for Charlotte Lineups
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Has Favorable Upside for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Ross Chastain

Is A Strong Addition for DFS Lineups at Charlotte
Austin Dillon

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Austin Dillon for Charlotte DFS Lineups?
Chase Elliott

Should Be Strong at Charlotte
Carson Hocevar

Confident for Coca-Cola 600
Corey Heim

a Chalk DFS Pick at Charlotte
Michael McDowell

Is Michael McDowell A Tournament Option for Charlotte Lineups?
MLB

Orioles-Tigers Game Postponed on Saturday
MLB

Rays-Yankees Postponed on Saturday
Mickey Moniak

Heads to Injured List With Ankle Sprain
Jackson Merrill

has Sore Ribs, Expected to Avoid Injured List
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Looking to Take Sophomore Leap
CFB

Jadan Baugh Primed to Lead Florida Offense in 2026
CFB

LSU Hires Ed Orgeron As Special Assistant
CFB

North Carolina and South Carolina Cancel Home-And-Home Series
CFB

Confidence High in Mississippi State's Kamario Taylor
MLB

Reds-Cardinals Game Postponed on Friday
Trevor Story

has Hernia Surgery, Expected to Miss 6-10 Weeks
Roman Anthony

Dealing With Sprained Ligament in his Finger
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Exits Early, X-Rays Come Back Negative
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF