👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
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


Daily Fantasy Baseball Lineup Picks (8/21/17): MLB DFS Advice for FanDuel and DraftKings

We have and eight game slate to kick off our MLB DFS week. Pitching is somewhat thin tonight, so it may be best to spend down a bit, so you can load up on hitters. No real weather concerns as of now, so sit back read up and let's win some contests.

In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 8/21/17. 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 @DFS_Tom.

Featured Promo! Save 50% on any PGA Premium Pass using discount code MASTERS, this week only! Win more with our DFS and Betting Packages, get expert tools and advice from proven winners including the Lineup Optimizer, Research Station, betting/props cheat sheet and more. GAIN FULL ACCESS HERE

 

DFS Starting Pitchers to Consider

Zach Davies, MIL @ SFG (DK - $8,400, FD - $7,400)

Pitching is quite weak on this slate, as there is no true ace to pay up for, so we'll take a look at a pitcher in a good spot. Davies is up against the Giants who simply don't strikeout that much, only 19.2% vs right-handed pitching. So there isn't a ton of upside via strikeouts, but the Giants have one of the worst offenses in the entire league, they have scored the third fewest runs, and this game is in San Francisco, which is a fantastic pitchers park. Those factors together put Davies in a good spot, and he isn't expensive, so you will be able to fit plenty of big bats in your lineup.

Ubaldo Jimenez, BAL vs OAK (DK - $8,100, FD - $7,300)

Ubaldo is in a good spot tonight against Oakland, who he faced just 10 days ago and racked up 11 strikeouts in 5.1 IP, and 3 ER. Ubaldo isn't a great pitcher, and but he has found some success this season. Not including his most recent start, Jimenez has put up four strong starts for a total of 32 strikeouts and only 7 ER. Being up against the Athletics who strikeout 24.8% of the time vs right-handed pitching puts him in a good spot, but is a GPP play, not for cash games.

 

DFS Infielders to Consider

Kurt Suzuki - C, ATL vs SEA (DK - $3,200, FD - $3,100)

Suzuki is hot right now and has hits in 10 of his last 12 games, with five home runs over that span. He has a .514 wOBA and a .514 ISO this season vs left-handed pitchers, and only a 7.5% strikeout rate. Suzuki is mashing the ball vs LHP, and he isn't wasting his chances. Good price for him tonight, at home in a hitters park, ride the hot bat in any lineup.

Chris Davis - 1B, BAL vs OAK (DK - $4,500, FD - $3,200)

Davis is the kind of player you should only roster when he is up against right-handed pitcher, as he is tonight, because he has some big splits. Davis has a .325 wOBA and a .243 ISO vs said RHP, and is a guy that brings legit two home run upside. For his price, he is playable in any format tonight, and with three multi-hit games over his last four, in a spot to continue that streak.

Robinson Cano - 2B, SEA @ ATL (DK - $4,400, FD - $4,000)

Always like Cano when he is out of Safeco Field, and gets a nice positive park shift, as he doe tonight. Cano has a 131 wRC+ and a .213 ISO this season vs right-handed pitchers. The Mariners are making a quiet push for a wild card spot, and with Nelson Cruz heating up, you want to get another power bat from their lineup, and Cano is a great fit. Cano has hits in 10 of his last 11 games, viable in all formats.

Rafael Devers - 3B, BOS @ CLE (DK - $4,500, FD - $4,100)

The rookie call up has been off to a blistering start, and has home runs in two of his last three games, along with hits in eight of his last nine. He has made a great first impression in the MLB, and is at a good hitters park tonight. Devers has a .460 wOBA and a .389 ISO this season vs right-handed pitching.

Ketel Marte - SS, ARI @ NYM (DK - $3,200, FD - $2,600)

The Diamondbacks are looking like they will be a popular stacking option tonight, even though they are at a bad hitters park. They are up against Robert Gsellman, who is giving up a .362 wOBA to left-handed hitters, and a .369 wOBA to right handed hitters. He isn't a good pitcher, and we know how powerful the Diamondbacks offense can be, so why not get some cheap exposure to it via Marte. He has a three multi-hit games over his last six, and has a .328 wOBA vs right-handed pitchers.

 

DFS Outfielders to Consider

Jay Bruce - OF, CLE vs BOS (DK - $4,700, FD - $4,100)

Bruce is on a 10 game hitting streak with three home runs over that span. He has made a great first impression on Indians' fans since being acquired earlier this month. A power hitting lefty gets a nice positive park shift going from Citi Field to now playing home games in Progressive Field. Bruce has a .320 wOBA and a .242 ISO vs left-handed pitchers this season.

Max Kepler - OF, MIN @ CWS (DK - $3,900, FD - $3,500)

Kepler has a .365 wOBA and a .231 ISO this season vs right-handed pitchers, and comes into this game with two home runs in his last four games, and a six game hitting streak. He is a great mid priced option, who has been really consistent of late, and brings the always needed home run upside. Great play in any format tonight.

Nelson Cruz - OF, SEA @ ATL (DK - $5,100, FD - $4,900)

Cruz has 10 home runs this month and has hits in 16 of his last 17 games. The man is on fire right now, and if you want to pay up for any hitter tonight, go with Cruz. He has a .394 wOBA and a .296 ISO this season vs right-handed pitching, and getting a positive park shift, love him in this spot tonight.

 

DFS Premium Tools & Research

Get a free trial of our powerful MLB Premium Tools. Our famous DFS Optimizer & Lineup Generator, daily Matchup Ratings, expert DFS Lineups/Cheat Sheets, and more.

Win more. Try the most advanced lineup optimizer in daily fantasy baseball.

Sign Up Now!

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Drew Helleson

Won't Play Thursday
Radko Gudas

Unlikely to Play Thursday
Jeremy Lauzon

Remains Out Thursday
Mark Stone

Misses Third Consecutive Game
EDM

Kris Knoblauch Fired as Oilers Head Coach
Micah Parsons

Expected to Miss the Early Part of the Season
Colby Parkinson

a Clear Dynasty Sell-High Candidate Entering 2026
Omarion Hampton

Poised for Year 2 Breakout in Los Angeles
Blake Corum

Dynasty Stock Rising After Encouraging 2025 Campaign
Jaxson Dart

Does Jaxson Dart Carry High-End Dynasty QB1 Upside?
David Montgomery

Dynasty Stock Rising Following Move to Houston
Chris Godwin Jr.

Can Chris Godwin Jr. Re-Establish His Dynasty Value in 2026?
Malik Willis

Not Set Up for Immediate Success in Miami
Terrance Ferguson

has Promising Receiving Skills in Crowded TE Room in L.A.
Brenton Strange

Is Brenton Strange a Top-15 Dynasty Tight End?
T.J. Watt

Steelers Ready to Move on From T.J. Watt?
Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Must Make Gains as Pass-Catcher to Take the Next Step
CFB

Virginia Tech Lands Commitment from Four-Star QB Peter Bourque
Kaytron Allen

Could Kaytron Allen Take on a Big Role Right Away?
Demond Claiborne

Has Long-Term Appeal in Minnesota
Byron Buxton

Scratched on Thursday With Hip Soreness
Cal Raleigh

Heading to Injured List With Oblique Strain
Adam Randall

to Contribute as a Pass-Catcher Right Away?
Francisco Alvarez

has Knee Surgery, Expected to Miss Eight Weeks
Nicholas Singleton

Could Contribute Right Away
Bryce Lance

a Perfect Fit in New Orleans?
Mike Washington Jr.

Can Mike Washington Jr. Force a Backfield Split in Vegas?
Paul Reed

Makes Big Impact Off the Bench Wednesday
Adonai Mitchell

Unlikely to be Phased Out of Jets Offense
Daniss Jenkins

Contributes 19 Points As Starter
Cade Cunningham

Tallies 39 Points in Losing Effort
Tony Pollard

an Affordable Add for Contending Dynasty Managers
Max Strus

Notches 20 Points With Six Triples
Evan Mobley

Close to Triple-Double Wednesday
Mason Taylor

How Much Dynasty Value Will Mason Taylor Hold After Offensive-Heavy Draft?
Jarrett Allen

Records Double-Double in Game 5 Win
James Harden

Leads the Way for Cavaliers in Game 5 Victory
Quinn Hughes

Finishes Postseason With 15 Points
Matt Boldy

Posts Two Assists in Season-Ending Loss
Scott Wedgewood

Perfect in Relief Effort
Martin Necas

Records Another Multi-Point Game
Brett Kulak

Sends Avalanche Into Conference Finals
Brayden McNabb

Suspended for One Game
Cal Raleigh

Exits With Apparent Side Injury on Wednesday Night
Juan Soto

X-Rays Come Back Negative on Juan Soto's Ankle
Jacob Misiorowski

Pulled Early With Possible Leg Injury
Juan Soto

Exits Wednesday's Game Early with Ankle Injury
Kevin Huerter

is Cleared to Return for Game 5
Caris LeVert

is Available for Game 5 on Wednesday
Duncan Robinson

is Out for Game 5
Keegan Murray

Undergoes Ankle Procedure
Josh Giddey

Undergoes Ankle Surgery
Pete Fairbanks

Returns From Injured List
Christian Yelich

Out With Back Tightness on Wednesday Night
Nathan MacKinnon

Chasing History Wednesday
Ryan Poehling

Won't Be an Option for Game 6
Sam Malinski

Set to Miss Second Straight Game
Artturi Lehkonen

Unlikely to Play Wednesday
Matthew Schaefer

Wins Calder Trophy
TOR

Maple Leafs Fire Head Coach Craig Berube
Robby Snelling

Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Elbow Sprain
Francisco Alvarez

Mets Place Francisco Alvarez on Injured List With Torn Meniscus
Max Fried

Dealing With Left Elbow Posterior Soreness
CFB

NFL Veteran Tom Moore Joins Iowa Coaching Staff
CFB

Can Cam Cook Dominate in Return to Big 12?
CFB

ACC, Big 12 Support 24-Team College Football Playoff
CFB

Anthony Colandrea Looking to Elevate Nebraska Back to National Contention
CFB

Kwazi Gilmer Set for Big Impact at Nebraska
Justin Thomas

Trending Well Ahead of PGA Championship Despite Concerning Form
J.J. Spaun

Trending Up Ahead of PGA Championship
Adam Scott

Riding Strong Form Into PGA Championship
Patrick Reed

Looking to Make Another Run at PGA Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Looks to Build on Strong Finish at Truist Championship
Sam Burns

Must Keep Ball in Play at PGA Championship
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Complete Career Grand Slam at Aronimink
Brandt Snedeker

Not the Best Option for the PGA Championship
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Volatile Option at PGA Championship
Ayo Dosunmu

Has Busy Night in Game 5
Maverick McNealy

Seeking Better Start in Philadelphia
Harry Hall

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Aronimink
Jaden McDaniels

Notches 17 Points in Game 5 Loss
Hideki Matsuyama

Attempts to Improve Over 2025 PGA Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Defend PGA Championship at Aronimink
Julius Randle

Posts a Double-Double in Losing Effort
Nicolai Hojgaard

Wants to Keep Momentum Rolling in Philadelphia
Anthony Edwards

Held to 20 Points in Game 5 Loss
Ben Griffin

Attempting to Bounce Back After Truist Championship
CFB

Transfer Defensive Lineman Devarrick Woods Commits to Clemson
Keldon Johnson

Comes Alive in Game 5 Against Timberwolves
Harris English

Will Need His Putter to Thrive at Aronimink
Stephon Castle

Makes All-Around Impact in Game 5
Victor Wembanyama

Leads Spurs to Big Win in Game 5
Akshay Bhatia

Creative Flair Could Show Itself in Philadelphia
Keegan Bradley

Knows the Aronimink Golf Club Well
Mason McTavish

Delivers Two Assists Tuesday Night
Pavel Dorofeyev

Pots Two Goals in Vital Game 5 Win
Josh Doan

Records Two Assists in Game 4 Victory
Evgeni Malkin

Penguins Want Evgeni Malkin Back
Si Woo Kim

Struggles at Truist Championship
Gary Woodland

Can Continue Incredible 2026 Season at PGA Championship
Xander Schauffele

In Excellent Form Heading to PGA Championship
Brandon Nimmo

Leaves Game on Tuesday with Apparent Ankle Injury
Philadelphia 76ers

76ers Part Ways With Daryl Morey
Kevin Huerter

Iffy for Game 5 Against Cavaliers
Jacob Wilson

A's Place Jacob Wilson on Injured List With Shoulder Subluxation
Christian Yelich

Brewers Reinstate Christian Yelich From Injured List
CFB

Isaac Brown Has All-American Upside in 2026
CFB

Nyck Harbor Heading into Breakout Year?
CFB

Notre Dame, USC in Discussions to Resume Rivalry Series
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Has Eyes on ACC Title
CFB

Ahmad Hardy's Gunshot Wound Not Viewed as Career-Threatening
A.J. Ewing

Mets to Call Up Top Prospect A.J. Ewing
Mookie Betts

is Officially Back on Monday
Nathan Eovaldi

Scratched From Monday's Start With Side Tightness
Henry Bolte

Athletics to Promote Top Outfield Prospect Henry Bolte to Major Leagues
Khamzat Chimaev

Suffers his First Loss
Sean Strickland

Recaptures Middleweight Title
Tatsuro Taira

Suffers Fifth-Round TKO Loss
Joshua Van

Defends Flyweight Title
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Drops Decision
Alexander Volkov

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Shane Van Gisbergen

Dominates Watkins Glen for First Win of 2026
Michael McDowell

Finishes Second for Best Run of the Year At Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Scores New Career-Best Finish of Third at Watkins Glen
Tyler Reddick

Continues His Strong Season With Fifth-Place Run at Watkins Glen
Austin Dillon

Earns his First Top-10 Finish of 2026 at Watkins Glen
Mookie Betts

Dodgers Expect Mookie Betts to Return on Monday
CFB

Ahmad Hardy Sustains Gunshot Wound, in Stable Condition
Connor Zilisch

Will Start Fifth in his First Watkins Glen Cup Series Race
Tyler Reddick

Is A Top DFS Option for Watkins Glen Lineups
Christopher Bell

Is Likely to Bounce Back This Week at Watkins Glen
Carlos Rodón

Carlos Rodon Activated for Season Debut on Sunday
William Byron

Is William Byron Playable in DFS Lineups at Watkins Glen?
Kyle Larson

May have A Positive Day at Watkins Glen
Chase Briscoe

May Compete for A Top-10 Finish at Watkins Glen
NASCAR

A.J. Allmendinger May have Another Solid Outing at Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Watkins Glen?
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain Worth Rostering for Watkins Glen Lineups?
Austin Cindric

Could Austin Cindric be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Watkins Glen?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen the Heavy Favorite at Watkins Glen
Chase Elliott

Is Chase Elliott a No-Brainer DFS Pick at Watkins Glen?
Chris Buescher

Qualifies 14th at Watkins Glen
Ryan Blaney

Has Upside at Watkins Glen After Signing Contract Extension
Michael McDowell

Still Searching for First Top-Five Finish at Watkins Glen
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar Too Aggressive for Road-Course Racing?
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF