👉 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


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

Daily Fantasy Baseball Lineup Picks (9/17/17): MLB DFS Advice for FanDuel and DraftKings

Good morning, Rotoballers. Today is a joyous Sunday since we have a full slate of MLB and NFL daily fantasy on deck. As for the bases side, all 30 teams are taking part in the Main slate, which begins at 1:05 EDT. We've got a number of aces and second-tier pitchers on the bump and a bevvy of teams still fighting to lock up a playoff spot. With that in mind, there's much to break down and a lot of options to fill your roster with.

Before we get into player analysis, let's see if there are any interesting early Vegas lines that we can use to our benefit, particularly when we're trying to narrow down our stacks and pitching targets. The teams with the most attractive run total projections are the following: Rockies (6.9), Yankees (6.1) and Tigers (5.9). Those are pretty high totals and good places to start when stacking.

In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 9/17/17. The lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays. Let's dance.

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

Corey Kluber - SP, KC vs CLE (DK - $13,400, FD - $12,000)

Kluber is likely to be the chalk today, and for good reason. Kluber was already an elite (or nearly elite) pitcher in my mind entering the season, and all he's done this year is elevate his status. That's a pretty tall task when you're already near the top. For the season, Kluber owns a 0.9 WHIP to go with a really strong 11.8 K/9. Tonight, he faces an okay Royals team that owns a collective .320 wOBA against righties and right around a 20% K rate. Not the most perfect matchup, but pitcher's of Kluber's caliber are essentially matchup-proof. The only time pitchers of this caliber are to be avoided, particularly in cash games, are when the matchup is terrible and/or there are much safer options on the board. Vegas loves him tonight, as he and the Indians are already -254 on the moneyline and the Royals run projection is a minuscule 2.9. On top of that, his Statcast data is very favorable. In his last three starts, his hard hit rate allowed is just 22% and the average batted ball distance is a low 180 feet. He's viable in both cash and tournaments tonight, though I wouldn't fault you for wanting to fade him in tournaments at this price and ownership.

Justin Verlander - SP, SEA vs HOU (DK - $11,900, FD - $10,400)

Verlander is pitching some of the best baseball he's thrown this season and while the Astros may have the AL West all but officially locked up, they are still fighting to secure home field advantage and trail Cleveland for the best AL record buy just two games. Justin has managed to hit and surpass his price implied value in nine of his last 10 games - by enormous margins, mind you - and it's been weeks since he has failed to record at least seven strikeouts. He has a pretty good matchup against a Mariners team that has a projected lineup that strikes out in 23% of their at-bats against righties this year. Vegas is fairly confident in Mr. Verlander as well, as the Astros are currently -205 on the moneyline and the Mariners run projection is just 3.7. His Statcast data from his last few starts is appealing as well, the hard hit rate at 35% isn't elite, but it's fine when paired with a low fly ball rate of 38% and an average batted ball distance of just 188 feet. Verlander can be deployed in cash games but I prefer him and his upside in tournament formats.

Also Consider: Jon Gray - SP, SDP vs COL (DK - $8,500, FD - $7,500); Eduardo Rodriguez - SP, BOS @ TBR (DK - $7,900, FD - $8,000)

 

DFS Infielders to Consider

Rafael Lopez - C, TOR @ MIN (DK - $2,700, FD - $2,800)

Lopez is a really intriguing tournament option tonight. The lefty is a right-handed pitching hitting specialist, and he's got numbers that you should be seeking when constructing a tournament lineup - a monster ISO split (.313), a recent hard hit rate (33%) and a monstrous fly ball rate (83%). The matchup isn't ideal, so if you're looking for a more reliable option to use for cash, look to the likes of Chris Iannetta first and then Christian Vazquez.

Jose Abreu - 1B, CWS @ DET (DK - $4,500, FD - $3,800)

Abreu is hot right now and he gets to face a pitcher in Matt Boyd who's allowed over a .200 ISO over his last three starts. In addition to that, Abreu has excellent splits against southpaws. For the season, he has a massive .457 wOBA and pairs that with a strong ISO mark of .295.

Cesar Hernandez - 2B, OAK vs PHI (DK - $4,000, FD - $3,200)

Hernandez has a lot of things in his favor tomorrow at a position that is frankly scarce of players in good situations. For starters, he's got a good matchup against Sean Manaea, he who has always familiar with allowing big innings and has an opponent wOBA allowed of .397 over his last three starts. Cesar has good team context, an excellent hitter's stadium and he's a stolen base threat. From a splits perspective, the swith-hitting second baseman does much better against southpaws than he does right-handers. For the season, his wOBA and ISO splits are .365 and .200, respectively.

Matt Chapman - 3B, OAK @ PHI (DK - $3,100, FD - $2,700)

If Rhys Hoskins wasn't breaking records, Chapman would be the belle of the ball right now. He's doing ridiculous things for a rookie and showcases excellent baseball IQ - he's got a bright future. Tonight? He's got a great matchup in a ballpark upgrade situation at a very cheap price. In his 2017 campaign, his splits against right-handed pitching have been very strong - .353 wOBA and a .293 ISO.

Adeiny Hechavarria - SS, BOS vs TBR (DK - $3,200, FD - $3,600)

It may be a little uncharacteristic for Hechavarria, but he's been hitting out of his mind in the past few days. In fact, over his last four games he hasn't recorded less than 12 fantasy points and has twice surpassed twenty. His hard hit rate over the past 13 games is a ridiculous 63% and he pairs that with an impressive 24% line drive rate. He's particular strong against lefties, too, and he'll see one today. For the year, his wOBA and ISO splits against southpaws are .377 and .242.

Also Consider: Francisco Lindor - SS, KC vs CLE (DK - $5,300, FD - $4,700)

 

DFS Outfielders to Consider

Aaron Judge - OF, BAL vs NYY (DK - $5,600, FD - $4,300)

Mr. Judge is showing up just in time for the Yankees as they make a playoff push. More importantly for you and me, he's back to mashing home runs and has a juicy matchup today against Ubaldo Jimenez. Judge's hard hit rate 45% over the past two weeks and the fly ball rate (54%) is very attractive as well. For the season, he's been excellent against right-handed pitching, too, posting a .414 wOBA and .314 ISO.

Rhys Hoskins - OF, OAK vs PHI (DK - $5,400, FD - $4,500)

Normally I try digging for more value -  or ways to at least stay below 4K for cash and tournament viable outfielders, at least - but Judge and Hoskins are in such excellent spots that it would be criminal not to recommend them. Hoskins has essentially produced video game numbers against southpaws this season, sporting a .536 wOBA and .636 ISO.

Also Consider: Clint Frazier - OF, BAL vs NYY (DK - $3,500, FD - $2,400)

 

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!

POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Noah Ostlund

Could Return Thursday
Pontus Holmberg

Will Miss Round 1
Charle-Edouard D'Astous

Could Be an Option Friday
Victor Hedman

Traveling With Team
Radko Gudas

Unavailable for Game 2
Los Angeles Rams

Rams Increasingly Likely to Draft a First-Round Wide Receiver?
Yakov Trenin

Considered a Game-Time Decision Wednesday
Shedeur Sanders

Gets First Reps in Team Workouts
Mats Zuccarello

a Game-Time Call Wednesday
Wyatt Langford

Expected to Go on Injured List With Flexor Strain
NFL

Chris Bell is Ahead of Schedule in ACL Rehab
NFL

Caleb Banks on Pace for Football Activities in June
Maikel Garcia

Leaves Early on Wednesday With Elbow Soreness
Carson Beck

Could Carson Beck be a First-Round Pick in the NFL Draft?
Roman Anthony

Day-to-Day With Sore Back
Juan Soto

Officially Back in Mets Lineup on Wednesday
J.T. Realmuto

Phillies Place J.T. Realmuto on Injured List With Back Injury
Lucas Giolito

Signs With Padres, Worth a Waiver-Wire Pickup?
Ryan Helsley

Orioles Put Ryan Helsley on Bereavement List on Wednesday
George Pickens

to Play on Franchise Tag in 2026
Quinshon Judkins

Spotted at Voluntary Offseason Workouts
Isaiah Davis

Remains Without a Clear Pathway to Playing Time in New York
Kyle Pitts Sr.

Chiefs Looking to Acquire Kyle Pitts Sr. From the Falcons?
Kaleb Johnson

Does Kaleb Johnson Still Carry Dynasty Buy-Low Appeal?
DK Metcalf

Should Dynasty Managers Be Looking to Sell on DK Metcalf?
Trey McBride

Is Trey McBride Currently Undervalued in Dynasty Leagues?
Carolina Panthers

Kenyon Sadiq Linked to Panthers in Mock Drafts
Wan'Dale Robinson

Could Be Primed for Breakout Year with the Titans
Brock Purdy

Is Brock Purdy a Sneaky Buy-Low Candidate for Dynasty Managers?
Arizona Cardinals

Jeremiyah Love a "Logical Pick" if Cardinals Stay at No. 3 in NFL Draft
CFB

Beau Pribula Leading Virginia Quarterback Competition
Jalen McMillan

a Low-Cost Buy Who Can Provide Spike Weeks
Jack Eichel

Sets Up Two Goals Tuesday
Justin Jefferson

Buy Window is Closing Fast
Artemi Panarin

Records Another Power-Play Goal
Dylan Guenther

Enjoys Multi-Point Outing Tuesday Night
J.J. McCarthy

Is J.J. McCarthy Worth Buying Low?
Viktor Arvidsson

Strikes Twice in Game 2 Win
Drake Maye

Is it Still Possible to Acquire Drake Maye in Dynasty Leagues?
Lane Hutson

Nets First Career Postseason Goal
Brandon Hagel

Records Tampa Bay's First Postseason Gordie Howe Hat Trick
Garrett Wilson

Stock Up Heading into NFL Draft
Nikita Kucherov

Ends 16-Game Postseason Goal Drought
Scoot Henderson

Erupts for 31 Points in Series-Tying Victory
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Fills Stat Sheet in Losing Effort
Kevin Durant

Commits Nine Turnovers in Game 2 Loss
Marcus Smart

Catches Fire in Game 2
LeBron James

Leads Lakers to Victory With Game-High 28 Points
Jake LaRavia

Exits Early Tuesday
Harrison Barnes

Injures Left Wrist in Game 2
Marco Penge

Trending Down Entering Zurich Classic
Sahith Theegala

Eyes Another Strong Week at Zurich Classic
Brooks Koepka

Shane Lowry Teams Up with Brooks Koepka at Zurich Classic
Si Woo Kim

Adds Another Strong Finish at RBC Heritage
Elly De La Cruz

Early-Season Breakout Continues on Tuesday
Jaylen Brown

Leads All Scorers With 36 Points in Game 2
VJ Edgecombe

Has Historic Outing in Game 2 Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Wins Clutch Player of the Year Award
Austin Reaves

Begins Return-to-Play Protocol
Wyatt Langford

Pulled Early on Tuesday With Forearm Tightness
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Not Expected to Play in First-Round Series
Luke Clanton

Hoping to Find Form in New Orleans
Kevin Durant

Good to Go Tuesday
Jackson Holliday

Leaves Rehab Game With Hand Discomfort
Victor Wembanyama

Lands in Concussion Protocol, Won't Return Tuesday
Corbin Carroll

Returns to Arizona's Lineup Against White Sox
Scottie Scheffler

is Starting to Hit His Stride
Brooks Koepka

Looking for Progress in PGA Return With Partner at Zurich Classic
Matt Fitzpatrick

Looks to Share Recent Form at Zurich Classic
Jonathan Isaac

Unlikely to Play in Game 2
Mark Williams

Could Sit Again in Game 2
Grayson Allen

Questionable for Game 2
Jordan Goodwin

Iffy for Game 2
Chicago Bulls

Billy Donovan Exiting as Bulls Head Coach
Ron Harper Jr.

Available for Game 2 Against 76ers
Zack Wheeler

to Make Season Debut on Saturday
Jonathan Toews

Undecided on NHL Future
Jonathan Huberdeau

Expects to Be Ready for Training Camp
DAL

Nathan Bastian Not Expected to Play Before Round 2
Roope Hintz

Doubtful for Game 4
Adam Henrique

Won't Play in Game 2 Against Ducks
Victor Hedman

Doubtful to Play in Round 1
Charle-Edouard D'Astous

Unavailable Tuesday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Back in Leadoff Spot on Tuesday After Injury Scare
CFB

Ashton Daniels Named Florida State's Starting Quarterback
Juan Soto

Expected to Return on Wednesday
Royce Lewis

Twins Reinstate Royce Lewis From Injured List on Tuesday
Adley Rutschman

Activated From Injured List on Tuesday
Dylan Cease

Continues Strong Start With 12-Strikeout Performance
Raisel Iglesias

Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Shoulder Inflammation
CJ McCollum

Shines at MSG in Game 2
Max Muncy

With Another Two-Homer Game, Becoming Must-Add Off Waiver Wire
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Day-to-Day After Being Hit on the Hand on Monday
Mick Abel

Injury Described as "Not Too Serious"
Tyler Reddick

Earns His Fifth Win of the 2026 Season at Kansas
Kyle Larson

Finishes as the Runner-Up at Kansas
Chase Briscoe

Rallies for A New Career-Best Finish at Kansas
Denny Hamlin

Leads the Most Laps at Kansas but Misses Out on Victory
Christopher Bell

Falls Out of Contention for Kansas Victory on Final Restart
Mike Malott

Scores Third-Round TKO Win
Gilbert Burns

Retires After UFC Winnipeg Loss
Charles Jourdain

Extends Winning Streak
Kyler Phillips

Drops Decision At UFC Winnipeg
Mandel Nallo

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss In His UFC Debut
Jai Herbert

Scores First-Round TKO Win
Karine Silva

Gets Dominated at UFC Winnipeg
Jasmine Jasudavicius

Dominates Karine Silva
Kyle Larson

Should not be Underestimated for the Win at Kansas
Denny Hamlin

Can Denny Hamlin Dominate at Kansas Again?
NASCAR

Christoper Bell Should Contend for First Win at Kansas
Tyler Reddick

Fastest in Practice and Qualifying for Kansas Race
Ryan Blaney

Could Score another Top-10 Finish at Kansas
Ty Gibbs

Poised to Continue Hot Streak at Kansas
Chris Buescher

Always Consistent, Has Speed Heading Into Kansas
William Byron

is A Solid DFS Option for Kansas Lineups
Carson Hocevar

Poised for Career-Best Run at Kansas
Chase Briscoe

Is Chase Briscoe Worth Rostering for DFS at Kansas?
Chase Elliott

Is A Favorable DFS Option for Kansas Lineups
Joey Logano

Could Joey Logano be Considered Playable In DFS This Week at Kansas?
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace is A Favorable Driver to Consider for Kansas Lineups
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain A Worthy DFS Option for Kansas?
Brad Keselowski

Could Brad Keselowski be A Sneaky DFS Option for Kansas?
Daniel Suarez

Should DFS Managers Roster Daniel Suarez at Kansas?
Mike Malott

A Favorite At UFC Winnipeg
Gilbert Burns

Set For UFC Winnipeg Main Event
Kyler Phillips

Set UFC Winnipeg Co-Main Event
Charles Jourdain

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Jai Herbert

An Underdog At UFC Winnipeg
Mandel Nallo

Set For His UFC Debut
Karine Silva

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Jasmine Jasudavicius

Looks To Bounce Back
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF