👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
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 30% Now
Import Your Leagues
Top-Rated Accuracy
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Daily Fantasy Baseball Lineup Picks (9/5/17): MLB DFS Advice for FanDuel and DraftKings

It's one of the roughest Tuesday mornings of the year. Time to shake off the cobwebs and dive into fantasy, because there's no way anyone can immediately dive back into work. Might as well alleviate the pain of summer's end with a fatter wallet, am I right?

Tonight we've got a full slate of baseball games with every game taking place under the lights, creating a loaded Main slate. Speaking of loaded - that's exactly what these rosters are with the September call-ups, so any morning set up of your lineups has to be ditched as we're seeing regulars getting rested. On the flip side of that, the pennant races are heating up, and as such, it's not a bad idea to focus your lineup core around guys that have something more to play for.

In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 9/5/17. The lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays. Let's get to it, shall we?

Featured Promo! Save 30% on any Premium Pass using discount code NEW. Win more with our DFS, Betting and Season-Long Pass, get expert tools and advice from proven winners! GAIN ACCESS

 

Vegas Odds

Before we dive into player picks and analysis, let's see what Vegas lines could be of interest to us. The teams with the most attractive run totals are as follows: Rockies (6.9), Indians (6), Red Sox (5.6), Astros (5.3), Royals (5.3), and Brewers (5.1) followed by a handful of teams in the 4.8 - 5.1 range, which will be interesting to see which ways those totals move as we get closer to first pitch and have some lineups to analyze. As for the heaviest moneyline favorites - helpful in selecting Cash game pitchers - it starts with Indians (-259), Mets (-190), Cubs (-190), Red Sox (-184) and the Nationals (-181).

 

DFS Starting Pitchers to Consider

Jacob deGrom - SP, PHI vs NYM (DK - $12,600, FD - $10,100)

We all know what type of brilliance deGrom usually displays at home in Citi Field, and he'll have a chance to continue his dominance against a familiar foe in the Phillies. He's faced this Philadelphia team three times this season and in 20 innings pitched, he's struck out 24 and put up 54 Fanduel points in their most recent face-off. For the season, he's posted a strong WHIP of 1.1 and the strikeout prowess is there, as his K/9 is currently at 10.5. To make this matchup more enticing, the Phillies projected lineup owns a 27% K rate against right-handed pitching. On top of all that, his StatCast data from his last tow starts is extremely favorable, as he's allowed just a 25% hard hit rate and a 28% fly ball rate.

Danny Salazar - SP, CLE @ CWS (DK - $9,700, FD - $9,400)

If you need a pivot off of deGrom (who will likely be the most popular pitcher tonight) and would like to save some money in doing so without sacrificing strikeout upside, look to Danny Salazar. He's faced off against a similar White Sox team a few times this year and although there are a few blemishes, the strikeouts have always been plentiful and this is now a softer lineup than it was earlier in the year. In 2017, he's posted a magnificent 12.4 K/9 to go with a 1.4 WHIP that leaves a little to be desired (but often comes with the high strikeout territory). He should be backed with run support as the Indians are red-hot and are currently the biggest moneyline favorites on the board at -259. Even as they are big favorites, I do prefer Salazar in tournaments only as he is returning from injury and the leash may be short.

Also Consider: Justin Verlander - SP, HOU @ SEA (DK - $11,500, FD - $8,600)

 

DFS Infielders to Consider

Yadier Molina - C, STL @ SDP (DK - $3,900, FD - $3,100)

Yadier has been absolutely thumping the ball of late. I had as much trouble typing that sentence as you had believing it, but the Statcast data is extremely favorable and he is showcasing really strong splits against southpaws. In the last 12 games, Molina has posted a 44% hard hit rate and an average batted ball distance of 225 feet. Dating back to the start of the year he's holding a .398 wOBA and .281 ISO splits.

Tyler White - 1B, HOU @ SEA (DK - $3,300, FD - $2,400)

If you're willing to sacrifice a safe floor in exchange for major cash savings in a player with raw power and upside, White is your man tonight. In the short time we've been blessed with his presence at the MLB level, as he's done is mash - 66% hard hit rate and a monstrous ISO. What makes this spot so attractive is not just the savings - it's also due to the fact that opposing pitcher Ariel Miranda has been an absolute gas can and over his last three starts, his wOBA and ISO allowed are over .400 and .300, respectively.

Neil Walker - 2B, MIL @ CIN (DK - $4,100, FD - $2,900)

This is quite a bargain price for a hitter that is typically streaky and happens to be hot right now. For the year, he has showcased above-average splits against right-handed pitching with his .366 wOBA and strong .206 ISO. What gives him the edge over the other second baseman on the board, though, is the stadium upgrade and the fact that his Statcast data tells us he's squaring up the ball well and getting it in the air (44% fly ball rate in past two weeks).

Nolan Arenado - 3B, SFG vs COL (DK - $5,200, FD - $4,300)

Considering the matchup - the venue, Blach's recent struggles and Nolan's prowess for destroying southpaws - I think this is a bargain price for Arenado's services this evening. His splits are outstanding and put him in a class of his own - .471 wOBA, .362 ISO - and the hard hit data (35% over past two weeks) tells me he's pretty locked in, too.

Trevor Story - SS, SFG vs COL (DK - $3,800, FD - $3,600)

There's no reason not to keep picking on Blach and his tired arm in this wondrous hitting environment, especially with the projected team total for Colorado nearing seven runs. Story has been crushing the ball of late and he's got a figure above 50% that I look for always - fly ball rate. In the past two weeks, his hard hit rate is 46% and his average batted ball distance is 249 feet. On top of that, he's a known southpaw smasher, posting a .404 wOBA and .333 ISO splits this year.

 

DFS Outfielders to Consider

Harrison Bader - OF, STL @ SDP (DK - $2,900, FD - $2,000)

This is an ideal price point for an outfielder today that gives cash savings and a really strong matchup. We only have a few games of Bader at the MLB level to analyze, but what he's done in that short time is impressive and the matchup against a struggling lefty tonight bodes well for him. In the past week, both his hard hit rate and fly ball rate are sitting at 50%.

J.D. Martinez - OF, ARI @ LAD (DK - $4,600, FD - $4,000)

What a night it was for Martinez, smashing four home runs off four different pitchers. The man is totally locked in right now and while he likely won't see as many pitches to hit, he is facing a lefty again (.493 wOBA and .424 ISO) so it would be a little silly not to use him in tournaments seeing as he's hitting a home run every nine at-bats whilst in an Arizona uniform.

Also Consider: Ryan Braun - OF, MIL @ CIN (DK - $4,100, FD - $2,900)

 

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 30% Now
Import Your Leagues
Top-Rated Accuracy
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Pascal Siakam

Expected to Suit Up Wednesday
Andrew Nembhard

Sitting Out Wednesday
Olivier-Maxence Prosper

Off Injury Report Wednesday
Ty Jerome

to Miss Fifth Straight Game
Caris LeVert

Available Tuesday Against Raptors
Miles McBride

to Suit up on Tuesday
Collin Murray-Boyles

Cleared to Play Tuesday
Marcus Sasser

is Available on Tuesday
Brandon Ingram

Returns Vs. Detroit
Ziaire Williams

Moves into Starting Five
Duncan Robinson

Active Vs. Toronto
Jalen Duren

is Back in Action on Tuesday
Tobias Harris

Available Tuesday
Marvin Bagley III

to Miss Second Straight Game
Ryan Rollins

Good to Go Tuesday
Klay Thompson

is Resting on Tuesday
Kyle Kuzma

Returns Tuesday
Seiya Suzuki

to Begin a Rehab Assignment Soon
Simon Holmstrom

Misses Tuesday's Action
Marcus Smart

Out Against Cavs
Alexandre Carrier

Out 2-4 Weeks With Upper-Body Injury
Jordan Spieth

a Horse for Course History at TPC San Antonio
Mason Lohrei

Misses Second Consecutive Game Tuesday
Max Strus

Active on Tuesday
Tyler Myers

Unavailable Against Bruins
Robert MacIntyre

Has One Flaw to Overcome at Valero Texas Open to be a Must-Play
Michael Bunting

to Sit Out Tuesday's Game
Maverick McNealy

In Exceptional Form This Season
Michael Thorbjornsen

Playing Well But Still Searching For A Win
Hideki Matsuyama

Playing Well Heading to the Valero Texas Open
Si Woo Kim

Heads to Valero Texas Open For Final Tune-Up Before Masters
Sam Merrill

Unavailable Against Lakers
Nikita Kucherov

a Game-Time Decision Tuesday
Evgeni Malkin

Ready for Action Tuesday
Jarrett Allen

Slated to Suit Up on Tuesday
Sam Bennett

Rejoins Panthers Lineup Tuesday
Cody Ponce

Diagnosed With ACL Sprain, to Miss "Significant Time"
Tank Dell

Uncertain for OTAs, But Expected to Play in 2026
Alvin Kamara

Saints Still Want to Address Alvin Kamara's Contract
George Pickens

Cowboys Have "Long-Term Plans" for George Pickens
Kyle Pitts Sr.

Falcons Not Ruling Out Potential Kyle Pitts Sr. Trade
Jordan James

the "Front-Runner" to be Top Backup RB
A.J. Brown

Patriots Still Not Ruling Out an A.J. Brown Trade
Aaron Rodgers

Planning to Re-Sign With Steelers?
Seattle Seahawks

Mike Washington Jr. Would Fill a Big Need for Seahawks
Los Angeles Rams

Kenyon Sadiq a Good Fit With the Rams?
Green Bay Packers

Packers to "Strip Everything Down" on Offense
Anthony Richardson Sr.

to Stay With Colts?
NFL

Ty Simpson has Visits With Cardinals, Dolphins, Browns
Aaron Rodgers

Mike McCarthy, Aaron Rodgers Touch Base
Cameron Ward

Mechanical Tweaks are Focused on his Footwork
Jaylen Waddle

to Play the Slot And Outside
Geno Smith

Aaron Glenn Thinks Geno Smith Will Lead Jets to "Promised Land"
Mason Taylor

Jets Expecting a "Hell of a Year" From Mason Taylor
Collin Morikawa

Withdraws From Valero Texas Open
PGA

Stephan Jaegar Still Looking For Consistency at Valero Texas Open
Nicolai Hojgaard

is Red-Hot Coming to TPC San Antonio
Tony Finau

a Risky Proposition at Valero Texas Open
Ludvig Aberg

Looks to Shake Off Collapse at Valero Texas Open
Jacob deGrom

Cleared for Season Debut on Tuesday
Colt Emerson

Signs an Eight-Year Extension with Mariners
James Conner

Role Threatened in Arizona?
Devin Neal

Dynasty Value Slipping Away?
Josh Downs

Headed for More Targets in 2026?
Mike Evans

Still Has WR1 Upside in New Home
William Nylander

Records Four Points Against Ducks
Macklin Celebrini

Becomes Sixth Teenager With 100-Point Season
Jaden Schwartz

Could Return Tuesday
Jordan Greenway

Available Tuesday
Jake Sanderson

Remains Out Tuesday
Cutter Gauthier

Exits Early Against Maple Leafs
Cale Makar

Sustains Upper-Body Injury Monday
Patrick Rodgers

Needs to Make More Birdies in San Antonio
Sepp Straka

Seeks Opportunity in San Antonio This Weekend
Nick Taylor

Could Again Struggle at the Valero Texas Open
Keith Mitchell

Sets Up Solidly for TPC San Antonio
Jose Altuve

Tallies Four Hits, Two Homers in Big Night
Rickie Fowler

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Valero Texas Open
Nazem Kadri

Scores Twice in Blowout Victory
Anthony Mantha

has Three-Point Performance on Monday
Miguel Vargas

Hits Grand Slam, Drives in Six in Win Over Miami
Tanner Bibee

to Start on Tuesday Against Dodgers
Aliaksei Protas

Won't Play Tuesday
Pavel Mintyukov

Returns to Action Monday
Radko Gudas

Ready to Face Maple Leafs
John Klingberg

to Remain Sidelined Monday
Matt McCarty

Seeking to Play into the Weekend in San Antonio
Brian Harman

Looking to Continue Form From The Players Championship
Steven Fisk

Attempting to String Better Rounds Together at San Antonio
Luke Clanton

Still Having Rough Time Contending at Events
Max Homa

Looks to Get Back on Track at Valero Texas Open
Chase Elliott

Takes Advantage of Pit Strategies for Second Career Martinsville Win
Denny Hamlin

Dominates but Finishes Second at Martinsville
Joey Logano

Bounces Back with Third-Place Finish at Martinsville
Ty Gibbs

Gains his Fourth Top-Five Finish of the Season at Martinsville
William Byron

Scores Another Top-Five Finish at Martinsville
Joe Pyfer

Extends His Winning Streak
Israel Adesanya

Loses Fourth Consecutive Fight
Maycee Barber

Suffers Her First Knockout Loss
Alexa Grasso

Scores Highlight-Reel Knockout
Niko Price

Retires After UFC Seattle Loss
Michael Chiesa

Victorious In His Retirement Fight
Julian Erosa

Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Lerryan Douglas

Scores First-Round Knockout Win In His UFC Debut
Alex Bregman

Clobbers First Two Homers in Sunday's Loss at Wrigley
Yandy Díaz

Yandy Diaz Records Five Hits, Drives in Four in Win Over Cardinals
Kyle Larson

Is Likely to Pay Off for DFS at Martinsville
Christopher Bell

Could Have Another Top-10 Performance At Martinsville
William Byron

Is A Threat to Win Again at Martinsville
Chase Elliott

is A Solid DFS Option for Martinsville Lineups
Chase Briscoe

has Plenty of Upside for DFS Lineups at Martinsville
Carlos Estévez

Carlos Estevez Unlikely to See High-Leverage Opportunities in Near Future
Jacob deGrom

Feels "Much Better," Hopeful he Can Start This Week
Ty Gibbs

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Martinsville?
Ryan Preece

Is A Solid DFS Option for Martinsville Lineups
Josh Berry

Could Josh Berry Pay Off for Tournament DFS Lineups At Martinsville?
Carson Hocevar

May be Too Inconsistent to Start in Martinsville DFS Lineups
Austin Cindric

Is Austin Cindric Worth Rostering for DFS At Martinsville?
Denny Hamlin

the Favorite to Win at Martinsville
Ryan Blaney

Should Contend at Martinsville
Tyler Reddick

Should Come Back Down to Earth at Martinsville
Joey Logano

Will Be Strong at Martinsville
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Looking to Rebound at Martinsville
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Showing Progress, Qualifies Fifth at Martinsville
Dylan Cease

Fans 12 in Blue Jays Debut on Saturday
Andrew Vaughn

Needs Hand Surgery, Expected to be Out 4-6 Weeks
Jacob deGrom

"Confident" he Will Make his Next Start
Jacob deGrom

Scratched From Saturday's Start Due to Neck Stiffness
Jeferson Quero

Brewers Calling Up Catching Prospect Jeferson Quero
Deyvison De Los Santos

Marlins Promote Deyvison De Los Santos to Major Leagues
Shea Langeliers

Hits Two Home Runs on Opening Day
Kevin Gausman

Picks Up No-Decision But Strikes Out 11 on Opening Day
Tanner Bibee

Day-to-Day, Could Make his Next Start
Shane Baz

Orioles Agree to Five-Year Extension
Joe Pyfer

Set For UFC Seattle Main Event
Israel Adesanya

Returns At UFC Seattle
Maycee Barber

Looks To Extend Her Win Streak To Eight
Alexa Grasso

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Niko Price

In Dire Need Of Victory
Michael Chiesa

Set For Retirement Fight
Lerryan Douglas

Set For His UFC Debut
Julian Erosa

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

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF