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DraftKings Daily Fantasy Baseball Picks (4/21/18): MLB DFS Lineups

The top daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on April 21, 2018. Troy Klauder's MLB DFS analysis and sleepers for building optimal DFS rosters.

We've got another day full of action ready for us on DraftKings, with an early slate starting at 1pm eastern and the featured slate kicking off at 7pm.

In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 4/21/18. The lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays.

 You can also read more DFS advice and lineup picks for sites like FanDuel, and other sports too. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to hit me up on Twitter @TroyKlauder.

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DraftKings Starting Pitchers

Aaron Nola, PHI (vs. PIT) - $10,600

Aaron Nola has been rolling along this season, posting a 2.22 ERA through his first two starts of the season. Nola comes at a very modest price for the type of talent he has, which makes him my favorite pitcher on the early slate. While Nola hasn't been racking up many strikeouts this season, he had a 26.6% K-rate in 27 starts last year, so there's probably some positive regression on the way. The Phillies lineup has been on fire lately and should provide Nola with a win against Pirates starter Steven Brault.

Zack Godley, ARI (vs. SD) - $8,800

Godley was horrific in his last start against the Dodgers, but you shouldn't judge a pitcher based off of one bad start. Even with his blow-up start, Godley still has just a 3.00 ERA on the season, supported by a 3.24 FIP. He's a great buy-low candidate on Saturday, as many owners will probably be scared off by his last start, and he comes at a pretty cheap price. The Padres are one of the worst lineups in baseball, and Godley has huge strikeout potential against them, as the Pads strike out 27.9% of the time against righties. That's the third-highest mark in all of baseball, so I would be comfortable playing Godley in any type of contest.

 

DraftKings Infielders

C - Yadier Molina, STL (vs. CIN) - $3,500

Molina has been one of the best catchers in the league at the plate this season, with a 123 wRC+ and five homers so far. His opposition, Reds starter Homer Bailey, has a 3.42 ERA this season - but that's not fooling anybody. Bailey has a 4.74 SIERA this year, which gives a more accurate representation of the way he's pitched this season. After all, he had a 6.43 ERA last season! The Cardinals are a great lineup to stack on Saturday, but you can also use Molina as a standalone at catcher.

1B - Yuli Gurriel, HOU (@ CWS) - $4,200

Gurriel is back from the DL and batting fifth in the loaded Astros lineup, a spot where he can rack up runs and RBIs. The Astros are an expensive lineup to stack, but I would try to at least get a few of them aganist Lucas Giolito. Giolito has struggled mightily this season to the tune of a 5.50 ERA with 12 walks and just eight strikeouts. Gurriel is particularly valuable in cash games, where his high floor makes him more attractive.

2B - Jonathan Villar, MIL (vs. MIA) - $3,500

Villar is actually having himself a fantasy relevant season once again, batting .288 with four steals. His home ballpark, Miller Park, is one of the best offensive environments in all of baseball, and he's facing an awful pitcher in Jose Urena on Saturday. Urena has a 5.57 ERA through his first four starts, and Villar is coming in at a great price against him.

3B - Mike Moustakas, KC (@ DET) - $4,000

Moose has been on fire this season, so it's actually pretty crazy that his price has only gone up to $4,000. In his last 15 games, Moustakas is batting .380 with a 1.092 OPS and four homers. Yowza! Facing Mike Fiers is one of the best possible matchups you can ask for when you play Moustakas, as Fiers has a 1.54 HR/9 this year after posting a 1.88 mark in 2017. Prepare for Moose to go deep.

SS - Ketel Marte, ARI (vs. SD) - $3,500

There are lots of garbage pitchers taking the mound on Saturday, many of which I have already highlighted. We've got another one to target in Padres starter Clayton Richard, who has just a 16.5% K-rate with a 10.3% walk-rate. Unsurprisingly, he's rocking a 5.73 ERA as well. I think Marte's high-contact style of play will play well against Richard's lack of strikeout ability. If nothing else, Marte's got a solid power/speed combo and comes in at a cheap price.

 

DraftKings Outfielders

Jay Bryce, NYM (@ ATL) - $3,900

Braves starter Julio Teheran always struggles when he pitches at home, and SunTrust Park in Atlanta is a fantastic park for left-handed power. This combination gives Jay Bruce a fantastic opportunity to bust out of his slump on Saturday. Teheran's already got a 6.43 ERA at home this season after posting a 5.86 in Atlanta last season, and don't forget that Bruce knocked 36 dingers last season. He's a great value at this price.

Bradley Zimmer, CLE (@ BAL) - $3,300

Indians centerfielder Bradley Zimmer is coming in at near punt-level prices on Saturday, and it's not exactly clear why. He's batting .385 in the last 15 days with a 1.005 OPS! Zimmer has a great matchup in Oriole Park, an outstanding hitter's park, and opposing pitcher Chris Tillman might actually be the worst of the worst pitchers on today's slate. Tillman has a hilarious 11.91 ERA with only three strikeouts and 10 walks in three starts. I recommend an Indians stack, and Zimmer is an essential part of that stack.

Mitch Haniger, SEA (@ TEX) - $4,000

Don't be a goofball and avoid Mariners hitters against Bartolo Colon on Saturday. He had a fantastic start against the Astros his last time out, but he's going to have to show us much more than just that in order to take him seriously. For now, he's still a pitcher we want to target, and Haniger is a great mid-range play to consider against him. Haniger has a 131 wRC+ this season and hasn't gotten a ton of buzz despite his success.

MLB DFS News and Injury Alerts

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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Los Angeles Clippers

Nicolas Batum Staying with Clippers
Jurickson Profar

to Return on Wednesday
Jordan Clarkson

Jazz Finalize Contract Buyout for Jordan Clarkson
Aldrich Potgieter

Wins Rocket Mortgage Classic
Thorbjorn Olesen

Finishes Tied for 41st at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Denny McCarthy

Finishes Tied For 12th at Travelers Championship
Chris Kirk

Finishes Tied For Second at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Michael Kim

Finishes Tied for 26th at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Max Homa

Misses Cut at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Lucas Glover

Finishes Tied For Ninth at Travelers Championship
PGA

Nico Echavarria Finishes Tied For Sixth at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Brooklyn Nets

Day'Ron Sharpe Staying with Nets
Colby Thomas

Called Up From Triple-A
Shea Langeliers

A's Reinstate Shea Langeliers From Injured List
Pittsburgh Steelers

Rumors Still Swirling Around Potential T.J. Watt Trade
Jalen Williams

will Undergo Surgery on Right Wrist
Bryce Harper

Activated and Starting on Monday
Deandre Ayton

Finalizing Contract Buyout with Portland
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Lands on Injured List With Fractured Ribs
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Tyler Boyd

Interested in Playing for Steelers
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Now Looking to Acquire a Tight End
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
L'Jarius Sneed

Says he's Healthy
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Minkah Fitzpatrick

Heading Back to Miami
Jonnu Smith

Shipped to Pittsburgh
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Steelers Acquiring Jalen Ramsey
Kerry Carpenter

Leaves Game with Apparent Hamstring Injury
Brooklyn Nets

Day'Ron Sharpe Heads to Free Agency
Santi Aldama

Receives Qualifying Offer
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner has Team Option Declined
Jabari Smith Jr.

Signs Massive Extension
Jusuf Nurkić

Hornets Trading Jusuf Nurkic to Utah
Collin Sexton

Heading to Charlotte
Cam Thomas

Set for Restricted Free Agency
Milwaukee Bucks

Bobby Portis Staying in Milwaukee
Jonas Brodin

Expected to Miss Start of Next Season
TB

Conor Sheary Placed on Waivers for Contract Termination
Los Angeles Clippers

James Harden, Clippers Agree on a New Contract
Dante Fabbro

Stays with Blue Jackets on Four-Year Deal
Joel Hofer

Commits to Blues for Two More Years
Kevin Bahl

Signs Long-Term Extension with Flames
Oneil Cruz

Smacks Two Homers
Jordan Spence

Traded to Ottawa
Petr Mrazek

Heads to Anaheim
John Gibson

Red Wings Acquire John Gibson
Matthew Knies

Inks Six-Year Extension with Maple Leafs
Aaron Judge

Blasts Two Homers, Dealing With Back Issue
Claude Giroux

Signs One-Year Deal with Senators
Yordan Alvarez

has Chance to Return Next Weekend
Minnesota Timberwolves

Julius Randle Signs Three-Year Extension
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Opts into Player Option
Luis Robert Jr.

Heads to Injured List
Gabriel Arias

Carted Off on Sunday
Bryce Harper

Faces Live Pitching
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Remains Out on Sunday
Utah Jazz

Bojan Bogdanovic Retiring From Basketball
Los Angeles Lakers

Dorian Finney-Smith Declines Player Option
Jaylin Williams

Signing Three-Year Extension
LeBron James

Accepts Player Option
Anfernee Simons

"a Possible Re-Trade Candidate"
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
NFL

NFL Won't Hold Supplemental Draft This Year
Damon Arnette

Getting Second Chance With Texans
Deommodore Lenoir

Arrested for Obstruction of Justice
Yordan Alvarez

Eyeing Return Before All-Star Break
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Quinn Priester

Fans 11 in One-Hit Gem
Spencer Schwellenbach

Dominant in Victory
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Expected to Make Second-Year Jump
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Out of Lineup Saturday
Jalin Hyatt

Looking to Flip the Script in 2025
Garrett Mitchell

to Undergo Shoulder Surgery
José Ramírez

Jose Ramirez in Guardians Lineup on Saturday
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
Ty Dillon

Could Benefit from Kaulig Speed
Chase Burns

Slated to Make Next Start on Monday
Dylan Sampson

Being Used as a Receiver
Carson Schwesinger

Figures to be in Full-Time Role in 2025
Cedric Tillman

Should Have Full-Time Role
Bryce Young

Looking More Comfortable, Showing More Intensity
Charlie Coyle

Blue Jackets Acquire Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood From Colorado
Jack Quinn

Signs Up for Two More Years with Sabres
Brandon Saad

Stays in Vegas on One-Year Deal
Trent Frederic

Inks Eight-Year Extension
Josh Naylor

Exits Friday's Contest Early with Neck Stiffness
Emil Heineman

Shipped to the Islanders
Noah Dobson

Traded to Montreal
John Tavares

Agrees to Four-Year Extension with Maple Leafs
Sam Bennett

Signs Eight-Year Extension with Panthers
NYI

Islanders Select Matthew Schaefer With No. 1 Pick in NHL Draft
Aaron Rodgers

Roman Wilson Could Fit Nicely With Aaron Rodgers
Josh Simmons

on Schedule to Open the Year as a Starter
Micah Parsons

Contract Length an Issue for Cowboys, Micah Parsons
Denver Broncos

Broncos Unsure How Their Running Back Room Will Look
Russell Wilson

Not the Only Leader in Giants Clubhouse
Charles Oliveira

Can Become A Two-Time Lightweight Champion
Ilia Topuria

A Favorite At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fourth Title Defense At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Renato Moicano

Returns At UFC 317
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC 317
Payton Talbott

Looks To Bounce Back
Felipe Lima

Set To Open Up UFC 317 Main Card
Daniil Tarasov

Panthers Bring in Daniil Tarasov
Frederick Gaudreau

Kraken Pick Up Frederick Gaudreau From Wild
Michael Thorbjornsen

Returns in Detroit at Rocket Classic
Adam Hadwin

Could Struggle Over the Weekend in Detroit
Cam Davis

Hopes Detroit Magic Can Spark Turnaround
Matt Wallace

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Rocket Classic
Joel Dahmen

Not Cutting it Lately
Michael Kim

Searching for Spark at Rocket Classic
Rasmus Hojgaard

a High-Ceiling Play in Rocket Classic
Matt McCarty

a Wild Card Heading into Detroit
Emiliano Grillo

Rolling into the Summer Season
Rickie Fowler

Looking for More Magic at Rocket Classic
Wyndham Clark

Brings High Upside to Detroit Golf Club
Max Greyserman

Could Make Noise at Rocket Classic
Akshay Bhatia

a Strong Value Play at Rocket Classic
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF