RADIO
This is a slate that has the games split roughly down the middle. Neither slate is significantly better than the other, and for that reason, I will be recommending players from both slate.
I will be referring to stats and notes from last season since we have very little to work with early in 2018. As the season goes on, we'll get into all of the good stats and info, to bring the best quality I can.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 4/4/18. 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 contact me up on Twitter @BalesSJustin.
DraftKings Starting Pitchers
Noah Syndergaard - P, vs PHI ($11,600)
Syndergaard allowed four runs in only six innings in his first start, but also recorded 10 strikeouts in that game. He is facing a weak Philadelphia offense today, and Syndergaard has looked like an elite pitcher throughout his career. He's currently a -140 favorite in a game set at only 7 runs, making him one of the best pitching options on the slate.
Clayton Richard - P, vs COL ($5,600)
Richard is in an interesting position tonight, as he'll be throwing at home. In his only home start this season, he allowed only one run over seven innings. He also struck out four batters in that game. He gets a decent matchup against the Colorado Rockies, who are an offense that strikes out at a fairly high clip. Richard is a small underdog in this game, but he is extremely cheap and will be throwing at Petco Park. He's an interesting option to say the least.
DraftKings Infielders
James McCann - C, vs KC ($3,400)
McCann was quietly a dominant hitter against left-handed pitching last season, recording a .298 average in 104 at-bats. He also displayed power, as 41.9% of his hits against lefties went for extra-bases. Furthermore, he posted a 0.079 wOBA and 0.113 ISO differential against lefties. McCann gets a matchup against Danny Duffy today, and he can be used in all leagues.
Matt Olson - 1B, vs TEX ($4,200)
Olson is a powerful player that looked outstanding against right-handed pitching last season. In 143 at-bats against righties in 2017, Olson hit .280, which was significantly higher than his .196 average against lefties. Also, 50% of his hits against righties were home runs. He gets a matchup against Doug Fister, who has struggled quite a bit over the years, making Olson a high upside option.
Yoan Moncada - 2B, at TOR ($4,000)
Moncada is a developing player that has looked good to start the season. Last season, he was better against right-handed pitching, as he boasted a higher batting average with more power. He gets a decent matchup against Aaron Sanchez, and Moncada has been leading off for the Chicago White Sox. He's a difficult player to trust in cash games still, but he has more than enough upside for tournaments.
Logan Forsythe - 3B, at ARI ($3,200)
Forsythe has been starting at third base for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and he's a player to consider whenever he is playing against left-handed pitching. Last season, Forsythe recorded a 0.116 wOBA and 0.083 ISO differential against lefties. He also hit nearly .300 against left-handed pitching last season. He gets a solid matchup against Patrick Corbin, and Forsythe can be considered in all leagues in this matchup.
Aledmys Diaz - SS, vs CWS ($2,900)
Diaz was a reverse splits hitter last season, performing well against right-handed pitching. He did not hit for the highest average against righties, but 87.5% of his extra-base hits, including 100% of his home runs, came against them. He is hitting last in the Blue Jays order, which hurts his value a bit, but he has still found ways to be productive this season. He is a high upside option today.
DraftKings Outfielders
Leonys Martin - OF, vs KC ($3,600)
Martin was a reverse splits hitter last season, recording a 0.211 wOBA and 0.262 ISO differential against left-handed pitching. He has been roughly an average hitter against both right- and left-handed pitching throughout his career, though. More importantly, he is leading off for the Tigers in a decent matchup against Danny Duffy. That will allow him to see extra at-bats today, adding to his upside.
Kike Hernandez - OF, at ARI ($3,400)
Hernandez is a player that can always be considered when he is starting against left-handed pitching. Last season, he featured a 0.156 wOBA and 0.2 ISO differential against lefties. He also hit .270 with 90.9% of his home runs coming against left-handed pitching. He gets a solid matchup against Patrick Corbin today, and Hernandez is an option that can be used in all leagues.
