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The top daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on April 4th, 2019. Ben Rolfe's MLB DFS analysis and sleepers for building optimal DFS rosters.
Thursday, April 4th brings us yet another completely split featured slate with two sets of four games. The first slate kicks of at 1:05 pm with the second slate starting at 6:10 pm. The second slate is officially denoted as the “main” slate, but as both are considered featured you will find picks from both slates below.
There have already been two games postponed for Thursday, between the Cardinals and Padres and the Mariners and White Sox. Of the eight games relevant to these slates the Yankees are once again the biggest favorites, as they head to Baltimore looking for revenge.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 4/4/19. 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 @benrolfe15.
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DraftKings DFS Starting Pitchers
Trevor Bauer, CLE (vs. TOR) - $11,300 (Late)
Bauer was incredible in his first start, striking out nine and giving up just one earned run, on a single hit and walk. The Blue Jays shouldn’t give him too many issues, as they rank 29th in on-base percentage and 25th in slugging percentage.
James Paxton, NYY (@BAL) - $10,900 (Early)
Paxton was saddled with a loss in his first outing against the Orioles, but he pitched well. The left-handed pitcher gave up one earned run, while striking out five in 5 2/3 innings. The Orioles have started the season reasonably well but they are still just a middle of the pack offense. Paxton should be able to return solid numbers, and has the best chance of getting a win out of anyone.
Jake Junis, KC (@ DET) - $8,000 (Early)
Junis has a mixed first start, striking out six but surrendering three earned runs over 5 2/3 innings against the White Sox. Now he goes up against one of the coldest lineups in all of baseball. The Tigers rank in the bottom five in the majors in batting average, on base percentage, runs, home runs and slugging percentage. Junis does not have huge strikeout upside, but his floor in this one should be among the highest of the season.
Aaron Sanchez, TOR (@ CLE) - $7,000 (Late)
In order to get Bauer, you need to go cheap at the second spot on the late slate. While picking two starters from the same game is not ideal as you are limited to at best one win, these are two of the worst offenses on the slate. Sanchez struck out six last time out, surrendering zero earned in his five innings. The Indians currently rank dead last in slugging percentage and batting average, so they are a good team to try and take advantage of right now.
DraftKings DFS Infielders
C - Wilson Ramos, (NYM vs. WSH) - $3,500 (Early)
Ramos is the ideal mix between upside and cost, despite a tough pitcher matchup. Ramos had success against right-handed pitchers last season, posting a .361 wOBA and a .159 ISO against them.
1B - Mark Canha, OAK (vs. BOS) - $3,700 (Early)
With the wind expected to be blowing out to left field in this matchup, Canha becomes an extremely interesting option. His .399 wOBA, .322 ISO and 156 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers are among the best on the slate.
2B - Rougned Odor, TEX (@ LAA) - $4,100 (Late)
Odor is a solid choice here with a .201 ISO and 128 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers. Also playing into his favor is the wind currently being projected to be blowing out, and a matchup with Matt Harvey, who surrendered a .326 wOBA and 1.95 HR/9 to left-handed hitters last season.
3B - Anthony Rendon, WSH (@ NYM) - $4,100 (Early)
This was a toss-up between Rendon and Matt Chapman. Both are good options and Chapman has the slightly easier matchup. However, Rendon has success against right-handed pitchers, with .391 wOBA and .210 ISO.
3B - Asdrubal Cabrera, TEX (@ LAA) - $4,000 (Late)
Switch-hitter Cabrera has been hot to start the season and had good numbers against right-handed pitchers last season, .354 wOBA and .230 ISO. Much like Odor, he benefits from a favorable wind forecast and Harvey’s struggles when facing a left-handed hitter.
SS - Marcus Semien, OAK (vs. BOS) - $3,600 (Early)
Shortstop is always a tough position to pick as often there is no absolute standout options. Therefore, I am leaning with Semien and his .338 wOBA, .184 ISO and 114 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers.
SS - Javier Baez, CHC (@ ATL) - $5,200 (Late)
Price wise this might be hard to make work but Baez has by far the best numbers among shortstops on this slate. Against left-handed pitchers he owns a .389 wOBA, .271 ISO and 143 wRC+.
DraftKings DFS Outfielders
Shin-Soo Choo, TEX (@ LAA) - $3,900 (Late)
Choo is another Rangers hitter with wonderful numbers against right-handed pitchers. Last season he posted an impressive .394 wOBA, .208 ISO and 149 wRC+.
Corey Dickerson, PIT (vs. CIN) - $4,100 (Late)
This is another combination of a good left-handed hitter against a right-handed pitcher, as Dickerson had a .353 wOBA and .194 ISO last season with righties on the mound. Additionally, Tyler Mahle struggles against left-handed hitters, giving up a .423 wOBA and 2.56 HR/9 against them last season.
Stephen Piscotty, OAK (vs. BOS) - $3,800 (Early)
This is a continuation of a stack against the Red Sox Eduardo Rodriguez. Rodriguez actually had solid numbers against right-handed hitters last season but the Athletics also hit lefties well. Piscotty is no exception with a .346 wOBA and .205 ISO against lefties last season.
Brandon Nimmo, NYM (vs. WSH) - $3,600 (Early)
I am going back to the Nimmo well again because the combination of price and opportunity is too high to pass up. Last season the young Met hit for a.417 wOBA and .246 ISO against right-handed pitchers.
