RADIO
We only have seven games on the docket for Monday. Meaning, we’ll have to get creative with some of our decision making, when it comes to building a lineup that we’re happy with on this small slate of games.
Fortunately, three games have an over/under of at least nine total runs (MIA/CHC over/under hasn’t been finalized as this write-up was posted). Unfortunately, neither of those three games have a strong favorite to choose hitters for our lineup. So, you’ll either have to guess on the winning team, choose hitters from both lineups, or move on to other high implied run total rosters. For example, the Astros have the highest projected total on the slate (4.7 runs), but their game has an over/under below nine runs.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 5/7/18. 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 @CharlieSideHstl.
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DraftKings Starting Pitchers
Stephen Strasburg, WSH (@ SD) - $13,600
Not only is the slate smaller on Monday, but the choices for top tier pitchers are also scarce. Strasburg is in a league of his own and his price tag reflects that level. Stras has notched double-digit strikeouts in two of his last three starts. He’s also allowed two earned runs in two of the last three outings. He faces the Padres on Monday and no team has struck out more than San Diego this season (347). The Padres are also 28th in team wOBA (.294) against right-handed pitchers.
Kyle Hendricks, CHC (vs. MIA) - $9,600
The Cubs are the heaviest favorites on the docket for Monday (-240). Though Hendricks isn’t the only reason Vegas deems Chicago worthy of being the strongest team on the board, he is a factor in the decision. He’s struck out at least five batters in four consecutive games (five of the past six) and allowed three earned runs, or less, in that same span. Hendricks also faced Miami in his first appearance of 2018: 6 IP, 1 ER, and 5 K. Miami is 30th in team wOBA (.275) against righties in 2018, too. As you could imagine, the Marlins are 30th in runs scored this year (105 runs in 32 games).
Jeff Samardzija, SF (@ PHI) - $8,400
Building a decent lineup with solid hitters and a reliable pitching duo can be very difficult on Monday if you decide to use Strasburg. Thus, pairing Hendricks with Samardzija is probably your best move in assuring a serviceable offense can be formed. The Shark has allowed two earned runs, or less, in two of the past three starts. Also, the Phillies are fourth in team strikeouts this year (315).
DraftKings Infielders
C - James McCann, DET (@ TEX) - $3,300
McCann is having quite the week. He’s 8-23 (.348) with one home run and one walk. He’s also tallied at least two hits in three of the past four games. McCann is currently in the midst of a five game hitting streak. Since 2017, McCann has compiled a .279 ISO against left-handed pitchers. That is second to only Nick Castellanos on Detroit.
1B - Joey Votto, CIN (vs. NYM) - $5,500
After the 4-for-5 performance for Votto on Sunday, his Reds host the Mets on Monday. Originally, Jacob deGrom was slated to pitch in this spot. However, the Mets decided to take precaution and place deGrom on the DL. So, instead, Cincinnati will face the lefty, P.J. Conlon. Votto has a .236 ISO against southpaws. Anthony Rizzo is also in play at $700 cheaper than Votto.
2B - Wilmer Difo, WSH (@ SD) - $3,500
It took a thrilling rally from the Nationals on Sunday and Difo was the cog who delivered the winning RBI. Difo has also produced a nine game hitting streak. In the past week, he’s 11-for-21 (.524) with two doubles and two home runs. Difo will face Tyson Ross on Monday. From the 14 starting pitchers, Ross has the second-highest SIERA (5.05) of the group. Adding Difo is an affordable way to attack Ross.
3B - Kris Bryant, CHC (vs. MIA) - $5,300
If you construct your lineup with Hendricks and Samardzija as your starting pitchers, along with the rest of my suggestions, you should be able to add Bryant to your DK lineup on Monday. Young Blue Eyes homered on Sunday, continuing his six game hitting streak. Bryant has homered two times in the past four games. Jarlin Garcia is left-handed, but he may want to change pitching hands before Monday’s matchup. Bryant is batting .414 (12-for-29) with six of those hits going for extra-bases. Since 2017, Bryant has a .248 ISO against southpaws.
SS - Brandon Crawford, SF (@ PHI) - $3,200
Don’t let the .250 AVG fool you, Crawford is clicking. He’s tallied at least two hits in four consecutive games. Crawford also contributed an extra-base hit in three straight performances. The Giants are scheduled to face ZAch Eflin of the Phillies. He leads the starting pitcher pool with a 2.18 HR/9.
DraftKings Outfielders
Adam Duvall, CIN (vs. NYM) - $4,000
While he hasn’t been as successful as his 2017 season suggested, Duvall still leads the Reds with a .296 ISO against left-handed pitchers since 2017. To his credit, when Duvall gets ahold of a pitch, he puts some power behind it. Of his 18 hits this season, 13 went for extra-bases (five home runs). We only need Duvall to drive one pitch into the seats to make his selection worth it.
Delino DeShields, TEX (vs. DET) - $3,800
DeShields is dominating with a 10 game hitting streak. In three of his last four games, DeShields produced multi-hit performances. In the past week, he’s 13-for-31 (.419) with four extra-base hits. With a small player pool, DeShields shines as a near must-start for your DK DFS outfield.
Michael Conforto, NYM (@ CIN) - $3,400
The Mets will have one of the highest implied run totals for Monday. Conforto leads New York with a .255 ISO against right-handed pitchers since 2017. Homer Bailey has the highest SIERA (5.20) among the starting pitchers from Monday. With Conforto as the projected leadoff hitter, I’ll invest my final $3,400 on a player with a solid matchup against a starting pitcher who should relinquish plenty of hits and runs. Opponents have scored at least four runs against Bailey in back-to-back games.
