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We have a packed holiday slate on Memorial Day. There are 16 games (NYM/ATL doubleheader). Half of the games have an over/under of at least nine total runs, including an 11.5 projected total at Coors Field.
On the down side, only two teams are heavy favorites (at least -190 odds): Cleveland and Boston. It will be interesting to see the ownership levels for the starting pitchers on Monday, but I think we have some solid options for you in this post.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 5/28/18. 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
Caleb Smith, MIA (@ SD) - $8,100
With so many teams projected to score high run totals, we need to cut costs in the pitching department. Thankfully, the elite options aren’t on the board for Monday, so everyone will be looking for those hidden gems. Smith is a solid play for DraftKings. He’s allowed two earned runs, or less, in five of the last six starts and has struck out at least five batters in the same span. San Diego is 26th in runs scored (200 runs in 54 games) and second in team strikeouts (526) this season.
Trevor Cahill, OAK (vs. TB) - $7,300
Most eyes will be on the Rays starting pitcher, Chris Archer, but I’ll pivot to his opponent. Cahill has allowed three earned runs, or less, in every start this year. He’s also struck out at least five batters in four of the last six outings in 2018. However, Cahill has only punched out a total of four hitters in back-to-back outings. On the bright side, Vegas loves the A’s on Monday. Oakland has odds of -140 in a game with an over/under of eight total runs. That gives the Rays a projected run total of 3.8 total runs (tied for fourth-fewest on the slate).
DraftKings Infielders
C - Willson Contreras, CHC (@ PIT) - $3,900
As I write this, the CHC/PIT game is without Vegas odds. However, I predict the Cubs offense will have a decently high implied run total. Contreras has a .208 ISO against right-handed pitchers (since 2017) and he’s notched a hit in five of the last six starts. Of his 22 hits from May, half have gone for extra bases.
1B - Mitch Moreland, BOS (vs. TOR) - $4,100
It’s weird seeing some first basemen with the same affordable price tag as Paul Goldschmidt and not clicking on Goldy. However, that’s the case for Monday. Moreland is the same $4,100 as the Arizona first baseman, but Boston’s is the better hitter as of late. He’s 6-for-17 (.353) with one double, two triples, and two home runs in the past week. The Red Sox are projected to score 5.2 runs on Monday (fourth-most of the slate).
2B - Zack Cozart, LAA (@ DET) - $3,200
When you think of lefty-smashers from Los Angeles, Mike Trout is typically the first name who comes to mind. However, Cozart is crushing lefties at a higher rate. His .257 ISO (since 2017) is higher than the perennial MVP’s (.233 ISO). Cozart has compiled a .333 AVG (6-for-18) in the past week (three walks). The Angels are pegged to score 5.1 runs on Monday (fifth-most).
3B - Jake Lamb, ARI (vs. CIN) - $3,900
It’s been a rough 2018 for Homer Bailey. He’s allowed at least four earned runs in five of the last six appearances, with nine home runs during that span. He travels to Arizona on Monday. Even with the addition of the humidor, I’m not sure that will keep the runs at bay against the struggling starter. Lamb leads the Diamondbacks with a .264 ISO against right-handed pitchers (since 2017).
SS - Manny Machado, BAL (vs. WSH) - $5,400
We’ve saved plenty of money with our previous selections. Time to spend some of that salary on an expensive bat. In the month of May, Machado is batting .283 with seven doubles and six home runs on 28 hits (eight walks). He faces lefty, Gio Gonzalez, on Monday. In his career, Machado is 4-for-13 (.308) with one double and three walks against Gonzalez. Machado also mashes lefties to the tune of a .276 ISO since 2017.
DraftKings Outfielders
J.D. Martinez, BOS (vs. TOR) - $5,400
Another pricey, but worthwhile, option for you offense is Martinez. Even though he’s only tallied two hits in the past week (.105 AVG) he’s still batting .301 in May with five doubles and 11 home runs on 28 hits (10 walks). Martinez leads the Red Sox with a .360 ISO against right-handed pitchers since 2017. Boston is slated to score 5.2 runs on Monday (fourth-most).
Michael Brantley, CLE (vs. CWS) - $4,500
Speaking of teams with a high implied run total, the Indians are projected to score 5.6 runs on Monday (second-most). Brantley is batting .357 (10-for-28) in the last seven days. He’s also in the midst of a 16-game hitting streak with at least two hits in four of the past six games. Dr. Smooth has delivered 24 RBI with 33 hits in the month of May.
Tyler O’Neill, STL (@ MIL) - $4,100
The Cardinals continue to compile youthful studs. The latest young star is O’Neill. He’s batting .346 (9-for-26) with one double and three home runs in May. The Brewer’s starting pitcher for Monday, Brent Suter, has a 5.27 ERA at home this season. St. Louis should have a successful matchup, with O’Neill producing on Memorial Day.
