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We have all 30 teams to work with on Friday night as the first pitch begins at 7:05pm (EST) for your DraftKings contests. Four games have an over/under of at least nine earned runs, and we’re still waiting on the SEA/COL line. Expect to see a high total from that matchup at Coors Field.
As for the heavy favorites (-200, or more), only two teams fall into that category: Boston and Houston. It’s Friday the 13th and the pitching options might be the scariest thing you see all day. I’m saving money and looking towards the mid-tier options tonight (more on that later).
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 7/13/18. 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 DFS Starting Pitchers
Nathan Eovaldi, TB (@ MIN) - $8,500
In recent history, Eovaldi has pitched phenomenally well. He’s shut out his opponent in two of the past three games and struck out nine batters in each of those two contests. He’s struck out at least five batters in five consecutive appearances, too. In those two of the past three phenomenal outings, Eovaldi allowed only one hit to each team, as well. The Twins are 21st in runs scored (391 runs in 90 games) this season. I have Eovaldi ranked third in my pitcher rankings for Friday and he’s the 10th-most expensive pitcher in the player pool.
Dallas Keuchel, HOU (vs. DET) - $8,400
With a slam dunk stud in the starting pitcher department, we’re able to save some money with two mid-tier arms, who I believe will perform well in the Friday slate. By doing so, we’ll have $33,100 remaining ($4,137 per player) in the DraftKings salary cap. While Keuchel is the 11th-most expensive pitcher on DraftKings, his Astros are the strongest favorites to win (-260), according to Vegas. Also, he’s allowed two earned runs, or less, in four of the past five games and struck out at least five batters in three of those performances.
DraftKings DFS Infielders
C - Chris Iannetta, COL (vs. SEA) - $3,600
We have something in our favor when it comes to Colorado bats on Friday; DraftKings was under the impression that James Paxton would be the starter for Seattle. However, Paxton was pushed up to start on Thursday. Now, Christian Bergman will get the nod for Seattle at Coors Field. Not only does that give a bump to Rockies who succeed against righties (Paxton is left-handed), but the price for Colorado bats should be a little more respectable since the DFS site thought a “better” pitcher would be facing them. Iannetta has a .240 ISO against right-handed pitchers since 2017, which is second-best on the club.
1B - Matt Davidson, CWS (vs. KC) - $3,800
Make no mistake about it, I wanted Steve Pearce to be my first baseman. If he somehow gets cleared to play (left Thursday’s game after getting hit by the pitch in the shin), I’ll likely make the switch. I’ve already planned for the extra $200 price difference in my DK salary cap. If Pearce is out, Davidson is a fine backup. The White Sox are currently sixth on the slate with a projected 4.7 run total (still waiting on SEA/COL). Davidson has a .223 ISO against righties and Brad Keller has allowed at least three earned runs in two of the past four games.
2B - Jonathan Schoop, BAL (vs. TEX) - $3,700
Any idea who is tied for the most hits in the past week? Clearly, Schoop is the answer. He’s tallied 14 hits in the past week (.378 AVG) with two home runs. Since 2017, Schoop is second on the Orioles with a .222 ISO against left-handed pitchers (.236 for Manny Machado). His opposing pitcher, Cole Hamels, has allowed at least three earned runs in three straight starts.
3B - Kris Bryant, CHC (@ SD) - $4,800
Welcome back, Mr. Bryant. In his first game back to action, Bryant belted a home run against the Giants, in San Francisco. Now, the west coast road trip continues as the Cubs travel to San Diego. Clayton Richard will start for the Padres. He’s allowed at least three earned runs in three consecutive appearances. Bryant leads the Cubs with a .280 ISO against left-handed pitchers. This season, Bryant is batting .373 against southpaws.
SS - Paul DeJong, STL (vs. CIN) - $3,700
The Cardinals are projected to score 4.9 total runs, according to Vegas (fifth-most). DeJong currently owns a seven-game hitting streak and is second on St. Louis with a .218 ISO against righties. DeJong is also batting .300 (6-for-20) in the past seven days. The Cards will face Matt Harvey. He’s 1-4 with a 5.15 ERA in 35.2 innings pitched on the road.
DraftKings DFS Outfielders
Charlie Blackmon, COL (vs. SEA) - $5,500
If there is one bat from this piece that I’m locking into every DK lineup on Friday, it would be Blackmon. If DK knew about Seattle’s pitching change, Blackmon would probably be the most expensive hitter on the slate. Instead, he’s tied with others as the eighth-most expensive bat. In the past week, Blackmon is batting .346 and is tied for the team-lead with nine hits and three home runs. He also leads the Rockies with a .278 ISO against righties.
Whit Merrifield, KC (@ CWS) - $4,000
Merrifield has tallied 12 hits in the past week (two away from the league-lead) and yet his price tag has dropped $600 since his last game. Take advantage of the savings. He’s notched at least two hits in four of the past six games, with five extra-base hits during that span. James Shields is pitching against Merrifield on Friday. He allowed eight earned runs in his last start and was tagged for four earned runs, in six innings, when he faced the Royals earlier this season.
Andrew McCutchen, SF (vs. OAK) - $3,800
For the BvP enthusiasts, take a look at McCutchen’s numbers against Edwin Jackson. In his career, Cutch is 15-for-39 (.385) with three doubles and three home runs (seven walks). McCutchen is also batting .308 (8-for-26) in the past week.
