X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

DraftKings Daily Fantasy Baseball Picks (7/16/21): MLB DFS Lineups

The top daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 7/16/21. Euan Leith's MLB DFS analysis and sleepers for building optimal DFS rosters.

Happy Friday, RotoBallers! The second half of the 2021 campaign kicks off tonight after a few days off for the All-Star break. Shohei Ohtani and Pete Alonso gave us a few highlights in the home run derby on Monday before the American League defeated the National League 5-2 for the eighth game in a row on Tuesday night. As things stand, the Red Sox, White Sox, and Astros lead their divisions in the AL (all with 54 or 55 wins), while the Mets, Brewers, and Giants do the same in the NL. The trade deadline is right around the corner, and this wild season is about to kick into high gear.

Kevin Gausman and Brandon Woodruff jump off the page as the two leading arms for tonight's slate, but there are plenty of other areas to grab some pitching. I especially like Kyle Hendricks against Arizona, and I'm drawn towards Michael Wacha against a depleted Atlanta unit. The Braves looked semi-shell shocked on Sunday after the news of Ronald Acuna's knee injury. Of course, they will bounce back, but will it be immediately? Tough to say. I know I'll get a little crazy and put Wacha in a couple of my lineups.

This article will provide you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 7/16/2021. The lineup will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays. You can also check out today's FanDuel MLB DFS lineup picks and read more DFS advice and lineup picks for other sports too. It’s also important to monitor injury news and today's MLB starting lineups. If you have any questions or comments, find me on Twitter and ask away.

Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 50% off using code SUMMER! Win more with expert advice from proven winners and exclusive DFS tools. Get instant access to RotoBaller's Lineup Optimizers, Research Stations, daily picks and VIP chat rooms across 10 sports! Go Premium, Win More!

 

DraftKings DFS Starting Pitchers

Kevin Gausman - P, SF at STL ($10,300)

What a turnaround Gausman is having in San Francisco. After several seasons of waiting, he is finally showing the baseball world precisely what he can do, and it is pretty phenomenal. In 18 starts this season, the right-handed hurler sports a 1.73 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, and 30.5 percent strikeout rate, while 14 of his 18 starts have been of the quality variety. Gausman closed the first have on an absolute tear as he scored at least 24 fantasy points in eight of his final 10 starts and at least 27 points in seven of those eight. While the Cardinals don't strike out a ton (20.14 percent since June 1), Gausman can pitch deep enough into games to get us the innings and the strikeouts we need from an SP1.

Kyle Hendricks - P, CHC at ARI ($7,500)

Kyle Hendricks 3.77 ERA looks rather average on the surface, but it's been anything but smooth sailing for the 31-year old. On May 1, the righty was rocking a 7.54 ERA but is pitching well since the first month of the season and looks to continue his post-April form as we begin the second half. His 11 wins lead MLB, and tonight, he'll face a Diamondbacks lineup striking out 25 percent of the time while putting up a measly 67 wRC+ versus right-handed pitching. Hendricks has gone at least six innings in 11 consecutive outings and has only allowed more than three runs once. The strikeout upside is not there with an arm like Hendricks, but he can pitch deep into a game, and the Diamondback's propensity to swing away may allow the righty to rack up one or two more Ks than usual.

Other options: Brandon Woodruff at CIN ($9,500), Andrew Heaney vs. SEA ($7,400), Michael Wacha at ATL ($6,700)

 

Want more MLB DFS tools and content? Our MLB Premium package includes our daily DFS Cheat Sheets, Research Station, Optimizer, and access to our Premium Slack Chatrooms where members can chat with our MLB analysts. Check out this recent big win from RotoBaller's RealTalkRaph on DraftKings - join in on the winning!

 

DraftKings DFS Infielders

Omar Narvaez - C, MIL at Tyler Mahle ($4,500)

Narvaez's first half was spectacular. He was the 23rd catcher coming off the boards in NFBC leagues in season-long drafts, and now his 6.5 fantasy points per game have him as a top 10 catcher in DraftKings scoring. He and the Brewers will see Tyler Mahle in Great American Ballpark as they look to continue their march towards the NL Central title.

Over his first 71 games, Narvaez has a /.300/.396/.469 slash line with eight home runs, 26 RBI, and 34 runs. He's also posting some of the best numbers of his career with a 17.2 percent strikeout rate, .169 ISO, and a .376 weight On-Base Average. Narvaez is locked in as a middle-of-the-order bat for Milwaukee and is an excellent choice at the catcher's spot against Cincinnati.

C.J. Cron - 1B, COL vs. Julio Urias ($4,400)

Let's grab some discounted exposure to Coors Field In the shape of C.J. Cron. Granted, the first baseman hasn't blown the doors off like most would've hoped when he signed with the Rockies, but his season-long line with 35 runs, 12 homers, 35 RBI, and a .833 OPS has been helpful in some spots. He closed the first half with a bang against the Padres, where he went 3-for-4 with two doubles and a home run. Let's see if that carries over against Urias and the Dodgers tonight.

Adam Frazier - 2B, PIT vs. Marcus Stroman ($4,200)

Adam Frazier's numbers may be numbered in Pittsburgh as he has become an attractive trade target for several teams, including the one he is facing off against tonight. We will leave the rumors to the side for now, but the second baseman is well worth the hype. He started for the National League in the All-Star game after putting together an impressive first-half. In 89 games, Frazier slashed .330/.397/.463 with 53 runs, 26 doubles, four triples, four home runs, 29 RBI, and five stolen bases.

Jose Ramirez - 3B, CLE at Chris Bassitt ($4,900)

I'm always conflicted when I write up Ramirez. There's no doubting he's one of the best individual players in baseball. He hits bombs; he can swipe a bag or two and is the catalyst of the Cleveland offense. But that's also the main problem: the Cleveland offense. The Indians are not as bad as advertised in the offseason, but it's a shame they don't have a hmmm, I don't know Francisco Lindor type to pair with their stud third baseman.

Regardless, Ramirez is below $5,000 tonight, and it immediately caught my eye. In the 10 games before the All-Star break, the switch-hitter owned a .820 OPS with 10 runs, three doubles, two home runs, seven RBI, and two steals for 10.1 FPPG. Of course, Chris Bassitt is a good pitcher, and the Coliseum will limit Ramirez's power, but I believe in the talent, and his slight dip in price makes him a viable option at third.

Tim Anderson - SS, CWS vs. Lance McCullers Jr. ($5,500)

This game has the potential to be an offensive slugfest. While it would be a shame because McCullers and Cease are good pitchers, both lineups demolish right-handed pitching. Anderson is a big reason for the White Sox continued ascent towards the top of the American League standings. Over his last 10 games, the All-Star shortstop slashes .400/.438/.511 with 12 runs, five doubles, and five RBI. He's atop a lineup with Jose Abreu and Yoan Moncada behind him, and it's a desirable spot for any leadoff man.

 

DraftKings DFS Outfielders

Adolis Garcia - OF, TEX at Robbie Ray ($4,100)

The infield got a lot of heavy hitters today, so we will have to find some values in the outfield. One of my go-to's, when I'm home-run hunting, is Adolis Garcia. In 2021, he's got 22 home runs and 62 RBI to lead the Rangers while sporting a .840 OPS. Robbie Ray has a bad habit of allowing the long ball this year (1.85 HR/9), and it should only be exacerbated in the Buffalo ballpark. I wouldn't stack the Rangers by any means, but Garcia certainly can change your contest outlooks with the swing of a bat.

Dylan Carlson - OF, STL vs. Kevin Gausman ($3,900)

While I recommended Gausman earlier, it's tough to pass on a leadoff hitter below $4,000. So if you want to gain some leverage on the rest of the field, Carlson is an outstanding candidate. I acknowledge he was in a bit of a slump heading into the All-Star break, but we know the talent is there, and he showed it his final three games of the first half. The outfielder was 5-for-13 with two runs, a double, and a walk. St. Louis' offense has been up and down this season, but they have the talent to turn it around quickly. With Carlson on top of the lineup, he stands to benefit greatly when that offense starts firing again.

Austin Hays - OF, BAL at Danny Duffy ($3,200)

I may be a sucker for guys near the top of the lineup, but I can't pass on those extra plate appearances and extra fantasy-point opportunities. Hays has solidified his two-hole slot in the Orioles offense and provides excellent fantasy value for our DFS lineups. Over his last 16 games, the right-handed outfielder is hitting .322, with four doubles, three home runs, 13 RBI, and a .892 OPS. His 141 wRC+ tells us he's been well above league average for over two weeks, and it's time to buy in at this dirt-cheap price point.

 

DraftKings DFS Stacks

  • Toronto Blue Jays vs. Texas Rangers (Jordan Lyles, RHP)
  • New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox (Martin Perez, LHP)
  • Game stack: Houston Astros (Lance McCullers Jr., RHP) at Chicago White Sox (Dylan Cease, RHP)



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!




MLB DFS News and Injury Alerts


More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Nolan Arenado

Dealing with Finger Sprain
ANA

Mikael Granlund Moves to Anaheim on Three-Year Deal
Jacob Wilson

Scratched With Hamstring Soreness
NJ

Jake Allen Signs Five-Year Extension With Devils
VAN

Brock Boeser Remains in Vancouver on Seven-Year Deal
Conor Garland

Signs New Six-Year Deal with Canucks
Thatcher Demko

Signs Three-Year Extension with Canucks
Brandon Woodruff

Ready for Season Debut
Martin Fehérváry

Martin Fehervary Agrees to Seven-Year Extension with Capitals
Garrett Mitchell

Out for the Rest of the Season
MLB

Brewers-Mets Postponed on Tuesday
MLB

Tigers-Nationals Postponed on Tuesday
Zach Neto

Returns to Tuesday's Lineup
Milwaukee Bucks

Gary Harris Inks Deal With Bucks
MLB

Padres-Phillies Postponed on Tuesday
Charlotte Hornets

Mason Plumlee Heading Back to Charlotte
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Hunter Goodman

Back Behind the Dish on Tuesday
Jakob Poeltl

Agrees to a Contract Extension With Raptors
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Jason Day

is a Fine Play With Limited Upside at John Deere Classic
Vasilije Micić

Vasilije Micic Dealt to Bucks on Tuesday
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Luke Clanton

Looks to Have Another Strong Week at TPC Deere Run
Pat Connaughton

Traded to Hornets
Atlanta Hawks

Luke Kennard Lands in Atlanta
Breece Hall

Aiming to Prove He is "Still One of the Best in the League"
T.J. Watt

Steelers Not Planning to Trade T.J. Watt
Sacramento Kings

Dennis Schroder Set to Join Sacramento
Bo Bichette

Out Again on Tuesday
Trent Grisham

Likely Heading to Injured List
Boston Celtics

Luke Kornet Agrees to Contract With San Antonio
Jonas Valančiūnas

Nuggets Trade for Center Jonas Valanciunas
Royce Lewis

Twins Activate Royce Lewis
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Signs Massive Extension With Oklahoma City
Corbin Carroll

Eyeing Return Before All-Star Break
New York Knicks

Knicks Pick Up Guerschon Yabusele
Yordan Alvarez

Could Return Early Next Week
NFL

Negotiations on 18-Game Season Not Expected Until Next Year
Indiana Pacers

Myles Turner Leaves Indiana, Signs With Milwaukee
Kerry Carpenter

Shelved with Hamstring Issue
Tyler Boyd

Steelers Have Talked With Tyler Boyd
Milwaukee Bucks

Damian Lillard Waived By Milwaukee
Darren Waller

Coming Out of Retirement to Play for Dolphins
Alexander Romanov

Islanders Retain Alexander Romanov on $50 Million Contract
Andrei Kuzmenko

Signs Up for One More Year with Kings
Morgan Geekie

Signs Long-Term Extension with Bruins
Ivan Provorov

Stays in Columbus on Seven-Year Deal
Alex Pietrangelo

Stepping Away From Golden Knights for Health Reasons
Matias Maccelli

Maple Leafs Bring in Matias Maccelli
Evan Bouchard

Inks $42 Million Contract with Oilers
Vladimir Tarasenko

Wild Acquire Vladimir Tarasenko From Detroit
Patrick Kane

Signs New One-Year Deal with Red Wings
Brad Marchand

Lands Six-Year Extension
Aaron Ekblad

Remains a Panther on Eight-Year Deal
Mitchell Marner

Heads to Vegas
Randy Arozarena

Homers Twice, Plates Four Monday
Shea Langeliers

Hits Three-Run Homer In Return From Injured List Monday
Wilyer Abreu

Belts Grand Slam and Hits Inside-the-Park Home Run
Philadelphia 76ers

Trendon Watford Lands in Philadelphia
New York Knicks

Jordan Clarkson Expected to Sign With Knicks
Zack Wheeler

Tosses Eight Shutout Innings, Punches Out 10
Santi Aldama

Remains with Grizzlies
Atlanta Hawks

Nickeil Alexander-Walker Lands in Atlanta
George Springer

Exits Early Monday With Neck Injury
Jalen Ramsey

Could Move Around in Pittsburgh
Los Angeles Clippers

Brook Lopez Strikes Deal With Clippers
Jonnu Smith

to be Used in Hybrid Role
Terry McLaurin

Commanders, Terry McLaurin Not Close on Contract Extension
Hunter Goodman

Likely Headed to Injured List
Chicago Bulls

Tre Jones Remaining in Chicago
Michael Mayer

Raiders Not Interested in Trading Michael Mayer
Houston Rockets

Dorian Finney-Smith Signing With Rockets
Atlanta Hawks

Caris LeVert Joining Pistons
Aldrich Potgieter

Wins Rocket Mortgage Classic
Thorbjorn Olesen

Finishes Tied for 41st at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Denny McCarthy

Finishes Tied For 12th at Travelers Championship
Chris Kirk

Finishes Tied For Second at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Michael Kim

Finishes Tied for 26th at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Max Homa

Misses Cut at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Lucas Glover

Finishes Tied For Ninth at Travelers Championship
PGA

Nico Echavarria Finishes Tied For Sixth at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Pittsburgh Steelers

Rumors Still Swirling Around Potential T.J. Watt Trade
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Tyler Boyd

Interested in Playing for Steelers
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Now Looking to Acquire a Tight End
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
L'Jarius Sneed

Says he's Healthy
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Minkah Fitzpatrick

Heading Back to Miami
Jonnu Smith

Shipped to Pittsburgh
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Steelers Acquiring Jalen Ramsey
Jonas Brodin

Expected to Miss Start of Next Season
TB

Conor Sheary Placed on Waivers for Contract Termination
Dante Fabbro

Stays with Blue Jackets on Four-Year Deal
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
NFL

NFL Won't Hold Supplemental Draft This Year
Damon Arnette

Getting Second Chance With Texans
Deommodore Lenoir

Arrested for Obstruction of Justice
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Expected to Make Second-Year Jump
Jalin Hyatt

Looking to Flip the Script in 2025
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
Charles Oliveira

Can Become A Two-Time Lightweight Champion
Ilia Topuria

A Favorite At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fourth Title Defense At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Renato Moicano

Returns At UFC 317
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC 317
Payton Talbott

Looks To Bounce Back
Felipe Lima

Set To Open Up UFC 317 Main Card
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF