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The top daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on August 24th, 2018. Adam Meyer's MLB DFS analysis and sleepers for building optimal DFS rosters.
We have a 14-game slate on Friday (CIN/CHC play prior to 7:05pm EST). Four games have an over/under of at least nine earned runs. Unfortunately, the Reds/Cubs matchup has the highest projected run total (12.5 runs) and we don’t have the ability to utilize those players. So, let’s focus on the games we can use. The STL/COL matchup has the highest over/under in the slate (10.5 total runs).
As for favorites, only one team is deemed as a heavy favorite (-200 odds, or greater), according to Vegas, the Dodgers. Expect to see their starting pitcher in our suggestions for Friday night.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 8/20/18. 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
Rich Hill, LAD (vs. SD) - $9,800
I love when my top pitchers in my rankings are cheaper on DraftKings than they should be. I have Hill at the top of my list for Friday, yet DK has him as the fourth-most expensive pitcher in the player pool. I’ll take those savings and pass them on to you. Hill had a rough outing in his last appearance: 6 IP, 4 ER (@ SEA). Prior to that start, Hill allowed two earned runs, or less, in six consecutive contests. He’s also punched out at least five batters in four of the past six performances. As for the Padres, they’re 26th in runs scored (496 runs in 130 games) and second in team strikeouts (1,221) this season.
Zack Godley, ARI (vs. SEA) - $8,500
Like Hill, Godley also had a tough time in his previous matchup. The Padres roughed up Godley for six earned runs in five innings of work. On the bright side, that brought down his price tag. More savings! Godley has allowed two earned runs, or less, in three straight games (minus the last game). He’s also struck out at least six batters in seven consecutive appearances.
DraftKings DFS Infielders
C - Chris Iannetta, COL (vs. STL) - $4,000
Affordable bats playing in Coors Field are always a hot commodity in the DFS world. Using Iannetta in your DK lineup is a great way to get exposure to the highest over/under on the docket. Iannetta has a .226 ISO against right-handed pitchers since 2017, which is third best on the Rockies.
1B - Victor Martinez, DET (vs. CWS) - $3,400
Is Martinez back to his old tricks? He’s 8-for-20 (.400) with two doubles in the past week and he’s notched at least one hit in nine of the past 10 contests. Reynaldo Lopez in starting for the White Sox on Friday night. He’s allowed at least four earned runs in back-to-back appearances and owns a 5.11 ERA on the road this season.
2B - Niko Goodrum, DET (vs. CWS) - $3,900
We’re sticking with the Tigers at second base, as well. Goodrum leads Detroit with a .220 ISO against righties. Comparing the opposing pitcher, Lopez, to others on the slate, he has the fifth-highest SIERA (5.29) on the docket. Lopez also owns a 47.4 flyball percentage since 2017.
3B - Matt Chapman, OAK (@ MIN) - $4,400
The A’s have the third highest implied run total on the slate, but their top bats are too pricey, given the starting pitchers we have in our lineup. So, we need to drop to the next tier. Chapman has the third best ISO (.248) against right-handed pitchers since 2017. This month, Chapman is 23-for-78 (.295) with 10 doubles, one triple, and four home runs.
SS - J.T. Riddle, MIA (vs. ATL) - $4,100
Mike Foltynewicz is the most expensive pitcher on DraftKings, so his opponents should be reasonably priced, for contrarian lineups. Riddle has a hot bat. He’s 10-for-22 (.455) with two doubles and three home runs in the past seven days. He’s also notched at least one hit in six consecutive contests. Riddle has homered in three of the past five games, too.
DraftKings DFS Outfielders
Nick Castellanos, DET (vs. CWS) - $4,600
We’re back at attacking Lopez of the White Sox. Castellanos has the second-best ISO against right-handed pitchers (.192) and he’s 7-for-22 (.318) with one double and one home run (four walks) in the past week. Also, in his career, Castellanos is 7-for-15 (.467) with four extra-base hits against Lopez.
Andrew McCutchen, SF (vs. TEX) - $4,100
I’ll stop picking on Lopez and focus my attention on another pitcher, Drew Hutchison. He has the highest SIERA (6.02) on the docket, which means you want to add his opponents. He’s allowed at least three earned runs in three of the past five outings and righties are batting .270 against him this season.
Chad Pinder, OAK (@ MIN) - $3,200
I’ll admit that Pinder is a punt play. He’s produced two hits in the past week (.200 AVG) and he doesn’t start everyday. However, he still has a .216 ISO against right-handed pitchers since 2017 (fourth-best on the team). As for the opposing pitcher on the hill, Jake Odorizzi has a 5.12 ERA in 13 starts at home this season.
