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The top daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on September 12th, 2019. Ben Rolfe's MLB DFS analysis and sleepers for building optimal DFS rosters.
For the first time in what feels like forever we have a completely split slate on a Thursday. In fact, the two slates are exactly even, with both having seven games on each slate and equal money to be found on both slates. However, as usual, our focus will be on the featured evening slate, starting at 7:05 pm EST.
The Dodgers and the Astros are by far the biggest favorites on this slate, as the only teams with odds better than -200. No other team has odds better than -140 and we should be in for some intriguing games. We could also be in for plenty of runs scoring with five of the seven games on the slate having a total of 10 or above. Even then the games in Houston and Cincinnati sit at 9 and 9.5 respectfully, so there is a chance there are plenty of runs in those games as well. The good news is that when you have a high-scoring day expected, every option is in play and you can value virtually anywhere.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 9/12/19. The lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays. Be sure to also check out all the Vegas Odds for today's slate. 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 @benrolfe15.
DraftKings DFS Starting Pitchers
Patrick Corbin, WAS (@ MIN) - $10,500
The obvious pick on this slate is Justin Verlander, but at $12,500 that is a significant chunk of your bankroll. For $2,000 less Corbin is also an interesting prospect given his form in the second half. In his last 15 outings, he has scored 20 points or more on 13 occasions and he has a 2.85 ERA since the All-Star break. He has not been as successful on the road as at home, but earlier this season he had an ERA over 6.00 on the road, which is now down to 4.45. The Nationals have kept the Twins in check a little in this series and Corbin should have a great chance of winning up against Kyle Gibson.
Julio Teheran, ATL (@ PHI) - $8,500
No pitcher has been disrespected more this season in DFS than Teheran. He has scored over 20 points in half of his last 12 games and has a 3.31 ERA on the season. He has been especially good in the second half of the season with a 2.59 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 62 2/3 innings. This will be a tough start on the road in Philadelphia, but against Drew Smyly he should have a great chance of coming away with the win.
DraftKings DFS Infielders
C - Pedro Severino, BAL (vs. LAD) - $3,300
Severino has been my go-to catcher this season, especially with left-handed pitchers on the mound. He has hit 2/3 of his home runs (8-of-12) against left-handed pitchers with a .279 batting average, .228 ISO and .346 wOBA.
1B - Daniel Vogelbach, SEA (vs. CIN) - $3,900
Vogelbach has some pretty extreme splits in favor of his performance against right-handed pitchers. He has hit 25 of his 30 home runs against righties this season with a .277 ISO and a .363 wOBA. However, with a .227 batting average, he is very much a boom-or-bust option.
2B - Rougned Odor, TEX (vs. TB) - $4,200
Odor has been a nightmare season-long fantasy option, but he has been solid for DFS, averaging 7.4 fantasy points per game. His best performances have come against left-handed pitchers with a .323 wOBA and a .214 ISO.
3B - Vladimir Guerrero Jr., TOR (vs. BOS) - $3,700
The Red Sox will be using an opener set up for this start, but both of their known pitchers will be right-handed pitchers in this one. Guerrero Jr. has solid numbers against righties with 11 home runs, a .300 batting average, and a .364 wOBA. His .199 ISO is somewhat disappointing, but against two lesser pitchers he should be able to continue a second-half that has seen him have a 130 wRC+.
SS - Dansby Swanson, ATL (@ PHI) - $4,100
Swanson has some pretty extreme splits against right and left-handed pitchers. Against lefties, he has a .303 batting average with a home run on average every 25 PA. Today he faces Drew Smyly who has had a very up and down season split between Texas and Philadelphia.
DraftKings DFS Outfielders
Tommy Pham, TB (@ TEX) - $5,000
Pham has solid if unspectacular numbers against left-handed pitchers. His ISO is the problem as he has just three home runs, with a .150 ISO. However, he has a .333 batting average and a .408 wOBA against left-handed pitchers.
Trey Mancini, BAL (vs. LAD) - $4,000
I am back picking my reliable outfielder option of Mancini, who has a .257 ISO and a .364 wOBA this season against left-handed pitchers. He has also been better at home this season, with a .247 ISO and a 121 wRC+.
Ramon Laureano, OAK (@ HOU) - $3,800
It is never going to feel comfortable going against Verlander, but Laureano comes at a nice discount price. His numbers against right-handed pitchers are very good, with a .242 ISO and a .357 wOBA. He does not need to do much in this one to be a value, and that is exactly what I am banking on.
